AT LITTLE LATE...BUT THANKS

When you came home from the war there was no one there to welcome you except a few family members and me. It was Christmas morning in Oakland. Since the war was so unpopular no one honored those who served. As a draftee you served when required by your country. I was so proud of you. Welcome home!

NOT A CHRISTMAS CARD

I found a similar flower card on my favorite blog site http://www.kwernerdesign.com/blog/?paged=6. I decided that I could use another card that would be good for a thank you or birthday or just a thinking of you card. I used different techniques so it was a welcome challenge. Once again my camera color changes the look of the card.

I'M NOT READY FOR SNOW

I made 10 cards. This Christmas Card was made into a thank you card. The other 9 say Warmest Wishes. I thought it would be a fun card to send to my brother and maybe some young at heart friends.

PEYTON'S PAGE

It is always a little frustrating when the page I have done doesn't look good in a photograph. The little bear looks dark and wet. I know part of the problem is the color of the page. It reflects a lot of light and tricks the camera into thinking it needs to adjust the light. That said I don't think I will post the last page I did. It is all white except for the bear. Trust me it is one of my best. Now its back to card making.

CHRISTMAS CARD TIME

A few years ago I went to a card making class at Archiver's in St. Louis with my daughters, Andrea and Becca. We decided we would come home and make some Christmas cards. It never happened. The supplies have been sitting on my shelves ever since. This year I decided it was time to make some cards. Over the next few weeks I will be showing some of the cards I have been making to send to friends and family this holiday season.



This card is a silver and gold card. I only have enough gold paper to make 10 cards. But I have some beautiful shimmering red paper that I like even more so I will do 10 more cards in silver and red. When I get them finished maybe I will post the two together and see which I like better.

PEACOCK PAGE

Recently I finished a Peacock Page. I love the look of a peacock. Unfortunately it is rather difficult to make a proper looking bird with only paper, glue and bling. But I think it turned out rather well.

BACK DRAWING AGAIN

Bugs and mushrooms are a favorite of mine. I think they are fun to put on a child's card or scrapbook page. I remember a book I used to read to my children. It was about a little bug that hid under a mushroom to get out of the rain. Along came another insect or small animal and asked to share the space. Each time the bug would say "I don't think it is big enough but I will share." Once the rain stopped even a bunny rabbit had found room under the mushroom since the mushroom grew in the rain. So today I drew a bug house in honor of one of my favorite books. I wish I could remember the title.

Now, how will I color the mushroom? Bright colors or dull browns and greys. Hummmm

TEARING THE PAPER

After choosing the paper you will use begin by drawing a circle on the back of the paper. I usually draw more than once circle since I layer. But the bears are so cute that you might want to make more than one bear. Don't think your circle needs to be perfect. You will find that whatever you draw the paper will dictate what shape the head takes.

Taking a child's or if you are fortunate, an artist's paint brush paint with water around each circle. Don't get too much water on the paper. Keeping your water on the line make sure you soak through to the front. I find that painting around the circle a number of times with less water will keep you from soaking your entire circle.

Once your circle is wet, gently pull the paper away from your circle. I guess this is tearing but I find if I think I'm tearing I destroy the circle. Be very gentle when separating. This is all you can do for now. The paper must be completely dry before you can move onto the next step.

The tools I use in the next step are brushes. At first I used a couple of toothbrushes. Getting a very firm brush and a medium brush worked for me. As I progressed I went to the brushes sold in the web. They give your bear a fluffy appearance. I wouldn't invest in the brushes unless you are serious about making bears. I also have a pin or small nail around. There are tools that you can buy that are fancier than this. It is up to you if you want all these supplies around. The glue I use is a simple craft glue that is thin. You don't want a lot of glue or your bear takes on a hard appearance. Chalks add highlights and white and black pens give the final definition. The nose is comes from a dog paw paper punch.

