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ProfessorMagicJMG Loyal user 257 Posts |
Years ago, I studied bookbinding, paper making and book conservation. I enjoy performing the Buddha Papers for kids, but have not been satisfied by their appearance or dimensions. I decided to try to develop something that makes more sense. What I found was that all commercially available Buddha Papers are based on an outer sheet in the dimensions of readily available paper stock, which in the USA comes in 8.5" X 11," and I'm guessing in Europe where A4 is the corresponding sheet size, there may be papers based on A4 as the largest, outer dimension.
What I wanted was a 3-paper set in which the inner paper fits a normal Poker-size card neatly, and in which the folded sides are not of different widths, which always looked odd to me. I also decided to use more durable, handmade, long-fiber papers. In my book conservation classes we studied traditional marbled paper techniques as well as printed papers, and papers made of rag, flax, linen and other traditional fibers. I also wanted to create a set of papers that immediately looked mysterious and magical, as well as timeless and classic. As an artist and designer, I found a great resource at my local art supply, which sells large sheets of handmade and hand decorated and printed papers, as well as the delicate but durable and strong Japanese Kozo fiber paper often used to create hinges and repairs in book conservation in museums and libraries. After measuring and comparing several different versions of Buddha Papers I had, I discovered the limitations of the innermost set based on the dimensions of the outer set, and decided to rework all the dimensions of all the papers to achieve a look of balance and elegance while still allowing for a Poker-sized card in the interior-most paper. Using handmade papers allows for a wide variety of possibility in terms of artistic design among the set; the first set I have made uses the magical color scheme of gold, red, black and white. Also, I decided that since these sets will be custom made and hand-cut and folded for use in magical storytelling, I wanted them to inspire eloquence and help the performer weave a convincing tale using the "gift of gab," what the Irish call "Blarney." I'd like to share a look at what I came up with, and what I'm calling The Blarney Papers, in honor of my Scots-Irish ancestry, meant to inspire artful stories and magical memories. I've added links to three photos of the set. http://static1.squarespace.com/static/55......mat=750w http://static1.squarespace.com/static/55......mat=750w http://static1.squarespace.com/static/55......mat=750w
"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." - Clarke's 3rd Law
"Any sufficiently primitive technology can mystify a postmodern audience." - JMG's Corollary to Clarke's 3rd Law |
Slim King Eternal Order Orlando 18012 Posts |
I love these!! Great job!!!!!!
THE MAN THE SKEPTICS REFUSE TO TEST FOR ONE MILLION DOLLARS.. The Worlds Foremost Authority on Houdini's Life after Death.....
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MentalistCreationLab Inner circle 1528 Posts |
Those look way better than the old ones nice work
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afinemesh Inner circle Senseless gibberish that amounts to 2621 Posts |
Certain magic things need to be updated. This (IMO) is one of them. Thanks for bring these into the present. I've always liked this prop!
"I've always been mental, I'm sure of it" Boris Pocus
"Someday we'll look back on this and it will all seem funny". . .Bruce Springsteen |
Slim King Eternal Order Orlando 18012 Posts |
If the price is right count me in!!!
THE MAN THE SKEPTICS REFUSE TO TEST FOR ONE MILLION DOLLARS.. The Worlds Foremost Authority on Houdini's Life after Death.....
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ProfessorMagicJMG Loyal user 257 Posts |
Hey folks, I've had a lot of interest and private messages about the Blarney Papers (see explanation for the name in the original post). I'm looking into setting up an Etsy shop and just make sets that look good and put them up for those who want them. I'm going to try to look for combinations of paper that just look magical together.
