Notion Beginner Tutorial: Build Your First Dashboard

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TL;DR: You’ll build a Notion dashboard to track your porcelain collection, from wishlist pieces to glaze tests and supplier contacts. Use a simple table view, a gallery for photos (uploaded locally), and a calendar for auction deadlines.

Step 1: Create Your Workspace and Base Page

Open Notion and click “+ New page” in the sidebar. Name it “Porcelain Studio Tracker.” Choose “Full page” and then “Empty” (no template). This will be your master dashboard. Inside, you’ll add three sub-pages: Inventory, Wishlist & Buying, and Glaze & Firing Log. To create each, type “/page” and hit Enter, then name it.

If you want to dig deeper, check out our guide on 10 Trendy Home Office Desk Lamps Designers Are Buying Now.

Step 2: Build the Inventory Database (Your Porcelain Ledger)

Inside “Inventory,” type “/table” and select “Table – Inline.” Add these columns: Piece Name (text), Maker/Brand (text), Purchase Date (date), Price Paid (number, format as €/$), Condition (select: Mint, Minor Chip, Restoration Needed), and Photos (files – you’ll upload images directly, not via URLs).

Tip: For each porcelain piece, use the “Open page” button on a row to add extra notes—e.g., firing temperature, clay body, or provenance. This keeps your table clean.

Step 3: Add a Buying Guide Section (Porcelain-Specific)

Now create a separate page called “Buying Checklist.” Use a bulleted list with your non-negotiables: Check for pinholes or crazing, Verify translucency with a flashlight, Ask for COA if antique. Then, add a “/toggle” block for each porcelain type (hard-paste, soft-paste, bone china) and write a short description inside. This becomes your quick-reference before any purchase.

Step 4: Link a Calendar for Auction and Fair Deadlines

On your main dashboard, type “/calendar” and create a new linked database. Title it “Auctions & Fairs.” Add a checkbox property “Attend?” and a select property “Source” (e.g., Christie’s, local flea market, Etsy). For each event, add a reminder by clicking the date and selecting “Remind me.” This prevents you from missing that rare Meissen teapot lot.

Step 5: Use Gallery View for Visual Comparison

On your Inventory page, click the “+ Add a view” button (top left of the database) and choose “Gallery.” Now each row becomes a card. Upload a photo of each porcelain piece in the “Photos” column. This view is perfect for spotting glaze flaws side-by-side before you buy a similar piece. Tip: Add a filter to show only “Condition is Mint” for quick reference when you’re out shopping.

Step 6: Set Up a “Porcelain Suppliers” Page

Create a new page and type “/list” for a simple bulleted list. For each supplier, write the name, then in a child toggle add: Minimum order quantity, Shipping fragility policy, Return policy for chipped items. This avoids costly mistakes when buying wholesale from overseas.

FAQ

Q: Can I track my porcelain glaze recipes in this dashboard?
A: Yes. Add a “Glaze & Firing Log” page with a table: columns for recipe name, cone temperature, ingredients, and result notes. Link each entry to your inventory items using the “Relation” property.

Q: How do I avoid buying counterfeits

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