Once the paper is dry it is time to start fluffing your paper. Working on the front of the paper start brushing the paper from the center outward. Don't be aggressive in your brushing. Remember paper coming off in your brush means the less on your bear.  If you are going to layer your circles brush some center fibers from the lower ring so the layers lay flat.

When I am happy with the appearance of my circle I begin layering. If all I am using is the white muzzle then that is glued into place as well as the ears. If I am layering I glue one layer and then brush out the edges. With the muzzle if you are layering it is fun to use a gel pop dot to give a snout look.

I chalk the ears, the area between the eyes and cheeks. I know those who chalk around the edges of the circle to give definition. I have done this but have gone for a more simplistic look. The eyes are ovals that can be colored or if you prefer you can look on eBay for paper eyes. The final step is the pens. White give the nose definition and black for mouth, eyebrows and eyelashes.

Tearbear or Tear Bear

Making a tear bear begins with Mulberry Paper. The paper gets its name from the Mulberry plant and is most widely used by Japanese to make paper in rice screens. Tear bears must be made from a high quality, very thick paper if it's to have a fur appearance. There are numerous places to buy paper. My favorite site is http://www.thebearyscrap.com/. Ebay is also a good place to find Mulberry paper but I won't buy paper from foreign seller.  

Mulberry paper is sold in packages of 1 to 5 (8 1/2" by 11") sheets. I buy the package of 5 in the colors needed for the bears. For any other color I only buy one sheet and that can last for a very long time. I like the light colors for my bears unless I am making a panda. The cost for the highest quality Mulberry paper should be under a dollar per sheet.

The Tearbear shown was not layered so it doesn't have a furry, thick appearance. When just starting out it is easier to learn by not expecting too much from yourself. Keep it simple to begin by using one layer.

The basic shape is a round head with a round snout and 2 half circles for ears. Arms, body, legs, hand and feet can be added or you can have your bear in any outfit you can think of. The entire bear is usually 4 inches or smaller.

I LOVE TEAR BEARS

One of the most challenging things I have learned to do with paper is make a Tear Bear. The name is not really accurate because there is no tearing. The bear, if done correctly, looks like it's made out of fur not paper. Because you are using paper it is very inexpensive to make. Once you master the basics the bears are fun to create and give personality to.

This scrapbook page is an earlier version of my bears. Being patient with yourself as you learn to make these delightful critters is important. I find even my first attempts were cute and fun to put on a page.

Over the next week I will have a tutorial on how to make a Tear Bear. At first challenging to make but they add so much to any card or scrapbook page.

HIGHLIGHTING A BABY SISTER

Once again I am showing a scrapbook page. This one shows 2 sisters in matching outfits. The older sister is much too old for the tutu and the baby is too young to appreciate how fun it is to dance around in her tutu but I loved dressing them up for the picture. (Who said a grandmother doesn't still enjoy playing with dolls?)  A pink/black page with pearls and rhinestones for accents highlight the clothing the sisters are wearing. Small pink and white flowers add a feminine touch. The tabs are for pulling out the hidden tags for writing or adding other pictures.

Don't be afraid to tear, cut and layer paper when making pages. Your scrapbook might be thick but the pages are so much more interesting.

BORROWING AN IDEA

While looking at one of my favorite blogs  kwernerdesign I saw a card that looked easy to make. Instead of using white with an accent color I used blue. I found this stamp some time ago so I decided to use  it instead of buying a new one. I also used chalk instead of an ink pad. I liked the look. What do you think?
The link is now working correctly.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARD

When I was in high school home economics class, our sewing machine experience was with paper. I couldn't wait until we got to the real sewing. I am back sewing on paper because I find it gives a card a finished look. With Peyton's first birthday card it also gave me a little stability. I wanted to put play tabs on the card so it was interactive. By sewing longer pieces of ribbon into the card it made it less likely that she would pull out a tab and choke on the ribbon. The center contain pictures of her favorite people.

I'm not sure how long it will take Peyton to chew the card to the point that it needs to find it's way into Oscars trash can but for the few minutes it gives her of joy it was all worth it.

