How to Do the Thumb and Pin Illusion

Your audience will gasp with surprise when you perform the thumb and pin illusion. In the illusion, you will stick several sharp pins into the end of your thumb. If the thumb and pin illusion is done correctly, it's a very effective trick, but just remember that practice is the secret to success.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 carrot
• Several sharp pins
• Handkerchief

1. Cut a chunk of carrot roughly the size of your thumb.

2. Hold the chunk of carrot in your hand so it protrudes from your closed fist and cover it with the handkerchief. The carrot should be held in such a way that it appears that you are sticking your thumb up under the handkerchief.

3. Poke a pin in the carrot so that it appears you are poking it into your thumb and wince as if the pin is causing you great pain. Continue poking pins into the carrot using your acting ability to convince your audience that you are actually sticking pins into your thumb.

4. Take the pins out, one at a time, once again indicating great pain by your mannerisms and facial expressions.

5. Remove the handkerchief with a flourish as you surreptitiously grab the carrot at the same time. Hold up your unscarred and undamaged thumb for your amazed audience.

Tips & Warnings

• The thumb and pin illusion is a very simple trick, but convincing your audience that you are in pain is most important part. Practice the trick several times in front of a mirror until you are comfortable with your ability to be convincing.