Do the Rubber Pencil Trick
Have you ever seen anyone do the infamous "rubber pencil" trick, but you were never quite sure how to do it yourself? Here is a simple guide to help you perform this optical illusion.
Contents
Steps
- Hold the pencil between your thumb and index finger, as shown in the image.
- Gently move your hand up and down, getting faster as you go along.
- Understand that the movement is not in the wrist as many people think, but mainly in the arm and elbow. Make sure you hold the pen(cil) loosely for better wiggles, making the illusion of the pencil being soft better.
- Notice that the pencil will begin to bounce up and down and look like it is bending like rubber.
- Go slow, or go fast. This depends on the amount of movement you want to create, Have fun, and practice a little before putting those little kids in awe.
Tips
- Make sure you are holding the pencil horizontally toward the crowd.
- If you hold it too tight, it won't work! Hold it loosely and smoothly for a better effect.
- Practice makes perfect.
- For the fun of it, after preforming this illusion, tap the pen(cil) on the floor, counter, etc. or let someone try it.
Warnings
- Hold the pencil loose, but not too loose, you don't want it to go flying and hit that cute little kid's eye do you? Didn't think so.
- Make sure you aren't going too fast, or too slow. An average speed is just about right.
