Write it down
while you remember.

A useful pottery glaze log connects a finished piece to the choices you made before firing. Keep it simple enough that you will actually use it.

1. Start with the clay body

Record the clay name and manufacturer, and any identifying batch details you have. Give the piece a name you can recognise later. A short description such as “small fluted bowl” is more useful than a number you cannot connect to the object.

2. Record the glaze, in order

Write the exact glaze names and colours. For combinations, record which layer went on first, where you applied each glaze, and the number of coats. Note whether you brushed, dipped or poured, along with relevant application details.

“Blue over white” leaves a lot to guess. “Two brushed coats of white, then one blue coat on the upper half” gives your future self a clearer starting point.

3. Keep the firing context

Record the firing date and the kiln programme or cone information your studio provides. Include atmosphere and kiln position if they are known and relevant. Separate what you know from what you are estimating.

4. Photograph the result

Use consistent light and take a close view of the surface as well as a whole-piece photo. Record texture, colour changes, movement and defects in words too; a photo alone may not show what your hand can feel.

5. Write the next experiment

Add one observation and one next step. For example: “The overlap turned darker than expected; next time, test the same combination with one fewer top coat.” Changing one variable at a time makes comparisons easier to interpret.

A small checklist for every piece

• Piece name and clay body
• Glaze names, layer order and application
• Firing information you can verify
• A clear photo and a written result
• What you would keep or change next time

Keep the habit close to the work

Glazeloom brings these details into a notebook for iPhone and iPad. It is currently in development. Until release, the same checklist works in a paper notebook.