One of the most appealing aspects of the Medieval times was the notion of Wizards and the magic that they could cast.  Of course finding real magic can be incredibly difficult, but if you wanted to play the role of a wizard at a Renaissance Faire or Medieval event you are going to need both a Medieval wizard’s cloak and some magic of your own to perform.

In order to complete this trick, you’ll need a carrot, a sheet or handkerchief, and some small pins.  You’ll want to cut the carrot so that it is roughly the same size and shape as your thumb.

When you perform this trick, you’ll want to have the carrot concealed in your hand or pocket.  Pull out the sheet and start to twirl it around to show that it is an ordinary piece of fabric.  Then make a first, stick up one of your thumbs, and put the sheet over your thumb.  As you do this, quickly slide the carrot  up so that it now makes the shape of your thumb.

Explain that you will be able to withstand the pain inserting the pins into your thumb and that with your magical power, you will remain unharmed.  Carefully slide the pin through the sheet and into the carrot, adding in a bit of acting if you so desire.  Show the crowd that you have the pins in your “thumb.”
Then remove the pins, again adding some acting if you’d like.  Once they are all removed, inform the crowd that when you remove the sheet, that your thumb will not contact a single mark.  When you reach for the sheet, make sure to also pull the carrot away with the sheet so that you don’t have to conceal it again.  Put the sheet, and carrot, into your pocket and reveal to the crowd that you are unscathed.  You might want to rehearse this trick a few times and remind children in the audience to not try this by themselves.
Do any of you have magic tricks that our Medieval wizards can try out for themselves?