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Card-to-Envelope by Josh Burch, James Brown, and Axel Hecklau

Created by: Josh Burch, James Brown, Axel Hecklau

Card-to-Envelope is a versatile close-up and parlor magic trick where a signed, selected card impossibly transposes into a sealed envelope, often handled entirely by the spectator for added fairness. In variations, the card may appear inside multiple nested envelopes, creating a tangible souvenir. This effect emphasizes spectator involvement, with no suspicious moves, making it highly deceptive and suitable for mentalism contexts. Buyers should note that some versions include instant resets for repeated performances and may require specific props like leather wallets or envelopes, with tutorials available for learning routines.

Key features

  • No-palm handling for clean card transposition

  • Spectator handles and signs the card, enhancing fairness

  • Instant reset capability for repeated performances

  • Versatile for close-up, parlor, or mentalism settings

  • Includes tutorials and multiple routine variations

Pros

  • Highly deceptive and fooling for audiences

  • Casually inspectable props with no obvious gimmicks

  • Suitable for both beginners and experienced performers

  • Leaves a lasting souvenir for spectators

  • Clean and direct handling with no cleanup required

Cons

  • May require purchase of specific wallets or envelopes

  • Some routines involve complex setup or learning curve

  • Not all versions are vegan-friendly (e.g., genuine leather used)

Effect

A spectator selects a card and signs it. The card is then folded and sealed inside an envelope by the spectator. Without the magician touching the card again, it vanishes and is found inside the sealed envelope. In some versions, the card appears inside multiple nested envelopes, creating an impossible souvenir for the spectator to keep.

Full details

This magic trick centers on the card-to-envelope plot. The routine often begins with a spectator naming a suit. The magician removes a group of cards of that suit. A mystery card is then selected from the remainder of the deck. The selected card is folded, signed by the spectator, and sealed inside an envelope, all handled by the spectator. The magician may sign a different card from the group held by the spectator. The signed card then vanishes from the spectator's possession and is discovered inside the previously sealed envelope. The method does not typically involve complex sleight of hand. The wallet or envelope apparatus is often made of genuine leather and is casually inspectable. The trick includes variations such as a no-palm card to wallet routine and a card to envelope routine. An instant reset is a feature in some versions, allowing for repeated performances.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is suitable for both beginners and experienced performers. It is a good choice for magicians interested in card to wallet magic. It works well for those who perform close-up or parlor magic. Magicians who value strong audience involvement and a clean, fair presentation will find this effect useful. It is also practical for performers who need a routine that can be repeated multiple times.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The difficulty level is generally low to moderate. The routine does not rely on complex sleight of hand. David from Magic Orthodoxy states it is suitable for beginners. The method uses principles that are easy to learn. The handling is logical and direct, making it accessible for most skill levels. An hour-long tutorial is often included to teach the routines.

What magicians say

David from Magic Orthodoxy says, "This is a no-palm card to wallet routine. It is reminiscent of an older Alakazam effect. The wallet is made of genuine leather. It is casually inspectable. I recommend it for its quality and construction." He also notes it is a good starting point for card to wallet magic.

A review of James Brown's routine states, "The spectator handles the card throughout. The card is folded, signed, and sealed in an envelope by the spectator. The transposition happens without the magician touching the cards again. This adds a layer of impossibility."

Steve Faulkner says of Sealed³, "It is one of the smartest and most elegant versions of the card-to-envelope plot. The handling is logical, direct, and fair. It features an instant reset. It is clean, fast, and highly fooling for professional use."

What people are saying about Card-to-Envelope

AlakazamMagicUK says...

The transposition happens without the magician touching the cards again, adding a layer of impossibility. It's a clean, hands-off routine that emphasizes spectator agency for strong magical impact.

magicorthodoxy says...

The wallet is made of genuine leather and is casually inspectable, with no slides or glides. It's suitable for both beginners and experienced performers, and includes an hour-long tutorial covering routines and history.

RealMagicReview says...

This routine is exceptionally clean, fast, and fooling, with an instant reset making it practical for repeated performances. It feels logical and direct, enhancing the sense of fairness throughout.

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