EFFECT : You remove a cookie from a previously folded bag that is much smaller than the cookie itself .

REQUIREMENTS : You need a Starbucks-sized cookie and a Starbuck ' s bag ( used for cookies , muffins , and pastry ), and a napkin . Simply order a cookie and then go to the prep bar .

PREPARATION : You must secretly tear a slit in the bag . The position of this slit is important . You will note that on the front ( face ) of the Starbuck ' s bag there is a logo at the left side near the top opening . You will make the slit , which will be long enough to permit the rounded cookie to pass through it .

To facilitate the tear , pull the requisite side of the bag away from the opposite side and pinch the bag so that you can start the tearing . ( Figure 1 ) Once you have created a small horizontal tear , simply continue tearing in a gradual , calculated way until you have made it to its accommodating size . time , top to bottom , and finally another two more times to make a neat folded package about the size of half of a playing card . It is obviously much smaller than the size of the cookie .

The napkin remains in the same folded condition that you get when removed from the dispenser . In other words , no more folds are necessary .

SET-UP : Approach the table with the folded bag in your right hand and the cookie secretly hidden behind the napkin in your left hand . After sitting , place the napkin and cookie on your left thigh until you are ready to perform .

METHOD : Just before performance , place the napkin on the table or your other thigh .

Show the folded bag , saying : " This is a Starbuck ' s order to-go ... " Let the spectator fully comprehend the size of what you are holding as you turn it over several times in your hands , adding : " ... It is amazing what they can fit into this bag ! It is compact , convenient , and ready when you are !"

Matching actions to words , that last sentence is said as you unfold the bag to its normal condition . The next move is critical . Hold the top of the bag between your right thumb ( at the back ) and your fingers in front . Pinch both sides . You then make a sharp up-anddown movement to " snap " open the bag by this dramatic action . Again , don ' t hold only one of the top edges , because the preripped portion of the bag may rip even further . Hold both sides of the top edges when you snap .

Just before you begin this snapping action , drop your left hand below the table and grasp the left side of the cookie between your thumb and forefinger .

As soon as you snap the bag on the downward stroke ( not below the table edge ), move your left hand above the table so that the clipped cookie moves directly behind the bag .

You will also note that the front side of the bag is an inch shorter than the backside . This allows the consumer to easily open and separate the sides . This gives the customer trouble-free access to the pastry inside . This distinction plays a part as you fold the bag in half along a horizontal axis . Align the front and back edges to the shorter side . This is a valley-fold .

( Figure 2 ) Your left second , third , and fourth fingers move onto the front of the bag ' s left side to steady the bag and stabilize the cookie , which now lies flat against the backside . Your right hand , still at the top , helps stabilize everything , as well .

Then fold it in half again , this time from right to left . Fold it a third

16 VANISH Magazine www . VanishMagazine . com