● APPARATUS METHODS ●
8. This action, properly executed, creates the impression that the silk is being drawn from the closed right fist.
9. After the silk has been developed, the left hand again approaches the top of the left fist, thumb and first finger going into the top. The corner is pushed into the tip (in one movement), the tip replaced on the left finger, and the corner, of the full silk taken between the thumb and first finger of the left hand.
10. The full silk is now pulled up through the closed right fist and finally displayed with a corner being held in either hand.
11. As the silk is pocketed or laid aside the fingertip is discarded.
From a Paper Cone *
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●● A L BAKER ●●
The method about to be described is AL PRODUCTO, on Al Baker exclusive, marketed by Mr. Baker for a number of years. A similar version appeared in a recent book, but no credit was given to the inventor who generously grants me permission to present his original version here. Effect:
A silk is produced from a small paper cone formed from a piece of newspaper shown repeatedly on both sides. The silk pops up from the cone when it is snapped with the fingers.
Required:
1. A 15” or 18” silk.
2. A piece of newspaper 3” x 4”. 3. A newspaper gimmick.
The gimmick is a cone made of newspaper. When ready for use the gimmick measures 1¾ in diameter at the mouth and is 3” high, Figure 12. The gimmick is made as follows:
1. Cut a half circle from a sheet of newspaper, Fig. 9.
2. Apply a thin layer of paste to the shaded area, ‘BCX’, Figure 9.
3.
Bring the corner “A” up to a point “X”, Figure 10.4. Corner “B” is now brought up to complete the cone, Fig II. If properly formed the cone measures about 1¾” across the open mouth.
5. Finally, clip off the end “C” with a pair of scissors so that the third finger may enter the newly created opening and the cone will stay on the finger without falling off. The finished cone is shown in Figure 12.
Preparation:
Push the silk into the large opening of the cone and tuck in the loose ends. Holding several fingers over
the mouth of the cone to prevent the silk from being forced out, insert a finger in the small opening, pushing back any silk that may exist in this end of the core. This small opening must be free to admit the third finger during the presentation of the effect. Lay the loaded cone on the table with the small piece of newspaper over it. Other articles on the table will help conceal the set up.
Production:
Standing with the right shoulder nearest to the audience, pick up the paper, using both hands. The left hand holds the laded core in place under the piece of newspaper while the third finger of the right hand enters the opening, Figure 13. Once the cone is securely attached to the finger, the hands assume the position shown in Figure 14, the third right finger carrying the loaded cone into the right palm as illustrated.
The piece of newspaper is turned over several times, showing both sides in the following manner: bring the index fingers back of the paper and just above the thumbs, Figure 15. Shift the thumbs to position just vacated by the index fingers, Figure 16. The paper is now held by the index and middle fingers of the two hands, and by pushing up with the thumbs, will turn over with no movement of the rest of the hand. By shifting the fingers and thumbs again, the paper can be turned over once more revolving as if on an axis. During the showing of the paper the loaded and out of view by the third finger and the fleshy part of the thumb at the right palm.
The left hand now pushes the paper towards the right so that the right edge goes between the first and second fingers of the right hand, and at the same time the third finger of the right hand straightens out, Figure 17, leaving the loaded cone nipped behind the paper with the left thumb, Figure 18. The right hand comes up and carelessly straightens the paper at the right end, thereby deliberately showing this hand empty without calling attention to it.
around the loaded cone, forming it slowly and neatly. Hold the finished cone in the left hand and snap it on its side with the finger and thumb of the right hand which will cause the silk to pop up, Figure 19.
Remove the silk slowly, pinching the side of the cone so the “qimmick cone” won’t be pulled into view too. Turn the mouth of the cone to the audience, showing it empty; then crush it and toss it aside.
From an Empty Tube
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A cardboard or metal tube is shown empty, set on the palm of the hand or over on empty glass, and when lifted, a silk has materialized.
The silk, prepared with the Trap-Fold, is held in place just inside of one end of the tube with a bobby pin, Figure 20, or a strip of tissue paper pasted to hold it in place, Figure 21. To produce the silk:
1. Pick up the tube with either hand so that the thumb is outside and the four fingers inside, covering the silk.
2. Hold the tube so that the spectators can see through it, the cupped fingers concealing the silk, Fig. 22
3. Set the tube on the palm of the hand, or over an empty glass.
4. Push the silk clear of the bobby pin with the fingers, or break the paper, and the silk will expand.