FRENCH VERSION
Glazes are an essential part of ceramics, yet many ceramists don’t know where to begin. The wide range of recipes, raw materials, colouring oxides and pigments can indeed feel overwhelming. Whether you use ready‑made or homemade glazes, you want to understand what you’re working with.
L'émail en toute transparence is the French translation of Glashelder over Glazuur, the Dutch bestseller glaze book that offers a complete overview of all aspects of glaze.
Alongside stoneware recipes and hundreds of colourful glaze tests, it provides a wealth of knowledge presented in a clear and structured way. You’ll learn about raw materials and their risks, and you’ll receive practical guidance on how to test glazes. The book explains how to optimise glazes for ease of use so you can achieve good, consistent results. It’s not just for beginners: topics such as heatwork, glaze chemistry and designing your own glazes are also covered. Finally, there is an extensive section on glaze and clay faults and their possible solutions.
Glashelder over glazuur was first published at the end of 2024 and was purchased by 2,500 Dutch-speaking ceramists within its first year. This second edition (third printing) is published in collaboration with Lannoo. The book has been fully revised and features some new photography. It is also available in Dutch (Glashelder over glazuur) and English (Glazes uncovered).
If you’re looking for a beautifully designed and highly informative book in which glaze theory and practice go hand in hand, this is the book for you.
Glaze book "L'émail en toute transparence"
Something about the author
I’m Sofie, the author of Glashelder over glazuur (Glazes Uncovered and L'émail en toute transparence). I’ve been a ceramicist for 10 years now, but before that I spent 14 years working as a scientist in an academic environment. My education, professional experience and natural curiosity meant that from the very beginning of my ceramics journey, I was drawn to experimenting with glazes.
I love explaining complex topics in a clear and accessible way, so that even an absolute beginner can understand them. I’ve taught glaze workshops to more than 700 students, both in Belgium and abroad. This has given me a precise understanding of what ceramicists truly need: a well‑structured book filled with solid knowledge and background information, but also with plenty of beautiful photos and diagrams.
What people say...
“Simply WOW!! I’m absolutely not a reader, but I finished this book from the very first to the very last page in just four days! Truly a treasure trove of information in a very clear and well‑structured book.” — Lynn Ost
“What an AMAZING BOOK. At last, the complicated theory of ‘glazes’ explained in a way that a hobbyist like me can actually understand.” — Karina Pieters
“My expectations were high, but they were more than exceeded. It’s incredibly interesting, with so many useful tips and insights. The book feels like a complete summary of all my training, conveniently and clearly bundled into one volume. I now take it with me everywhere. Whenever I have a moment, I dive back into the world of glazes, always with the same excitement.” — Eline Bremeesch
“I’ve been working with clay for 45 years. I’ve often tried to get a better grasp of glaze theory. Studying is difficult for me, and I learn better through explanation. I’m so happy with this book! I already knew a lot, but this book lays everything out again very ‘clearly’ and coherently.” — Anton van de Water
“This book summarises everything you ever learned — or would like to learn — about glazes. It’s written in clear language and feels like a bible for ceramicists who enjoy making their own glazes. Every single question I had was answered in this book!” — Ilse Dierick
“Absolutely fantastic! Clear, technical and well‑structured.” — Joost den Ouden
“Exactly the book I needed. And with the best possible title, because Sofie really does explain everything crystal clear. From my old chemistry classes, I mostly remember frustration, boredom and failing grades. I read this book in just a few days, and to my surprise I could understand everything. It’s a clear reference work that provides a solid foundation (with recipes!) so you can start experimenting yourself.” — Inge Picqueur
“Wonderful! Smoothly written and truly manageable for someone without a background in chemistry.” — Katja Van Breedam
“What a beautiful book! Glashelder over Glazuur by Sofie Goethals is an absolute must‑have for both beginners and advanced ceramicists who want to deepen their knowledge of glazes. The book is clear, well‑structured and comprehensive. The accessible language makes it understandable for beginners, yet still interesting for more experienced ceramicists. What makes this book special is the way it adapts to different levels. You can read it from cover to cover or simply browse through it to find specific information. Each chapter is carefully constructed, with many practical examples and helpful tips. Safety is also clearly emphasised, which makes it even more valuable for any studio. The photos are not only beautiful but also functional. They give a clear view of the different glaze samples and provide excellent visual support. The basic glaze recipes are well illustrated, making glaze experimentation much more accessible. The book also includes practical washable inserts. This makes it an ideal reference work that you can return to again and again. The quality of the book is undeniable; the sturdy cover, thick paper and clean layout give it a professional feel and make it a pleasure to read.” — Els De Vilder
