If you don’t have a lot of time to prepare for this trick, or are going to levitate something like a dollar, wax is better to use as tape is harder to remove from the object. [2] X Research source The best type of string to use is an elastic string or thread which will easily stretch. You can find these threads in magic shops or online. You are going to attach one end of the string to the back of your ear and the other to your object. Make sure you cut the string so it’s long enough to easily stretch from behind your ear to your finger. [3] X Research source
If you are using tape, place the tip of string on the tape, then wrap the string around the tape. Fold the tape over so that your string is firmly attached.
It’s easiest to use the hand that is on the opposite side of where you placed the string behind your ear. For example, if you placed the string behind your right ear, use your left hand, and vice versa. Only apply the adhesive to one finger. Because you will be handling an object like a dollar or card, you want to keep most of your fingers free of wax. Doing this will allow you to hold the object without having it stick to your hand.
This part can be a little tricky as the end of your string is sticking to your finger currently. Transfer the string and adhesive from your finger to the object. Hold the object in place with your free hand as you pull away with the hand that had the string. For example, if you are levitating a card, place the tip of the string with your tape or wax onto one side of your card. Slide your finger away to cause the string to stick to the card and not your finger. If you are levitating a crumpled up object such as paper or a dollar, Crumple the object around the string and adhesive. Then remove your finger. Make sure the string is now sticking to the object and not your hand.
You can use your hand which is touching the string to manipulate your object’s movements. Think of it like directing a puppet on strings. Place your other hand under your object to make it look like you are using the energy between your hands to make the object float.
Uncrumple the object such as the dollar and as you do so, either pull the tape off or pull the string away if you used wax. If you did use wax, rub the area a bit to disperse the wax and wear down the adhesive property. Your audience will most likely not notice any leftover wax on the dollar. If you used tape, you will have to quickly peel the tape off your object.
If you make your own, simply tie two ends together into a small knot to form a loop. Start with your loop around your wrist like a bracelet. Or, if it feels more comfortable to you, position your loop around your index finger and the outside of your thumb. This is a great method for doing up-close street magic on the spot.
Because your loop is so thin and light, you will need a light object that won’t break the thread.
Begin explaining that you’re going to levitate the object using the energy created from your hands.
You want to grab the loop with your other hand and begin to stretch it. With the loop going around both hands you now have a small platform to balance the object on.
This will allow you to quickly balance the object on top of your loop, making it look like it’s levitating.
Be careful to move your hands slowly so as not to break the loop or cause your object to fall.
You can now let your audience inspect the object to see that it is ordinary.
This trick is less of an illusion where your audience won’t see you prep. Because you won’t have much time in between prep and actually performing the trick, it’s more of a science trick. You need two straws that are still in the paper wrappers. Tear the wrapper toward one end of the straw, but don’t remove the wrapper. Your straws will still be in the wrappers, but you will have separated a long portion of the sleeve. This longer sleeve will be used to create friction. The small bit of paper left on the other end stays in place to prevent you from touching the plastic straw before you need to.
Pinch the ends of the straws between your teeth, making sure that you don’t get the paper wet. Slide the long sleeves of paper up and down on the straws several times to build a charge. Make sure to pinch the end of the straws firmly, using the tip of the wrapper as a barrier between your teeth and the plastic.
With the straws still pinched between your teeth, slide the long sleeves up and down on the straws a few times before sliding the paper off completely. The up and down motion of the paper on the plastic creates the charge. You will now have two straws which have a static charge.
Doing this will transfer the static charge from the straws to your hands. Hold the straws for about three seconds. Then let go and drop both straws. Make sure to not touch anything except the dollar you will levitate.
You need to grab the dollar so one finger is on the top and one on the bottom. Raise your hands up, making sure not to touch anything other than the dollar.
Keep your hands close to the dollar with one hand above it and the other below. The dollar will levitate because of the transfer of static electricity moving between your hands. It will only last for a few seconds before the charge dissipates.
