Learn A Magic Trick

A cool trick even non magic kids can do.

Harry Potter fans would love to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and take Transfiguration class from Professor McGonagall -- turning a mouse into a snuffbox, for example, with points taken away if the snuffbox has whiskers. -- but kids can pick up a little magic elsewhere.

They can bewitch their friends and befuddle their families with this snazzy bit of sorcery magician Kevin Wilson of South Bend. Here, Wilson (who has enchanted audiences with tricks since he was 12), demonstrates the mysterious linking of two paper clips.

The ingredients are few and easy to find around the house. They are: a dollar bill or piece of paper the size of a dollar bill, and two paper clips.

Nancy Johnson

As reported by the South Bend Tribune

Here's How To Do The Trick

Materials

MATERIALS: A piece of paper and two paper clips.

A piece of paper and two paper clips.

Step 1

STEP 1: Fold the paper into thirds, making it into a Z shape. Call the sections 1, 2 and 3.

Fold the paper into thirds, making it into a Z shape. Call the sections 1, 2 and 3.

Step 2

Photo_Step_2

Clip together sections 1 and 2 near the fold between sections 2 and 3. The clip should be parallel to the fold.

Step 3

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Clip together sections 2 and 3 near the opposite fold.

Step 4

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The trick is now ready to finish, but to distract and impress your audience, turn the paper over and over several times. Tell the audience you are giving it "magic flips".

Step 5

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With the clips pointing down, grasp both ends of the paper and pull sharply. (Here is a good place to say "Abracadabra!") The paper will straighten and the clips will fly off — magically linked.

Step 6

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Hold up the linked clips and accept your applause.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Kids who want to expand their magic repertoire can consult these books: