“Stylish enough to place on your shelf, simple enough anyone can perform “

It’s Magic!

Performer removes the lid and shows a solid egg inside the vase. The performer removes the egg, vanishes it by sleight-of-hand, and replaces the lid. Upon removing the lid again, the egg has returned!

How to do the trick (SPOILER ALERT)

1. There are three parts, the Base, the Egg section, and the Top.
2. Begin with the cup assembled with all three pieces
3. Show everyone your magic egg cup and announce, “this is a magic egg cup”
4. With mystique, lift the Top off the assembled cup revealing the egg and say, “here we have an egg, inside our magic egg cup”
5. Cover the egg with the top. Use a magical gesture pretending that’s what makes the egg disappear (a wave, word, or tap works well) 
6. Now while everyone is watching, grab both the Top and the Egg Section as a single unit and lift. 
7. Show the egg is gone! In it’s place is a void where an egg would fit. 
8. To bring it back, replace the Top, repeat the magical gesture, and lift just the top of the egg cup. 

Practice Tips:

• Practice your hand movements and angles in front of a mirror.
• Keep your gestures slow and natural.
• Distract the audience with a fun story or joke while you do the secret move.
• Hold the Top and the Top with the Egg section in a similar fashion, using the same fingers so that it doesn’t seem like you are changing anything. 

Assembly and Printing Tips

1. I always use a purple Elmer's glue stick before each print. It eliminates any issues with filament not sticking to the plate. I prefer the glue vs using a brim, as the brim is hard to totally remove and will always be visible in the trick. 

2. Print the top, egg middle section, and base in one color, Print the egg shell in a different color

   Press the egg shell onto the egg middle section firmly. Once you press down hard it will snap into place. 

Design Iterations

This is my ninth iteration. It’s a full upgrade of my first egg trick. Instead of glue, the egg is now snap fit. If you really want an AMS version let me know. 

On my first iteration, I learned how the trick relies on the design using horizontal lines. I realized that it would be a better trick if the whole cup was a series of horizontal lines, as it increases the illusion. Also, I felt the overall design could be more modern, something worth putting on the shelf. 

About the trick

The disappearing egg cup trick has its roots in classic parlor magic from the early 20th century, when magicians began incorporating cleverly designed props to amaze audiences with simple sleight-of-hand illusions. Inspired by earlier “vanishing object” effects used in street performances and magic shows, the egg cup illusion gained popularity for its self-working mechanism and visual punch. Often included in children’s magic kits throughout the mid-1900s, it became a staple beginner’s trick, relying on misdirection rather than complex moves—making it an enduring example of how playful design can spark wonder.

Magician's Note: 

Even though the mechanics are simple, the magic comes from your performance. Have fun, build suspense, and make it your own! This 3D printable version of a classic trick brings timeless magic into your hands. Great for parties, classrooms, or just fooling your friends!

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