Hey Guys,

Recently, I purchased a few gross of Fortune Telling Fish. There is one catch on the version I purchased - there are no directions. I was wondering if there are funny little directions that people use and are willing to share. Of course it needs to be simple for the kids to read, yet funny at the same time.

Thanks for all the help you have given in the past (you have no idea how much I have learned from you), and I’m sure you will at least help my brain to start turning on this one.

Bruce Kalver has a great idea in his book on birthday shows. It is available at your favorite magic dealer or from Mr. Kalver's website: click here

Best,

Dan-

If it curls up, you're alive; if it doesn't move, you ain't.

The usual directions aren't that suitable for kids anyhow. You could have a lot more fun writing your own. What about some likely predictions:

Lays flat- Your feet stink.
Sides curl- You don't like brussel sprouts.
Tail lifts- One of your fingers is the same.
Head lifts- One day you laughed so hard your drink came out your nose.
Both lifts- Neither of your socks are pulled up.
Curls right up- You're staring at a plastic fish, and everybody thinks that that is weird thing to be doing.

George

Umm, you take the fish from it's envelope and place it in your hand (should be printed on the envelope).
How it moves, flips, curls, turns over, or just lays there (dead fish) is determined by how much body heat or circulation you have in your hands. Think of it as the soft version of the jumping disc.
The story you use for children will be up to you, by the by, breathing on it while it is on a table top will also make it move; warm breath, like a slow "haaaah", not like blowing out candles.
k

http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......forum=17
http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......;forum=5

George is spot on...and great creativity...
Hey, there's that word.....CREATIVITY!

George,

Best instructions for the Fortune Telling Fish I've ever read.


Derrick

Thanks, George, that's exactly the inspiration I needed. I will look into the book as well (it was already on my list to purchase). I had viewed those previous links, but unfortunately they were more for routines and I was looking for instructions to place on the back of a business card. Thanks, everyone, for your help. It always surprises me how helpful and creative everyone is.

Ryan

Ryan,

Do you mean that there are no fortunes printed on the pack?
If so, where did you buy these?

James

That's correct, James. I purchased them through Rhode Island Novelty a month ago.

Sounds fishy to me.
Sounds like you got a knock-off. The Fortune-Telling Flounder, perhaps?

See if the eyes are on the same side of the head.

I think they are, as well. I actually prefer them this way. It will be funnier with my own fortunes, and hopefully a better marketing tool as people will have to look at my card.

Like everybody else, I've never seen one without the instructions printed on the rear. Wish mine didn't now...so's I could fix up my own!

Steve

Please provide a link. I'm like other people - if I can print up my own directions, even better

Do they still come in the little plastic baggie thing?

Here is what I have used in the past.
Feel Free to help yourself, but I like MagicGeorge's better.

P R E S E N T S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE WORLD FAMOUS
FORTUNE TELLER FISH
Place fish in palm of hand and it’s movements will indicate:

Moving Head................................................Smart

Moving Tail........................................Nice Person

Moving Head and Tail ........................... Smart & a Nice Person

Curling Sides.............................Good Personality

Turns Over.................................Great Personality

Motionless....................................... Forgetaboutit

Curls Up Entirely.................You are Very Special

I use mine at the beginning of a workshop, in each child's hands, to "prove" if they have magic inside them or not. And, of course, they all do.

P.S. Magicgeorge's schtick has just moved to the top, though!

They do come in a plastic sleeve. They are actually called Miracle Fish.
I ordered them from http://www.rinovelty.com Just do a search for "fortune fish". The picture is of the original version, but I received the Miracle Fish. I’m not sure how many they have, but I will be ordering a few more gross from them shortly.

Thanks, Neznarf, and everyone, for sharing there ideas.

I have one more question in regards to this... Would it be over the top to have a marketing message in the "fortunes", such as:

Motionless- You need entertainment. Hire _________ for your next birthday.

Or something like that?

Bare in mind that this would be on the back of a business card.

thanks

Great idea, Ryan! The reason I never used them as giveaways was because of the fortunes that were meaningless to kids. Blank packages would be ideal with the fortunes on your business card.

Found mine on eBay. It was like 5 gross for $7.99...

Steve