"Bling" by Adam Topham
Suggested Retail USD$55.00
Available from your favorite dealer
In a Blink: 6 Out of 10

"Bling", an effect by Adam Topham, is a piece of magic that is both pretty and cute and, while it won't draw out the most outrageous of responses from spectators, it will be entertaining for a bit.

The effect of "Bling" is fairly straightforward. A spectator picks a card, remembers it, and returns it to the deck. A black handkerchief is brought out along with a small bag of "diamonds" (aka rhinestones) and a dollar bill. The handkerchief is draped over the performer's hand, the dollar bill made into a funnel, and the spectator pours the diamonds into the handkerchief through the funnel. The handkerchief and diamonds are given to the spectator. They call out the name of their card, open the handkerchief, and see that the diamonds have spelled out the name of their card.

As I said, it's cute if not the usual stunning thing we're all in search of. It's certainly commercial enough and will play pretty well with women (who, judging by the patter, this routine is geared for).

On the methodology side of things, this is very easy to do. No sleights, switching, or the like. It relies on an ancient gimmick (one of my all-time favorite gimmicks in fact, so don't go getting this one thinking you're getting something brand-spanking new; you're getting something you most likely have one or two of already) and that does all the work for you. Set-up is easy, as is the reset, though you'll want some privacy to get the reset done. Repeating it is problematic for obvious reasons, so you'll have to be careful there. Also, you'll be giving up some pocket space but in all it's a small amount.

All in all, "Bling" is cute and entertaining and it'll work and play as that.

Should you get it? In all honesty, if you've been around the block once or twice, you've probably figured out how this one work and could make up something similar with little effort (it's not the like the plot is all that new -- we've been using various bits to spell out card names on everything we can think of for ages). But if you're lacking for a solution, and the effect appeals to you and the fine folks you'll be doing this for, then by all means get this one. The props are well-made and the effect certainly good enough.

"Bling" by Adam Topham
In a Blink: 6 Out of 10

Practicality: 5
There are a few issues here: both the set-up and the reset are easy, but you'll need privacy to rest this. Even then, repeating this is problematic (for obvious reasons). You also have the whole "pocket space" issue to deal with. Overall, though, it's still a workable piece.

Workmanship: 10
Everything is well made here, though with use you'll have a bit of a "touch-up" to do. Topham gets points though for making that quick and painless.

Documentation: 7
The documentation is good, certainly well-written and comprehensive enough to get you going with this.

Effect: 6
This is not a stunner, a jaw-dropper, or a religion-starter. It is a cute piece of magic that plays as a bit of almost juvenile comedy and that's not all that bad.

Presentation: 5
The verbal presentation is good enough and the climax looks pretty. You'll probably want to work up something better, though, before you take this one out for a spin.

Shane

Available direct from your favorite dealer. Dealers, please contact Murphy's Magic Supplies, Inc. toll-free at 1-800-853-7403 or visit Murphy's Magic Supplies website.