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GeorgeG Special user Thousand Oaks, CA 977 Posts |
As a collector of magic props, I pay attention to craftsmanship(especially if attached to a reputable name), type of material used(love exotic hardwoods), size(hate big props), and rarity(e.g.limited edition items). I guess I just love very nice stuff and willing to pay for it(having a good paying job helps)
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Chance Wolf Inner circle 2425 Posts |
George,
I have to agree with you with the exception of big props ( I just love having a big ol' Illusion taking up critical space in my living room) Fine craftsmanship and the weight and feel of a nice hardwood is hard to resist ( almost at any price) With the GLUT of magic props growing larger by the day, it is hard to weed out the good from the bad. Now it's time for me to save some money and buy a Gerlitz piece Take care, Chance
Creator of Wacky Wolf Productions & Fine Collectibles
A DECADE of building Magic and we're just getting started! http://www.wolfsmagic.com |
GeorgeG Special user Thousand Oaks, CA 977 Posts |
Chance
I do like big props but wifey has limited the space in the house for my magic collection, so you see...need to keep them small |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
Space is always a problem for a magician and his/her props. This is even worse when we have collector pieces that we never want used, the good stuff that we currently have to use, and the boxes and bags of "I'm working on this stuff for later". Let's not even mention the "stuff that just followed me home" and I may need it or I can trade it for what I want someday.
Now, add to that problem when both the husband and wife are performing magicians together and separately. Not bad so far? Right! But we both also do animal acts! And Lucy and I both do grand illusion. And did I mention that I didn't even start until over forty years ago? Do you have a garage we could borrow? We need to store about 5,000 square feet of prize stuff until we need it. We also keep extra backup animals. The horse, three goats, and 100 doves will be easy. But are you good with geese? At least we have cut back on the dogs. We don't have but five now. One is not allowed to spend the night at the vet's because he is an escape artist. Of course, so much of this stuff is neither used nor for sale because old so-and-so gave me this before he died and signed it for me. Where is that funny looking thing that goes with this? Enjoy it and leave it to someone else. It's still magic. Bob and Lucy Sanders Magic by Sander |
mattg New user 15 Posts |
I like props that fold up really small.
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Rob Johnston Inner circle Utah 2060 Posts |
I have very few big props. Most of my collection is focused in coinage and books. But I love the smaller stuff. That is just my style.
"Genius is another word for magic, and the whole point of magic is that it is inexplicable." - Margot Fonteyn
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huggie50 Regular user North Las Vegas 109 Posts |
I collect books and video's and space is becoming a problem. I have four bookcases totally full and I need more.
Magically yours,
Huggie |
Rennie Inner circle I think I have about 1825 Posts |
Huggie,
You sound like me. I have 4 bookcases loaded with books and videos as well as 4 trunks filled with props etc., also many boxes full of magic. I love it though. Rennie
The effect is the important thing, how you achieve it is not.......
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chmara Inner circle Tucson, AZ 1911 Posts |
I both collect and perform -- so I want collectables that can be performed, or have been performed.
What I really do not like -- is to find a great collectable (that I use regularly) and see a poorly made "replica" put out using the purloined idea in cheap dressing. I also have many collectable items I have traded because even thought beautiful -- the could not work consistantly. And -- for instance -- I really like Jim Riser's stuff because it works and will continue to be collectable because, with moderate care -- it is for a working performer -- his background. I really appreciate the things I have acquired from Pete Biro -- not only original performance pieces of high quality -- most of the time Pete sends out the original instructions -- AND his performance notes (with pictures of his manly postures as he presents them -- crosseyed.) Also -- sometimes who you buy a collectable from has a bearing on whether it really is or not. I have purchased some gongas (for those of you who speak border Spanish) from Hocus-Pocus.com estate sales offered to members. Those sales have become rare -- apparently because tooo much junk is being offered, so I have to jump on the items FAST FAST FAST.
Gregg (C. H. Mara) Chmara
Commercial Operations, LLC Tucson, AZ C. H. Mara Illusion & Psychic Entertainments |
Julie Inner circle 3936 Posts |
I imagine you guys who are really into wood are familiar with Alan Warner's teak (his current medium of choice) mini-effects. Much of the line is not really great Magic, but the craftsmanship is uniformly superb.
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angeloturn New user 59 Posts |
I am hoping you all can help guide me. I have n=made some Morrison Pill Boxes as well as some ball vases. Some of my own designs and others that emulate Thayer. Is there any kind of market for this stuff? I like working with good wood (read expensive) so naturally the props end up rather expensive. Any advice is helpful
Excuse my innorance, what is a gonga?
Leave no wood unturned.....A
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GeorgeG Special user Thousand Oaks, CA 977 Posts |
angeloturn
Jim Riser makes some nice ball vases and he is apparantly doing very well: Riser Woodturning His latest release is a beauty: Stones of Tutankhamun My best advice is set up a simple website with good images of your stuff and gives us the link. Sit back and the let your craftsmanship sell itself. Julie Alan Warner does make wonderful stuff and his clever use of magnetic principles is to be commended. Granted some of his effects are "simple" but their entertainment value will surprise you. I have a website on his magic. |
angeloturn New user 59 Posts |
Ok That's good advice. I'll post link as soon as there are some images to see.
Thanks for your advice A Jim Riser? Is that really you? A
Leave no wood unturned.....A
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angeloturn New user 59 Posts |
I can say from the time I started making boxes that the amount of effort and workmanship is incredible. I would never (or could) have guessed the amount or work and TLC that goes into just ONE of these Props.
I have made replicas (exact dulpicates) and reproductions (replicas w/ One revision or another. As time goes on and as I continue to make these props I find out more and more about the other makers. Verrrry interesting stuff. I am hooked now, and will continue my persuit of perfection.
Leave no wood unturned.....A
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weepinwil Inner circle USA 3828 Posts |
Quote:
On 2004-02-17 22:40, huggie50 wrote: I just converted an entire bedroom into a wall to wall library and have run out of space. I understand your problem.
"Til Death us do part!" - Weepin Willie
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weepinwil Inner circle USA 3828 Posts |
When I go to a magic shop, I like to talk magic with a few of the customers or dealers and also perform a couple of my own tricks. However, most of the time the dealers just want me to buy something and leave. Is that the experience you have as well, or is it just in my area?
"Til Death us do part!" - Weepin Willie
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Clifford the Red Inner circle LA, California 1941 Posts |
Ditto on the books, that is the main thing I collect. Magic props? Well, I tend to not go for blatant props. I do, however, collect or construct unique and/or antique items for either esoteric atmosphere or actual use as props.
"The universe is full of magical things, waiting for our wits to grow sharper." Eden Philpotts
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