Generally, I'm going to try to make "warm color" sets, "cool color" sets, "enchanted storytelling" sets, and a few "bizarre dungeon" sets. This should cover most of the magical and artistic interest areas. The first set of papers pictured in the original post would be an Enchanted Storytelling set. I've had requests for an all-black or dark set, and some dark green sets. I'll be looking for those kinds of papers soon. Generally, the outer paper will be a traditional marbled pattern, the middle set will be solid and the inner papers will be printed or some unusual contrasting or complementary color pattern or texture. I'll post on this thread with the Etsy link whenever I can get around to it, probably in a couple of weeks. PM requests will take first priority. I'll be pricing these around $25-30. These papers can be very expensive; it takes 5 full sheets of uncut 20'x30" handmade and hand decorated or printed paper sheets to make 4 sets of Blarney Papers. It's also a lot more work than you'd think; hand cutting and folding each sheet; figuring out the correct measurements; coming up with the right adhesive and the right paper material for the "magic" part, etc. I studied bookbinding and paper making and decoration for more than a year in graduate school as part of a book conservation course; those skills are all coming into play making these sets. Also, I'm going to compile a .pdf of routines for The Blarney Papers; planning to write some myself, but if you would like to contribute an original routine for The Blarney Papers, considering there are Outer, Middle and Inner folds (3 rather than 4 with the original mass produced Buddha Papers sets), just write them up and send them to me and I'll include them and credit you. These .pdfs will be sent to those who purchase a set of the papers. Thanks for all your encouragement; this is such a great and overlooked prop. Finally getting to put my bookbinding skills to good use after 20 years!
"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." - Clarke's 3rd Law
"Any sufficiently primitive technology can mystify a postmodern audience." - JMG's Corollary to Clarke's 3rd Law |
MentalistCreationLab Inner circle 1528 Posts |
Since I know what handmade and decorated paper costs per sheet at 25-30 he might have enough for a small pint but not much more than that. This is a great price. Keep up posted I am interested in a set of these as well for some routine I had in mind a while ago and was looking for an alternative to the Buddha papers since I never liked the look of the others. No that that problem is solved looks like I might actually get back to working on the original idea I had.
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Magical Dimensions Inner circle 5001 Posts |
I am looking for good papers for my bundles routine and like that look of this.
Ray |
jimgerrish Inner circle East Orange, NJ 3209 Posts |
Now that you have good looking papers, it's time for a new modus operandi which will allow you, for example, to hand out the three papers to three different people. Each person folds their paper, the smallest folded first, then the 2nd largest folded to contain the smallest, and the third largest to contain them all. Now you have a card chosen. The card vanishes from the deck and the person who chose the card gets to open the packet of papers to find his card with the innermost packet. More magical looking papers deserve a more magical effect.
Jim Gerrish
magicnook@yahoo.com https://www.magicnook.com Home of The Wizards' Journals: https://magicnook.com/wizardsTOC.htm |
Darkness Inner circle 1626 Posts |
Or tarot card...
THE SUPERNATURAL ILLUSIONIST & EFFECTS CREATOR WWW.MRDARKNESS.COM
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Magical Dimensions Inner circle 5001 Posts |
Quote:
On May 29, 2016, Darkness wrote: Yes......... Along with a short reading |
ProfessorMagicJMG Loyal user 257 Posts |
My papers are designed to fit a poker size card exactly in the inner set. For readings with that size card I would use the Kadar Poker Cards, not sure if they make a tarot set in poker size or not. Its possible you could fit a tarot size card in the next smallest paper in a normal Buddha paper set.
"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." - Clarke's 3rd Law
"Any sufficiently primitive technology can mystify a postmodern audience." - JMG's Corollary to Clarke's 3rd Law |
David Eichler Grammar Host Durham, ME 1780 Posts |
Quote:
On May 29, 2016, ProfessorMagicJMG wrote: Here you go: http://deadonpaper.myshopify.com/collect......ds-light These are the minors. The Majors are in production and should be available in the next few months. I have this set - they are wonderfully made. I also have the Kadar cards - also a brilliant set that are wonderfully made. |
ProfessorMagicJMG Loyal user 257 Posts |
Quote:
On May 30, 2016, David Eichler wrote: Thanks for this link, David; I think for folks who want to do Tarot style readings these would be perfect. I think I have seen Gypsy Fortune Telling decks of cards also. There are also various "Oracle" card sets for those uncomfortable with the traditional Tarot, and I think the Kadar deck is a great alternative based in Jungian archetypes with a fun carnival theme. As a utility prop, the Blarney Papers are like a small, flat Change Bag...infinite variety of routines limited only by your imagination and the quality of the prop.
"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." - Clarke's 3rd Law
"Any sufficiently primitive technology can mystify a postmodern audience." - JMG's Corollary to Clarke's 3rd Law |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The spooky, the mysterious...the bizarre! » » New Handmade Buddha Papers - "The Blarney Papers" (5 Likes) |
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