talkmagic.co.uk

Hi all
As a beginner one of the basic effects I have learnt is to vanish a coin to produce in a brass nest of boxes, I havent got a gimmicked hanky so have been doing the coin vanish by way of the Paper coin fold technique.
However rather than tear the folded paper pouch up once the transfer has been made I thought it would create more impact for it to disappear in a flash, as this also gives me an excuse to move the palmed coin to pocket/nest to retrieve matches/lighter.
I've never handled flash paper - can anybody comment on the pros/cons of this idea?

Many thanks
Paul

Hey Pablo

Although I have not chosen to work with flash paper either, I have researched it a fair amount.

The good thing for flash paper is that it is a easy distraction technique, causing spectators to focus on the flame. It also adds a new experience to your magic.

I can't think of too many downsides, besides the fact you'd want to use flash paper constructively, causing the effect to be realistic, rather than cheesy or 'proppy'.

If you are a beginner than this may not be applicable, but I'll add this in case, and for others reading this thread. That if you are using flash paper, you want to watch your environment and audience.

For example, if you are working in a restaurant, then using flash paper or other fire effects could be dangerous as it could startle passing waiters who are carefully carrying a platter of expensive glasses and wine.

I also don't know if flash paper has any risk regarding people who tend to have seizures, just something that occurs to me.

pablo diablo 73 wrote:Hi all
As a beginner one of the basic effects I have learnt is to vanish a coin to produce in a brass nest of boxes, I havent got a gimmicked hanky so have been doing the coin vanish by way of the Paper coin fold technique.l

If I understand what your talking about here standard flash paper won't help you, it's very thin like tissue and doesn't really 'fold' so that it will hold it's shape.

You'll have to make sure to ask for a thicker flash paper. I think it might be 'flash card' but I don't really know.

Hi Jean

Thats what I was concerned by, although on the Magic Nevin website they sell a premium sheet which they claim is closer to real paper and can even be written on. I guess for a few quid I could get some to experiment with.

Assuming I'd be holding the folded pouch between the tips of my thumb and finger, is there any risk of burning fingers or does the paper burn out so quickly that its not really an issue?

I'm not advanced enough to be performing to anyone other than friends in the pub, but I need to be aware of creating smoke/danger that may be inappropriate.

Perhaps I should make the gimmicked hanky afterall or work on my coin vanishes!!

Make the gimmicked hanky. Don't get me wrong I love flash paper, cotton, fire in general.

Can you burn yourself? Yes
Does it create good misdirection? Yes and no. Yes because it does in that enables you to go to your pocket for a lighter, but there are lots of reasons to go to your pocket, magic pocket lint is a good example. No it doesn't make good misdirection because magicians tend to get riliant on it and try to make the move during the flame. Almost impossible flame is too fast, the extra motion is a dead giveaway.

There are so many rules and regulations with fire these days it almost isn't worth it. Here in the US and in Canada flash products fall under the department of 'energy, mines and explosives' who manage to keep themselves in business by creating ton's of paperwork to be able to sell and keep the product legally, (most keep it illegally) the problem is if you have a fire and the fire marshall believes there was/is explosives (yes even flash paper) on the premises your insurance is pretty much going to laugh at you when you try to collect.

The hank is so much more useful. But flash paper is so much more fun.

The question of using flash paper is a personal one as is any effect using fire.

Things to consider;

Does the introduction of fire, enhance or distract from the effect? It might be really cool to wrap a coin in paper and set it a flame to vanish a coin, but would a retention vanish be more appropriate in conjunction with the nest of boxes? Imo because they actually see the coin go into the hand before receiving the boxes, makes the transposition that much more impressive.

Can you use fire in the venue your working in? Many a pub, bar, club have insurance issues with using fire in a live performance. Best to check before using it.

Do you understand the risks and precautions you need to take before using fire? When using fire there is always a risk you will be burnt and can set a venue a flame. Do you have proper fire prevention training, materials and or first aid equipment to deal with an accident?

Those are just some things to consider, you may think of more? Just know that if you work with fire, you can and will be burnt, at some point.

Is it worth it?

Just asking?

I just realized you are talking about coin to nested boxes, (one day I'll read the entire post and not skim through them) Just learn a coin vanish. No reason for a hank or flash paper really. All in all a great effect provided you have a decent presentation to go with it.

Correct Bmat.

Thanks for all the advice - I think I'll give the flash paper a miss then, and work on my retention vanish and other coin sleights. I'm a newbie and have been favouring self working stuff but there comes a time when I guess you just have to knuckle down and learn the fundamental moves!!

cheers

pablo diablo 73 wrote:Correct Bmat.

Thanks for all the advice - I think I'll give the flash paper a miss then, and work on my retention vanish and other coin sleights. I'm a newbie and have been favouring self working stuff but there comes a time when I guess you just have to knuckle down and learn the fundamental moves!!

cheers

It is well worth the effort Pablo. It is fun and with a few sleights you will open many doors to new effects.

Nic