I'm looking for an inexpensive Chinese (silk or satin, but I'm guessing satin) cosmetic purse or coin purse for Paul Green's 2 Copper Silver routine from In the Trenches (which is very good by the way).

I've checked online and am striking out. It best resembles these little Chinese wallets, but I don't want to buy $75 worth of Chinese imports. This little purse also should have a layer inside to separate the inner pouch.

Anyone use this routine and know where to find this Chinese coin purse?

Thanks in advance.

Try the magic warehouse, they used to have them.

I've seen these purses in various malls that have shops specializing in Oriental interior things for your home, so best I can say is...check out the mall.

Mike

Ask Bob Little for one. He has the best coin purses I have ever seen, I think he mentioned that Bloom uses them.

Layaudiences often make funny remarks about my little leather purses. I wouldn't want to think what they might say if I brought out something like your picture shows... Is the style really necessary? Aren't there other styles that would fit the technical demands of the routine?

I'm using a CSB set so this purse matches the international theme, especially since one coin is "Chinese." Ideally, I would find one wallet/purse that is red with some Chinese writing on it, but I'll see what's out there.

Haven't found anything just quite yet. I'll check into the recommendations though. Thanks for the posts everyone.

What about using a small red envelope and writing some Chinese on it yourself? Just make sure you know what it is you're writing! It'd probably be best if it went along with the theme of the red envelope and the money that's inside.

-Jim

Mike,

The Magic Warehouse definitely has them for short money, near the bottom of the page... $1.50 each.

Best,
Mike

I bought one of these a year ago on Canal St in Chinatown for $2.50. They come in different sizes. Mine had a snap closure and a zipper compartment. I think I saw these in Walmart recently. Make sure you know the dimensions before ordering since some of the purses are quite small.

Those little red envelopes have LARGE cultural significance to the Chinese. Please spend a few minutes reading about what they are before you jump into this project. A few minutes of web search and reading: search for 'Chinese, red, envelope, gift' and you might find great ideas for a routine.

You might like this info.

I had a friend of mine give me a gift. It was three small coins weaved together with twine and placed in a red envelope. This gift signifies prosperity and wherever you place it, it will bring you good luck. Some people place them in their wallet to bring them more money. (Hint, Hint.)

By the way this is a true story.

C

Precisely why I suggested a little red envelope. Three coins threaded on a red ribbon is also a good start for a presentation of Charming Chinese Challenge.

-Jim

Go into Ebay and do a search on "Chinese pouches 3 x 2.5". An Ebay store called Lotta Display will come up. You can get six purses for $2.50 or 12 for $4.75, enough to last a lifetime (well, I'm pretty old). Postage is only around two or two and a half bucks. You do not have to bid on these items.

You can also find dozens of similiar items on their website including other sizes of the pouches. I found the 3 x 2.5 inch ones to be perfect for me. They shipped immediately even though mine was a small order.

I also know that http://www.magicproshop.com has a lot of coin purses on it that might be good for the trick.

Check out your local Asian market.

Check out this one.

The red envelopes are one topic.

The coins on a ribbon are another topic.

One is a gift for spending, the other is something that one can give as a gift, and has its own significance.

It is UNUSUAL to remove the coins from the ribbon. I suggest that you look up the use of the coins on ribbon ornament and consider how such a routine would play. On another thread I suggested getting the coins and knots onto the ribbon and giving the thing away.

One of my new non-magic magic store is called World Market. It is similar to Pier One Imports.

I live in Kansas, United States of America.

If you like story magic, they are a great source for fun props.

Regarding comments to leather purses, I used to work at Kansas' oldest bed and breakfast (AKA Lansing Correctional Facility). As a counselor in the maximum security yard, I used magic often as a way to connect with the men and as well as have fun myself. "Nice purse" was one of the comments I received. As one who embraces both his masculine and feminine side, this was not a big deal. My magical wife Annie, is a great supporter of my unusual props.

Speaking of unusual props, I just got a mini wallet from Magical Creations. After a trip to my Office Max I had color duplicates of my ID and other cards. It has played well in my morning programs.

Harris Deutsch
Laughologist

Enjoy the journey.

Harris

If you don't live near a Chinatown or an Asian gift store, here's a suggestion. Drop a note to Paul Green. By the way, the pouch or purse is a much better idea for this than an envelope IMHO. Cody Fisher also has a good idea with this effect, using a slightly (pun intended) modified clasp change purse.

The same type of purse that Paul used on the DVD is sold at The Magic Warehouse.

Best
Joe