Mr. Stan Munro's Showcase of Toothpick Art
Welcome to Toothpick City
Download Pictures
Here
About Stan Munro
When Stan Munro started Toothpick City I in 2003, he convinced his wife that this might be an actual job. Whether she really believed him, or just reveled at the thought of a husband spending all his time in the basement, she supported him. She helped him in every way imaginable, and when Toothpick City sold in 2005, she helped him spend the money.
"My wife is the only sponsor I've ever needed," Stan admits. "She's a pretty good boss, and she doesn't mind if I work all day in my underwear"
Stan was born in Rochester, NY in 1970. He has family in New York City and Seattle, WA. Before making large toothpick structures for a living, he was the "wacky morning guy" on 13WHAM-TV, in his hometown of Rochester, NY. He worked at other TV stations in Albany, NY, Watertown, NY, and Seattle, WA.
For several years before that, Stan worked for True Detective magazine, traveling the country writing true-crime stories. A handful of other jobs scatter through his past, but toothpicking was always there. In college (Fashion Institute of Technology), Stan built toothpick structures as a hobby and gave them away as gifts. His first introduction to toothpicks was in grade school when Stan's art teacher instructed the class to make a toothpick structure that was six inches tall and could hold an egg. Stan’s held his desk.
Today, Stan lives in Syracuse, NY, with his beautiful wife and four shi-tzus. He has no plans to stop toothpicking anytime soon. Life is good.
Frequently Ask Questions:
Yup, we're sure you have a BOATLOAD of questions about Toothpick City and Stan Munro. Hopefully, the following questions (which get asked ALOT) can help you out.
What kind of toothpicks do you use? Round, square-centered toothpicks, found in most grocery stores.
What kind of glue do you use? Elmer’s glue, regular. (not the "school glue").
What's inside of the structures? Cardboard? Nothing. All of the buildings are hollow and re-enforced with minimal toothpick supports--if any. Toothpicks and glue are a pretty strong combination (much stronger than cardboard).
How do you transport them? Very carefully. No, really. Tons of bubble wrap, tuck in your shirt and your shoelaces so you don‘t trip. One wrong move and it’s over. The really big ones are built in pieces to assemble at sight, but still… very… very… carefully.
What is your "real" job? This IS my real job. I believe that if you put your heart and soul into an idea you truly believe in, you will succeed. I already did succeed with Toothpick City I, but I also believe… the first one was too small.
How long did it take you to make Toothpick City I? Almost 2 years, full-time, limited potty breaks.
How long did it take you to make Toothpick City II? Well, I’m still working on it. But by the time it’s finished in the Summer of 2009, it will be 4 years, full-time, overtime, and Depend undergarments.
What was your first toothpick structure? My first toothpick structure was in grade school when my art teacher asked us to make a 6-inch toothpick tower that would support the weight of an egg. Mine held that easily, then textbooks, finally a few kids flipped my desk over and lowered it onto my structure. It held. Everyone cheered. I was hooked. What was your first toothpick structure for Toothpick City I?
The Chrysler Building in New York City. It’s my wife’s favorite building. She really wanted it, and I wasn’t happy, but I did it.
What's the most difficult building you?ve ever made? The Chrysler Building in New York City. It’s my wife’s favorite building. I love her very much. That’s all I have to say about that.
What's your favorite building? The next one.
How long have you been toothpicking? Since 2003. I was a TV reporter for several years--the wacky morning man in Rochester and Albany, NY. It was fun, but very exhausting. Toothpicking is much more relaxing and entertains a lot more people than a LIVE 2-minute morning segment (it lasts a lot longer too).
How long does it take to make a toothpick structure? It all depends. I did the Washington Monument in a day. Yankee Stadium took a month. The Vatican took two months. The Chrysler Building, since it was my first, took 6 months… thanks honey, I love you.
Where do you get the toothpicks? I buy from the wholesaler. The truck driver is a good guy. He used to work at a brewery, but he likes this job much better. He gets to be his own boss and he brings that same level of customer service to the masses.
