September 21-25, 2026

Crafting Magic Boxes: Hiding Things in Plain Sight

with Lupe Nielsen

$1,050

$100 material fee payable to Lupe

Part of the MASW Higher Education Program

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Workshop Description

This class is an introduction to the world of magic boxes and magicians. For centuries, magicians have been using magical apparatus to create all sorts of effects: vanishes, appearances, transpositions, transformations, restorations, and much more. In this class, students will make two magic boxes using several basic principles. One of the boxes (called a Drawer Box) will involve using a double drawer that allows items to vanish, appear, or transform an object. This box dates to 1876 when its principle was first published in Hoffman’s Modern Magic. A second box will involve the use of a mirror to hide its contents and make it appear empty. If there is time, students will work on another box made for a specific magic trick, which Lupe will reveal in the class. These boxes are examples of fully working professional magic props. At the end of the class, everyone will have at least two finished magic trick boxes that will make excellent conversation pieces and could be used to amaze and amuse their friends.

Key Points

  • Fabrication of boxes that use tight tolerances with sliding secret compartments
  • Learning the “black art” principle to hide objects
  • Installing a mirror in a box to show it “empty”
  • Application of a spray lacquer finish on the boxes

Meet the Craftsperson

Lupe Nielsen

Visit the Full Week Programs page for complete details on our weeklong workshops!

$1,050.00

Crafting Magic Boxes: Hiding Things in Plain Sight with Lupe Nielsen September 21-25, 2026

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