Sweet And Low by Richard Osterlind

Created by: Richard Osterlind

Sweet And Low is a close-up magic trick that utilizes a thumb tip to create a deceptive and organic vanish and reappearance effect. Designed by Richard Osterlind, this routine is part of the *Saturday Sorcery* series and focuses on natural handling and misdirection. The trick is performed in a casual, offbeat manner, making it highly effective and practical for walk-around or close-up settings. It's ideal for magicians looking for a subtle yet powerful addition to their repertoire.

Key features

  • Utilizes a thumb tip for a deceptive vanish and reappearance

  • Emphasizes natural handling and misdirection

  • Easy to learn with high effectiveness in performance

  • Ideal for walk-around or close-up settings

  • Can be repeated with minimal setup

Pros

  • Subtle and deceptive effect

  • Easy to learn and perform

  • Suitable for beginners and experienced magicians alike

  • Minimal setup required for reset

Cons

  • Requires a thumb tip, which may not be preferred by all magicians

  • Relies heavily on natural handling, which may take practice to perfect

Effect

The Sweet and Low trick is a deceptive thumb tip routine where a small object, such as a sugar packet, vanishes and reappears in an impossible way. The performer casually handles the object, making it disappear and return with no obvious moves. The effect is organic and relies on natural gestures, leaving the audience puzzled.

Full details

The trick uses a standard thumb tip but applies it in a fresh way. The routine involves loading and concealing the gimmick smoothly, with misdirection and relaxed handling making the method invisible. The reset is quick, allowing for repeat performances in walk-around or close-up settings.

Who should consider the trick

This trick suits magicians who want a subtle, practical routine that works in casual settings. It is ideal for those who perform close-up or walk-around magic and prefer natural handling over flashy techniques. Beginners will find it easy to learn, while experienced performers can adapt it into their existing routines.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick is easy to learn but requires practice to perfect the timing and misdirection. The thumb tip handling must look natural, so performers should focus on relaxed movements. Richard Osterlind’s teaching breaks down the steps clearly, making it accessible even for those new to thumb tip magic.

What magicians say

MurphysMagicSupplies highlights the natural handling and misdirection in the routine, calling it a "strong addition" to any magician’s repertoire. They note that Osterlind’s method makes the trick feel organic, avoiding forced moves that could expose the method. The routine is praised for its reset potential, making it practical for repeated performances.

The video tutorial emphasizes casual framing as key to the trick’s success. Osterlind advises against over-dramatizing the effect, instead keeping it light and offbeat for maximum deception.

What people are saying about Sweet And Low

MurphysMagicSupplies says...

Osterlind’s approach emphasizes natural handling and misdirection, making the thumb tip vanish and reappear in a way that feels organic. [...] The routine is structured to be easy to learn but highly effective in performance.

Tutorial videos