add add most of the beaten lard to the maseca mixture and combine with your hands - mix until the texture feels right - this might take a little playing - add more lard as needed
keep a damp paper towel over the dough your not using to keep it from drying out
roll a ball about 1 1/2 inches wide, flatten it (I use a tortilla press with a plastic bag) - if the texture is right the flattened circle won't break or crack, if it does add more whipped lard
dry a corn husk, and place the flattened circle in the corn husk
fill with a few tablespoons of filling of your choice
fold one side, then the other over the filling, then fold up the bottom and press closed. I recommend using the corn husk vs your hands - try not to touch the filling.
wrap the corn husk around and fold up the bottom and use the husk to fold and press the top dough down, seal.
Steaming
stack the wrapped tamales chimney style in a large steamer
add a damp towel over the top and steam for 1 hour - text to see if they are done - they might need to steam for an extra 30 mins.