Wiregrams

[William Draven]

Does any one know what this effect is called and have any experience or thoughts of/ on it?

Effect: a fllimsy piece of wire is displayed a card selected, and fire applied to the wire. The wire instantly bends into the chosen card

 

[CaseyC]

They are called wiregrams. They are pretty cool if you do street magic often. They are made out of a special memory metal that bends itself when exposed to high heat.
Heres some:
http://www.ellusionist.com/product/accessories/cards/wiregrams.do
http://www.magical-tricks.com/Wiregrams.htm
http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=1598

 

[romeo sierra]

I've always wanted to incorporate wiregrams into a little professional routine, but I could never really justify using a random piece of wire to do magic. I personally love how the revelation is performed so openly-- and it occurs very eerily and slowly enough to consistently get an awesome response from audiences. But I just can't find a way of naturally integrating the prop into the rest of what I do. Any suggestions?

An insider's tip-- if you go to a science or medcial supply store, you can buy a small spool of nitinol wire and create your own wiregrams. I have some, myself, and have created people's names and force words out of book tests. I've actually only used wiregrams as casual showpieces during non-formal parties and get togethers. Like I said, I would love to use these in my professional work, but can't seem to find an excuse to introduce or use the prop to start.

RS.

 

[William Draven]

Yep! Wiregrams. Thats what I was thinking of. Much thanks.

I think the idea is ingenious.... but it just needs work. I agree. I just have to find an angle to get around the fact that I'm incorperating an almost obviously gimmicked item into an effect.

 

[CaseyC]

hmmm. maybe you could hook it onto a fence to make it look like some loose wire and then pull it off when your preforming to make it seem impromptu. idk. just brainstorming.....

 

[William Draven]

Well Dai Vernon always said if you can't hide it... paint it red.

Maybe that is what you need to do here? Remove the wire and claim you have amazing psychokenetic powers.

Do a blind force on someone. Meaning they don't know the card they selected, they just hold onto it.

Execute the wiregram. Then show the prediction matchs.

You may not want to build your entire rutine around this single effect but it could complement an existing metal bending routine.

 

[JPIllusions]

I've always wanted to incorporate wiregrams into a little professional routine, but I could never really justify using a random piece of wire to do magic. I personally love how the revelation is performed so openly-- and it occurs very eerily and slowly enough to consistently get an awesome response from audiences. But I just can't find a way of naturally integrating the prop into the rest of what I do. Any suggestions?

An insider's tip-- if you go to a science or medcial supply store, you can buy a small spool of nitinol wire and create your own wiregrams. I have some, myself, and have created people's names and force words out of book tests. I've actually only used wiregrams as casual showpieces during non-formal parties and get togethers. Like I said, I would love to use these in my professional work, but can't seem to find an excuse to introduce or use the prop to start.

RS.

What is a medical supply store? Like a CVS or like a place where doctors get there stuff

 

[praetoritevong]

Nitinol Wire, eh? Thanks for the heads up

 

[The Wordsmith]

How do you "Give the wire" the shape to return to if you are using nitinol wire? I have no idea if this somes under exposure, but I do not think it should. Just PM me if you are unsure.

 

[romeo sierra]

This site looks like a reliable source to obtain nitinol wire. I got my supply from a former girlfriend who works as a doctor. She gave me a few spools, and they all came with instructions on how to "set" the wire into the shape you want. In fact, with this principle, you can even change (or reset) the wiregrams sold by magic retailers into different shapes as well.

RS.