The Evaporation trick was created using a Sunny D bottle, however that style of bottle hasn’t been made (that I can find) for a while now. I’m switching the standard bottle to a “Sports Bottle” type of bottle and working on the first batch of them to ship out to Murphy’s Magic, then available through most magic shops around the world.
Nothing has changed about the gimmick or prop, except for the bottle.
-Louie
Well, it’s public now that Hocus Pocus in Fresno has closed. For me, this is the end of the “family magic shop” era. Aside from Stevens Magic Emporium, there really aren’t any prominent family run magic shops in the USA anymore. Yes, there are some smaller ones, but not really any with national/international reach.
I first met Paul and Betty Gross when I was performing at The Big Fresno Fair about a decade ago. They came to the fair and watched my show, and then they introduced themselves. I had done business with Paul Gross long before that. Hocus-Pocus was the second shop to sell my Evaporation trick. The first was Max Krause’s magic shop, but he called me at around 10pm, right after I had sent out an email to magic shops announcing the product. Paul put in an order the next morning and he immediately sold out and reordered.
After Paul’s passing, I continued doing business with Hocus Pocus when Max took over. Max was involved before that, but he became the face of the business at that point. For not being a magician, Max knew a lot about the industry and a ton about collectible magic!
That brings us to today (technically last night) with them officially being closed. Last week I got a call from them giving me a heads up about it, and I immediately booked a flight down to say good by to them. Every magic product I’ve released for the last decade has been through them, and it’s been a great relationship.
It’s sad to see this shop going away, and it was great to chat with them about what’s next. Max is a super smart guy, and he kept his Dad’s dream alive and now he’s working on his dream, and I wish him and the rest of the family the best!
-Louie
In my show the Evaporation gimmick that I use in a milk bottle. Really it’s a Sunny D bottle that has a milk label that I printed out on it. Recently while I was performing in Wyoming I found this milk bottle:
This is my dream bottle for a milk bottle for my Evaporation trick. The only problem is that it’s a unicorn. What makes this bottle perfect for milk is that it’s smooth, which makes it easy to clean and it’s clear, so the liquid is very visible. Unfortunately I’ve spend too much time trying to track down more of these bottles and all the ones I can find are frosted and not clear. With a frosted bottle it’s hard to see the liquid inside.
Normally milk is in a frosted or opaque bottle as light isn’t good for milk. That convinces me that these were an error at the place that makes the bottles. Unfortunately I won’t be able to offer these for sale to magicians as there’s only two and I’m going to be using them. However if you want my standard Evaporation that’s gimmicked for milk, shoot me a note and I can make you one.
-Louie
Recently I wrapped up a twelve day run at a fair. I was doing 30 minute stage magic shows. Here’s what my case and tabletop set up looks like:
The show set list is pretty simple:
ACAAN
Rope Trick
Cup Trick
Drawing Routine
Tape Measure Prediction
Marshmallow, blindfold, or whip and safety pin routines
Hoop and Cup
The second to the end position is a variable spot in the set let. It could be one of three routines based on time, how much of the audience are repeat, and general vibe I’m feeling. That variable is great when there are people who just saw the show, you can have a slightly different show for them!
-Louie
| One of my favorite gimmicks and one that I use in almost all of my stage shows is Evaporation! This is a way to make liquid vanish from a single serve bottle of Sunny D (orange juice). The “effect” is similar to a Magic Milk Pitcher, however the method is very different. |
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| This gimmick is super versatile, and over the years I’ve used it for a lot of different routines. Click the play button below to watch the video: |
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| I just made a big batch of them, and if order one now through July 20th, 2024 I’ll include my trick Out For Beers (a $19 value) for free with it! You don’t need to do anything special to get this deal, simply order the Evaporation trick and I’ll automatically include it with your order. You can get more information or order Evaporation visit: https://www.magicshow.tips/evaporation-magic-trick-vanishing-liquid/ |
For every show that I do, I have a written set list. I know my show, but I always have one. For my main show, it’s taped to the inside of the lid of my case. Recently I was in a show where I did three five minute spots, so the list was written on a piece of paper inside the bin on my table top.
I do this for a couple reasons, for my main show if I’m repacking it, it’s easy to go down the list as I pack to make sure I have all of my props. For unusual configurations of my show, it makes sure I have all the correct props set. It also takes brainpower out of what I’m doing, I can glance at the list and know what to do!
-Louie
I’m excited to say that the old, larger size of the Evaporation trick will be available again soon! The original 16 oz bottles haven’t been available for a long time, but I’ve just found a bunch of them, so I’m making up a batch of about a hundred of them soon!
I should have these bottles gimmicked in the next couple of days and they’ll be available on my website and shipped out to Murphy’s Magic, so available at your favorite dealer soon!
-Louie
Yesterday I posted a video about how to use evaporation with one hand using a thumb tip with a cork on it. Here’s a tutorial on how to make the thumb tip. You’ll need a thumb tip, cork, screwdriver, screw and scissors.
I start by trimming off a little bit of the end of the thumb tip. I think that makes it easier to get your thumb into it.
Than I use the screwdriver to punch a hole in the fingernail side of the thumb tip. Just push and twist until you have a hole.
Put a screw onto the screwdriver and drive it through the thumb tip a little bit.
Then screw the screw into the cork.
And you’re done!
That’s all there is to it, pretty simple.
-Louie
Recently in a Facebook group someone was asking about a way to make it look like their puppet was drinking. My Evaporation prop was mentioned and I immediately had some people ask me how to use the prop with one hand.
It’s not hard, here’s how:
Enjoy having your puppet drink!
-Louie
It’s always interesting to look into other magicians prop cases. Last week I did my first fair of the year and here’s what my set up look like.
First the bin that sits on my table:
And here’s the prop case that sits on the floor to my left:
That’s a 45 minute stage show and it all can pack down into the prop case. The fully loaded case is just under 50 pounds, so I can check it on the plane as luggage for no additional fees!
-Louie
