I want to share a truly fun item that is VERY easy to add to your tools of the trade!  The idea itself maybe be “old hat” for some but if you are a new clown, you’ll love it!  Or like me, see something once, think I will do it but then I forget about it until someone reminds me again!

Introducing…A mobile magic apron! 

Next time I will be sharing an entire mobile magic SHOW but for now you’ll have to wait!  For now, this is a simple and quick way to make doing meet and greet pocket magic REALLY easy and fun!  I have always used a small suitcase but this is MUCH more convenient.  All you need is an apron and a bunch of pockets!  What you do is simply put all of your favorite magic tricks in the various pockets.  Kids can point to a pocket and it is like “Let’s make a deal, what’s behind pocket number one”.  You could even number them, or have colors or pictures that resemble the type of magic trick, like rope, cards, a bunny, etc.  I think that would be REALLY fun!  You could also have a hat of sorts with a little sign that says Magic Show HERE!  Just as a side note, I would be careful about letting them actually touch the pockets as that may give a weird impression and definitely don’t allow them to reach in.  It is just too close to body parts and could look inappropriate.  I only mention this because I did an event where I was just a parent, not a performer, and there WAS a magician there and he had an apron of sorts that he had kids reaching in and parents there thought that was very weird and creepy.  I agree!

The fun part about this is you can use whatever material you have or pictures mentioned above.  You can use fabric paint instead if you are good artist, and you can draw on all your own.  I suggest your clown material that matches your outfit.  You can purchase an already made apron and simply sew the pockets on by machine, or hand sew, or heck, you may be even able to use fabric glue!

I am working on finishing one that is specifically card tricks. I have a plethora of card tricks and think this may be a perfect way to keep them organized and not get them mixed up!  I found some fun card design curtains and am using that as the pockets. Depending on the age of the guest, that will determine which pocket I choose a trick from.  If it is an adult, it may be a trickier trick, as opposed to a simple or funny comedy card trick I would perform for a child.

I have found magic bunny rabbits and such but that material can be very expensive.  Always try to Google curtains with a favorite fabric design in mind because often times that is a much less expensive way to go.  The card material is actually two very long curtains.  If I had to guess, about 4 yards of material!  I only paid $15 for them.  Usually printed material that is very unique is about 4 times that!  You will see that material again as I am using it as the front of my Mobile Show that will be an article next time.

The best part is you can also use a little Velcro so the items don’t fall out or have them button shut, or both, have them flap over with a piece of Velcro.  There is a world of possibilities.  You could also have an entire clown outfit with various pockets instead of an apron.  You could have pockets on the pants, a jacket, a hat, a vest etc. the whole idea is the audience has no idea what you are going to come up with next!  You could literally have a whole show on your person without having to carry a single suitcase.  How cool is THAT?  If I didn’t have a ton of juggling stuff I would TOTALLY do that!

I want to see what you all come up with so make sure you send me some photos!

Nicole Portwood   Email Portwoodjr@comcast.net – NE Regional Director