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Have you ever been to a magic show, sitting there mesmerized as
you asked yourself, “How did they do that?” As you know, magic
is more an illusion, creating the vision that something is
happening although it is not. While magicians use many
different tools of the trade, one of the most popular is the
invisible thread. Trying to get magicians to divulge their
secrets associated with the invisible thread is near impossible.

However, we do want to provide you with some highlights and
tips about the top seven magic trick tips performed using
invisible thread.

What is “Invisible Thread”?

The first of the seven magic trick tips using invisible thread
is to understand what it is. This type of thread is actually a
very fine stand of nylon used primarily for getting small
objects to levitate. For years, magicians worked with invisible
thread and their hands only, meaning they had to be very precise
in their movements for the magic tricks to appear flawless.
Today, magicians can use an invisible thread reel, which not
only dispenses the thread but it is also designed to retract it.

Because of this, the magician is able to maintain a constant
tension on the line so there are no mishaps in the performance.

Invisible Thread Reel Size

The second tip when using a thread reel is to use the
appropriate size. Since different objects need different types
of control, thread reels are made in a number of different
sizes. Typically, the longer the tube the more distance you
will get from the reel while the more tension the less distance.

For magicians, the idea is to use the smaller size invisible
thread reels for close-up work opposed to a larger reel for
distance. As far as size, a stage reel is capable of extending
35 feet, which means a magician could easily perform a “floating
bill” trick in the center of a room with no nearby walls.
However, if you want to really impress a crowd, you could
perform the same floating bill trick outdoors simply by
anchoring the reel to the ground. With this, it would appear
the trick was impossible and the crown cheers.

What about Tension?

Third on the list of seven trick tips using invisible thread is
using the right tension. As you pull the invisible thread out
of the reel, there will be an increase in tension. What happens
at some point is that the pull will become too much for the
thread, causing it to break. If you want to put more tension on
the thread reel, wind more of the invisible thread into a wax
ball. What you do not want to do is add additional winds on the
elastic, which would only make it cumbersome.

Floating Objects

Next on the list is insight into working with floating objects.
When using invisible thread for a magic trick, keep in mind that
you want something that is light enough not to sag by putting
too much weight on the thread. The key is to choose objects
that you can easily move and maintain in a position in space,
which is why the floating bill is such a popular choice. Other
choices to use an invisible thread magic trick include ring
fingers, an empty soda can, etc. The greatest benefit of using
a thread reel is that when you walk away from your floating
object, you are actually transferring energy to the reel, which
can then be used to make the bill float from the floor to your
hand – magically.

Those Darn Lights

Next, to use invisible thread, you have to know how to use
correct lighting. If you are a magician or just practicing to
be one and you want to perform tricks with the invisible thread,
remember that lighting is crucial. The two main factors to
consider when using the thread reel are light source and
clothing. Typically, the best conditions for a magic trick with
invisible thread are cloudy days and the worst, direct lighting
that comes from behind you. With this, the light will only
reflect off the thread, thus being seen by the audience. For
clothing, anything dark will serve as a backdrop for the thread,
thus making it easier to see. For this reason, you should go
with lighter, non-reflective type clothing. Magic is always fun
and with some practice, you will soon learn a number of magic
tricks with invisible thread, perfect for entertaining family
and friends.

Methodology

The sixth of the seven magic trick tips using invisible thread
has to do with methods of performing the tricks, such as the
Hoop Pass. This is actually considered one of the greatest
tricks you can do with the invisible thread reel, which involves
passing a solid hoop over a bill. The key is to use a ring with
a relatively thick stock, which will put less strain on the
thread as it goes over the metal hoop. Lay the hoop on the
thread so it is between you and the floating bill. Then, with
your hand, scoop the ring through so the thread is now on the
back of the left hand. Next, use the right hand to pass the
hoop over the bill. To complete the trick, all you do is let
the thread slide off from the back of your hand. Remember, this
is just one of many methods used with the invisible thread, so
have fun practicing them all.

Finishing the Show

The final tip is that whatever trick being performed using
invisible thread and/or a reel, it should never kill the effect.

