The Most Economical DIY Nail Writer - Mentalism Gimmick
Hey everyone!
Since I've been dedicating quite a bit of time to mentalism lately,
I wanted to make a small contribution.
This is all about making the quickest and most economical Nail Writer if you don't have one yet (and if you do, it's another option to consider since you can make it in just a few minutes, almost anywhere) and especially for starting to practice with it.
Materials:
Besides pencil lead and Blu Tack (or magician's wax), you'll need a small candle.
To be exact, just one part of the candle...
The wick holder, without the wick.
Using an awl and a lot of care, we'll open up the hole so the lead passes through correctly.
From here, using Blu Tack (or magician's wax), we'll secure the lead from the sides and underneath. Adjusting or trimming any excess lead.
If you find it's too big, you can always adjust it.
Using magician's wax in different tones, we can match your skin tone to conceal it better.
One of my first store-bought Nail Writers is this one:
Basically, it's the same system.
And that's it! 😊
I hope this is useful to someone.
All the best and happy magic!!!
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Hey @Zeta, in my case, I have one made from 3D-printed, flesh-colored material. It's also super easy to make, but I really like yours.
One thing for those who want to use 2mm leads: If you have a mechanical pencil, the cap usually has a sharpener built-in, which saves you from having to use a knife.
Another option is a dedicated sharpener, which you can get for less than €1.
Something like this.
Someone asked me something privately, but since I think it's of "general interest," I'll go ahead and answer it here.
Question #1 - How do I get the colors for the wax?
Well, in my case, I use magician's wax/beeswax ("basically" the same thing) ---> https://magigram.com/es/club/beginners/la-alacena-del-mago-antiderrapantes-ceras-blu-tack-puntos-de-pegamento-y-cinta-de-doble-cara-1185/ mixed with the red wax from Babybel cheese 😊.
(From all the little cheeses my daughter ate, I saved a ton of Babybel's red wax)
First, I combine equal parts to make the initial mix.
From this mixture, I gradually lighten the color to create more shades (reddish, dark brown, light brown, flesh-colored, etc.) by repeating the process with additional plain wax.
Question #2 - How do I keep the Nail Writer from being seen?
Well, first off, you can't act like "Buddy Christ" from the movie Dogma, I mean...like this:
😅 😅 😅
Matching the Nail Writer's color to your skin tone helps, but IT'S NOT THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. In fact, even with a neon Nail Writer or under disco lights, it should still be hidden in plain sight.
Let me explain: it's not a gimmick you should be flashing around. It's basically always hidden from the spectator's view, and when you're going to use it, it's usually covered by the chips, envelopes, or papers you're working with.
Bottom line, no one should see it unless you're sticking your thumb in their eyes or playing around with your thumb right in front of their face.
Hope this answers your two questions.
Cheers and happy magic!!!
Hi!
I think the idea is brilliant; it's so clever and simple.
Could you explain how you attach it to your finger?
Thanks!!
Quick question, does anyone know any mentalism tricks using a homemade Nail Writer? Thanks!
A homemade Nail Writer is just like a professional one.
With this Nail Writer, you do the exact same thing as with any other type: secret writing, plain and simple.
Any good tricks you guys know? Thanks!
There are no good tricks or bad tricks.
What DO exist are good magicians and bad magicians.
Any trick is good if you perform it well.
With that out of the way, let's continue.
If you want to start with a Nail Writer, I suggest you pick up Tony Corinda's 13 Steps to Mentalism, commonly known simply as "The Corinda".
You'll find more than enough there—if I recall correctly, about 20 effects.
Cheers!!!