Sammy The Strongman

This post is dedicated to my very talented sister because it takes a village to throw a circus party.

If you think I have talent, you should see my sister. I may be able to create just about anything out of felt but when it comes to pen to paper talents, those all went to my sister.

I had mentioned, in passing, how I wanted to do fun photo cut out props for Grace's party.  Within minutes, my sister sent me this drawing.

And Sammy the Strongman was born. She projected him onto a board, drew him out, painted and weather proofed him.

The 'village' required to throw this circus party even extended to my brother in law.  He performed the face removal.  Apparently, they are more successful at crafting together than my husband and I are.

She'd send me updated pictures of her progress and with each one, I grew more in awe of her talent and impressed with her creation.

But, even with a sneak peek, I was still AMAZED at what an incredible job she did.  No detail was spared including the handlebar mustache.

And, if Sammy the Strongman weren't enough. She also made Madame G, a fortune teller...but you'll have to check out my Circus Party recap to get a peek at her.

So what do you think?

Test Your Strength

Your weight is over.  The question, what is she up to, using 2 rubber balls and a portable dustpan from the dollar store.  The answer, making a barbell...of course!

Curious how I transformed my dollar store rubber balls and dustpan, keep on reading.

Get some liquid starch and lots of 1 inch wide strips of newspaper.  Dip the strips of newspaper into the liquid starch and cover each rubber ball.   Allow the newspaper strips to dry completely once applied {approximately 24 hours} and then add a new layer.  You'll want 3-4 layers before you are ready to put your barbell together.

Yes, I realize, I duplicated a picture...that's what happens when you blog at nearly 11 at night.  Cut a hole into the paper mache rubber ball approximately the size of the pole you plan on using.

Remove the dustpan from it's pole.

Insert the pole into the rubber balls, using more liquid starch and newspaper strips, attach the ball to the pole.  When that has completely dried, wrap with electrical tape to fully secure the two together.  Cover the newspaper with black paint.  Decide how much weight you want to lift and paint on the pounds.  

Yes, I am raising the world's strongest 4 year old.

So, was it worth the weight?

*My favorite guess, concerning what I was up to, came from No. 29 Design who thought I'd use these rubber balls and portable dustpan to whip up some fake food.