In other words, you want to keep your audience wanting more.
If you carry a trick on too far, you will lose the interest of
the audience so it would be far better to keep the tricks short
and sweet. In addition, put some meaning and emphasis in your
performances to leave your audience with a memory of your magic
ability. We recommend you use the invisible thread late in your
show, which will end the performance on a fun note.

Dion Semeniuk is the owner of the popular online magic shop, This is Magic, which specialize in Invisible Thread Magic. To receive 4 free magic tricks and learn more about the ITR, visit thisismagic.com thisismagic.com

Madonna, Sting, and Demi Moore have recently “discovered” what Hindu brides have known for centuries: henna paste decorates the body with temporary tattoos. Usually applied to the hands and feet, the body becomes a canvas for patterns of scrolls, vines, or flowers that last for a few weeks.

Henna paste, or mendhi, takes from a few minutes to a few hours to apply depending upon the bodily location and the desired detail of the design. After the drawing with cones or syringes is finished, the paste dries to allow the color to become absorbed by the skin. While this takes only 10-15 minutes, the paste should be left on the skin for another 6 hours to achieve the most lasting affect. A sugar and lemon mixture dabbed on the dried mendhi deepens the final color. When fully dry, the crust falls off on its own. Gentle toweling removes any last bits. The tattoo lasts longer with moisture but gradually lightens through natural exfoliation of the skin. Harsh soaps, chlorine and commercial exfoliation speeds the fading of the design.

Celebrations, such as childbirth and birthdays, may include mehndi, but it is Indian brides who traditionally display the most elaborate designs covering their feet and hands. Applying the paste is a celebratory pre-wedding ritual to bring love and good fortune to the couple but it has neither religious nor sacred meaning. Occasionally brides choose to mendhi much of their body and include the name of their groom amongst the designs. It is his right and duty to carefully search for it on the wedding night.
In the Middle East, mendhi days are spent getting to know women of the family as the designs are applied. Females gather to adorn skin with the more casual floral patterns inspired by Arabic art. It is a woman’s day to put away household responsibilities and share a joyful activity with others of her gender.

Leaves are ground into a paste and may be mixed with other ingredients such as oil or tea. The resulting mash remains dark green or black even though the stain is consistently reddish brown. Recipes for henna mixtures are well-guarded family secrets for good reasons. Women want their family members to have a deep, rich tattoo as tradition proclaims the bride doesn’t do housework as long as her design can be seen. In addition, how much your mother-in-law will love you correlates with the length of time the mendhi remains.

The paste that has adorned so many women comes from Lawsonia inermis, a small tree that grows in areas where the minimum temperature is usually greater than 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Lawsonia inermis is a thorny tree that needs about five years to mature and produce leaves with useful levels of tannin. It grows better in arid than in wet regions and tolerates extreme heat and long droughts. Its origins as a tattoo paste can be traced to areas of Northern Africa, the Middle East and India. Blossoms of the same tree have been used in perfumes since 1500 BCE.

The use of this abundant plant began in earnest when the desert people of India discovered its “cooling” properties. By dipping their hands and feet into the mud or paste made from the crushed leaves, they were able to keep their body temperatures low as long as some color remained. In the arid heat of their desert environment, this was indeed a fortuitous discovery!

From this general application came more specific ones. Women found that a large central dot in the palm cooled as well as staining the entire hand or foot. This rudimentary design was embellished with dots around the center which evolved into the use of increasingly pleasing designs.

In addition to being used to apply temporary tattoos, henna has been used to color wool, silk, animal skins and men’s beards. Mummies dating to 1200 B.C. show evidence of henna use on hair and nails of pharaohs. Today the deep-colored paste is used by women to give luster to their hair as well as hide the grey.

When an Indian woman asks her husband if he has mendhi on his hands, it doesn’t mean she really thinks he is decorated with reddish-brown body art below his wrists. She is referring to her bridal days when she wasn’t expected to work while the mendhi could still be seen and is asking if this is also HIS reason for laziness.

Sandra Wilson is an author, teacher and international lecturer. While teaching in India she made several trips to the Taj Mahal, the focus of her historical novel, TAJ. For more information, visit her website at taj-womanandwonder.com taj-womanandwonder.com