How to Make a Salt Shaker Disappear

Series Summary

The essence of magic is the subtle art of illusion—it is the practiced performance of misdirection, deception and trickery. The magician, sorcerer, or alchemist transforms the natural into the supernatural through a carefully constructed routine designed to lead the mind with suggestion and the eyes with sleight of hand. Throughout magic’s long history, people have entertained, befuddled, or swindled individuals and crowds with dramatic effect, confidence and charisma. It is generally accepted today that there is nothing supernatural about magic; in essence, a magician is skillfully conjuring the appearance of true magic by way of technique. This is why many magicians call themselves "illusionists," embracing the idea that the audience enjoys the trick because they don’t understand how such an amazing feat could have been performed by natural means. Magic tricks are not only great for stage and street performance but are also well suited for entertainment at parties or as ice breakers at small gatherings. In this free video series, learn how to perform some basic magic tricks. Our expert, Paul Weatherbee, has been performing magic since he was seven years old. He demonstrates some tricks of the trade. Learn some popular magic tricks, like the disappearing coin, the coin behind the ear and the lucky card. Find out how to do some brain teasers as well. Confuse friends and family by slicing an unpeeled banana or tying an impossible knot. Thinking of becoming a magician or illusionist? Weatherbee gives advice about starting a career as a magician. So, take a moment, and learn how to perform some simple magic tricks today!

Video Transcript

"Hi, I'm magician Paul Weatherbee and I am going to vanish this coin. Put the coin right there, salt shaker goes over the coin, and then wrap the salt shaker up in a couple of napkins here, just like this. Ok. and now for the vanishing coin trick. One, two, three, whoops the coin is still there. Let's try that again. One, two, three, well the coin is still there. Well, better yet, let's just make the salt shaker disappear. Even though I said I was going to vanish the coin, this is actually the vanishing salt shaker trick. Put the coin on the table, the salt shaker goes over the coin, and then you wrap the salt shaker in napkins, but it's important to tell everybody that you're going to vanish the coin because all their attention will be focused on the coin. You show them the coin the first time that it hasn't vanished, try it again, show it to them again, but this time when you get the salt shaker over the edge of the table, just let go and let it drop into your lap. The napkin holds the shape of the salt shaker, and then just say instead of making the coin vanish we'll make the salt shaker vanish, and that is the vanishing salt shaker. I hope you have fun with that. Until next time, keep the magic in your life."