How to Levitate an Object

1. 1
   Get an elastic string known as a loop. You can also use any thin elastic string and make it into a loop yourself. You can purchase pre-made loops or create your own. It's essentially an elastic band. ^[4]

   • If you make your own, simply tie two ends together into a small knot to form a loop.
   • Start with your loop around your wrist like a bracelet. Or, if it feels more comfortable to you, position your loop around your index finger and the outside of your thumb.
   • This is a great method for doing up-close street magic on the spot.
2. 2
   Grab a dollar or other small light object. You can ask a spectator for a dollar and levitate it without much prep.

   • Because your loop is so thin and light, you will need a light object that won't break the thread.
3. 3
   Place the object in the same hand as your loop. This will allow you to hook the loop with your other hand while you wave it over the object, preparing it to levitate. ^[5]

   • Begin explaining that you're going to levitate the object using the energy created from your hands.
4. 4
   Bring your free hand over and on top of the object. You can begin to rub your hands together around the object, and while you do so, get your finger under your loop.

   • You want to grab the loop with your other hand and begin to stretch it.
   • With the loop going around both hands you now have a small platform to balance the object on.
5. 5
   Position the object on top of your loop. As you hook your loop around your other finger, slide it forward so it's stretching across your palm. Use your fingers from both hands to get the object on top of the string.

   • This will allow you to quickly balance the object on top of your loop, making it look like it's levitating.
6. 6
   Slowly separate your hands. Begin to slowly move your hands apart. You can show the object levitating in the space between your hands.

   • Be careful to move your hands slowly so as not to break the loop or cause your object to fall.
7. 7
   Grab the object and release your loop. You don't want to levitate the object for too long and give the audience a chance to see the loop. So as you grab the object, release the loop from your hand. It will snap back to the hand you had it wrapped it around. ^[6]

   • You can now let your audience inspect the object to see that it is ordinary.
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1. 1
   Grab two straws. This trick requires you to do a little bit of prep, but can be performed easily at a restaurant or bar. ^[7]

   • This trick is less of an illusion where your audience won't see you prep. Because you won't have much time in between prep and actually performing the trick, it's more of a science trick.
   • You need two straws that are still in the paper wrappers.
   • Tear the wrapper toward one end of the straw, but don't remove the wrapper. Your straws will still be in the wrappers, but you will have separated a long portion of the sleeve. This longer sleeve will be used to create friction. The small bit of paper left on the other end stays in place to prevent you from touching the plastic straw before you need to.
2. 2
   Place the ends of both straws between your teeth, not touching the actual plastic. You will have a long sleeve of paper wrapper which you can now slide up and down on the straw to create a static charge.

   • Pinch the ends of the straws between your teeth, making sure that you don't get the paper wet.
   • Slide the long sleeves of paper up and down on the straws several times to build a charge.
   • Make sure to pinch the end of the straws firmly, using the tip of the wrapper as a barrier between your teeth and the plastic.
3. 3
   Slide the paper sleeves up and down a few times, then quickly slide the paper off each straw. You will now have two straws that are holding a static charge. These straws will act like rods which you will grab to transfer the current of energy to your hands. ^[8]

   • With the straws still pinched between your teeth, slide the long sleeves up and down on the straws a few times before sliding the paper off completely. The up and down motion of the paper on the plastic creates the charge.
   • You will now have two straws which have a static charge.
4. 4
   Grab the straws in each hand. With the straws full of static charge, you want to grab each straw and close your fists around the plastic.

   • Doing this will transfer the static charge from the straws to your hands.
   • Hold the straws for about three seconds. Then let go and drop both straws.
   • Make sure to not touch anything except the dollar you will levitate.
5. 5
   Pick up your dollar. It's best to already have your dollar placed on the table so that it is hanging off the edge of the table slightly. Pick the dollar up by pinching it between your two middle fingers.

   • You need to grab the dollar so one finger is on the top and one on the bottom.
   • Raise your hands up, making sure not to touch anything other than the dollar.
6. 6
   Slowly move your hands apart. Your hands will still be charged so when you slowly move your fingers away from one another the dollar will levitate in the air.

   • Keep your hands close to the dollar with one hand above it and the other below.
   • The dollar will levitate because of the transfer of static electricity moving between your hands.
   • It will only last for a few seconds before the charge dissipates. You can also take your hair and wrap it around a marker. (Make sure to take off the cap first) After that put the cap on. Boom!
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Simple levitation