which is stronger?

[Simon_Magic]

Hey Guys!

I've just come up with a trick that is probably already out there (as most of them are lol) But I'd just like to know your opinion on presentation.

Basically you get a piece of A4 paper and fold it up and rip it into small pieces. You then mark the top sheet of ripped paper so there is no way it could be switched and a paper clip is placed around the papers so they don't all go over the floor. You then put the pieces in the spectators hands and ask them to imagine them healing together. The spectator then opens their hands to show a restored piece of paper.

My problem is the reveal. Would it be stronger if the restored piece was a little worn and torn, or would it be better if it was perfect with only the folds as the remnants of its destruction?

Thanks,

Simon_Magic

 

[RikAllen]

First off, I am still writing out what I think of your other tricks, I wanted to thoroughly test as many of them as I could (all of them possibly) before sending you my thoughts.

With that said, this has probably been done, torn and restored plots are very numerous.

One of my favorites, presentational wise, is from one of Ted Annemann's card trick books (excerpts from the jinx) where a card is torn into 4 pieces, handed to a spectator...one is taken out, and then the magician proclaims he'll fix it the only way he knows how...tape.
He then pulls out the tape, makes some magical gesture, asks the person to open their hand...and voi la! the three pieces are taped together and the 4th piece matches perfectly.

It's similar to your idea, but a playing card is much smaller...and uses less tape lol.

As far as the two options you've presented, I think you should try both out and see what the reactions are. Test it out everywhere you can and ask for feedback. You can also leave a square ripped out (preferably from the center of the paper, I think this would hit stronger than a corner) and have someone hold onto it, so when it's restored there is a piece missing that can further verify it was torn up and is now restored.

Just a few thoughts, I've just woken up so my brain is still half-asleep.

 

[praetoritevong]

What is the point of tearing and restoring the piece of paper? Why are you doing this?

That should give you the answer you need.

 

[RickEverhart]

I agree with both above posters. A center tear or piece from inside the paper, rather than a corner would be stronger. Also...yes...why is the paper being torn and restored anyway. What is your patter and plot for it?

 

[Simon_Magic]

being honest so far there is no plot line, but looking at all other torn and restored ideas I have seen and read, there is no direct plot line anyway as it is completely illogical to rip up a card just to make it whole again when it was whole in the first place. It is magic and doesn't really need to be logical.

I thought about using paper cause I Like the idea of a different twist. To give an example of my twists, one of my tricks that Rik is looking at for me is a cut and restored cotton bud/Q tip.

I must admit when I first thought this up it was to make the torn and restored Newspaper a bit smaller so it can be transported easier but with the same sort of effect.

Thanks for all your idea's so far and I'll see if i can add the torn centre piece to it.

Simon_Magic