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DIY Pottery Tip: Make Little Glaze Sample Tags (and Save Yourself Some Regret Later!)

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If you’ve been working with pottery for a while, you’ll know the heartbreak of opening a kiln only to discover your dream glaze turned out… well, not so dreamy. Sometimes the bottle swatch just doesn’t tell the full story. That’s why I started a little tradition in my studio: every time I get a new glaze, I make a tiny clay tag and glaze it up.

It’s like a personal “glaze library” I can flip through at a glance. Trust me, it has saved me from more than a few disappointing projects. And between you and me—no, I don’t think I have too many glazes… just not enough shelves!

Here’s how you can make your own glaze samples:

What You’ll Need

  • Scrap clay (stoneware or whatever you usually work with) 
  • Small cookie cutters (hearts, circles, squares—whatever makes you happy) 
  • Needle tool or skewer for making holes 
  • Twine or wire for hanging 
  • Your chosen glazes 
  • A kiln for firing 

Step-by-Step: Glaze Sample Tags

Step 1: Roll Out Your Clay
 Use leftover bits from other projects. Roll them to about ¼ inch thickness—sturdy enough to survive handling, but not too chunky.

Step 2: Cut Shapes
 Cut out small, repeatable shapes. I love little hearts (see mine above!), but you can also use squares or rectangles for a more “library card” feel.

Step 3: Add Texture (Optional)
 Press lace, stamps, or natural textures into a few of your tags. Some glazes break beautifully over texture, so this gives you an extra peek at how the glaze behaves.

Step 4: Punch a Hole
 Use a needle tool or skewer to poke a hole near the top. This lets you hang them later on twine or wire for easy storage and viewing.

Step 5: Bisque Fire
 Dry thoroughly and bisque fire as usual.

Step 6: Glaze Time!
 Every time you open a fresh bottle of glaze, brush or dip one of your tags. I usually cover the front fully and leave a little bare clay at the back so I can see how the glaze interacts.

Step 7: Final Fire
 Fire according to your glaze’s instructions.

Display & Storage Ideas

  • On a ring: String them onto a keyring or binder ring so you can flip through like paint swatches. 
  • On twine: Hang them on a hook or pegboard in your studio—beautiful and useful. 
  • By color family: Organize your glazes into rainbow order for quick inspiration. 

Why This Works Wonders

  • You see exactly how the glaze fires on your clay body, in your kiln atmosphere. 
  • Texture vs. smooth results are visible side by side. 
  • No more guessing or relying on glossy catalogue photos. 

And honestly, making these little tags is kind of addictive. Each new glaze feels like adding a new charm to my pottery bracelet of colors.

 

Next Polymer Clay Idea:

Have you read?

DIY Pottery Clay Doily Platter with Pink Speckled Glaze

There’s something special about combining old traditions with modern design. I’ve always adored the stack of vintage doilies handed down from my grandmother, but since lace doesn’t exactly suit my home aesthetic, I started experimenting with ways to repurpose their beautiful patterns in clay. That’s how I ended up creating this doily pottery platter—a simple slab of clay transformed into a textured serving dish with the help of lace, white clay, and a soft pink speckled glaze.

The result is a handmade ceramic platter that looks both timeless and contemporary, perfect for styling on a coffee table, serving treats, or simply displaying as a piece of art.

Materials You’ll Need

  • White pottery clay (stoneware or porcelain recommended)

  • Rolling pin

  • Crochet doily (cotton lace works best)

  • Sharp knife or clay cutter

  • Oval or rectangular template (a cutting board, tray, or paper template works well)

  • Sponge and water

  • Plastic wrap

  • Kiln access (or a local pottery studio firing service)

  • White glaze

  • Pink speckled glaze (or white glaze with pink oxide/pigment speckles)

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Roll Out the Clay

Roll your clay slab to about 1/4 inch thick. Keep it even and wide enough to cut an oval platter shape.

Step 2: Press the Doily

Lay your crochet doily flat across the clay. Use the rolling pin to firmly press the pattern into the surface. Lift it carefully to reveal the intricate lace design imprinted into the clay.

Tip: Dust the doily lightly with cornstarch if it tends to stick.

Step 3: Cut the Platter Shape

Using your knife and a template, cut around the clay to form an oval platter shape. Smooth the edges with your fingers or a damp sponge.

Step 4: Lift and Shape the Platter

For a slightly raised platter, drape the clay gently over a shallow mold (like a plate or tray lined with plastic wrap). If you prefer a flat serving dish, leave it as-is on your board.

Step 5: Let It Dry

Allow the platter to dry until leather-hard. Refine the edges with a sponge, smoothing away any rough spots. Once it reaches bone dry, it’s ready for bisque firing.

Step 6: Glaze and Fire

After the first firing, apply a coat of white glaze over the entire platter. Then lightly layer on a pink speckled glaze (you can also achieve this by flicking pink oxide pigment into a clear glaze). The pink speckles add a playful, modern twist while still allowing the lace pattern to shine through. Fire again according to your glaze instructions.

Styling Your Finished Platter

This platter is both practical and beautiful. You can:

  • Use it as a serving dish for cakes, cookies, or fruit.

  • Style it on a coffee table with candles or trinkets.

  • Display it as wall art by adding a plate hanger.

  • Gift it as a keepsake—perfect for Mother’s Day, weddings, or housewarmings.

Every platter I make carries the memory of my grandmother’s doilies, but in a form that feels modern and at home with my style. The pink speckled glaze gives it a playful softness, while the lace impression keeps that touch of handmade tradition alive. It’s proof that old textiles can inspire something completely fresh when reimagined in clay.