The word Flambeaux means "a torch," or literally, "a little flame." One of my favorite kinds of pottery is called Flambeaux, and it is created by using crystalline glazes.
During the firing process, the glaze becomes very fluid and crystals are formed, creating extraordinary images that appear to be floating deep within the glaze.
Flambeaux glazes are known for their subtle color variations, random occurrences and impressionistic appearance.
Your imagination will find floating galaxies, frosty windows, rare gemstones, or exotic flowers, and no two pieces of Flambeaux pottery will ever be alike.
The first time I saw Flambeaux pottery was at Follette Pottery in Ruston, Louisiana, and it was love at first sight. At the time, we were living in Shreveport, Louisiana, and I was an eBay power seller, selling everything from fine art and antiques, to decorative glassware, to watercolor prints. When I discovered the Flambeaux pottery, I knew I had found a new and exciting product to add to my eBay inventory.
I met the charming owners of Follette Pottery, Kent and Libby Follette, and a week or so later, bought my first shipment of pottery.
I was successful in selling the Flambeaux, but every time I wrapped a vase or bowl for shipping, I hated to see it go — I wanted to keep all of them! When we moved to Vicksburg, distance was a factor and I had to quit selling the pottery.
The following are pictures of some of the pieces I sold, and I think you will understand why I didn't want to part with them.
I love these little ikebana bowls and kept a couple of them. They're perfect for small orchids ...
And this little vase sits on the sofa table in our living room ...
If you are ever traveling on I-20 through North Louisiana, I think you would enjoy seeing the pretty little town of Ruston. And be sure to stop by Follette's and see their gorgeous Flambeaux pottery for yourself.
Or if you would like to visit them online, you can click here — Follette Pottery.
[Note: In case you are wondering, I did not receive compensation for writing this post. When I am impressed with something — be it a person, place, or thing — I enjoy sharing it with others.]
7 comments:
That is wonderful, Janie! I can't get over the glazes. Just amazing. You know, it seems that some of my favorite potters are from Louisiana and Mississippi. And I know there is a big market for Newcomb pottery. Do they still make it at Sophie Newcomb? I'm glad to know about Flambeaux, and the next time I'm in Louisiana, I will try and make a point to check out Follette Pottery. Thanks for the heads up on this.
Love the pieces you kept!
XO,
Sheila :-)
Thank you for this marvelous display. The word always conjures flamboyant, for me, or blazing, and then I realize that the patterns and the colors are both demure and quietly beautiful.
These are, indeed, the snowflakes of the glass world, and it's a great blessing that they are neither so ethereal nor so fleeting.
I went back to immerse in the beautiful. I'm writing a piece right now about my lifelong love for beautiful perfume bottles, and the #8 down picture, by accident or design, has an uncanny image of one of my favorite Lalique versions.
absolutely beautiful....
I see why you had trouble parting with these pieces! I have been through Ruston many, many times but have never stopped at Follett's. I will make it a point to do so, next time I travel that way.
Carolyn
These are amazing! I have become much fonder of fine pottery ltely. It's such an amazing thing that the mind can think of ways to do art as beautiful as these. I would have had lots of trouble selling them too!
ps.....these pieces you have should certainly become 'family heirlooms!'
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