The paper is used as decoration on the top. If you don’t wish to decorate the top this way, you can skip using the paper and instead move directly to skewering the lid. Try making tops out of other objects. Use CDs or metal cans for something unique. If you use a metal can, you can leave the can whole or cut it to a smaller size with tin snips.
Keep in mind that larger, heavier tops tend to spin longer. Experiment with bigger lids and heavier paper for more spinning. If you plan on making multiple tops, sketch more circles on the scrap paper. Cut the paper carefully to avoid damaging any of the outlines.
Work slowly so the creases meet in the center of the paper.
If you didn’t use paper to mark the center part of the can, find the center by measuring the can’s diameter. Take the paper out if it gets in the way. If you’re having a hard time piercing the plastic, the nail may tear the paper. Other tools may be helpful for making the hole. Try making it with the tip of a utility knife. Thick needles or metal skewers are often enough to puncture thinner lids.
Wood skewers and toothpicks are available online or at most general stores. If you wish to shorten a skewer, clip off its end with a sharp pair of scissors or a similar tool. If you’re making a top out of a metal object like a can, use a nail instead of a wood skewer. Hammer it through the center of the metal. [5] X Research source
White PVA glue is safe for children decorating the top, but the glue usually doesn’t hold for very long. Come up with other ways to decorate the top. For example, wrap colored tape and pipe cleaners around the wood skewer to decorate the top’s handle.
Transparent glues are best for this project since they don’t get in the way of the decorations. Make sure the holes in the plastic and paper are aligned, or else you won’t be able to fit the wood skewer in place.
If the skewer fits too loosely in the hole, spread some glue around it to fill in the gaps. Hot glue or epoxy work best.
The drying time depends on the type of glue you use. An epoxy glue is better when left alone for up to 72 hours. Decorations like sequins are prone to flying off if you don’t give the glue enough time to dry. Make sure they’re well-secured to the paper before spinning the top.
Washers are available at hardware stores and wooden beads are sold at some craft stores. Search online if you can’t find them at a store.
Colored duct tape and washi tape are perfect for wrapping up the washer. If you don’t have tape big enough to cover up the washer, wrap it with several smaller pieces. Use scissors as needed to trim the tape so it fits perfectly over the washer.
Tape is the easiest way to decorate this type of top, but try gluing objects like sequins to it with PVC glue or epoxy. They likely won’t stay attached very long, but doing the decorating can be fun. The decorations need to be placed fairly evenly across the top to keep it balanced. Any decorations in the center of the top will be removed later, so keep this in mind when arranging patterns.
Another way to do this is by poking a hole through the tape with a toothpick or metal needle. Slip the tip of a scissor blade inside the hole, then cut out the tape.
Make sure the holes in the bead face away from the washer or else you won’t be able to fit the top’s handle through it. A clear glue works best since it doesn’t stand out as much. Flip the top over and glue together the bottom surface. If 1 side is undecorated, spread the glue on that side so it’s more hidden.
Make the top half of the skewer about the same length as the bottom half. You can leave it a little longer if you need to. Using a skewer helps smaller tops spin more. If you have a larger top, you may be able to spin it without making a handle.
If you move the top too soon, the skewer will likely fall out. You will need to glue it in place again. Use plenty of glue to ensure the skewer doesn’t move inside the bead while you’re spinning the top. If the skewer feels loose, add more glue and wait for it to dry again.
These wooden components are available online and at some craft supply stores. The wheels usually come in bags of 100 or 300. If you get larger wheels, get larger dowels as well so your tops are well-balanced.
If you use larger wheels, use thicker dowel rods and leave them about the same size. If you need to make the rod longer to balance the top, measure how much wider than 1 1⁄4 in (3. 2 cm) your dowel is and add that to the rod length. Metal gardening shears are sharp, so have an adult handle the cutting. Consider wearing gardening gloves for protection. Another way to cut the rod is with a hand saw. Wear goggles to protect your eyes from wood shards.
You don’t need to sharpen the rod until it’s small and pointed like a pen. Keep it big and gradual like a blunted crayon.
Decorate the tops before assembling them. Coloring them is much easier when the wheels are off of the dowel rods.
If the rod is too tight to fit in the hole, get a piece of super fine, 400 to 600 grit sandpaper. Applying light pressure, rub down the sides of the rod until the wheel fits snugly over it.
The glue also holds the wheel in place on the rod. If the wheel fits snugly on the rod, adding glue isn’t necessary. Give the glue plenty of time to dry before playing with the top. Wood glue generally sets within 30 minutes or less, but you get a stronger bond by letting it set for a full day.