ALMOST FINISHED

The first part of my card is choosing which elements of the page will go on the card. I chose the elephant since that was Peyton's first and favorite toy. The original toy was blue with pink ears and so my elephant needs to have the same colors. Drawing the elephant and then breaking it down into parts is necessary.

 Finally, I glued and used my black and white pens to give the elephant some personality. With the original elephant I used some chalk for depth but left it off for the card. You never know when a toddler will put something in their mouth.

Choosing the right papers can be tricky when you are making a card. I like to used bright fun color for children but for a first little girl's birthday it might need to be toned down a little. Also, the embellishments might need to be more geared for a toddler.

FOR A BABY

When making card or scrapbook pages for a baby it's fun to use familiar item on the page. This page, for example has my granddaughters favorite toys. Since I made the toys from paper I can also make a first birthday card from the same materials. By using only paper she can then destroy the card without fear of swallowing a piece of plastic or other material that will cause her to choke.  Tomorrow I will post the patterns.

THANK YOU

Today Archiver's has all their stamps at 50% off. This is an excellent way to stock up on much needed stamps for cardmaking. I find that stamps don't inspire me like color does so I usually need to see a finished idea before I want to purchase the stamps. This Hero Arts stamp set creates a beautiful yet simple card.  The original flower stamp was used on the white paper with a rose colored chalk stamp to give a background. I then stamped the flower in black with the red center for the accent strip. One flower was stamped and cut out. I used a pop dot to make it stand out. Black cardstock was used for the card and to outline the white parts. Finally I added the word Thank You. Because the inside is black I decided to place a white insert to write on. 

FINISHED

The card has been finished but no photographer was to be found so I scanned the card. The colors aren't just right and it looks slightly off but the idea is there. I love the inside of the card with the mini horse. I reduced the horse and colored it to match. I then added a liquid plastic.

PROGRESS

I find choosing a color for the card can be the most important part. I sometimes choose the color and then try to find papers to match. This time I chose the papers and then colored the picture. Unfortunately my scanner doesn't have a good color match but when the finished card is photographed it will show the true colors.

CAROUSEL HORSE

I love making cards with stamps. The problem is I don't always have the stamp I want and if I find a stamp I like it usually cost more money than I want to pay. So I have started drawing my own designs. After I draw the picture I can make a copy or just color the picture as drawn. By making a copy I can shrink or enlarge the picture. This picture I think I will shrink so I can make it into a card. That is tomorrows project.

CHANGES ARE COMMING

As I look at my blog I feel like I am having an identity crisis. I started my blog as an extension of me as a counselor. I have been retired for a year now and I find I don’t think like a counselor. There are many more things I am free to think about. I think more about my religious beliefs, want I intend to do with my future, my health, my family and friends. I don’t know that any one of these parts of my life I want to blog about.



If I was to choose a new idea of blogging I would choose my art and crafting. It has been a long time since I taught others to do crafting or art so it might be a challenge but maybe that is exactly what I need right now. So beginning next week this blog will change. I don’t know if it will be successful but the only way to find out is to try.

THE GUILTY NEED NO ACCUSER

What a profound thought. I know that I am a very hard judge on myself but do I have to worry about what others are saying about me because I have done something to offend either intentionally or unintentionally. Am I uncomfortable around others because I have slandered them in the past? What about my thoughts? No one will ever know about my thoughts so shouldn't I be entitled to them. Do I like the directions my thoughts take me or are they just innocent judgments of others that I reserve the right to feel.

The book The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe is about a man who was about to get away with murder but he couldn’t stop hearing the beating heart of the man he had killed. He imagined that everyone could hear the beating and eventually it drove him mad. Being without a guilty conscience in word, deed and thought is the only way to stop the accuser.

BACK AGAIN

It is good to be back among the world of computer users. After a hiatus due to computer meltdown all is well in the Munson home office. Well almost all is well. There are many blogs addresses that I have lost. I follow you but I don’t know how to find you again. If you are reading this and want to let me know your blog addresses please leave me a note so I can put you in my favorites! Or if you prefer my email is lorriemunson@sbcglobal.net.

