First off, I was a bit skeptical about this effect. I had a large amount of problems with E. I really liked the trick though, and love all of Garcia's effects. I thought I would give them another try. I got this DVD with no problem.
Effect: You borrow a dollar bill, have them sign it, then you move the seal from one side of the bill to the other.
DVD: The DVD quality is HD and is excellent. The artwork is pretty nice, too.
Teaching: The teaching is great. He goes over EVERYTHING into detail. You will not have any questions. He explains everything clear and well.
The Gimmick: It does require a gimmick. You will most likely have everything you need to perform this effect. There is a slight chance, however, that you will not. I would say about 95% of you have it. If you do not have it, it can be rather expensive. I am sure you can use your friend's or use it at work if you have it. The gimmick took me about 15 minutes to make for the first time. You will want to make a few gimmicks so you will be set for a week or so, depending on how often you perform this effect.
Angles: This trick is ALMOST angle proof. Depending on how you perform it, it can be 100% angle proof. The way I perform it, it can be almost completly surrounded. You can though perform this completly surrounded.
Difficulty: Once the gimmick is set up, a five year old could perform this effect.
Reset: This effect has about a 30 second reset, maybe less. You can not reset in public but it will be rather quick to reset the trick.
Reactions: I performed this effect for my mom the second day I got it. It took me only about 15 minutes of practice. My mom sat there and stared at the bill. She was dumbfounded. She said it was a really good trick I performed.
Price: With shipping, this trick cost me $30 USD. I would say it was well worth the price.
Overall: If you do not mind set up and making a gimmick, then I would HIGHLY reccomend this trick. The reactions are great. It is a reputation maker. However, if you do not like set up, you will probably be dissapointed in this trick and not like it.
8.5/10
Friday, August 31, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Review of Ellusionst
I heard about this company a while ago. I decided to check them out when first starting magic. Now I will admit, they do have SOME great exclusive tricks, such as Fraud. However, in my opinion, it is all about money to them. What ever happened to a simple magic store that sells magic tricks? Ellusionist is selling everything from T-Shirts to Dog Tags. I feel they will sell and do anything to make a quick buck. It is also funny how ALL their reviews for tricks and products are simply amazing. Every trick is just the greatest thing known to man and simply could not get better. When you read a review of a trick on their website, you simply read 10/10 reviews. You never read the real honest reviews. Can a trick really be that amazing that it deserves a perfect 10? No, not unless it is REAL magic, which none of these tricks are. How come no bad reviews you ask? Not because there are no bad reviews, but because it may tell the truth, which Ellusionist does not do much of. I feel that they hype up every product possible in every possible way. They make Hollywood movie trailers, which are used just to sell the trick. I would much rather see the trick with NO editing then what they do. Also, the prices are outrageous. Just for one example, an uncut sheet of playing cards. Those playing cards that run about $3 a deck. Just imagine that before it being cut. Well, you can get it from Ellusionist if you are willing to spend $250. $250 for uncut cardboard? I don't even have to explain why that is outrageously ridiculous, I am sure you can figure it out. Now this is just my honest opinion of Ellusionst. I am not saying do not shop/associate with them, I just wanted to give my honest opinion from an honest guy, unlike the people at Ellusionist.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Hershey Kiss by Cyril Takayama
Demo: http://youtube.com/watch?v=YtDLJEJLwho&search=
Anyhow, let's get on it.
