Many of us are afraid of Fantasio Vanishing Candles because of the great fear of dropping them. Candle magic is so visual and exciting (Just check out Fantasio's highly polished and wonderful act!), that it is well worth any consequences of dropping one. However, it doesn't hurt to have a little insurance against it!
I have created a surefire gimmick that easily attached to a Fantasio Vanishing Candle, that will eliminate your chances of dropping one in the future. That explanation follows:
Take a 1" split key ring (made of thin music wire). Tie a 1 1/2" piece of elastic cord (the same color as your candle) to the key ring. You can buy elastic cord at sewing supply stores. For colors of elastic other than white, simply color the white elastic with a magic marker.
Buy some Scotch colored plastic tape to match the candle at a hardware or drug store. Cut a 1/2" piece, and place it over the elastic, so it runs along the elastic with 1" of elastic and the key ring hanging out below. Tape this against the top edge of the bottom coil of your vanishing candle (Fig.1). Trim off the excess tape. Since the tape runs along the top edge of the bottom coil, you can still insert the expanded candle into the candle holder ring (Fig.2).
To perform, remove the candle from its holder. Grip the candle in the left hand, and insert your little finger through the ring (Fig.3).
When you vanish the candle, it will not fall out of your hand! Use a loose-fitting key ring so the little finger can slip out easily to ditch the candle after the vanish. If the elastic pulls too tightly on the key ring, replace it with a longer piece.
A few candle vanishes follow that use this safety catch. Enjoy!
EFFECT: An 18" lit, white candle changes into a brilliant burst of white paper throw streamers!
APPARATUS: Fantasio Vanishing White Candle with Ring Holder; Scotch Clear Tape; White Paper Throw Streamers; Butane Lighter; Zippo Lighter Fluid.
SETUP: Tape the ends of the white paper throw streamers to the outside of the candle ring holder (you receive one with a Fantasio Vanishing Candle). Attach a safety catch to the bottom of the candle as described in Safety Catch. Fill the Fantasio Vanishing Candle with Zippo lighter fluid. Expand the candle, and insert it in the ring holder (Fig.1). Set the candle horizontally in your table with the throw streamers. Place the butane lighter in your left jacket pocket.
PRESENTATION: Remove the candle and ring holder with the streamers attached, from the table with the right hand. The throw streamers are hidden in the right hand. The left hand removes the lighter from the jacket pocket, and lights the candle.
Pivot to your left. Insert your left little finger into the safety catch and remove the candle, while the right hand holds the ring holder and the throw streamers. Insert the tip of the right middle finger into the candle ring holder (Fig.2). Slowly run the right hand from the bottom to the top of the candle.
When your right hand reaches the flame, two things happen simultaneously: 1) The left hand releases its grip on the candle, letting it collapse down, and 2) The right hand tosses the throw streamers over the audience (Fig.3). While still facing left, secretly ditch the collapsed candle into your left pants pocket before turning back to the front. This will leave you clean. You can follow this effect by pulling the streamers in, and magically producing a dove, Chinese Fan or Snowstorm in China.
STANDUP RUBBER BALLS IN THE BOX
Questions?? Comments?? Contact Mike directly.
