Got this, and it's great, so much simpler and easier to manage than its blistery predecessors...

Thanks Virungan. Glad you like it.

Make sure you check out the support site as we will add new ideas, handlings, etc.

Tim

The last few days I've been going back to the handling of where it started in that I get the round blister right in front of them secretly as I tell them I burned myself a few days back (my good friend and excellent magician Patrick Wolford originally suggested this). I then display those blisters that have apparently been there all along (though I just secretly acquired them a moment before), light the lighter, and use the flame to apparently morph the blisters to the card blisters (I don't show the change yet but state "it's starting to MOVE" as I look at the blisters), put the lighter away, and say "look - did you pick the 3 of hearts" as I show them the card blister. I "think" I prefer having the blisters already supposedly there. Obviously it is best to only do this effect (stand alone) or do this effect at the end of your set (as if they didn't notice the blisters) as you don't want them to later notice the blisters are gone. I then do Chris' idea of pouring some cold water over my fingers.

I've also been starting with the wonderful thumb through ear that Jeff McBride teaches at the start of his new set Magic at The Edge. As I pull my thumb out of the ear I comment on what happened a few days ago and go from there as described above.

Tim

I do think it is beter to show them that they are there before. Though blisters can show up after seconds, it depends on the heat, and most people know that they won't just show up that quickly. So I show them supposedly there before...however, people will believe it either way

Tim, I REALLY like Patrick Wolford's idea of having the blisters there in the first place. I'm going to incorporate that into my routine. I think it's this type of subtlety that makes this effect even stronger. Thanks very much for sharing that!

I performed this a couple times this weekend, and both times I got the same response... "That's creepy!! How did you do that??"

This *is* a shocking effect!

Robert

Hi Robert. Glad you are getting use from Branded.

The card blister effects are not really eye candy magic like 3 Fly, Self Tying Shoelace, etc. but as you note, it generates a real creepy feel/effect on your audience. Thus it has a long lasting impact.

Thanks for the feedback.

Tim

I thought the part of the gimmick to create the "normal" blisters was unnecessary and took away what would have been an extra force/revelation. The normal blister could have been very easily obtained by the opening which are on all the bic lighters. They make perfect "normal" blisters. Grrr.

Hi Kissdadookie. We considered that option but quite frankly getting the normal blister from the top of the Bic lighter just doesn't look as good. If you look closely, part of the opening where the flame comes out is a flat/straight surface and also you have edges which just don't allow as strong of an image (the surrounding area has to be flat for maximum results). Also, handling wise it just didn't feel right going all over the lighter. Certainly the opening is good impromptu place for the standard blister effect and Greg Wilson and a few others have played with this idea. I personally don't feel one needs a wide range of choices on the card. I always just carry the mini Bic. I think it is more important to maximize the look of the morph as opposed to more card choices. But DO consider your suggestion for impromptu standard blister effects (also check out the Blister Book by Jack Tillar for other ideas) as it is a good way to do it with nothing extra.

Thanks.

Tim

Does anyone else think the "3" is hard to read for spectators?

I received this yesterday and must say it is absolutely wonderful. I love it. It finally answers all the card blister problems (pocketry, etc)

If you don't have this, get it. You will really blow people away......

Buy from Tim directly too and support the creators

Robert Haas

They are all hard to read for the spectators. It just the nature of the effect. The king of clubs leaves the best impression in my opinion.

Rich B.

The 3 looks fine to me. The fonts are all actually pretty nice and they are BIG which is another nice thing about it. Very visible and pretty much no chance of the spectator not being able to see it (unless you have barely any flesh on your fingers or you didn't create a deep enough blister).

Ok thanks I will test it out some more, I've only used the 3 because I prefer the smaller gimmick anyways.

Also consider the suggestion on the DVD about other symbols... the heart represents a heart obviously and the 3 can come up as a W, M, or E (thanks Dan White).

See http://magic.about.com/od/magicreview/fr/053108branded.htm I'd recommend keeping on eye on the reviews that are done on this site as Wayne is very thorough and does an excellent job. I am honored he enjoyed Branded.

Tim

The K and the 3 give me the best impressions. The 7 always comes out a bit dodgy for me for some reason. Love the Club - looks great, especially after they've seen it to be a round blister just awhile ago! With the regular sized gimmick and with pressing so hard, I needed to learn how to angle my fingers properly to just get the impression I'm going for and not get a hint of the next one below or above it.

And as mentioned, it's not an eye candy effect - it's just like a slow "woah..." from people. Great stuff. Really adds variety to the act.

Thanks guys. Glad you are enjoying it. If I can offer any assistance, answer any concerns, etc. please e-mail me privately as I want to ensure all purchasers are completely happy.

Tim

Tim, I loved this the second I received it. I think the improvement of having the gimmick so out in the open yet so subtly concealed is absolutely brilliant. The additional ideas provided in the DVD were wonderful as well. This is one hell of a quality product.
Thank you!

Huron Low

Hi Huron,

I'm a fellow Singaporean too, and I believe the Bic lighters are a little to find over here. Did you happened to got yourself some? If you did, where did you get it?

Cheers
Alvin

I found some suitable lighters in both sizes at a regular provision shop. Just look for those with round bases - I don't even think what I am using are of the "Bic" brand. I just brought the gaffs along with me and tried them on for size and bought two suitable ones.

Also, while I'm sure it'll help, I'm not using black lighters; couldn't find them. Will switch if I find them, but till then what I've found works well.