In her middle school and teenage years, rolling out of bed early on Saturday mornings to paint houses with her dad was not exactly Lue Patterson’s idea of heaven. “My dad and my brother were running the paint gun, and I was painting baseboards and cutting the ceilings,” Lue says. “I was a 12-year-old house painter. It wasn’t my favorite thing at the time.”
Little did Lue know, though, she was actually building, brush stroke by brush stroke, the foundation for her future freedom as a satisfied small business owner. Cut to 2011 — many more weekend mornings (and a full six-year program studying dentistry) later — when Lue found herself disenchanted with her impending dental career and looking for a change. Her answer? Returning to that old, familiar family niche, to become the founder and proprietor of the paint and home accessories shop Urban Oasis Decor.
Today, Lue divides her time between interior and exterior paint jobs in Arizona, where she lives, and mixing up custom batches of chalkboard and chalk-finish paints at her dining room table to send to customers all over the world. And she couldn’t be happier about it.
To learn how Lue transitioned from reluctant junior painter to proud “paint brewer,” read on.
You’ve been painting practically forever, but when did you decide to start making your own paints?
It was at a craft show here in Scottsdale, Arizona, where I was first introduced to chalk paint. When I saw that a quart of it was selling for $34, the light bulb went on. I was like, I can make this, and I can make the packaging cuter. I already had an Etsy shop where I was tinkering around with selling vintage home wares, so it was natural for me to start out on this platform.
How did you know that you were going to be able to make your own paint? Did your dad do that, too? Was there much of a learning curve for you?
My dad did not make paint, and I had never made paint before, either. It was just one of those things — I thought, if it can be done, I can figure out how to do it. That evening, I started Googling chalk paint: What makes it chalky? Is it a water base? Then I started mixing stuff. The beginnings were horrible — super lumpy. I was using the wrong product and I wasn’t using a blender yet, so I was mixing the paint with my hands. Looking back on it, it’s hysterical. But I evolved my process, came up with my secret powder blend, and my recipe was born.
Why chalk finish and chalkboard paints, specifically?
I was drawn to the distressed look of furniture that chalk paint gives you. Not so much the shabby chic look, but I love vintage surf, and the advertisement styles of the ‘20s through the ‘50s — especially alcohol ads. I’ve also always had an interest in beer making, so I basically melded my lifelong interest in beer making with my painting know-how to become the owner and head paint brewer of Urban Oasis Decor.
Where do you do your paint brewing? What’s the most important tool in your workshop?
All I really need to work are a sink and an electrical outlet — and my blenders, of course. Most of my work, I do in what used to be our formal dining room: It’s pretty much been changed into a paint brewery. That’s where I blend the paint, jar it, label it, bubble wrap it, package it, and finish the hand-written letters that I include with every order. Depending on order sizes, it typically takes a minimum of three hours to brew and package a few sales; all my paint is fresh brewed, so it’s not made until the order comes in. But most of my time, in the end, is spent cleaning — blenders, brushes, the sink. So much of painting itself is cleaning, too — cleaning and prep work.
What inspires your color choices, and how often do you release a new shade?
When I was creating the color palette that you see in my shop today, I wanted to stay along the lines of primary colors — so I have a red, an orange, a yellow, a green — but they are all more on the bold side. Then you also have to have white, black and brown. I rarely add new colors, but I do offer custom coloring — otherwise I would have 50 million cans of paint, and that is overwhelming for shoppers. So I keep it simple, and if someone wants some crazy color, I can do it.
Is there one color that’s a perennial best-seller?
Definitely my Turquoise Stone. Of course, black, white and gray are always numero uno, but as far as colors go, it’s the turquoise. Turquoise takes the cake.
Your packaging and photographs are so beautiful. How did you land on the look your shop has now?
My Januaries have always been rather slow; last year in January, I decided I was ready to have a cohesive look for the shop and I started searching for ideas. When I saw a magazine ad for coffee that was just a spoon filled with coffee grounds, shot from the front, I was like, “Bingo!” That’s what inspired my paintbrush shot. I spent damn near all of January taking pictures of every single color. I think it ended up being just short of 300 pictures taken, edited and posted.
Now that you’ve nailed your aesthetic, do you have any other big projects in the works? Anything coming up that you’re especially excited about?