Thank you

Thank you

Thank you

SUMMER IN ST. LOUIS

Today is the beginning of the 4th of July weekend. As I talk to friends they discuss road trips, fireworks, Fair Saint Louis, parades, picnics, and barbeques. It's July and we live in St. Louis so the weather will be hot and humid. Flowers are in full bloom. Neighbors have their flags out and some of the scout troupes are placing small flags by mailboxes. Swimming pools are at maximum capacity. If the Cardinals are in town you can expect traffic on all roads leading into the city. Going to the Muni is a tradition as well as visiting Forest Park and Shaws Garden. Yes, its summer and it feels good.

DON'T ALWAYS BELIEVE WHAT'S ON THE NEWS

Today I have some teenage boys doing my yard work. Actually they have been working for a couple of days. They are learning to be workers but they are also learing to be friends. They laugh as they work. As I watch the work progress I think about the young people I read about in our country who are doing terrible things. My question is: Are they bad because they have nothing positive to do and no one who believes in them or are they bad because they choose the path of least resistance? The old chicken or the egg question. Well my boys are working, they are making friends, I enjoy hearing their laughter, my yard isn't the worst yard in the neighborhood and I have faith that the next generation isn't represented by what I hear on the news. A win win situation!

OLD AS DIRT

My computer is dying from old age. Its four years old and has Windows Vista. That’s like being 90 year old with Alzheimer’s in human terms. Kent and I have discussed the computer for months. We have read Consumer Reports, talked to our children and the IT techies at Kent’s office. Kent wants to follow the advice of the techies and get a computer with low ram and I want lots of ram. (Did I mention we have lots of photos?) Derek, my only son-in-law agrees with me. Derek is brilliant with computer design and a wonderful son-in-law? The other children decided to not give an opinion.

So the computer has been designed and purchased. Now we wait for our new arrival. As we wait we voice frustration with the old computer. There will be no love lost when it’s gone. As I contemplate the things this computer does so slowly and how we are rebooting about 4 times a day I am reminded of the times when there was no computer, when we had dialup, when it took 2 minutes for a web page to change, when rebooting was considered normal and Bing or Google didn’t exist. I think of the things we can do without because we have a computer such as phone books, maps and boxes of photographs. We don’t have to use many stamps or checks because of online banking and bill paying. All of our banking is on our computer. Much of our shopping is online. If we want to purchase something we always check the computer to find where our desired item is sold and where we can find the best price. Then we check for coupons. If shipping is free we usually opt for delivery rather than going into a store. I do volunteer work and much of my service is through the computer. I don’t write letters but I am truly connected to many people through my email. All wedding gifts are purchased, wraped and delivered with a couple of clicks. I make appointments and plan activities through the computer. My calendar is on my desk but my husband’s calendar is on the computer. And the list goes on and on.

Being without a computer is not an option in today’s world. I can hardly wait for our new arrival.

KENT

Father’s Day came and went for another year. Honor was given to dads but as a mother I want to make a statement about my roll in my children’s experience with their dad. I want to let them know that as a teenager I decided that I would give my children the best dad in the world and I did. It was not a lucky chance that they have a dad they can honor and respect. A dad that loves them unconditionally and would do anything for them. A dad that finds joy in hearing their voice and leaning of their accomplishments. A dad that sorrows at every sorrow they have. A dad that loves who they love. A dad that loves their mom and has gone on to be the best grandpa a child could ever want. No he is a dad that was chosen specifically for them. What lucky children I have!

IS THIS ALL?

So Far I have….