How do you get the dimensions for the buildings? The internet. Most everything you can find on the internet nowadays. If not, just call the building manager and they’ll be happy to send you dimensions. (Notable exception: United Nations, if you call them to get the dimensions of their building, you will have an FBI file).
Is there anything you wanted to build, but you couldn't? I never thought I could build the Burj al Arab Hotel in Dubai. I was giving a presentation to a grade school class in Honeoye Falls, NY, and a student asked the question: "Why don’t you build the Burj Hotel?" I said it was way to complicated. The child responded: "Didn’t you just say that you love a challenge?" That little annoying kid was right. Now I have to ask myself that question every time.
What does your wife think about this? My wife is a doctor. She has her own life. She supports me whole-heartedly, but wants me to pick up my toothpicks and take out the trash. Occasionally, I get to open a jar for her.
Why? Why not? There’s a lot of ridiculous things out there in the world. But there’s nowhere in the world you can see, side-by-side replications of famous buildings, even less-so, famous religious buildings from different faiths in one place… let alone out of toothpicks. I’m honored to be the first.
How did you come up with the themes? Toothpick City I was easy, I wanted a complete history of the world’s tallest skyscrapers in physical form. I hope it exists somewhere, but I doubt it exists out of toothpicks. For Toothpick City II, some kid in a grade school exhibition asked: “Why don’t you build a church?” I asked, “Which religion should I represent out of toothpicks?” He responded, “All of them.” … Did I mention that children are the bane of my existence?
What was your favorite media interview? There was a bunch of TV and newspaper people. I love Channel 13 in Rochester because I used to work there and they’re great, but one reporter from The The 4-H Forum, Laura Kauppi, did the best job. There was a guy from the New York Times, he did pretty good too.
Where do you display Toothpick City II? That’s a good question, I’m looking for someplace to show it now in the Spring/Summer 2009. If you have an idea, email me.
Stan Munro's Home Page
E-Mail Stan: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
When Stan Munro started Toothpick City I in 2003, he convinced his wife that this might be an actual job. Whether she really believed him, or just reveled at the thought of a husband spending all his time in the basement, she supported him. She helped him in every way imaginable, and when Toothpick City sold in 2005, she helped him spend the money.
"My wife is the only sponsor I've ever needed," Stan admits. "She's a pretty good boss, and she doesn't mind if I work all day in my underwear"
Stan was born in Rochester, NY in 1970. He has family in New York City and Seattle, WA. Before making large toothpick structures for a living, he was the "wacky morning guy" on 13WHAM-TV, in his hometown of Rochester, NY. He worked at other TV stations in Albany, NY, Watertown, NY, and Seattle, WA.
For several years before that, Stan worked for True Detective magazine, traveling the country writing true-crime stories. A handful of other jobs scatter through his past, but toothpicking was always there. In college (Fashion Institute of Technology), Stan built toothpick structures as a hobby and gave them away as gifts. His first introduction to toothpicks was in grade school when Stan's art teacher instructed the class to make a toothpick structure that was six inches tall and could hold an egg. Stan’s held his desk.
Today, Stan lives in Syracuse, NY, with his beautiful wife and four shi-tzus. He has no plans to stop toothpicking anytime soon. Life is good.
Frequently Ask Questions:
Yup, we're sure you have a BOATLOAD of questions about Toothpick City and Stan Munro. Hopefully, the following questions (which get asked ALOT) can help you out.
What kind of toothpicks do you use? Round, square-centered toothpicks, found in most grocery stores.
What kind of glue do you use? Elmer’s glue, regular. (not the "school glue").
What's inside of the structures? Cardboard? Nothing. All of the buildings are hollow and re-enforced with minimal toothpick supports--if any. Toothpicks and glue are a pretty strong combination (much stronger than cardboard).
