i agree with linda, but i want to clarify that this item is not for close--up magic. this is designed for good stage conditions and it looks absolutely beautiful when done at night. and it must be used indoors, not in windy places! besides, learning how to use this correctly requires as much practice and study as learning any lesson from the tarbell course. check a video of lance burton's fism routine, to see how a master uses these vanishing candles. i repeat: not for lazy or non--committed magicians. this takes study and practice, although some people think that, just because it is mechanical, this object must do the act without them studying or practising. it is the same as thinking that an electric guitar will play for you, and that you can become a rock star without the hard work of practising how to play. this is not for street magic, nor close--up magic; not even for living--room magic. this is designed to be used on stage.