Preparation
1. Hershey Kiss Playing Card.
I recommend photo paper (the one with the shiny look) to print the Hershey Kiss on (link for image should be below). If you don't have photo paper, try the normal one but make sure it's neat. With an exacto knife, you'll need to cut the shape of the Hershey Kiss as near of the edges as possible, then with Rubber Cement or normal Glue Stick, stick it on the back of a playing card. If you have some spare Double Backer, It'd be even better (I'll explain later on)
http://www.siteselection.com/ssinsider/images/pw030616c.jpg (make sure to print on in White and black to make sure the size is right)
2. Get the Hershey kiss
Method
Have the Hershey kiss under the deck (which is in mechanic's grip) and the card with the Hershey kiss print on it on the bottom. Make a spectator choose a card, and if you desire, make the spectator sign it. While they are look at their card, swing cut half the deck in your hand that has the Hershey kiss. So far, what you have is, The Hershey kiss, random pack of cards, and in your other hand, on the bottom of the other part of the deck, the special card and the rest of the deck. Put the spectator card under the special Hershey card, and just dribble the rest of the card on it. Use whatever pattern you want to make the spectator kiss the deck or any pattern you want to make the Hershey kiss appear. Spread the card, and find the card. Take every card on top of the Hershey kiss card in your pocket, and do a double lift to show the spectator's card. Now, what you should have is Their card, random card face up (if you have a double backer then just the back of a face), rest of the deck face down, and a Hershey kiss in your hand. Make sure you do this fast enough so they don't notice. In mechanic's grip, take the whole deck except THEIR card (slide it off) with your other hand and, really fast, put the rest of the deck in your pocket. So basically, you have a face up card, and the Hershey kiss in your hand. Make a spectator cup their hand, and just produce it like the video :o
I hope I was clear enough... I tend to over say things. Just tell me how I did =).
This trick is really effective with girls =).
Another point would be to, really, I mean, really use a double backer, the back of the cards are all examinable and it can stay in views at all time.
Anyhow, let's get on it.
Preparation
1. Hershey Kiss Playing Card.
I recommend photo paper (the one with the shiny look) to print the Hershey Kiss on (link for image should be below). If you don't have photo paper, try the normal one but make sure it's neat. With an exacto knife, you'll need to cut the shape of the Hershey Kiss as near of the edges as possible, then with Rubber Cement or normal Glue Stick, stick it on the back of a playing card. If you have some spare Double Backer, It'd be even better (I'll explain later on)
http://www.siteselection.com/ssinsider/images/pw030616c.jpg (make sure to print on in White and black to make sure the size is right)
2. Get the Hershey kiss
Method
Have the Hershey kiss under the deck (which is in mechanic's grip) and the card with the Hershey kiss print on it on the bottom. Make a spectator choose a card, and if you desire, make the spectator sign it. While they are look at their card, swing cut half the deck in your hand that has the Hershey kiss. So far, what you have is, The Hershey kiss, random pack of cards, and in your other hand, on the bottom of the other part of the deck, the special card and the rest of the deck. Put the spectator card under the special Hershey card, and just dribble the rest of the card on it. Use whatever pattern you want to make the spectator kiss the deck or any pattern you want to make the Hershey kiss appear. Spread the card, and find the card. Take every card on top of the Hershey kiss card in your pocket, and do a double lift to show the spectator's card. Now, what you should have is Their card, random card face up (if you have a double backer then just the back of a face), rest of the deck face down, and a Hershey kiss in your hand. Make sure you do this fast enough so they don't notice. In mechanic's grip, take the whole deck except THEIR card (slide it off) with your other hand and, really fast, put the rest of the deck in your pocket. So basically, you have a face up card, and the Hershey kiss in your hand. Make a spectator cup their hand, and just produce it like the video :o
I hope I was clear enough... I tend to over say things. Just tell me how I did =).
This trick is really effective with girls =).
Another point would be to, really, I mean, really use a double backer, the back of the cards are all examinable and it can stay in views at all time.
Kontrol Kard
Control Card
What will YOU do with it?
With a Single Card You Get:
Control of Multiple Cards
Thick Card
Holdout Card
Spittle Card
Easy Double or Triple Lift
Hides Reversed/Peeked Card
Double Face/Double Back Card
And More!
Imagine a single card that can control two other cards, provides automatic double lifts, that causes cards to vanish and reappear, makes double faced or double backed cards, all out of your own favorite brand of cards.
Possibilities are truly endless when a single card can replace many other card gaffs and gimmicks. You need only add or remove one card to use multiple trick cards in an otherwise regular deck.
The Card itself may be forced, allowing you to control it and two freely chosen
Cards - three selected cards in all. This makes for some dramatic card revelations and
Impressive card control. Its ability to become a thick card at will is perfect for "test
Condition,” type mentalist effects.
