Shipboard Sorcery, a cruise ship surrounded by magical stars

A little wonder, wherever you are

Welcome to
John’s Magic Class.

A few well-kept secrets. A little practice. And the pleasure of giving someone a moment they can’t quite explain. Revisit the tricks from class, learn at your own pace, and share a little wonder with friends and family.

Find your first trick
John Ekin smiling outdoors beside the sea

With your host, John Ekin

Download the original seven lessons (PDF) ↓

The original seven illustrated lessons, ready to print in black and white. Every lesson below also has its own Print lesson button, including the new additions.

Your collection of little impossibilities

Thirteen secrets to make your own.

Simple props. Clear steps.
Start with whichever catches your eye.

The secret pair
LESSON 01 · PLAYING CARDS

The Key Card

Someone chooses a card. You find it without asking a single question.

Deal across, not down
LESSON 02 · PLAYING CARDS

The Twenty-One Card Mystery

Your helper merely points to a column. Three deals later, you know their card.

Audience view
LESSON 03 · HOUSEHOLD OBJECTS

Jumping Rubber Bands & Colour Swap

A band jumps between pairs of fingers. Add a second colour and make them swap places.

Prepare the hem
LESSON 04 · HOUSEHOLD OBJECTS

The Restored Toothpick

A toothpick is wrapped in a handkerchief and broken. You open the cloth and reveal it whole.

The prepared glass
LESSON 05 · HOUSEHOLD OBJECTS

The Vanishing Coin

A covered glass slides over a coin. When the cover comes away, the coin has vanished.

A gray elephant and the Danish flag
LESSON 06 · A LITTLE MIND READING

The Gray Elephant in Denmark

A few sums. An imaginary journey. Can you name their destination?

S-fold and the two paper clip positions
LESSON 07 · EVERYDAY OBJECTS

The Linking Paper Clips

Two separate clips. One folded bill. A surprising connection.

Side view: release the shaker behind the table edge
LESSON 08 · TABLE MAGIC

Salt Shaker Through the Table

A napkin-covered shaker appears to pass through a solid tabletop.

Your demonstration: the three legal moves
LESSON 09 · TABLE PUZZLE

Turning Cups: The Bar Bet

You turn all three cups mouth up in three moves. Your helper tries the same rule, with a different result.

A secret wax trace, made behind your back
LESSON 10 · MIND READING

Colour Clairvoyance

Someone places one crayon in your hand behind your back. You name its colour.

A is the original top packet; the prediction card stays on A
LESSON 11 · PLAYING CARDS

Card Prediction in an Envelope: Criss-Cross Force

A helper cuts the deck. The card they take matches a prediction sealed in an envelope.

One coated face; fold with the treated surfaces inside
LESSON 12 · PAPER MAGIC

Clippo: The Restoring Paper

You snip through a folded newspaper strip. It opens into one length again.

Top flap stops short; all remaining folds go behind
LESSON 13 · COIN & PAPER

Coin Vanish in Folded Paper

You fold a coin into a small paper packet, then tear the packet open. The coin has gone.

A note before you begin

The real magic is in the sharing.

Take your time. Try each move a few times on your own. Then find someone you’d like to surprise. A smile is a very good place to start.

John’s Magic Class · Illustrated lesson