3D Paradox by Steve Shufton

In 3D Paradox, a signed card is found inside of an envelope in a pop-up greeting card.

A spectator is given a sealed envelope which can even be mailed ahead of time if you’re so inclined. A playing card is freely selected, signed and shuffled back into the pack. The envelope is opened to reveal a greeting card. When the card is opened, a colorful 3D scene pops-up with a small envelope. When the small envelope is opened, it’s found to contain the spectator’s signed card. Performed correctly, this one is a stunner.

The gimmicked card is an impressive bit of precision, quality work. The loading process is similar to that of using a “Mullica Wallet” for a card to wallet trick. However, the built-in misdirection isn’t as strong. You’ll have to work on misdirecting at the key moment.

Like using a “Mullica Wallet,” the greeting card immediately resets as you put it away so it’s ready to be used again. By the way, you won’t be able to allow spectators to examine the greeting card afterwards.

You have your choice of two greeting cards, one with a magician and the other with a guru, which are sold separately. Of course, to perform the trick as described, you’ll need some card control techniques.

Is the use of a greeting card stronger than standard card-to-wallet? I like the concept and think that the greeting card is an amazing gimmick. But in use, the magician has to handle the envelope and pull the card from the envelope. I think that lay spectators will realize that something has happened during this time. After all, if the signed card did indeed travel to the greeting card, why can’t they open the envelope that they are holding?

For this reason, perhaps the strongest handling is to have the magician lay the greeting card out in plain view or in a holder and then perform the trick. I like this one, but I’m sticking with standard card-to-wallet because a wallet is far more durable than a greeting card in strolling situations.

-Wayne N. Kawamoto

MSRP: (US) $25

Dealers can purchase from Murphy's Magic Supplies, Inc.