Ok, So what the heck is it ?
There is a spray clear rubber coating that comes in a can.
Rust –Oleum Grip & Guard (clear)*seems hard to find*
I went to Ace Hardware and found Performix Plasti Dip 11 oz spray can for $8.49.
Most people use this as a way to provide a grip on the handles of tools such as hammers, wrenches and so forth. You may have seen the red rubber dip used on tool handles.
It is similar to this except of course it isn't red, it's clear, and comes in a spray can.
Place a card on a sheet of cardboard and spray an even coat as you would with roughing spray. Don’t soak them.
After a few trials and you'll find the correct amount for your use.
When one side of the card is completely dry, turn it over on a clean sheet and spray the other side. Let this side dry, and you are finished.
**Note: You can also make single sided card if you like**
**Coat double backers/facers**
**No need for double sided tape-for NFW etc**
In some lighting conditions or with some types of card decks, you may not wish to show the Card due to its slightly more shiny appearance. It will become less shiny the more you use it, but you should be aware of your preferred working conditions.
You may always use the Control Card without it being seen, while maintaining many of its other advantages.
Here are some ideas for its uses:
The Control Card will cause another card to stick to both sides of itself. Selected cards above and below it will stay "stuck" together along with the Control Card. This makes for a three cards thick key card.
It also allows the cards to stay firmly together during overhand shuffles. No breaks are needed, as the Card becomes thick with the other cards. This alone has fooled many wise card players and performers. It is difficult to find a more fair control
Of multiple cards.
A selected card placed behind the Card will "disappear". The entire deck may be counted out one at a time, and the selection will be seen to have vanished - secretly adhering to the Card. It may reappear easily due to the thick card control, even after shuffling and cutting.
Place the Card face up on a face down deck. Thumb the face up Card over -and you have created a secret double-face card! Do snap change and the card changes.
Allow the Card to rest with its sticky face side against the top of the deck. Thumb it to one side and do another change or flip move. Now the card is seen to change again!
All of this easily, naturally and fairly - with little or no effort at all. Just a little bit of pressure keeps the block of cards together
.
Show the Card’s face and place it face down on top of the face down deck. Thumb it over to one side and show the face again. The face has changed instantly. Flip this card(s) face down and lift up the top Card only by grasping the inner and outer short ends of the Card. This allows the original top Card face to be shown again. An amazingly natural double lift face change!
Do the same thing but sandwich the Card between two selected cards.
Overhand shuffle. Secretly cut the sandwich block to the top by feeling for the block,
Thanks to the Card’s properties and now triple thickness. Flip over the top block (it's easy!) and show you have found one selected card. Flip this face down, and remove the top card by the short ends, as you drop this on the table face down. Show the top Card, as not being a selected card. Frown and then have the spectator look at the tabled card. It has changed to the other selection.
Secretly make the Card a double-face card and place it on the bottom of the deck. Turn your back and have someone deal cards one at a time face down on to the table. They stop anywhere and look at the last card dealt. Have them turn their chosen card face up. Next, tell them to bury their chosen card by placing the rest of the deck on top of the tabled pile. This secretly places the Card and a face up indifferent card on top of their card. Remind everyone that one card - his or her card - is face up. Snap your fingers and spread the deck. Their face up card has changed. Cut this card (secret Card block) to the top of the deck. Turn it face down on top of the deck. Legitimately take the real top card off at the short ends, being careful not to show the face up Card underneath it. Just turn the hand with the Card and deck in as you table the face down top card. Snap your fingers, and the tabled card changes back to their selection! Cut the deck, and the whole deck can be seen front and back, all facing the proper way.
Mentalists should consider how this very idea might be applied to index cards, business cards, notepaper, billets, and so forth.
You may make your own special items; there is no need to limit this method to playing cards, or even Tarot or ESP cards. Think beyond common card stock.
What will YOU do with it?