How do you transport them? Very carefully. No, really. Tons of bubble wrap, tuck in your shirt and your shoelaces so you don‘t trip. One wrong move and it’s over. The really big ones are built in pieces to assemble at sight, but still… very… very… carefully.
What is your "real" job? This IS my real job. I believe that if you put your heart and soul into an idea you truly believe in, you will succeed. I already did succeed with Toothpick City I, but I also believe… the first one was too small.
How long did it take you to make Toothpick City I? Almost 2 years, full-time, limited potty breaks.
How long did it take you to make Toothpick City II? Well, I’m still working on it. But by the time it’s finished in the Summer of 2009, it will be 4 years, full-time, overtime, and Depend undergarments.
What was your first toothpick structure? My first toothpick structure was in grade school when my art teacher asked us to make a 6-inch toothpick tower that would support the weight of an egg. Mine held that easily, then textbooks, finally a few kids flipped my desk over and lowered it onto my structure. It held. Everyone cheered. I was hooked. What was your first toothpick structure for Toothpick City I?
The Chrysler Building in New York City. It’s my wife’s favorite building. She really wanted it, and I wasn’t happy, but I did it.
What's the most difficult building you?ve ever made? The Chrysler Building in New York City. It’s my wife’s favorite building. I love her very much. That’s all I have to say about that.
What's your favorite building? The next one.
How long have you been toothpicking? Since 2003. I was a TV reporter for several years--the wacky morning man in Rochester and Albany, NY. It was fun, but very exhausting. Toothpicking is much more relaxing and entertains a lot more people than a LIVE 2-minute morning segment (it lasts a lot longer too).
How long does it take to make a toothpick structure? It all depends. I did the Washington Monument in a day. Yankee Stadium took a month. The Vatican took two months. The Chrysler Building, since it was my first, took 6 months… thanks honey, I love you.
Where do you get the toothpicks? I buy from the wholesaler. The truck driver is a good guy. He used to work at a brewery, but he likes this job much better. He gets to be his own boss and he brings that same level of customer service to the masses.
How do you get the dimensions for the buildings? The internet. Most everything you can find on the internet nowadays. If not, just call the building manager and they’ll be happy to send you dimensions. (Notable exception: United Nations, if you call them to get the dimensions of their building, you will have an FBI file).
Is there anything you wanted to build, but you couldn't? I never thought I could build the Burj al Arab Hotel in Dubai. I was giving a presentation to a grade school class in Honeoye Falls, NY, and a student asked the question: "Why don’t you build the Burj Hotel?" I said it was way to complicated. The child responded: "Didn’t you just say that you love a challenge?" That little annoying kid was right. Now I have to ask myself that question every time.
What does your wife think about this? My wife is a doctor. She has her own life. She supports me whole-heartedly, but wants me to pick up my toothpicks and take out the trash. Occasionally, I get to open a jar for her.
Why? Why not? There’s a lot of ridiculous things out there in the world. But there’s nowhere in the world you can see, side-by-side replications of famous buildings, even less-so, famous religious buildings from different faiths in one place… let alone out of toothpicks. I’m honored to be the first.
How did you come up with the themes? Toothpick City I was easy, I wanted a complete history of the world’s tallest skyscrapers in physical form. I hope it exists somewhere, but I doubt it exists out of toothpicks. For Toothpick City II, some kid in a grade school exhibition asked: “Why don’t you build a church?” I asked, “Which religion should I represent out of toothpicks?” He responded, “All of them.” … Did I mention that children are the bane of my existence?
What was your favorite media interview? There was a bunch of TV and newspaper people. I love Channel 13 in Rochester because I used to work there and they’re great, but one reporter from The The 4-H Forum, Laura Kauppi, did the best job. There was a guy from the New York Times, he did pretty good too.
Where do you display Toothpick City II? That’s a good question, I’m looking for someplace to show it now in the Spring/Summer 2009. If you have an idea, email me.
Stan Munro's Home Page
E-Mail Stan: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Download Pictures
Here
Hi There, I'm Rick Miller from Comprehensive Photography. I'm very pleased to see almost
50,000 visits since my site was started on
January 29th 2009 (about 215 per day).
