Hands up guys - I know I was wrong here. Tried to do burnt bill in envelope. I'd done this trick years ago with success. But for last 7 years I've only been doing close up but I had a stand up show the other day and thought I'd do it. So I practiced the secret move with the bill and envelope extensively and thoroughly and had it smooth and perfect again. The one thing I didn't do in practice is burn the envelope! I knew my wife would probably walk in and go beserk - she wouldn't agree if I asked her beforehand. Years ago the envelope burnt ok so I thought I'd be fine. The show was quite up-market and I thought I'd use good quality envelopes. I had no idea they would not burn. It went out within moments after 5 attempts each time!
I've bought lighter fuel and used it for my second show last night with complete success. I always practice anything I do from beginning to end, here was the one exception and look what you get. Even if you THINK you can do it because it's dead easy, something called sods law (it is called that in the UK anyway) will show you that come the live performance it is not so easy!

Well done, mrsmiles. You've just re-learned one of the most important lessons in magic. Practice everything BEFORE doing it for the public.

Now...don't let it happen again!

Mark.

Put a bit of flash paper inside the envelope, in the corner. That's what I do. Actually, I use a paper napkin that contains the bill... Sometimes a cloth bandana... That's always funny. A big hole quickly burned into a hanky.