With a Single Card You Get:
Control of Multiple Cards
Thick Card
Holdout Card
Spittle Card
Easy Double or Triple Lift
Hides Reversed/Peeked Card
Double Face/Double Back Card
And More!
Imagine a single card that can control two other cards, provides automatic double lifts, that causes cards to vanish and reappear, makes double faced or double backed cards, all out of your own favorite brand of cards.
Possibilities are truly endless when a single card can replace many other card gaffs and gimmicks. You need only add or remove one card to use multiple trick cards in an otherwise regular deck.
The Card itself may be forced, allowing you to control it and two freely chosen
Cards - three selected cards in all. This makes for some dramatic card revelations and
Impressive card control. Its ability to become a thick card at will is perfect for "test
Condition,” type mentalist effects.
Ok, So what the heck is it ?
There is a spray clear rubber coating that comes in a can.
Rust –Oleum Grip & Guard (clear)*seems hard to find*
I went to Ace Hardware and found Performix Plasti Dip 11 oz spray can for $8.49.
Most people use this as a way to provide a grip on the handles of tools such as hammers, wrenches and so forth. You may have seen the red rubber dip used on tool handles.
It is similar to this except of course it isn't red, it's clear, and comes in a spray can.
Place a card on a sheet of cardboard and spray an even coat as you would with roughing spray. Don’t soak them.
After a few trials and you'll find the correct amount for your use.
When one side of the card is completely dry, turn it over on a clean sheet and spray the other side. Let this side dry, and you are finished.
**Note: You can also make single sided card if you like**
**Coat double backers/facers**
**No need for double sided tape-for NFW etc**
In some lighting conditions or with some types of card decks, you may not wish to show the Card due to its slightly more shiny appearance. It will become less shiny the more you use it, but you should be aware of your preferred working conditions.
You may always use the Control Card without it being seen, while maintaining many of its other advantages.
Here are some ideas for its uses:
The Control Card will cause another card to stick to both sides of itself. Selected cards above and below it will stay "stuck" together along with the Control Card. This makes for a three cards thick key card.
It also allows the cards to stay firmly together during overhand shuffles. No breaks are needed, as the Card becomes thick with the other cards. This alone has fooled many wise card players and performers. It is difficult to find a more fair control
Of multiple cards.
A selected card placed behind the Card will "disappear". The entire deck may be counted out one at a time, and the selection will be seen to have vanished - secretly adhering to the Card. It may reappear easily due to the thick card control, even after shuffling and cutting.
Place the Card face up on a face down deck. Thumb the face up Card over -and you have created a secret double-face card! Do snap change and the card changes.
Allow the Card to rest with its sticky face side against the top of the deck. Thumb it to one side and do another change or flip move. Now the card is seen to change again!
All of this easily, naturally and fairly - with little or no effort at all. Just a little bit of pressure keeps the block of cards together
.
Show the Card’s face and place it face down on top of the face down deck. Thumb it over to one side and show the face again. The face has changed instantly. Flip this card(s) face down and lift up the top Card only by grasping the inner and outer short ends of the Card. This allows the original top Card face to be shown again. An amazingly natural double lift face change!
Do the same thing but sandwich the Card between two selected cards.
Overhand shuffle. Secretly cut the sandwich block to the top by feeling for the block,
Thanks to the Card’s properties and now triple thickness. Flip over the top block (it's easy!) and show you have found one selected card. Flip this face down, and remove the top card by the short ends, as you drop this on the table face down. Show the top Card, as not being a selected card. Frown and then have the spectator look at the tabled card. It has changed to the other selection.
Secretly make the Card a double-face card and place it on the bottom of the deck. Turn your back and have someone deal cards one at a time face down on to the table. They stop anywhere and look at the last card dealt. Have them turn their chosen card face up. Next, tell them to bury their chosen card by placing the rest of the deck on top of the tabled pile. This secretly places the Card and a face up indifferent card on top of their card. Remind everyone that one card - his or her card - is face up. Snap your fingers and spread the deck. Their face up card has changed. Cut this card (secret Card block) to the top of the deck. Turn it face down on top of the deck. Legitimately take the real top card off at the short ends, being careful not to show the face up Card underneath it. Just turn the hand with the Card and deck in as you table the face down top card. Snap your fingers, and the tabled card changes back to their selection! Cut the deck, and the whole deck can be seen front and back, all facing the proper way.
Mentalists should consider how this very idea might be applied to index cards, business cards, notepaper, billets, and so forth.
You may make your own special items; there is no need to limit this method to playing cards, or even Tarot or ESP cards. Think beyond common card stock.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Sweet Bread
Effect:The magician takes a dollar bill,folds it and hands it to the spectator to keep it sealed in their fist. After that the magician takes a sugar packet,folds it and rubs it over the spectator hand. And viola,the dollar bill is in the magicians hand and the sugar packet is in the spectators hand.
Preparation and sleights needed:Palming..a lot of palming needed. For preparation all you need is a bowled(folded?my English is not perfect sorry) sugar packet.
Performing:
Have the folded sugar packet finger palmed in your right hand.
Borrow a dollar bill and if you like you can have it signed. Squeeze it nicely and fold it tight in your left hand.
Pretend that you take the dollar bill with your right hand,while in reality you just keep the dollar bill palmed in the left hand.
Now,you have the "dollar bill" which is actually a sugar packet in your right hand and a dollar bill finger palmed in your left hand.
Put the sugar packet in to the spectators hand and tell them to make a fist and keep it sealed
Right now,the spectator thinks he|she has a signed folded dollar bill,while in reality you have it finger palmed
Now pick up a sugar packet from a table,or a bowl etc. and fold it too. Show it to the spectator and pretend to put it in your left hand(where the folded dollar bill is).
You current situation after the false transfer should be like this -> The spectator is holding a sugar packet,which they think is a dollar bill in their fist. You have a sugar packet palmed in your right hand and a dollar bill in a fist in the left hand.
Now you rub the dollar bill against the spectators fist and PURE MAGIC! Now you have the signed dollar bill and the spectator has the sugar packet.
Preparation and sleights needed:Palming..a lot of palming needed. For preparation all you need is a bowled(folded?my English is not perfect sorry) sugar packet.
Performing:
Have the folded sugar packet finger palmed in your right hand.
Borrow a dollar bill and if you like you can have it signed. Squeeze it nicely and fold it tight in your left hand.
Pretend that you take the dollar bill with your right hand,while in reality you just keep the dollar bill palmed in the left hand.
Now,you have the "dollar bill" which is actually a sugar packet in your right hand and a dollar bill finger palmed in your left hand.
Put the sugar packet in to the spectators hand and tell them to make a fist and keep it sealed
Right now,the spectator thinks he|she has a signed folded dollar bill,while in reality you have it finger palmed
Now pick up a sugar packet from a table,or a bowl etc. and fold it too. Show it to the spectator and pretend to put it in your left hand(where the folded dollar bill is).
You current situation after the false transfer should be like this -> The spectator is holding a sugar packet,which they think is a dollar bill in their fist. You have a sugar packet palmed in your right hand and a dollar bill in a fist in the left hand.
Now you rub the dollar bill against the spectators fist and PURE MAGIC! Now you have the signed dollar bill and the spectator has the sugar packet.
Homing Bird
Effect:
Magician has a pack of cards with a rubber band on it. He then takes off the rubber band and explains its no ordinary rubber band its a homing band, it always comes home. he takes it with both hands and shoots it and the rubber bands back on the deck double banded.
Materials:
2 rubber bands
1 deck of cards
Explanation:
its really a simple trick but a great opener to start a card routine
have BOTH rubber bands wrapped around the deck. pick up the deck with your left hand and take ONE rubber band off hiding the other one with your left hand fingers. call attention to the rubber band by saying this is not an ordinary rubber band, at the same time you set down the deck you then do the sure shot vanish. heres how you do that
take the rubber band between your thumb and pointer (1st) finger in both hands. move each hand up and down a little like your stretching the band now heres the tricky part. With your right hands pinkey and third finger you grab the band but still hold onto it in your pinch between thumb and 1st finger. now you act to shoot the rubber band with your left hand thumb releases moves forward giving the illusion it shot out of your hands but it actually came back to your right hand fist. from there you just look at the deck.