PLEASE CHECK OUT SOME GREAT PHOTOS, ARTISTIC NUDES, via link NUDE ART — MY BLOG AND SOME VERY NICE MOVIES!
While you visit and navigate through my site, next to the home tab, there is now a BUY menu item, that will link you to my gallery of pictures for sale — all High Resolution and top quality. So clicking on 'BUY' simply directs you to a new page to view and shop at your leisure; with the understanding that you are not committing yourself to a purchase. I've put some nice music on this new page as well, you can manage this in the upper right hand quadrant if you would rather have silence.
If you have been to Amazon.Com, or any other online store, the procedure for purchasing my work is equally as easy thanks to PayPal.
Some may remember posing for an "impromptu" photo opportunity during every family gathering. You stood there frozen, with cemented smiles as you wondered if Aunt Thelma would ever take the photograph. Cheese...... then Bam! You were blinded by the bright flash bulb. Auntie had the right idea. She wanted to memorialize every event. It didn't matter if the developed film never made it out of the card board envelopes. What was important is that she enjoyed taking photos.
Amateur photographers everywhere are still snapping pictures as a favorite pastime. Photography is a good means to chronicle someone's life. A picture tells a thousand words, so what an excellent way to document special moments, highlights and milestones.
Over time, our memory isn't as iron-clad as it once was. With photographs you can still recall the special moment even when the memory fades. Photography is good for your well being. Reflect on all the studies that talk about how beneficial laughter is to your health. Now consider your emotions when you see photos of a new baby, or a wedding, or any of the other adorable photos that are found in email in-boxes on a daily basis. They make you happy! Photos elicit positive emotions. Think about the people who were in south Texas during the winter of 2004. I'm sure they were happy to be down there when they had snow for the first time in over 100 years. There were people outside taking pictures at midnight; what an opportunity!
Have you ever seen deer on the side of the road? Not too many bucks will stop long enough to be photographed. If you're fortunate enough to see sitting deer, you better hope to have a camera with you; as they likely won't be sitting there waiting for you the next time you drive by.
While some people still prefer film cameras, digital cameras now come in any size or budget. For the novice photographer who merely enjoys taking photographs as a way to relax or capture those one of a kind moments, suitable digital cameras are available for under $100. Some people are still using 1.3 mega pixel digital cameras. By today's standard, that is considered a dinosaur. However it would still work if the photographer just wanted to take an occasional photo to list items for sale on eBay. Today many amateur photographers are using digital cameras with 4-6 mega pixels. As a rule of thumb, the higher the mega pixel, the higher the price tag. Notwithstanding, higher mega pixel cameras also come with more bells and whistles and have a higher resolution. Most all digital cameras also have a timer and ability to make very small movie clips. Many also have zoom lens features.
With digital photography it is fun to play around with new technology. Create a screen saver of your best photo with Image Box from CoolUtils. If you came back from Hawaii and have lots of great photos that you want not to just show to your friends but amaze them - make an astonishing slideshow. Imagine all pictures will be shown one by one with different effects, accompanied by music and your comments. With ImageBox every photo stops being a snapshot but becomes a living part of the presentation. Your friends will be amazed! Don't think about how difficult it is – you will create your first slideshow in 6 minutes. There are software programs that allow you to make digital images look better than real life by removing unwanted blemishes, moles, or wrinkles. Experiment with the software to add or remove people or objects from the photo. New technology provides the ability to alter a photograph so that it looks like an oil painting, pencil sketch, negative, sepia, black and white, charcoal drawing and a plethora of other options.
While it is possible to make a living as a photographer, the majority of camera users simply take photos because they enjoy it. It's true that time will not stand still. The taunting school aged children had it right when they responded to stares, "Take a picture why don't you – it'll last longer!" Now you do the same - stop reading and go take a picture... it'll last longer! REGISTER
Thank all of you so much for helping me to do something I love and enjoy. Please REGISTER and tell me what you think of the site.