Yes, I do. Selling paint can be a small market, so I’m working now to broaden my shop’s horizons. I really want Urban Oasis Decor to become a wall decor resource for business owners, coffee shops, bars, restaurants, boutiques — and even to branch into the home staging industry. Soon I’ll be adding chalkboard painted signs and large-scale, hand-stained and painted wood planks to hang on the wall. And I already have a few new pieces in the shop now, like my hand-painted turquoise serving tray.
Last one: What’s your best tip for painting a perfectly straight line?
Let your angled brush do the work. A three-inch, all-purpose bristle brush with a wood handle should do the trick.
Keep up with the latest from Urban Oasis Decor on Instagram and Pinterest.
Portrait by Coleen Hodges; studio and product photos by Lue and Fuzz Patterson.
Shop Urban Oasis Decor
125 comments
Francine from HomespunHeartofMine said 4 years ago
VERY COOL feature story!!! Congratulations and many blessings for your continued success!!! :D
DeUno from DeUno said 4 years ago
Great idea! Beautiful shop! Congratulations!
Ioanna from DeMonCoeurHeartmade said 4 years ago
wonderful! congratulations!
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 4 years ago
Awesome shop with cool products! Congratulations on the feature!
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 4 years ago
Beautiful shop! Congratulations on the feature!
Sue from SuesAkornShop said 4 years ago
I have just started using chalkboard paint. Love your colors!
Vadim Moroz from IconPainter said 4 years ago
Very nice products! Congratulations on the feature!
Julia K Walton from FireHorseVintageHQ said 4 years ago
I love your chalk paint colours - just beautiful - I can see why turquoise is a best seller - sublime :o)
Vadim Moroz from VadimMorozArt said 4 years ago
Congratulations on the feature! All the Best!
Lisa from StoneRowStudio said 4 years ago
Awesome paint colors! Best wishes for continued success!
Tim Condron from InOro said 4 years ago
Absolutely love all the great colors! It's great that you were able to teach yourself the best way to mix the paint and figure it all out on your own. A real passion. Best for a wonderful future!
Renee from RandMhandmade said 4 years ago
What a neat product...I will be telling other's about you! Great job!!
kim rhodes-thomas from pinksnakejewelry said 4 years ago
Great Post!!! Awesome products!!!!
Erika Iozsa from JasminBlancBoutique said 4 years ago
What a fantastic idea! I love your shop and studio, and your aesthetic in general! :) Congrats
Lizzy from Bagitconscious said 4 years ago
I so love to see something that is new, that has not been done in hundreds of different forms. Your work, your vision, your product are unique. Also love the pictures and the simplicity of them. Congrats for being featured and good luck with your projects.
Connie Lea from LeaMade said 4 years ago
Congratulations! Your shop is inspiring, great colors!
Dossie Garvey from petzoup said 4 years ago
Great products, very interesting story. Congratulations!
Craft Adorned from CraftAdorned said 4 years ago
Congrats on your beautiful shop, photos and packaging make it so enticing!
Paint Peddler Lue Patterson from UrbanOasisDecor said 4 years ago
THANK YOU ALL VERY, VERY MUCH! The roller coaster ride has been colorful • LoL!! ????????????????????
Printable Nature from printablenature said 4 years ago
Fabulous! Love the paint brush shot!!! Congrats and best wishes for your continued success!
Cathy from msbijouxbeads said 4 years ago
Fabulous story, love your colors, congratulations on the feature!
Bale and Twine from baleandtwine said 4 years ago
Love your attention to detail- your shop looks great! Congrats!
Kim Cole from BeachDaisyJewelry said 4 years ago
Congrats on the feature, I am a fan of your shop! Love the photography of your beautiful colors of paint.
Monica from ThreeBarDGifts said 4 years ago
Love your shop! Beautiful colors with great photography and an interesting story behind the scenes. Very impressed! Congrats on the feature and wishing you continued success!
