About Experts at the Craft Table

I’m Simon Piercy. I design and build practical magic props and tools for performers who work for real audiences. Everything here is made in small batches with a focus on build quality, practical methods, and original thinking. I create pieces I’m confident to use myself, then I ship them with clear instructions and straightforward support.

My path into this shop began with leatherwork. I started out making pieces for magicians and for medieval reenactors, learning what lasts under stress and what fails when it matters. That craft foundation still shapes how I approach every release. Today the catalogue is centred on magic, and the same hands-on approach remains: choose reliable materials, build cleanly, and focus on details that hold up in use.

What I make is intended for the worker’s case. Utility items, effects, and tools that solve real problems on stage and close-up, without fuss. I aim for methods that are practical first, with enough novelty to feel fresh, and construction that stands up to repeated use. Everything is built for repeated use in rehearsal and performance.

Although the standard of quality is set for working pros, beginners are welcome here. If you are just getting started, I’m happy to help you pick a sensible first purchase and to answer questions as you learn. If instructions feel unclear, contact me and we can talk through the handling step by step. I can also point you toward further reading that helps you build reliable skills.

Alongside physical props, I offer a fixed-price web design package for performers. For £250 I plan the structure, write the copy, and build a clean, fast site that makes it easy for clients to book you. You provide the images, since they should be your own performance photos. If you need guidance on what to supply, I can advise.

Custom work is available by request. I build bespoke props for magicians and I also take custom leather commissions, whether they are for magic or for other uses. If you have a specific idea, tell me what the prop needs to do, how it will be used, and any constraints. I’ll come back with a practical plan, a clear quote, and, where helpful, sketches or proof photos before the final build.

Most items are produced in limited runs. When a batch sells out, I may schedule another based on demand and workshop time. The best way to hear about restocks, new releases, and occasional preorder windows is to join the mailing list. I only send mail when there is something worth saying.

Support is personal here. If you have a problem, you talk to the person who designed and built the piece. If a method needs clarification, I will help you get it working. If a tool fails under normal use, I will make it right. The aim is simple: reliable gear, honest guidance, and ideas that hold up when the room is watching.

If that sounds like what you need, start by browsing the latest releases, join the mailing list for limited-run announcements, or send me a note about a custom build or a performer website. I look forward to helping you put strong, workable material in front of an audience.