The Mysterious Matchboxes Illusion Kit

Amaze and astound with a clever, plastic-free kit to make and perform two matchbox illusions: the Mysterious Weight Illusion and Three-box Monte with disappearing contents. First, follow the instructions to press-out and fold the three match boxes, the rattle box to wear on your wrist (this will require you to add some coins, not included), and the printed disappearing inserts for the boxes. Then practice the steps to perform two tricks – Smartphone users can access demonstrations by scanning a QR code. Inspired by a sensory illusion described by Augustin Charpentier in 1891 you will baffle your audience by casting a spell to make one of the boxes feel heavier; the other trick presents a twist on ‘Three-card Monte’ where your audience must work out where the coins are as the boxes are shuffled, using sound and sleight of hand to bamboozle.

Kit to make three ‘matchboxes’, a rattle box and printed ‘coin’ inserts
Constructed match boxes c.6 x 4.5 x 1.5cm
Press-out cardboard pieces
Illustrated instructions – QR code to scan for demonstrations
Requires but not included: some loose coins
21 x 15.5 x 0.3cm card wallet
Age 9+
FSC accredited paper
Plastic-free packaging
Paper and card can be recycled