Magician has a pack of cards with a rubber band on it. He then takes off the rubber band and explains its no ordinary rubber band its a homing band, it always comes home. he takes it with both hands and shoots it and the rubber bands back on the deck double banded.
Materials:
2 rubber bands
1 deck of cards
Explanation:
its really a simple trick but a great opener to start a card routine
have BOTH rubber bands wrapped around the deck. pick up the deck with your left hand and take ONE rubber band off hiding the other one with your left hand fingers. call attention to the rubber band by saying this is not an ordinary rubber band, at the same time you set down the deck you then do the sure shot vanish. heres how you do that
take the rubber band between your thumb and pointer (1st) finger in both hands. move each hand up and down a little like your stretching the band now heres the tricky part. With your right hands pinkey and third finger you grab the band but still hold onto it in your pinch between thumb and 1st finger. now you act to shoot the rubber band with your left hand thumb releases moves forward giving the illusion it shot out of your hands but it actually came back to your right hand fist. from there you just look at the deck.
Silver and Glass
Effect:
You have a glass in front of you, you take a handkerchief or a paper towel (napkin if at restaurant) and cover the glass with it. You take out two quarters, you give them everything to examine.then you say how every thing is solid matter including the table. You pick up one coin and hold it over the glass. The magician then drops the coin. The specs. see nothing but hear the coin hitting the glass. You do it again with the second coin and they not see but hear it drop in the glass. now the magician firmly slams the napkin down and the glass is not there. The magician then brings his other hand up from the bottom of the table and has the glass with both coins.
Materials:
All you need is two coins a glass and a handkerchief or napkin something that holds its shape newspaper is the best.
Explanation:
This effect is a much stronger version of saltshaker thru table.
First you put your two coins to the right of you and place them down. You then place a napkin so its covering the glass. then you give them the coins to inspect and the glass and napkin then you show that the table is real and not a gimmick or something, While doing that you bring the glass backwards and ditch it in your lap ( you have to have some real guts using your friends glass) this takes practice practice practice!
you put the napkin back down make sure it holds its shape. Then you pick up one coin with your right hand, false transfer into a thumb clip and have that right hand by the edge of the table. You then take your left hand (they think its in this hand) and hold it over the glass and pretend like your dropping an invisible coin. at the same time you do that you drop the coin thumb clipped into the glass on your lap. repeat with second coin.you then say matter doesn't matter to me then you firmly smush the napkin on the table.bringing up the glass on your palm and drop out the coins.
You have a glass in front of you, you take a handkerchief or a paper towel (napkin if at restaurant) and cover the glass with it. You take out two quarters, you give them everything to examine.then you say how every thing is solid matter including the table. You pick up one coin and hold it over the glass. The magician then drops the coin. The specs. see nothing but hear the coin hitting the glass. You do it again with the second coin and they not see but hear it drop in the glass. now the magician firmly slams the napkin down and the glass is not there. The magician then brings his other hand up from the bottom of the table and has the glass with both coins.
Materials:
All you need is two coins a glass and a handkerchief or napkin something that holds its shape newspaper is the best.
Explanation:
This effect is a much stronger version of saltshaker thru table.
First you put your two coins to the right of you and place them down. You then place a napkin so its covering the glass. then you give them the coins to inspect and the glass and napkin then you show that the table is real and not a gimmick or something, While doing that you bring the glass backwards and ditch it in your lap ( you have to have some real guts using your friends glass) this takes practice practice practice!
you put the napkin back down make sure it holds its shape. Then you pick up one coin with your right hand, false transfer into a thumb clip and have that right hand by the edge of the table. You then take your left hand (they think its in this hand) and hold it over the glass and pretend like your dropping an invisible coin. at the same time you do that you drop the coin thumb clipped into the glass on your lap. repeat with second coin.you then say matter doesn't matter to me then you firmly smush the napkin on the table.bringing up the glass on your palm and drop out the coins.
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