|
|
Go to page 1~2 [Next] | ||||||||||
DanielCoyne Special user Western Massachussetts 544 Posts |
I have a $35 silk fountain with 13 silks that are 18". The effect is mediocre and I think the quality of the silks is to blame. (Of course it's the prop and not the performer!)
I want to make my own with 24", higher quality silks. Is 14 silks the magic number or should I use a few more if I don't mind the extra folding? Any advice on how to attach them? I was planning to use a little carpet thread and make a few passes through the middle. Any other tips? Should I use a 36" for the first and/or last silk? Any advice is appreciated. (Richard, someday I'll ask you make me one of those gorgeous, buttery gigantic fountains! In the meantime, I need to use a little ingenuity.) Thanks, Daniel |
|||||||||
magicians Inner circle Teacher and Legend 2898 Posts |
See Bob Sanders Lecture or ask Bob!!
Illusionist, Illusionist consulting, product development, stage consultant, seasoned performer for over 35 years. Specializing in original effects. Highly opinionated, usually correct, and not afraid of jealous critics. I've been a puppet, a pirate, a pawn and a King. Free lance gynecologist.
|
|||||||||
cardone Special user 860 Posts |
I use carpet thread and a button on both sides for attaching loads.... and 24 inch silks
|
|||||||||
hugmagic Inner circle 7655 Posts |
Reinforce the Outer silk with iron on patch material that matches the silk. This silk should have the button or handle on it so you can steal the load. Now sew the silks together with regular thread. Going through with a hand needle back and forth so you have about four or five threads holding it. The largest silk should be on the side opposite the handle silk. You can easily take this thread out if you need to change a silk. There is no strain on these silks only on the outer silk which is why it is reinforced.
Size of the outer silk is dependant upon the load of silks inside. You can secure the outer silk with a bulldoge clip to keep it all collapsed. I feel a 36" silk is too small for the finish. I like the silk to be at least 2 to 3 times bigger. Also if you are going for color, remember as the last silk comes out it is kind a replay of the previously silk's appearance. Jeff McBride and I talked about this last weekend. Richard
Richard E. Hughes, Hughes Magic Inc., 352 N. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330)296-4023
www.hughesmagic.com email-hugmagic@raex.com Write direct as I will be turning off my PM's. |
|||||||||
DanielCoyne Special user Western Massachussetts 544 Posts |
Thanks all!
Richard, can you say more about your thoughts on the color of the last silk, or about the color sequence in general? -Daniel |
|||||||||
hugmagic Inner circle 7655 Posts |
This is very subjective. I have made them for guys that wanted only certain shades of certain colors. It is pretty and a real pain when you start dyeing custom shades of blue and purple.
I like to use a color spectrum like the rainbow in much the same order. I start with red to orange to yellow to green to blue to purple. There are shades in between the blend things through. I finish with a sunburst silk with the same colors radiating from the outside at red to purple in the center. When I make my neon fountain I only use four colors and then a similar tie dye. I never like the hop scotch appearance of different colors. I think the gentle blending of colors is the prettier effect. I might add that I only use 14 silks. It does the effect without taking hours to fold. Richard
Richard E. Hughes, Hughes Magic Inc., 352 N. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330)296-4023
www.hughesmagic.com email-hugmagic@raex.com Write direct as I will be turning off my PM's. |
|||||||||
DanielCoyne Special user Western Massachussetts 544 Posts |
Thank you. What a treat to get such thoughtful advice from such experienced masters. (Cardone -- I include you in that category. : )
-Daniel |
|||||||||
cardone Special user 860 Posts |
Thanks man ... What are you putting in the center as a final load? I have been experimenting for years and you should see some of the stuff I fit inside . (top secret ) .... just don't stop at a jumbo 36 incher.....make a load bag and sit in you thank tank .... you will be surprised ... I have always been surprised at the fact that for many years I have only seen a few ideas on the subject . I think that a great end is needed to complete the a fountain routine. Good luck and keep us posted on you Silk fountain adventures .
folding folding folding ...keep them hankies folding.... |
|||||||||
DanielCoyne Special user Western Massachussetts 544 Posts |
Cardone,
Do you fold the fountain around your final load or steal it with the other hand and make it seem as though it was at the center of the fountain? -Daniel |
|||||||||
cardone Special user 860 Posts |
I do both ... first its inside then the second load is a steal ....
|
|||||||||
DanielCoyne Special user Western Massachussetts 544 Posts |
Now you've got me thinking about whack-a-doodle final loads...
