As far as yor digital camera, do you have a macro setting on it? it would have a flower icon if you do. If so, turn on the macro and then zoom all the way out and move the camera close to the piece. This has worked for me as I take a lot of pics of little hot wheels cars I cut up and customize
Also, I tend to shake when trying to hold the camera still. Not matter how still I held the camera, I always seemed to get a blury pic. Then I went ot the store and bought a little three legged stand about 6-8 inches in length and it screwed to the base of my camera and now I can get nice clear close up shots.
Keep posting your finds, when i get home from work, I will post some pics of the pottery pieces I found last weekend.