One find. A record of your own.

Write what you know today.

Give the object a plain descriptive name, such as “Blue bowl from the weekend market.” Add the details you can observe, then leave the rest blank. An honest incomplete record is easier to build on than a confident guess.

• Photos: the whole object, its underside, and distinctive details.
• Condition and dimensions: visible wear and measurements with units.
• Purchase details: when and where you found it, cost, and currency. Keep receipts separately if you need them.
• Your story: what you liked, who gave it to you, or how you plan to use it.
• Open questions: unreadable lettering, a material you’re unsure about, or a detail to research.

Make a bucket that fits your habits.

A bucket is simply a named collection. Try “Weekend finds,” “Grandmother’s shelf,” or “Blue & white.” You can move an item later by editing its bucket name. Start broad until your own collection suggests a better system.

Keep a trail for future research.

When you add an attribution or other researched detail, include the source and date in your notes. Separate a seller’s description from facts you have checked yourself. A collection notebook preserves your observations; it is not an appraisal, insurance valuation, or authentication certificate.

Take the record with you.

Use “Export records” to download your item details as a JSON file. Photos are not embedded in that export; open each item and use “Download photo” to keep copies of the images.