The materials you need are one box of waxed dental floss - available in virtually all drug stores. I live in Canada, but in the United States, I believe a common shop is called Walgreens. The "gimmick" you ask about is a simple set-up that takes you about one minute once you have learned how to do it. How easy is it? Like all magic, it takes practice, rehearsal and commitment. But it's not terribly difficult, and it's WORTH IT! No, you don't need extra magician's wax. The angles are terrific. It is not 100% impromtu. As I said, there is a brief set-up. Lonnie, shows you how to end clean, and at the end, the restored floss is 100% examinable. This is an ingenious version of the Gypsy Thread, well worth the price, and taught by an excellent teacher.