This is what I saw when this was demonstrated at a local magic get-together: the performer cupped his hands together and a miniature pair of hands and arms slowly poked out of his hands to pick up the sponge ball left on the table.

Sure, it was basically nothing more than a pair of plastic "doll arms", but his smooth handling made it look downright spooky! (the open end of the "arms" were pushed onto the thumb and little finger of his covered hand)

Now, before I go out and start cutting the arms off of inocent dolls, does anybody know an on-line source for this item? (and the name, if it has one)

Thanks - Ron

It sounds like Arlen's "Creature" but with arms... I believe he said he was going to make an arms version of it, instead of the face... perhaps you could contact him.

It's maybe John Hiatt's Magician's Helper. Works on the same principle as Judy the Mouse.

http://www.daytonamagic.com/Close-up/CU27.htm#MAGICIAN'S HELPER by JOHN HIATT

Except this is just one tiny hand, and not a pair of arms. What you saw could have been just a finger puppet from the local toy emporium.

I've been doing this for years on St Pat's day as a leprauchan. I think I actually got it from a Penn and Teller book years ago. Instead of two arms I use one arm and a leg. Cupping your hands just right it looks like you really have something, or someone in your hand struggling to get away. Sometimes it really creaps people out. I just do it as an aside like I'm catching one off the floor and putting it to the pocket. I've found the perfect items to use to make it as realistic as possible if you want to PM me.

John Riggs was the first to publish the idea I believe, he also contributed it to Steve Beam's magazine "Trapdoor" some years back. It can be found in "The Magic of John Riggs" (1995)where it is called "Mr. Jimmy". This was before John went completely over to the dark side (mentalism). Steve Beam sometimes includes it in his lecture. I wasn't/aren't aware of anyone marketing this.

Paul.

I mentioned this to my partner and we both think it may have actually been in Magic for Dummies also. One of our students brought it to class many years ago.

Appreciate your solid leads and great suggestions!
I'll follow up on all the info.

Thanks - Ron

I've had so many messages about this simple gag that I'm sending everyone to my video archive where I keep short clips of every effect I learn.

Email me for the link.

You can see the handling and supplies I used. I have also used this with the pixie dust joke and with a croc hunter accent "I'll have to save this beaut for the blender."

Christopher

And whats wrong with the mutilating dolls idea? Go for it!

Is it wrong when it becomes ritualistic? I saw whatever a guy wants to do with his dolls and sharp implements is his business, and I hardly ever make my daughter watch the procedure.

It is in magic for dummies.

Cnn news report . the serial killer better known as the barbie doll ripper is still at large and scaring the whole lot of barbie dolls . last night another body of a barbie doll was found missing 2 arms and a leg . what could be the motive behind such macabre mutilations .

I believe it was in fact Bob Farmer published under the title "The Miracle of Life" published in Gary Ouellet's column Fulminations in Genii magazine.


MS

Guilty! I invented this trick. I've never heard of the other guys claiming to have invented it. Keith Lack's authorized version, "Creature," has a nice twist on the idea -- a little head appears.

I prefer the hand because it's a lot sillier.