MAGICIAN'S THUMBTIP

Inside your set is an incredibly versatile magic prop that looks like a false thumb. With this special gimmick, called a ‘thumb tip’, you can make small items appear or disappear while both hands are apparently empty! This piece of apparatus is one of the best-kept secrets in magic. We trust that you will respect this prop and never reveal it to anyone. When you use it, it will be your invisible assistant!

Note: Although the thumb tip is flesh-coloured, do not worry if it does not match your skin tone. When performed correctly, the prop should never be seen.

The Vanishing Handkerchief

Make a silk handkerchief vanish into thin air, then reappear!

Secret: With the thumb tip on your right thumb, hold the handkerchief in your right hand so the thumb tip is hidden behind it.

Show your left hand to be empty and then form a fist. Secretly push the thumb tip into your fist. This action is easily concealed under cover of the handkerchief. Now, begin tucking the handkerchief into the hidden thumb tip in your left fist.

Once the handkerchief is completely inside the thumb tip, use your right thumb to give one final ‘push’ into your fist.

As you take out your thumb, you retain the thumb tip on it, secretly stealing the handkerchief out of your left hand.

Slowly and dramatically, open your hand to reveal that the handkerchief has completely vanished!

The Reappearing Handkerchief

Once the handkerchief has vanished, you can make it reappear from anywhere!

Secret: After vanishing the handkerchief, you can make it reappear from your pocket by reaching into it with your right hand and pulling the handkerchief from the thumb tip (leaving your secret prop behind). Alternatively, you can make the handkerchief magically reappear by reversing the vanishing actions and pulling the handkerchief from your apparently empty fist.

The Vanishing Handkerchief (Advanced)

With just a little more practice you can steal the thumb tip without pushing your right thumb into your fist. This subtle handling not only hides the secret better, it also makes the vanish more elegant.

Once the handkerchief has been completely tucked inside your left fist, gently use your right fingertips to push the handkerchief deep into the thumb tip.

Now, secretly move the thumb tip so that its open end pokes out between your left fingers, away from the audience.

From this position, you can secretly place your right thumb directly into the thumb tip. This is a far more deceptive handling of the Vanishing Handkerchief, and is well worth learning.

Salty Sorcery

You can make over 10,000 individual objects disappear! It sounds impressive and is easy to do. Salt poured into a handkerchief mysteriously vanishes!

Secret: Start with the thumb tip on your right thumb. Take the handkerchief between your thumb and fingers, with the thumb tip hidden behind it.

Make your left hand into a fist and lay the handkerchief over it. With your right thumb, make a well in the handkerchief by poking the thumb tip into your fist. As you do this, leave the thumb tip behind.

Pour some salt into the hidden thumb tip (until it’s about half full). Use your right thumb to pretend to push the salt down. Secretly, your thumb actually lifts the thumb tip and salt away. Grip the corner of the handkerchief with your right hand and lift it away from your left hand, revealing that the salt has vanished. This way, the thumb tip is again hidden behind the handkerchief.

Appearing Salt

To make the salt reappear, make a loose fist with your right hand, holding your thumb inside your hand. With your left hand, make a magical gesture over your right fist as you casually remove your right thumb from your fist (secretly leaving the thumb tip hidden in your hand).

Now, turn your right fist over and dramatically pour the salt from the thumb tip!

The Vanishing Elephant

Explain that you can make an elephant completely disappear! Produce a small piece of paper with the word ‘Elephant’ written on it. Tuck it into your hand. When your hand is opened, the paper has completely vanished!

Secret: The actions are similar to those used in ‘The Vanishing Handkerchief’. Instead of the handkerchief, you can use a small piece of paper. Write the word ‘Elephant’ on the paper (or draw an elephant if you prefer) and combine the secret with good showmanship!

The Balancing Card

An impossible balance of a playing card on your outstretched palm.

Secret: Although it may be possible to balance a playing card on its edge, it would take perfect conditions and a lot of practice! However, with the aid of your secret thumb tip, it’s easy!
With the thumb tip in place on your right thumb, openly display a regular playing card. The thumb tip will be naturally hidden behind the card.

Take the card between your left index finger and thumb, taking the thumb tip at the same time.

Now, perform the apparently difficult act of balancing the card on your right palm, secretly leaning it against the hidden thumb tip.

Once the demonstration is complete, remove the card (and hidden thumb tip) with your left hand. Return the card to your right hand, secretly replacing the thumb tip on your right thumb in the process. You can now hand out the playing card for examination and challenge your audience to attempt this impossible balance.