Does anyone know where I can get small r***** b**** as replacements for the gimmick in the standard prayer vase (or genii in a bottle) shown here -- http://www.penguinmagic.com/p/1011. I have tried making them out of tin foil or paper as well as carving them from erasers, etc. -- but they don't work as well (don't reliably hold the rope, make too much noise, etc.) I use this effect in kid shows, but, no matter how careful I am, I often end up losing the gimmick and have to buy another vase. I've looked for some in toy shops and dollar stores but can't find any small enough.

I saw these recommended recently. I have not tried them, but they are cheap enough to be worth experimenting.

http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/142284/......od7jMDbg

The rope should stiff and firm, not like soft magicians rope. The original Prayer Vase came with close line rope. Back then, 1960's, it was very stiff and even had white paint on it to make it last longer.

The original Adams glass model, come with just a cork. You might be able to find them at fishing supply stores or in the specialty connectors at Hardware Stores like Do It Best.

My friend Jim Jayes says that you can use modeling balloons to make the size you need.

I think he rolled it like a yarn ball (pulling as he went to keep it tight), cut it to about the right size and then put the ball into the tip of the balloon, tied it off and pulled the excess back over the ball.

Let us know if it works.

-Mary Mowder

I use a cork ball made from a cork bigger than the size of the neck. Use medium sandpaper to shape the ball after using a sharp razor blade to trim it to approximate size. It is light and fairly silent.

Golf balls used to have a small rubber ball in the center if you enjoy the mess cutting it out.

No idea what is in their these days.

Just a bigger ball!

Get a large art gum eraser and cut/sand to size.

I do a Kioma Tubes routine. The effect is similar to the Prayer Vase, except it uses audience participation to a larger extent. The gimmick is a 1/2 inch sponge ball. Be sure to store it such that it will fully expand, so that it will work, consistently.

That reminds me of a spider and rope trick that Abbott's used to sell. I have one here somewhere.