Hello!

I was just wondering if someone could explain how to use a change bag. If it possible to make your own, rather than buying it? (I want one in funky fabric, rather than plain.)

There are several out there commercially available. Basically, they all have two or more pockets. Some even have a section (possibly zippable) where you can stick your hand right through the bag top to bottom. Others have a button/switch, a twisting handle knob, or just a tab which you use to move from one pocket to another. Basically, you toss stuff into one pocket to make it disappear and you can have the other pocket preloaded with other stuff to pull out... thus "changing" things from one to another. But how you choose to routine it and practically go about using it is entirely up to your imagination. And that's where the entertainment value comes.

mine is one of those with the zippered bottom, it's easier to show it empty when you put you hand or your volunteers hand all the way through, than having to turn it inside out. I like to pop, popcorn with mine.

update: I think I'm going to try and make my own change bag....I have this crazy idea that I'm going to turn feathers into a live bird, so I'd rather make my own, just to keep the bird safe.

Another project for Ibimus. How did it turn out? I would think that a dove pan might be easier and it might be more breathable for the bird.

I do a bird in a paper lunch sack routine that is pretty funny if you are interested.

we use the paper bag [as a change bag] to do tell the story of the Loave and fishes in the ministry group.

Necessity is the mother of invention. When I was just starting out, I couldn't afford many tricks.

I made a three section change bag out of fabric. No handle. I had four layers of lining (I used the salvage ends on top so I didn't have to do any hemming) and two layers of printed fabric. Inside, I used fusible web to stick the outer most lining layers to the inside of the printed fabric. I didn't want to stitch it so it would look like the top of the other lining layers. So now the inside has two "free" lining layers that you can hold to one side or another, or one to each side (Both sides must be held in place when someone is looking into the bag)

I would turn it inside out to reveal the empty center compartment, then try to secretly open one of the outer compartments to insert or remove silks, etc.

The problem with this is that the bag has no left or right side - it's easy to forget which compartment is where! I usually fold the bag in half after I set it up so at least I can tell the two sides apart. Also, it is not as easy to switch compartments as a purchased change bag.

I always use a Change Bag, it's a wonderful prop and the kids love it. After producing silks and strings from it and just when they think the Magic is over, I immediately produce a foam rock from the bottom of the bag and ask, "HEY,,,How'd this ROCK get in here?"

Another form of a Change Bag would be the Egg Bag which doesn't have a handle with it. Then there's the Devil's Hank but that's more for making things disappear.

~SAM
the Comedy Magic of FADDY McPuGG
www.rednoseranch.com/FADDY
www.myspace.com/Hobouke

Stitches,

You might try cutting a thin strip of plastic from a milk carton (empty I hope) and attaching that to the top edge, or near the top edge of your inner fabric walls. This would give at least one of them some stiffness which would help you control them and if you shaped them different you would be able to tell which side was which.

This is the type of "change bag" I use. http://shop.advanceweb.com/images/products/2006/RC/RC_accessories/bags_totes/02432_ChangePurse_RC/02432_ChangePurse_RC_med.jpg It's really handy for carrying my loose change. And it also can carry my loose screws too.:)