Greetings all - your help and suggestions please.

I have the classic seance cloth with standard gimmick.
However after even a very few short months the gimmick is very dirty - the colour from the cloth has come off onto it and stained it.

I have now taken the cloth off its pole to be cleaned to stop this happening any more, but the gimmick is still dirty and blackend which does spoil the illusion somewhat.

Ive tried various cleaning products, some quite harsh, and still no joy. is my gimick ruined? has anyone had the same problem? your suggestion on cleannig welcomed

I have my STUFF air brushed.

Hey, Paul:

Not sure it's applicable to your bit, but I'm using the "Daylight Seance" method for a new routine in which I'll wear gloves. The gloves have a texture and colour which won't readily show dirt or wear. Of course, my routine involves a "wild animal" named Roxie, and thus the gloves are appropriate; whether this would be a solution in your case I can't say.

FWIW,
Leland

Get some liquid 'stay on' make-up in your skin colour and rub into the gimmick - you'll need to touch up every few months.

When you wash the cloth, add a cup of salt to the wash to fix the colour.

Destiny

Ah Ha! Thanks folks - some good tips. I will set to work!

I've been thinking about either making one or buying a good seance cloth...

I've got the gimmick that's discussed above just lying in a box doing nothing.. I figured it's a small step from there to make a decent cloth =O)

Since I have never used one, I don't know how big of an impact it would make on spectators.

Anyone have any input ? =)

thanks,
Micke

Ive only just got mine but used it a few times now - think its great.

I like the gimick as it is not too rigid allowing me to move and wiggle it.. which I don't do the first few times I use the cloth.. then just as people come to the possible conclusion - next time I place the cloth up I delay a litle bit move and wiggle the gimmick, in a natural way of course, and then continue with my tambourines and bells etc.. thus distracting once again from the gimick itself. Even close up, in fairly welt lit conditions the few times I have used it - there were baffled faces all round

I use it as an explanitory, 'Victorians used to use a spirit cloth' and proceed to demo etc.. I don't overplay it, but again leave 'more questions than answers' for my seance sitters.

For the final question mark I 'loose' the gimmick and presnt one of the sitters with the cloth to examine while other examine the bells and tambourine etc leaving myself and 'all' the items they have seen in use completely clean.

I've never had anyone suspect it as far as I know - but I don't push my luck - I only use it once in a performance and use the cloth another time without the gimmick.

It really is quite mind boggling though what you can achieve with both hands apparently out of play.

Destiny

Several times over teh years, I have been tempted to experiment with one of these, but I've always been worried that it would seem to magicy, or obvious, somehow. But maybe I should reconsider.

R

I've used it for something as simple as putting my glasses on without making a 'trick' of it - works well.

I understand well what Rory is saying about 'too magicky' - it easily becomes a corny kids trick.

Destiny

Where is a good source to buy a nice one?

Hey, Rory:

I was REALLY sceptical about using the Daylight Seance bit, and the first time I put it to use I hammed it up, big time. I was using it as an "over the top" gag, or so I thought...especially when the "Spirit Bell" I was using went "out of control" and flew over the top of the cloth.

The audience bought it, hook, line, and sinker. (I was using a TT, rather than a full hand for the gimmick.) I understand your reluctance, and yes, my crowd was primarily composed of "believers" and drunks, but I'd still encourage you to explore its use.

YMMV,
Leland

Dr Spektor

I bought mine years ago from Derek Rutt in Thailand but I'm sure someone sells just the gimmick.

For bizarre there are options other than the cloth - a framed painting, a large open book, a shroud...

Destiny

Leland and Plastic -- I will look into it. Thanks.

R