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The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Magical Accessories » » Strong newspaper? (1 Likes) Printer Friendly Version

wendyJ
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Hi. Has anyone come across particularly strong newspaper (or even paper that you can make up to look like newspaper) that doesn't rip easily? I enjoy performing the various torn and restored newspaper tricks (especially the No Tear Torn & Restored version) but I almost always rip the paper in the reveal, which jams up the works or forces me to keep re-making the trick. Thanks for any tips.
Bill Hegbli
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Eternal Order
Fort Wayne, Indiana
22797 Posts

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If you are tearing the newspaper, that should signal that you are doing something wrong in the handling. Pulling to fast, pulling at the wrong angle, etc. Try analizing your handling and placement of your fingers and the direction of angle you are pulling on the paper.

Most newspapers today do use a very strong type of paper, they no longer use the off color brownish original paper they used for almost a hundred years. The strongest I have seen is USA Today paper.

The only tough type paper is called Tyvek, it is available that may silk screen businesses. It will cost more as it is hard to print on, and that is why silk screen process is used.

Not to recommend a solution for your tearing while opening. I recommend you simply reinforce the area that is tearing with invisible Scotch Tape. If it is tearing in the same place just run a strip of tape along the area of the tear. Press down the tape, and it will not be notice. Place the tape on the side away from the audience.

Hope you find this information helpful.
wendyJ
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Thank you, Bill! I will do as you suggest and reinforce the same area that seems to rip (and will replace with USA Today ;o). I find it's a tricky balance with this manuever, b/c if you go too fast it rips, and too slow the spectator can see how the trick is set up. Thanks again for the tips!
Bill Hegbli
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Eternal Order
Fort Wayne, Indiana
22797 Posts

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I don't know which version you have, as it now comes with a DVD. I find if you do the down and up move, upon opening, it blurs the sight of the audience during the opening. If you are just holding the newspaper, and letting it open with just an arm spread, this is the wrong technique.

When you are in the restore position, let go and lower the arms about 12 inches, then as the paper is opening, bring up the arms to chest height. This will cover any flashes. It should be a smooth movement, not a fast and / or jerky movement. Go for smoothness, not speed. The speed will come with getting the timing right.

Newspaper was not meant to last very long. If you have a paper older then 4 months, it should be replaced. Newspaper is for reading and throwing away. Sunlight quickens this process of deterioration for newspaper. Store in a sealed freezer Ziploc plastic bag, and keep out of direct sunlight when not in use.
Dick Oslund
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Inner circle
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Wendy!!!

You think you have a problem!!!

Gene had to rework his entire newspaper act! Across the USA newspaper publishers seem to have changed to a five column from an 8 column paper.
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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