1. Been in a tornado – I have a scar, pictures and glass pieces in a jar to prove it.
2. Have a masters degree.
3. Worked to put my husband through college and graduate school.
4. Walked the streets of San Francisco and took pictures of flower children. (Google it if you don’t know what I’m talking about.)
5. Worked as a bank teller.
6. Saw a baby born but I haven’t been pregnant.
7. The loosing politicians I tried to get elected: Ronald Regan, Kit Bond and Gerald Ford. They only lost once.
8. Traveled around the country in a 1960’s VW bug, slept in parks and cooked on a hibachi.
9. Taught college.
10. Raised a family that I am proud of.
11. Happily married for 42+ years (to the same person).
12. Skateboarded.
13. Was a PTA President.
14. Taught a class on how to bake bread.
15. Lived on a farm that had an outhouse.
16. Made quilts.
17. Won a cooking competition with my lasagna.
18. Have a secret recipe.
19. Retired from my work as a Licensed Professional Counselor.
20. Had a house fire.
21. Have had friends from every continent in the world.
22. Watch bears eat salmon in Alaska.
23. Worked as a crisis counselor for battered women.
24. Born in a coal mining town.
25. Played on a championship basket ball team.

…Things I still want to do...


1. See all the 7 continents
     - So far I have seen North and South America and traveled within 200 miles of Antarctica.
2. Spend 2 or more years serving mankind (fulltime) after retirement.
     - This will be a mission for my church and I can’t wait.
3. Write a book.
4. Continue to find joy in my art.
5. Vacation with my grandchildren.

ONE REALLY GOOD THING

It’s time to go out and buy new plants to replace the plants eaten by the rabbits. Between the rabbits and the relentless heat our yard is not doing well. Late spring and early fall in Missouri are usually the most beautiful time of year but for the past 10 days we have been in the mid to high 90 degrees. The nights haven’t cooled off and the storms that pass over have added humidity. I guess the really good thing for our yard is a bird of prey (hawk) has decided to spend time in our Honey Locus tree. We haven’t seen a rabbit for a week.

THE LOCUS

Today I sat out on my deck but found it unbearable so I retreated to my house. You may think it was the 98 degree weather but the decibel level was the problem. The morning hours are cooler and provide a wonderful time to sit outside reading but with the Cicada population singing their mating song it is anything but peaceful.  I wondered how people who don’t have a quite house survive the noise. Now all I have to do is stay inside until the population dies which they will and then we will not have to worry about their return for 7 years.

A GOOD THING

I love talented and creative people. They are fun to be around. They inspire me to be more creative. I think what I love the most is they always say something nice about their time with you.

You get my creative juices flowing

You are so fun to be around

What a fun way of thinking

Today a good thing happened! I was around a very creative person. She said “I could just talk to you all day.” I was feeling the same about her, except I started thinking about something creative I wanted to draw while she was there. We didn’t even talk about creativity but creativity flowed.

So what good thing happened to you today?

GOALS

It’s important to think through what your goals are. When we moved to our current home our yard was a blank slate. The builders had cleared the entire area to build. Many builders followed suit and soon for miles around all you could see was new construction and dirt. I watched the displaced wildlife looking for new homes. It was heart wrenching to think that my new home had ousted so many animals. From that time forward my goal became have a yard that encouraged wildlife.

Now, 13 years, 10 trees, numerous bushes, birdfeeders, flowering and non-flowering plants later I have that very yard. Is there a down side? Yes! I only have one Hosta left in my shade garden, one very sad looking rose bush and numerous other plans are suffering. The rabbits have taken over and are eating every tender spout this year. I had to take down the bird feeders because I found I was allergic to the bird droppings. I do miss the birds but I enjoy breathing more.


We have talked about getting an owl box. An owl would certainly take care of the rabbit population but we think the families with small dogs might not be too happy about our Mr. McGreger approach. I guess the neighbors who are putting in plants that discourage wildlife and rocks instead of mulch have the solution. So if I have a goal of getting rid of the cottontails what new problems will I create?

MONDAY'S HOLIDAY

As we approach the Memorial Day Weekend I have a few thoughts about how I remember our fallen Soldiers.
 
A number of years we were in Washington D. C. I attended a marriage conference and Kent enjoyed himself by visiting Civil War sites. Early Sunday Morning July 4 we decided we would drive around the capital. Previously I had visited the Vietnam Memorial but Kent didn’t feel that he wanted to be there. This time Kent was prepared to go to the Vietnam Memorial. He had brought with him some of his own memories of Vietnam.

As we approached the memorial the feeling of sacredness that I had felt so many years earlier returned. We both cried emotional tears. There were no words to describe the feelings we were having. I was so grateful that I was there with Kent at that moment. As I looked to the top of the monument I thought my spiritual eyes could see soldiers standing guard over the monument. I don’t know if they were there but it seemed very real to me. Kent found the name of a friend and left his pictures and dog tags at the base as so many other vets had done before him.

Alone in the early morning mist we were lost in thought and emotion when we saw an family approach. They were laughing and enjoying their day. I remember feeling “please don’t ruin this sacred moment for us.” As they entered the path in front of the monument they must have felt the sacredness because they became very reverent. They passed us respectfully allowing us this time to ourselves.

A NEW STORM PASSED THROUGH

Today as I worked on cleaning a cupboard a storm came through. We were in a tornado watch once again. In the past I found watching the storm fascinating. Today I felt fear. I realize that I am vulnerable. My thoughts turned to those in Joplin who had just suffered a devastating storm with so many lives lost. I feel that I need to do more to help those who are suffering. Other than giving a donation I can’t think of anything else. I am still limping after my meeting a tornado in the Airport last month but I am growing stronger and soon will be able to keep up with the best. Retirement from one field doesn’t mean I am retired from caring for my fellow man. Next year I will be one of the seniors out there making a difference.  

May 22, 1946

There are milestones in our lives that shouldn't be forgotten. One of them is the magical age of 65. This is the age where you are officially old. You have senior status. Everyone from airlines to eating establishments give you a discount. The fashion police drop most laws for you. No one cares that you are wearing sneakers when casual shoes are required by everyone else. A rumpled shirt is passable. Grey is acceptable in the hair department. You find humor in many things that others are much too serious about. Friends have greater importance and you find they are aging much faster than you. There is nothing better than an evening with family.

Today, I want to wish the love of my life a Happy Birthday. And to show how much I love you there will be no birthday party. Just a private celebration with family. Here's to the next 20. Love Lorrie

A REALLY GOOD THING ABOUT CALIFORNIA

The world viewed from the Midwest perspective is rather homogenous. If I look at an even smaller perspective, that of O’Fallon, Missouri I find it is Caucasian with a smattering of color. All the people I see on a daily basis are very much like I am. We have similar conservative views, ethnic backgrounds, religious orientations, love of the Cardinals and we drive and live in a traditional middle class world. I didn’t choose to live in this world. It just happened. We used to live in North County. But after 20 some years North County stopped being a wonderfully diversified place to live. It is now the drug world of the Midwest. People come from all over to buy drugs. According to KMOV you can find a drug dealer on every corner. We left for that very reason.

After 12 years of living in a homogenous world it is easy to forget what its like to live in a world of diversity. It is easy to become complacent and enjoy not having to be different. As I become more complacent I find myself not worry about speaking to strangers or trying to make those who are different feel welcome. I make no effort to communicate with those who don’t speak my language.

As we traveled to Pasadena we were once again reintroduced to the world of diversity. We found ourselves in the minority. There were many ethnic backgrounds as well as political and religious ideologies. We were not only dealing with accents but languages as well. Nothing was familiar but then it was all comfortable. Throughout the trip we talked about how wonderful it felt to be in such a diverse place.

As we sat at LAX waiting to board our plane to take us home we sat with people waiting to board a plane for the orient. I found myself thinking how wonderful it was to be able to enjoy conversation with those traveling back home after a trip to our country. I am tired of being a conformist. I want to be part of a more diversified world. I’m not sure how to accomplish this but this I do know, beginning today I will make the effort to speak first when I meet anyone who doesn’t fit into my homogenous world.