Floating Rose by Kevin James

Effect

The Floating Rose trick creates the illusion of a paper rose floating in mid-air. The magician twists a napkin into the shape of a rose, then makes it levitate without any visible support. The routine often ends with the rose bursting into flames, leaving behind a real rose or another small gift for the spectator. The effect is visually striking and works well for both close-up and larger audiences.

Full details

The Floating Rose is an adaptation of classic levitation techniques, applied to a paper flower. The magician starts by folding a napkin into a rose shape, then uses subtle movements to make it appear as if the rose is floating on its own. The trick often incorporates flash paper for a dramatic finale, where the paper rose vanishes in a burst of flames. Some versions leave a real rose or a keepsake for the spectator, adding emotional impact.

Kevin James developed this routine as a solution for performing in larger settings. He took inspiration from a bartender who twisted napkins into roses, combining it with his existing floating bill routine. The result is a trick that plays well for bigger crowds due to its size and visibility.

Who should consider the trick

The Floating Rose is ideal for magicians who perform in restaurants, private parties, or stage shows. It works well for both close-up and parlor settings. If you already perform levitation tricks and want a visually impressive upgrade, this is a strong option. The trick also suits performers who like involving spectators, as it often ends with giving a gift to a participant.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Floating Rose requires practice in both the folding technique and the levitation method. The folding part is straightforward, but making the rose float convincingly takes skill. The trick relies on misdirection and smooth handling, so beginners may need time to perfect it. The use of flash paper adds complexity, requiring proper safety precautions.

What magicians say

Steve Faulkner from RealMagicReview called Kevin James's Floating Rose "so magic" and praised its emotional impact. He noted that James has a warm performance style that enhances the trick.

Penguin Magic highlighted the creative process behind the trick, explaining how James adapted a floating bill routine into something larger and more visual. They emphasized the importance of strong endings and spectator involvement, calling the flash paper finale a "guaranteed applause moment."

Kevin James himself described the trick as a solution to a performance challenge, proving that necessity drives innovation in magic. He stressed the value of observation, noting that a simple bartender’s trick became the missing piece in his routine.