While you visit and navigate through my site, next to the home tab, there is now a BUY menu item, that will link you to my gallery of pictures for sale — all High Resolution and top quality. So clicking on 'BUY' simply directs you to a new page to view and shop at your leisure; with the understanding that you are not committing yourself to a purchase. I've put some nice music on this new page as well, you can manage this in the upper right hand quadrant if you would rather have silence.
If you have been to Amazon.Com, or any other online store, the procedure for purchasing my work is equally as easy thanks to PayPal.
A NICE THOUGHT
Photos
Why do we take them?
By Mary Banas
Jan 22nd 2007
Some may remember posing for an "impromptu" photo opportunity during every family gathering. You stood there frozen, with cemented smiles as you wondered if Aunt Thelma would ever take the photograph. Cheese...... then Bam! You were blinded by the bright flash bulb. Auntie had the right idea. She wanted to memorialize every event. It didn't matter if the developed film never made it out of the card board envelopes. What was important is that she enjoyed taking photos.
Amateur photographers everywhere are still snapping pictures as a favorite pastime. Photography is a good means to chronicle someone's life. A picture tells a thousand words, so what an excellent way to document special moments, highlights and milestones.
Over time, our memory isn't as iron-clad as it once was. With photographs you can still recall the special moment even when the memory fades. Photography is good for your well being. Reflect on all the studies that talk about how beneficial laughter is to your health. Now consider your emotions when you see photos of a new baby, or a wedding, or any of the other adorable photos that are found in email in-boxes on a daily basis. They make you happy! Photos elicit positive emotions. Think about the people who were in south Texas during the winter of 2004. I'm sure they were happy to be down there when they had snow for the first time in over 100 years. There were people outside taking pictures at midnight; what an opportunity!
Have you ever seen deer on the side of the road? Not too many bucks will stop long enough to be photographed. If you're fortunate enough to see sitting deer, you better hope to have a camera with you; as they likely won't be sitting there waiting for you the next time you drive by.
While some people still prefer film cameras, digital cameras now come in any size or budget. For the novice photographer who merely enjoys taking photographs as a way to relax or capture those one of a kind moments, suitable digital cameras are available for under $100. Some people are still using 1.3 mega pixel digital cameras. By today's standard, that is considered a dinosaur. However it would still work if the photographer just wanted to take an occasional photo to list items for sale on eBay. Today many amateur photographers are using digital cameras with 4-6 mega pixels. As a rule of thumb, the higher the mega pixel, the higher the price tag. Notwithstanding, higher mega pixel cameras also come with more bells and whistles and have a higher resolution. Most all digital cameras also have a timer and ability to make very small movie clips. Many also have zoom lens features.
With digital photography it is fun to play around with new technology. Create a screen saver of your best photo with Image Box from CoolUtils. If you came back from Hawaii and have lots of great photos that you want not to just show to your friends but amaze them - make an astonishing slideshow. Imagine all pictures will be shown one by one with different effects, accompanied by music and your comments. With ImageBox every photo stops being a snapshot but becomes a living part of the presentation. Your friends will be amazed! Don't think about how difficult it is – you will create your first slideshow in 6 minutes. There are software programs that allow you to make digital images look better than real life by removing unwanted blemishes, moles, or wrinkles. Experiment with the software to add or remove people or objects from the photo. New technology provides the ability to alter a photograph so that it looks like an oil painting, pencil sketch, negative, sepia, black and white, charcoal drawing and a plethora of other options.
While it is possible to make a living as a photographer, the majority of camera users simply take photos because they enjoy it. It's true that time will not stand still. The taunting school aged children had it right when they responded to stares, "Take a picture why don't you – it'll last longer!" Now you do the same - stop reading and go take a picture... it'll last longer! REGISTER
Thank all of you so much for helping me to do something I love and enjoy. Please REGISTER and tell me what you think of the site.
Sincerely
Rick Miller