This is done with the paperclip that gets bent into a hook and this fits into the rope as the ‘gimmick’. The next step is to prepare the ‘hook’ that will make the cup float. Remember this method for any other rope tricks that you may learn and do in the future. The way it is done is by wrapping see-through sticky tape around the ends. Firstly, you need to stop the ends of the rope from fraying… This will make sure that you can use this trick again and again.

Now we are going to prepare the rope for the floating cup trick. This disguises the mono filament and add a ‘magical’ touch. Decorate the top of the cup with some colourful tape. This thread is what will be holding the rope attached to the glass. The thread that is now stretched across the top of the cup needs to be tight. You need to make sure that you tie the knot nice and tight, make it a double double knot. Now you are going to tie the two ends of the mono filament together. Your cup should now be able to hang in mid air if you hold the two ends of the mono filament. You need a steady hand for this! Start on the outside of the first hole, though the inside of the opposite hole and out on the other side. You are now going to thread a length of the mono filament (about 30 cm) through the holes. Ask help if you are struggling with this step. This is important because if the holes aren’t exactly in the middle of the cup, the finished effect will not be as successful. Now do Step 1 again, exactly opposite the first hole. We have found that the best way to make a neat hole is to use a thumbtack and an eraser. Place the thumbtack on the outside of the cup and the eraser on the inside and press the thumbtack through the cup. The first step in making the floating cup trick is to make two small holes in the top of the plastic cup, about 1cm from the rim of the cup. You can also use lightweight fishing gut from an angling shop. The ‘mono filament’ that is used to make this trick is often used to make jewellery and you can get it from most craft shops. Ask a grownup to help you look for it on the internet. Magician’s rope is available to buy on the internet from lots of different shops. The rope that works best for this (and loads of other very cool magic tricks for kids), is called ‘magician’s rope’. Take extra care when you are using the pliers. There are some tricky bits that you may need an adults’ help with, so have a grownup nearby.īe careful when working with the thumbtack. Use a soft plastic cup for the best results. Take your time and make it carefully for the best effect. This is one of those cool magic tricks for kids and well worth the effort. A piece of soft cotton rope, about 30 cm long.

Floating magic trick