Sleightful logoSleightful

Scissors and Paper Vanish by Jay Sankey

Created by: Jay Sankey

The 'Scissors and Paper Vanish' is a close-up magic trick where a coin is made to vanish using a piece of paper and a pair of scissors. The magician folds the paper around the coin, and with a simple motion, the coin disappears without any gimmicks. This trick is perfect for close-up performances and requires only ordinary items, making it accessible and practical for magicians of all levels.

Key features

  • No gimmicks needed—uses ordinary scissors and paper

  • Great for close-up magic performances

  • Requires practice to perfect the folding and timing

  • Can be performed with borrowed coins and materials

  • Visually impressive and leaves the audience baffled

Pros

  • No special props required

  • Highly visual and engaging

  • Can be performed with borrowed items

  • Works well in close-up settings

  • Adds a unique twist to classic coin vanishes

Cons

  • Requires precise folding and timing

  • May take practice to make the vanish seamless

  • Not suitable for large stage performances

Effect

The Scissors and Paper Vanish is a visually striking coin vanish that uses everyday objects to create a sense of impossibility. The magician shows a coin, places it into a folded piece of paper, and then uses scissors to cut the paper. When the paper is unfolded, the coin has vanished completely. The trick relies on natural movements and misdirection, making it appear as though the coin simply disappears into thin air.

Full details

The Scissors and Paper Vanish is a clever method that uses a folded piece of paper and a pair of scissors to make a coin disappear. The magician begins by showing the coin and placing it into the folded paper. As the paper is folded further, the coin secretly slides out of the paper and into the magician's hand. The scissors are then used to cut the paper, adding an extra layer of deception. When the paper is unfolded, the coin is gone, leaving the audience baffled. The trick requires no gimmicks and can be performed with ordinary objects.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who enjoy using everyday objects in their performances. It’s suitable for both beginners and experienced performers, as the method is straightforward but can be enhanced with practice and presentation. If you’re looking for a vanish that doesn’t require complex sleight of hand or specialized props, the Scissors and Paper Vanish is a great option.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Scissors and Paper Vanish is relatively easy to learn, making it accessible for beginners. The method involves simple folding techniques and natural hand movements, but timing and misdirection are key to making the vanish convincing. With a bit of practice, even novice magicians can perform this trick effectively. More experienced performers can add their own flair to the presentation to make it even more engaging.

What magicians say

Jay Sankey, a well-known magician, describes the Scissors and Paper Vanish as a "pure magic" moment. He emphasizes the importance of milking the reveal to build suspense and create a sense of impossibility. Sankey notes that the trick is particularly effective because it uses ordinary objects, making the vanish even more surprising. He also highlights the simplicity of the method, which relies on natural movements and misdirection rather than complex sleight of hand. Overall, the Scissors and Paper Vanish is praised for its practicality and strong visual impact.

What people are saying about Scissors and Paper Vanish

SankeyMagic says...

This is pure magic—you borrowed a coin, they saw you put it in a piece of paper, and your hands are empty when you slowly reveal the vanish. It’s such a tease because it stretches out the magic moment to an impossible conclusion.

Tutorial videos