How My Chaos Designs Come to Life
It All Starts With My Splats
Creating one of my Chaos designs is a wild, colorful process—just the way I like it! Every piece starts with pencil outlines, mapping out each splat (I seriously can’t get enough of those curvy, flowing shapes—they bring so much movement and dimension to the whole thing).
From there, I dive in, painting each splat a different color—always paying attention to how the colors play together. (It’s like a big, bold puzzle where everything has to vibe.) Then comes the main design in each splat—the “headline act,” if you will. I work on every splat one at a time, making sure I don’t repeat any big elements right next to each other. Gotta keep things interesting!
After the main design, it’s on to the next layer and the next layer: new colors, fresh details. I go splat by splat, obsessing (in a good way) over how every new color and pattern works with its neighbors. Some may only have 2 layers, some may have 5. I don’t want to go too crazy! lol This is honestly where I lose track of time—making sure everything feels harmonious and nothing clashes in a bad way.
And then, finally, it’s all about the tiny details. I break out my smallest brush and fill every single little area with its own mini design. No blank spots allowed! It’s meticulous, it’s a little bit bonkers, and I absolutely love it.
Here are pictures of a Bombay chest in stages as I painted it.
FAQ'S
Do you use Markers/Paint pens?
No, for me, it feels a little like cheating and I wouldn’t be able to say I “painted” the whole thing. It would sure save me some time tho!
Where do you come up with your ideas/designs?
I was a big doodler when I was younger. So for me, these are like big doodles that all play together! I like to tell people, “Welcome to my brain!” haha
It looks easy, how long does it take you?
It might look easy, but trust me—looks can be deceiving! I’m constantly second-guessing: Does this color work here? Should I add another detail? Is this the right design for this spot? Honestly, it’s tough to say exactly how long one piece takes. I did time myself once on a simple table (just the top and four legs, no drawers or shelves) and it took me about 35 hours from cleanup to sanding, priming, and finishing. I try to keep track for every piece, but let’s be real—half the time I forget to turn the timer on (or off) these days!
How many colors of paint do you use?
Hmmm…how many do I have or how many does into each piece? lol I have and use different paint from different manufacturers so I think I have over 200 colors of paint! Some are very very close in color but I do see the little teeny tiny difference sot honestly, it could just be using a red that’s a tad lighter than another, even if they look almost the same!
What kind of brushes do you use?
Ha, what kind DON”T I use! haha…I think I have more brushes than paint! I’m pretty hard on my brushes so I don’t like to spend a lot on them. They would just sit there and look pretty cuz i would hate to ruin them! I use the middle of the road ones…and I tend to keep them all. Maybe one day I will make a multi media art piece and use all the old brushes? Now there’s a thought! haha
If I want a piece painted, can you use my furniture?
Of course! Wait, I said that too fast…Instead let me say, yes, more than likely BUT there are pieces that just can’t be painted (like plastic/acrylic pieces or ones that have laminate on top). We should talk once you send me a pic of it and then go from there!
How do you pick the furniture for commissions?
Very carefully! lol I use only second hand furniture. I love to take old, not wanted furniture and turn it into a piece of art. All bright and shiny! So I look in those places. Once I get the description of what the customer is looking for, I go to town! I never get tired at looking at furniture, or anything really, and imagining it in Chaos! I send pics of what I find and they either like or we keep moving. It normally doesn’t last that long to find the best piece for them!