I am always trying to replace out-dated props with something modern. Unfortunately one of my favorite props is the tired old purse frame. I do several effects that utilize the frame in different ways, so I didn’t want to stop using it. But I am finding that fewer and fewer people recognize what this weird little item is.

During my table-hopping gig this last week, I had several people who had no idea what the purse frame was. I had to take extra time to explain it, which slowed down the routine. This weekend, thanks to my daughter’s love of vending machines, I found the perfect replacement for this magic fossil...

Read more here: http://ModernCoinMagic.com

Interesting, might be worth some experimentation.

-Leo

Excellent. My younger relatives have been wearing these and when I first saw them I thought, "Let's see now. What is the magic application for these." Now I know! Thanks much!

For years I've used a purse frame that has the leather pouch "attached" with tiny strip of Velcro. I show them the change purse - which everyone alive recognizes - then open it and dump out some coins. Then I casually pull the bag off the frame and put it in my pocket. As I do this I say, "with today's technology we really don't need the bag... just the frame". Yeah, I know that statement doesn't make a bit of sense, but they always accept it and we move on.

"With today's technology..."
"In this economy..."
"Due to recent scientific advances ..."

These are all patter lines that will go unquestioned (the truly hip will find them amusing) and work to "explain" almost any odd prop or action.

Just genius!

I carry a purse frame regularly, but will certainly be giving this a try. Great story on it on your blog. That place is shaping up nicely!
Always interesting stuff there.

-Mb

Very nice, MagicWatcher!
I still love the old purse frame, but I'm trying to stay fresh and relevant, so I'm always looking for new clothing/presentations/props.

Thanks MB! I really appreciate your support!

Http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bulk-Buys-The-......30403709

for those of you who want stocking stuffers for you magical friends.

Or they could be part of giveaways at parties.


After you are finished with your routine give it to the person helping you.

Harris

I meant to add this to the blog post. I may do a follow-up post.

Here's a tutorial on how to make the bracelets yourself. Extremely easy to do and gives you some creative control.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KS6zGvXMS9g

It will be an interesting learning process as it is not as "static" as the frame.

Thanks for sharing this idea.

Put an image of a coinpurse in your phone. Open by swiping over to next image. That way your phone screen becomes the virtual coin purse.

People used to carry coins in a purse.

Pulling a hand from a bracelet might be novel.

Using butcoin replicas is topical.

Good thoughts, Jonathan!

This is what I hoped to do, get people thinking.

I suspect Curtis Kam's idea about leaving some of the bag on the frame (and saying the dog chewed it off) would help people understand what you're showing them. I guess I'm getting too old, but I've never seen those bracelets before.

Now I'm worried. My cups, wand, etc., are neither fresh nor relevant. Probably time to ditch the frock coat and top hat, too...

Dammit. What do cool people wear now? Is it bowlers or fedoras?

(seriously, nice find, Ben)

Thinking outside the magic store is Priceless.

One of my favorite books is The Artist Way by Julia Cameron.

One of the ideas mentioned is to go to places unconnected with your art to see things from a different perspective.


Thanks for sharing.

Side note...as a counselor who works with teens, there are also bracelets used for smoking "wacky tobaccy" and other things.

and for those of you into folding objects, rubber band bracelets are popular for the younger crowd.

Harris

THANK YOU SO MUCH BEN! Now I can finally learn a purse frame routine after I make me some of those beautiful bracelet That DYI is gonna be fun I tell you.

I don't care for young people so I keep anachronistic props about as a deterrent.

Reminds me of when someone offered a blend using bandana pocket hanks. I like to believe he had no clue what the colors were used to advertise among informed folks.

That was before the gang colors thing hit neighborhoods.

The colored bracelets fad is current. You might want to avoid blue red and black. Also suggest not doing a linking routine using them.

Oh well, ya find all sorts of things on snopes.com

JonT

Love it.

You all can just send me your unwanted purse frames.

Jim

(Is this a bad moment to say I don't use one?)