Svenvelopes are the latest idea I have seen using the ancient Svengali principle in a subtlely different kind of way. And I like them, a lot. Read on to find out why…
What are Svenvelopes?
I don’t think I’m giving too much away by saying that this is a set of envelopes which are cut to two different lengths, enabling you to use them as a forcing system – rather like the good old Svengali Deck.
But using envelopes has, so my mind, some massive advantages:
- You can put anything you like (within obvious physical limits) in an envelope. So you can use them to force cards, pictures, bank notes, coins, etc. etc.
- Because you can’t see the contents until the envelope is opened – that means you can offer the chance for the spectator to change their mind! Not so convincing when you have already seen the card.
- You can change the contents of the envelope to make a new routine (though given the relatively inexpensive nature of these, if you’ve got more than one good routine – get another set of Svenvelopes – so they’re both ready to go!).
What do you get?
You’re supplied with a pack of 50 envelopes. These are well made and come well packaged in a sturdy little plastic box. Obviously you can use as many as you want in any particular effect. They also come with a link where you can download some pdf instructions. The first essentially explains the general principle/handling. The second contains dozens of routines to get you started – many of which have pages you can print out with all the graphics pre-prepared for you.
There were some clever ideas here – and they’ll get your brain whirring. But I would hope that any performer worth their salt will come up with their own routines very easily. You may even be buying them with a particular routine in mind.
I think these are a great and disarming release. They seem so innocent. The ‘force’ envelope can obviously be given to the spectator to handle – there’s nothing to see. The re-set is instant and the number of possible routines limitless.
Highly recommended. Now I’m off to come up with a new routine…
Svenvelopes are available from MagicShop.co.uk. The black ones I looked at are £23.50. They are also available in a variety of other colours (blue, red, white, green and yellow) for £28.50.
Review copy kindly provided by Murphys Magic to whom dealer enquiries should be directed.
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