Magic For the Slight of Hand
Written By Gregory Lauzon
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money clip flip
paper clips magically link themselves together
This one's tricky at first, but once you learn how to fold and clip the bills, it works every time. And it can be used to conjure an allowance supplement from Grandpa.
the business: Get -- or borrow -- a crisp dollar bill and two medium-size paper clips. Different colors will make the joining more dramatic.
the show: Boast that you can hook two paper clips together without ever touching them. Next, with George's mug facing you, accordion-fold a dollar bill into thirds, left hand over right (#1, below). Slide one paper clip on the bottom two layers near the far right edge. Slide the other paper clip over the top two layers at the far left edge (#2). (Practice this until you nail it.) When you're all set, take hold of the right edge of the bill with your right hand, and the left edge of the bill with your left hand (#3).
Show the audience how far apart the paper clips are. After a couple of little practice tugs, give the bill a firm tug. The paper clips will click together and fly up and onto the floor. The harder you pull, the higher the paper clips soar. For your next trick, pick up the linked paper clips, display them (#4), and quietly pocket the dollar bill.
