The word 'Abracadabra' disappears in the typographic arrangement on the charm, so it seemed fitting that the object itself could also disappear in the medium prescribed by Sammonicus. Also, using a material with the amazing ability to dissolve quickly in cold water seemed to re-introduce a new, tangible element of contemporary magic.
The paper was too flimsy to be worn on its own, so it is kept in a frame around the neck and can be disposed of when it is no longer needed. I printed with both oil-based inks (with letterpress) and water-based inks (with silk-screen printing) to see what effect the water would have on the type when the paper dissolved. With the oil based ink, the letters retained most of their shape once the paper dissolved, and they floated around together which looked pretty spectacular.
I also made water-soluble papers. The intention was to use the logic of the Abracadabra charm on a larger scale. If worn around the neck, it blesses a person — if enlarged could it bless a whole building? I screen-printed some A2 posters on the water-soluble posters and found some derelict buildings which seemed like they needed some blessing and applied the posters to them. There is no rain forecasted for the next few days, so I tested one of the posters at home, and it dissolved quickly even when water was poured lightly.
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