DivineOrders from DivineOrders said 4 years ago
GLORIOUS! Congrats on the feature. Thank you Lue for sharing your whimsical attitude, wonderful ideas, and terrific processes with us. Peace.
birdhouseaccents from birdhouseaccents said 4 years ago
Congrats
Monika Moroz from NickoArts said 4 years ago
Thank you for sharing your interesting story. Congratulations on the feature of your beautiful shop and much success :)
Andrii from OakKitchenBoards said 4 years ago
Cool
CelebrateToday from CelebrateToday said 4 years ago
Great story and stunning product photography!
elle and belle Forster from elleandbellejewelry said 4 years ago
Beautiful colors and your packaging IS very cute!
Judy W from JudyHandmadeCreation said 4 years ago
awesome colors. Congrats on your feature! :)
Relly from RelsFindsNapaValley said 4 years ago
Great, colorful products in awesome packaging. Congratulations Lue of shop Urban Oasis Décor.
Dale Coykendall from LizzyClara said 4 years ago
great colors ,beautiful photography All the best to you !
Patricia Ramirez from patsdesign said 4 years ago
Beautiful, love your shop. Congrats!!
Carol Wagner from VintageBettyLuke said 4 years ago
Love your beautiful shop photos
Sparklesports from Sparklesports said 4 years ago
What an awesome shop. New to chalkboard paints and love them!!
Jelena from JSdigitalpaper said 4 years ago
Beautiful shop! Congratulations on the feature!
Astrid R. from AnAstridEndeavor said 4 years ago
One of the best featured shop stories I've seen in awhile! I love the history of your shop, the quality of your product- and the fact that each order is made to order, your aesthetic- EVERYTHING! Much luck and continued success to you!
Inbar Lehavi from Burlinca said 4 years ago
Beautiful! I love your shop! Congrats :)
Christina from TheWildPlum said 4 years ago
Congratulations, Lue! Your feature and shop are fun and inspiring!
Dorothy from JewelrybyDorothy said 4 years ago
Congratulations on the feature!
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 4 years ago
I didn't know chalk paint can be so colorful. Beautiful shop. Congratulations on the feature.
Purvi Desai from Zaaina said 4 years ago
wow what a lovely story and so inspiring. Also, it's so good to know that Lue is from Arizona. Local artist getting featured on Etsy is a proud moment for all of us as well. I hope to meet you Lue some day since I am also located in Arizona. Congratulations!!!! well deserve feature.
Aga from AgasJourney said 4 years ago
Awesome work. Huge congrats and best wishes
Sherri from ButterflyFeetDigital said 4 years ago
Interesting, I didn't know about chalk paint! Congrats on the feature!
Diana from LeSeForYou said 4 years ago
Great product! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Jafeth Moiane from handicraftafrica said 4 years ago
Congrats on the feature!
HydrangeaJewelry from HydrangeaJewelry said 4 years ago
I love that colour! Congrats!
Kate Shore from BlueDogwoodBoutique said 4 years ago
LOVE your photos and the assortment of colors!
Alaskalisky from AlaskaGoldRush said 4 years ago
Awesome feature! A great story with so much passion in the product. Congratulations on finding your niche!
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 4 years ago
I love how you straight up use a simple blender to make something this amazing :)
Cristy Ramos from ArtisanBathandBody said 4 years ago
I enjoyed reading your story, Lue! I have always admired your work and shop, it is amazing ♥ I wish you much and continued success. I think the idea of expanding your business is great, I love the turquoise tray.
Kelly from LucyRoseDesigns said 4 years ago
Really enjoyed reading your story, what a fantastic product!! Congratulations on your success and all the best for the future!!
Joanna Czarnolecka from LaMatante said 4 years ago
Adorable! All the best!
Natalia from KMalinkaVintage said 4 years ago
Interesting story! Awesome work!
Megan C from AlaskaBagCompany said 4 years ago
I love your story and shop ,Congrats!!!
Priscilla from Gardenmis said 4 years ago
Such a fun read! I love your enthusiasm, gorgeous product photos, and your paint brewery is stunning! Congrats on the feature and best wishes for continued success :)
Nakkashe from Nakkashe said 4 years ago
Very cool work, congratulations..
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 4 years ago
Great shop! Congrats!
Nancie Anderson from nanciesvintagenest said 4 years ago
Wonderful shop..Congrats to you!!
Kim Strozewski from SassySisterVintage said 4 years ago
Great job, Lue! As a photographer, your images are really nice and your prices are good too. Congrats!
