The Back Flap
How to Build the Express Back Flap
You’re sitting at a dinner table with a few friends. You pull a single blue card from your pocket. With a tiny flick of your fingers, the card flashes into a red card right before their eyes. There are no weird hand movements or difficult sleights—just a visual change that looks like a camera trick.
Why This Method Works for Performers
Most flap cards are a pain to make. They usually require hours of tedious work and break after just a few performances. This "express" version is different. It’s designed for magicians who want a visual "wow" moment without spending all night at a craft table. Because this design uses a full border, the card looks totally normal from just a few feet away. You can keep it in your deck all day and bring it out whenever you want to get a big reaction.
What You’ll Learn
Julio Montoro walks you through the entire construction process from start to finish. He begins by showing you the traditional way to build a flap card so you understand the mechanics. Then, he shows you his personal shortcut.
You’ll see exactly how to cut the card frame, how to score the back so it folds flat, and how to tension the elastic thread for a lightning-fast snap. You don't need to be an artist or a craftsman to do this. If you can use a ruler and a craft knife, you can have this gimmick ready to go in about two minutes.
About Julio Montoro
Julio is a professional creator who has released dozens of best-selling magic effects. He specializes in "visual workers"—tricks that look impossible but are practical enough to use in real-world situations like coffee shops or parties.
What's Included
- The list of basic tools and materials you'll need
- How to cut a perfect frame without ruining the card
- The scoring technique for a smooth, flat fold
- Setting up the elastic thread for a fast "snap"
- Julio’s 2-minute "Express" construction method
- How to hide the internal thread using court cards
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do this with a borrowed deck?
No, this is a gimmick you build at home. However, it’s thin enough to hide inside your regular deck until you’re ready to use it.
Do I need special tools?
You’ll need a craft knife (like an X-Acto), a ruler, glue or double-sided tape, and some elastic thread. Most of these are available at any local craft store.
How hard is this to build?
It’s very straightforward. Julio’s "Express" method is specifically designed to be easy and fast. If you mess up a card, you can just grab another and try again—it only takes a couple of minutes.
Is this good for beginners?
Yes. If you’ve never built your own magic gimmicks before, this is the perfect first project. It teaches you the fundamentals of card construction that you'll use for years.