Magic For the Slight of Hand
Written By Gregory Lauzon
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ice breath
just a huff and a puff is all it takes to freeze a cup of water
While this trick involves no sleight of hand, it does require a bit of practice. That's because it's a pure sales job. You have to sell the trick as you set it up, and keep selling while you give it a chance to work.
the business: Cut a sponge into a circle that fits tightly into the bottom of a nontransparent paper or plastic cup and won't fall out when you turn the cup over. Place an ice cube on top of the sponge. Put a small amount of water (about ⅛ cup) into a clear glass or a small clear pitcher.
the show: Present the glass (or pitcher) of water to your audience. Explain that you have really cold breath and you can freeze water just by blowing on it! Hold up the cup with the hidden sponge and ice cube, and pour in the water or invite a member of the audience to do it. (Be sure to keep the rigged cup high enough so your audience can't see in.) Now blow on the sponge cup with your ice breath, allowing time for the sponge to soak up the water. Slowly turn the cup over and let the ice cube fall out.
tips:
• Wedge in two sponge circles for more absorbency.
• Squeeze out your sponges between shows.
• Wet your ice cube so it doesn't stick to the sponge.
