about

Monica Ewing

About me

I’m a born crafter and a born nester. I began decorating homes at an early age—staging elaborate living spaces for Barbie dolls. Now that I’m semi-grown-up, I like to doll up my own home, which happens to be a boxy apartment in the San Francisco Bay Area. My kitchen dates to 1964, and according to my lease, I’m stuck with plain white walls throughout. Although my dreams are grand, my budget is small, so resourcefulness has become my best ally.

My home is one crafty nest. I’m continually making something new and rotating out the old because I have more ideas than one small apartment can hold. After receiving repeated inquiries about my home decor, I decided to share my hobby with the world. My premise is simple: I think up something I need or see something I like, then figure out how to make my own version. I specialize in upcycling shabby and unwanted items. I don’t claim to be an expert or furniture restorer; I just love creating new things.

My other life

Formerly a magazine graphic designer, I worked for O, The Oprah Magazine, Real Simple, and Sunset. I also wrote for Sunset’s home blog homebysunset.com. See my Sunset projects here. Currently, I’m pursuing a freelance web-design business. Check out some of my work at monicaewing.com.

Cheap vs. green vs. easy

I aim to make each project as cheaply as I can. I also try to use salvaged, reused, or green materials whenever possible. But if an eco-friendly material is more expensive, I usually choose the more economical option. I also attempt to keep my projects as easy as possible for people like me who don’t have a lot of time to kill. However, they invariably end up being more difficult than I plan. But I always try!

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