Make That Toothpick Vanish
Learn a simple magic trick to make a toothpick appear to vanish using a clear cup, water, and an optical illusion that surprises friends.
Step-by-step guide to Make That Toothpick Vanish
Step 1
Gather all your materials and put them on the tray or plate.
Step 2
Lay the white paper flat behind the spot where your cup will sit so the background is plain.
Step 3
Put the clear cup on the tray in front of the white paper.
Step 4
Stand the toothpick upright inside the cup leaning it gently against the inner side so the top sticks above the rim.
Step 5
Hold the cup up for your audience so everyone can clearly see the toothpick through the side of the cup.
Step 6
Slowly pour water into the cup while you keep watching the toothpick.
Step 7
Stop pouring as soon as the toothpick seems to disappear from view through the side of the cup.
Step 8
Say your magic words and slowly turn the cup so your friends look at the empty side.
Step 9
Tilt the cup a little so the water moves and the toothpick suddenly reappears for the big surprise.
Step 10
Share a video or photo of your trick and how you did it on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use if I don't have a clear cup?
Use a clear glass or a transparent plastic bottle cut to cup height so you can still stand the toothpick upright against the inner side and see it through the side as you pour.
My toothpick doesn't disappear when I pour—what should I try?
Make sure the white paper is directly behind the cup, the toothpick is leaning against the inner side with its top above the rim, and pour very slowly while adjusting your viewing angle or adding a tiny bit more water until refraction makes it vanish.
How can I adapt this trick for younger or older kids?
For younger kids have an adult hold the clear cup and help with the pouring and use a thicker wooden skewer instead of a thin toothpick, while older kids can try making multiple toothpicks vanish or filming the trick for DIY.org.
How can we extend or personalize the activity after we master the basic trick?
Decorate the tray or cup, experiment with colored water or different background papers to change the optical effect, or record a slow-motion video showing the tilt and rim movement and share the photos/video on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to Make That Toothpick Vanish
Easy Magic Trick: How to Vanish a Toothpick
3 Videos
Easy Magic Trick: How to Vanish a Toothpick
Disappearing Toothpick | Easy Magic Tricks for Kids
ASL | Magic Trick: How to Make a Toothpick Disappear | CBC Kids
Facts about optical illusions and refraction
💧 Light bends when it passes through water (refraction), which can make a toothpick look broken, shifted, or even 'vanish'.
🪄 Misdirection is the heart of many vanish tricks — magicians guide your attention so the secret move goes unnoticed.
👀 Optical illusions work because your brain fills in missing information and makes quick guesses about what it sees.
🦷 Tiny tools like toothpicks have been used by people for thousands of years and show up in ancient archaeological digs.
🤹♂️ Even simple illusions need practice — magicians rehearse the timing and angle until the trick looks effortless.
How do you make a toothpick vanish using a clear cup and water?
What materials do I need to make the toothpick vanish?
What ages is the "Make That Toothpick Vanish" trick suitable for?
Is the toothpick vanish trick safe? What safety tips should I follow?
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