Nancy from HerMajestysPug said 4 years ago
Quel couleur!! Bravo Lue!! J'adore!! Congrats on being featured! And, here's to beaucoup more success!! Pugs & kisses
Georgia from JewelMeShop said 4 years ago
Great colors! I love your ChevronGray! Your shop is wonderful
LivingVintage from LivingVintage said 4 years ago
Great stuff. Congrats!
Dara Barth from Bumbleweedz said 4 years ago
Paint is like candy for me….I LOVE your shop!
BonTons from BonTons said 4 years ago
Beautiful shop! Congratulations on the Feature!
ArcanaAntiquities from ArcanaAntiquities said 4 years ago
very cool, congrats!
Proton ThreeD from Proton3D said 4 years ago
great shop, congrats!
Etrennes from Etrennes said 4 years ago
Beautiful shop,wonderful colors! Wishing you all the best for continued success!!!
viena bone from bonesreusablebags said 4 years ago
Perfect timing... I have been dreaming of making everything in my house chalk friendly, since my 2yr old son thinks himself quite the artist... Congrats on the feature! I loved reading about your shop.
Debi from MadGirlRetro said 4 years ago
Scrumptious! The beautiful pictures make me want to eat that paint! I love that you made it happen out of your dining room! Congrats on the feature Lue!
Abby from SweetBloomCA said 4 years ago
Your hard work has certainly paid off! I love the "paint brush shot" and the story behind it. Congrats on the feature Lue, and keep up the good work!
tadhg von nørth from StudioTzade said 4 years ago
perhaps the most epic and unique etsy business there is! i luv a person that uses what they have to get where they want. Amazing.
Vanessa Fung from VFIllustration said 4 years ago
WOW. Love the paints! Really appreciated your hard work!
allwood1 from AllWoodToo said 4 years ago
Awesome! I would never have thought about making my own paints...Very nice....Your photo are awesome!
Stacy from TinySacredThings said 4 years ago
The colors of your paint are gorgeous. I love that purple. I've been thinking about trying chalk paint ... now I think I must. Love your photography.
Tanya from TanyaToys said 4 years ago
wonderful! congratulations!
Marigold mountain from marigoldmountain said 4 years ago
i loved reading your story!
Jenn Duval from MoodiChic said 4 years ago
Congratulations on the feature and love your shop!!!♥
Dig Deep Vintage from digdeepvintage said 4 years ago
I've always love stories that tell about the influence of families-great feature!
Deb and Priscilla from AveryandAllen said 4 years ago
Wonderful story!! Your paints are beautiful!! Congratulations!!
marybatik from marybatik said 4 years ago
Great shop, congrats!
benna and hanna from bennaandhanna said 4 years ago
Wow! Everything beautiful! Concept, shop, story, workspace, sink. Congrats and more blessings!
Armanda from Thriftionary said 4 years ago
Lovely photos! That purple paint looks super vibrant!
Renata Sponn Design from Sponndesign said 4 years ago
WOW! Adore your shop! Congrats on the feature!!
urbanfactoryclassics from urbanfactoryclassics said 4 years ago
Congratulations on a great feature! You are inspiring with your awesome photo work. Wishing you continued success!
maria Villalva said 4 years ago
Congratulations Lue!! Beautiful colors! Beautiful woman!!
Holly Bean from HollyBeanDesign said 4 years ago
Great story! Inspiring! Best wishes for your shop!!
Niki from CaramelAppleBooks said 4 years ago
Lovely story! The paint is super cute and I hope your future goals for your shop go well.
Jeanne B from PruAtelier said 4 years ago
What a great journey to a great concept! While I HATE painting....walls, furniture, etc. from a lifetime of HAVING to paint every place I've lived over the years....especially the windows and trim....I LOVE all the possibilities that paint can offer! It seems that milk paints are all the rage now so you are definitely on a wave with your ideas and in the right place at the right time! Good luck to you and congrats on being featured!
GB Pattern Library from GBCrochetPatterns said 4 years ago
Congratulations......Nice shop.....
sa green from sagreen1913 said 4 years ago
Good on you. Great story.
Hajira Gibb from HajiraKG said 4 years ago
Beautiful shop. Congrats on the feature.
Dee from WellFit said 4 years ago
Love your story! Your colors are amazing! Great job!
Carrie Cronkite from CCsSoapinaPouch said 4 years ago
Beautiful paints! Congratulations!
Barbara Gable from CrazyLovely said 4 years ago
That's a great story. Congratulations!
Chrissy from ChrissysSoapsandmore said 4 years ago
Great story, beautiful colors!
pheinart from 1006Osage said 4 years ago
Always loved your photos and the background story is great. Wishing you much success!
Melinda Palmer from RubyGraceHandmade said 4 years ago
So proud of you, Lue! I first met Lue when she donated for my adoption auction two years ago. She donated the most beautiful Aqua paint that my mother turned around and bought for me. Lue has always been there for me and my fears of using it! Hahaha! Seriously though...she's amazing and her product is BEAUTIFUL.
P. J. C from Alwaysacause said 4 years ago
I love it! Good for you. beautiful paints & shop
Michael Burns from inthenowdesigns1 said 4 years ago
Absolutely wonderful story and idea! Way to go:)
Liana from COCOandLI said 4 years ago
This is SUCH a fantastic idea! Congrats!!!!
Melissa Partridge from ColorMelissa said 4 years ago
Congrats & Gorgeous Colors!! Beautiful Shop!!
Southern Decor from MySouthernDecor said 4 years ago
This is such a neat idea! I love it!!
SevenDayShopping dot com said 4 years ago
Never knew this type of site exit. I will go through later to find out more details how ETSY really works! By the way lovely ideas.
Tina Mangar from MyOwnSigns said 4 years ago
I admire how you started up and found out how to do something you had never done before! I love the finish of chalk paint but as I use in it small amounts, it does dry up in the tin (I use tester size pots), so any ideas on how to revive it would be helpful? Love the photography and shots of your products.
YuliaArt from ArtKaleydoskop2015 said 4 years ago
Absolutely wonderful and great story! Beautiful colors!
Not Made In China Finds from NotMadeInChinaFinds said 4 years ago
A cohesive look for a shop is such a powerful marketing too. When photo s look professional and a shop looks well laid out it makes it very easy for shoppers to linger and fall in love with something. Great shop and inspiring story!
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 4 years ago
Look at those vibrant colors! What a beautiful product! Congratulations on the feature!
Stef Bauer from oneeyedgirls said 4 years ago
Great feature and I love the turquoise... guess I am not alone; Congratulations and all the best to you !
Madeleine Keller from ThoseGoodVibrations said 4 years ago
so cool! thanks for the tips :)
Susan Wagner from beachbabyblues said 4 years ago
LoVe the story ~ Very inspirational ~ LoVe the Colors too ! ~ * ~ CONGRATS on the FEATURE ~ * ~
greenphilosophie from greenphilosophie said 4 years ago
?????
Adriana Blake from HappyMomentsGiftShop said 4 years ago
fantastic feature, Lue! Wonderful story and paint palettes :)
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 4 years ago
Vibrant and creative ! Cheers to much continued success
Rasa Rabaciene from PRINTDECOstudio said 4 years ago
Great idea, never seen that before and wonderful colours too!
Alicia Zoe Garcia from aliciazoegarciaphoto said 4 years ago
What an awesome story and idea! I love your colors...I am dying over that purple and turquoise!
Izabela CraftPointPL from CraftPointPL said 4 years ago
This paint is awesome! I LOVE chalk paint! Congratulations :)
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 4 years ago
I really like the green color that you have. Interesting paint brewing business.
Alicen Harrison from DoubleAHomeDecor said 4 years ago
I love your store! an inspiration! Keep it up!
5erg from 5erg said 4 years ago
This is indeed the fanciest thing I've heard all year! Handmade paint for furniture! It's weird but I've only heard of homemade oil paints for art and ink. This was very interesting and different. My favorite feature to read so far for sure! :)
heba seada from HebaSeadaArt said 4 years ago
Love the idea :)
Soap Sista Peters from CHEROKEEWEAH said 4 years ago
I absolutely love your colors. If only I could incorporate them in my soaps. You are very talented, I look forward to watching your business grow in colors!
Jennifer Hill from CottageCanyonCrafts said 4 years ago
I learned something from reading your feature. Here's to more colors and good luck.
Jeannie from MysticalRaindrops said 4 years ago
What beautiful colors!