A live lobster? An ice-cream cone? My own hand? A dozen oranges? A puppet? My laundry? Hmmm... -Daniel |
|||||||||
cardone Special user 860 Posts |
All great ideas and better than a 36 inch silk or spring flowers ! I like laundry and a live lobster ...in that order !
|
|||||||||
WmsonProd3104 New user 7 Posts |
Any thoughts on the silk fountains that are advertised to produce a dove as the finale', with no body loads?
|
|||||||||
DanielCoyne Special user Western Massachussetts 544 Posts |
I've heard good things about the Jay Scott Berry fountain, which apparently comes with a great production method. I think you can produce a dove at the end, but I'm guessing both the fountain and the dove are body loads.
-Daniel |
|||||||||
chmara Inner circle Tucson, AZ 1911 Posts |
Richard, BTW, is not only an expert but an exceptional craftsman. I, however, disagree with the use of carpet thread because of the needle size needed to make it work. I prefer a #40 or 50 silk thread with multiple layers to prevent holing upon compression WITHOUT using the patch. You can use a #8 or 9 needle on a machine and with proper speed (do not rush) get a great sew. Sew several groups of the layers together then compile them at the proper angles and lengths for tghe last sew -- where you may need at #10 or 11 needle to compensate for thickiness.
Even better -- if your time is worth anything -- buy them from Richard or Peter at P&A if he has made any lately.
Gregg (C. H. Mara) Chmara
Commercial Operations, LLC Tucson, AZ C. H. Mara Illusion & Psychic Entertainments |
|||||||||
hugmagic Inner circle 7655 Posts |
I also do not use carpet thread or a machine. I hand stitched them together with a couple of stitches using regular thread. If you sew with a machine you will never get the stitches out without destroying the silk.
I do sew the handle and reinforce it on the outer silk with a machine. Thanks for the kind words. Richard
Richard E. Hughes, Hughes Magic Inc., 352 N. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330)296-4023
www.hughesmagic.com email-hugmagic@raex.com Write direct as I will be turning off my PM's. |
|||||||||
DanielCoyne Special user Western Massachussetts 544 Posts |
Good thoughts. I will sew by hand (I don't have access to a sewing machine), and I'll try to go with a lighter thread/smaller needle than carpet thread.
What are the alternatives to velcro for keeping it closed? The noise of the velcro was one of my complaints with my cheap commercial version. If I use a body load, I may simply rely on the pocket to keep it closed until it is exposed and starts unfurling. Richard mentioned using a bulldog clip on the outer silk. Is this clip attached to your table or box so that when the fountain is stolen, it is pulled from the clip (which stays on the table)? -Daniel |
|||||||||
hugmagic Inner circle 7655 Posts |
Velcro will also snag the silks. Not a good choice.
The clip is tied to a string which is tied to the handle. This way if you drop the clip it will not fall to the floor. If the clip was attached to the table, the silks would start to open the minute you make the steal. That gives it all away. I just use regular thread. Richard
Richard E. Hughes, Hughes Magic Inc., 352 N. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330)296-4023
www.hughesmagic.com email-hugmagic@raex.com Write direct as I will be turning off my PM's. |
|||||||||
cardone Special user 860 Posts |
I have been useing paper bands wraped around the fountain for 10 years and I have never had a problem. Two strips crossed tape and that's it.
|
|||||||||
brody Inner circle Omaha 1313 Posts |
Faucett Ross had a cloth holder that uses a snap fastener, which makes NO noise. I've used it for over 30 years now. Works really well. Check out the book "The Magic Of Faucett Ross".
|
|||||||||
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Smooth as silk » » Making a silk fountain (0 Likes) | ||||||||||
Go to page 1~2 [Next] |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.02 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |