David Blaine Ash Trick

Effect: The spectator writes a name on a page in a notepad. The spectator then tears out the page, crumples it up and places it in an ashtray.

The paper is set alight and the magician then rubs the ashes on his arm, on which the name written by the spectator, mysteriously appears.

Preparation: You will need a small notepad, pen, ashtray, lighter and a small piece of soap or wax.

Method: The spectator is asked to write either a name or favourite anything of their choice on a notepad. They are then asked to tear out the page, crumple it up and place it in the ashtray. The magician then sets the paper alight. At this point the magician should take the notepad from the spectator.

If looked at closely, it should be possible to see an imprint of the spectators written word on the top page of the notepad. ( It should not be made obvious that the magician has been looking at the notepad . )

Then subtely, perhaps by using a little misdirection, the word should be written on the magicians arm by himself using the soft soap or wax. ( Again, this action should not be visible or obvious to anyone .)

The magician can then take some of the ashes and rub them on his arm where the ash will stick to the soap or wax and the name become visible to the astonishment of the audience.

This is a great trick but depends on the magician creating an atmosphere with an entertaining routine and patter about black magic to enhance the trick and create misdirection to allow himself an opportunity to pull off the trick.