New to ITR. Hopefully for some advice.

[Ned Devine]

Hello Friends,

mad the title says I’m new to ITR as well as most IT related things. I’m asking for some resources, ideas, routines, people to check out, ect...

I just got gifted a SPP from a friend and I have no idea how begin with the device.

I’m a coin guy and not much into cards so IT has always been interesting to me. I do a lot of closeup and strolling. Not sure where or how to use IT.

anyway any advice would be awesome! I have no books or videos on IT so recommendations would be awesome!

Thanks in advance!

-Ned

 

[itsAllenHe]

Hey Ned! I don't work with ITRs as much as I used to anymore but hopefully I can direct you to some useful resources. I have also never worked with the Spider Pen Pro... but as far as I know (and please do correct em if I'm wrong) it's essentially an ITR with an added locking mechanism and is hidden in plain sight. So it should do everything a standard old-school ITR does.

We can start with my most performed ITR routine as I found it has always been the most practical in professional close-up environments - the levitating coin & ring spins, otherwise known as Centrifugal by Magic Balay or Oblivion by Tom Wright... and many many other versions and teachings exist out there. Both DVDs go in depth on how to set up your hook-up, how to properly manage your ITR, and I think are great starting points for a mind-blowing piece of levitation magic.

For more professional and serious work with thread... look into Legacy by Finn Jon. It is $150 dollars, but if you're going to learn thread work from anyone and take it seriously you might as well learn from Mister Jon himself. You'll find thread work, smoke work, bubble magic, stage, close-up, impromptu, it's all out there.

If that's a little too expensive, look into Michael Ammar's Easy to Master Thread Miracles DVD Set. Yes... it's old-school... but Michael is one of the best teachers, and you will find a great handful of thread routines involving loops, general thread work, and ITRs on this DVD set.

For something more modern, perhaps buy the newest DVD series Venom... yes it's a different gimmick but after I watched that DVD I was inspired to use my old reels in more innovative fashions.

I hope these help.

 

[johntash]

Hello Ned,

Welcome to the world of IT (Invisible Thread)! It's great to see your enthusiasm, especially since you're already skilled with coin magic and close-up performances. Here are some resources and tips to help you get started with your SPP (Spider Pen Pro) and IT:

Resources​

1. Books:
   • "The Invisible Thread Manual" by Ralph Wichmann: A comprehensive guide covering the basics and advanced techniques.
   • "The Tarantula" by Yigal Mesika: Though it focuses on the Tarantula device, the principles and techniques apply to the Spider Pen Pro as well.
2. Videos:
   • "Invisible" by Damien Savina: This DVD provides practical effects and routines specifically designed for IT.
   • "Loops Vol. 1-3" by Yigal Mesika: Excellent tutorials on using loops (a type of IT) for various effects.
   • "Magic on the Go" by Jeff McBride: Offers a wide range of routines and tips for close-up magic, including IT usage.

Techniques and Routines​

1. Basic Techniques:
   • Anchoring Points: Learn how to properly set up and use anchor points for various effects.
   • Invisible Thread Maintenance: Proper handling and storage to avoid breakage.
   • Lighting and Angles: Understanding the best lighting conditions and angles to make IT truly invisible.
2. Routines:
   • Floating and Levitation: Start with simple levitations of small objects like rings or dollar bills.
   • Animated Effects: Moving objects like pencils or cards without touching them.
   • Penetrations: Thread-through routines where the thread seems to pass through solid objects.

Practice Tips​

• Start Simple: Begin with basic levitation and animation effects before moving to more complex routines.
• Use Mirrors: Practice in front of a mirror to understand how visible the thread is and adjust your angles accordingly.
• Be Patient: IT can be fragile and frustrating at first, but with practice, you'll get the hang of it.

Community and Further Learning​

• Join Forums: Participate in magic forums like The Magic Café or Ellusionist forums to ask questions and share experiences.
• Local Magic Clubs: Look for local magic clubs or societies where you can meet other magicians and learn from them.

I hope these suggestions help you get started with IT. It's a fantastic tool that, when mastered, can add a whole new dimension to your close-up performances. Good luck, and feel free to ask more questions as you progress!

Best,
John Tash from Conjurorsonline.com