It is said that creativity consists of giving new uses to old things. When it comes to magic, the same principles apply. Many creative magic tricks are actually derived from old tricks or effects. Let’s take a look at the handkerchief featured in the decanter trick. The original effect is a handkerchief that quickly appears inside a decanter achieved by pulling on an invisible thread. This can become totally different in appearance if a milk bottle is used instead of a jug or any other type of bottle. Or you can try wearing a tie instead of a handkerchief. The possibilities are limitless.
Sometimes a small change made to an old magical effect can make a big difference. The change may be even less than using a different container. Now we compare another trick that looks completely different from the jug trick, but in fact uses the same principle of pulling the thread.
The trick is called Orrin’s web trick. The trick effectively uses the same principle as the old jar trick. This trick consists of producing a card in a spider figure on a table also using the principle of the pulling thread. The table is painted with a spider web background that could help hide the thread and the secret opening of the table. A card is used instead of a handkerchief, and a spider figure is used instead of a jug.
Another major change made to the tricks is the pulling method. Originally, the thread is pulled by an assistant or a counterweight. But Orrin improved the pull by incorporating the action into another flourishing action that is turning the table. The turning of the table also helped to hide the path of the letter. Then the effect becomes like this: the magician shows a spider figure on a web. He then spins the web and the chosen card mysteriously appears in the spider’s mouth.
We are not saying that the wizard Orrin created the effect by substituting the items like this. We are just illustrating how this principle can be used to an innovative effect out of an old trick.
The steps to change the old jug trick to the spider web trick can be as follows. First, we make a different object appear. We use a card instead of a handkerchief. Second, we changed the spawn location from a clear pitcher to a spider figure. Third, we changed the pulling method from applying a direct force in a straight line to a twisting force. Fourth, the location that appears moves instead of the object that appears. Fifth, a disguise background is used to hide the thread that allows the trick to be performed more closely.
From the viewers’ point of view, the two magical performances can be very different. But in fact, they use a very similar principle in essence.
