1. Cut newspaper or colored paper into thin strips (approximately 1/2 inch). The easiest way to do this is for the grown-up to use a paper cutter or an X-Acto knife and a ruler, but you can also use scissors. The strips don't have to be exactly even but should be pretty close. One piece of newspaper will make about the right amount.

2. Tape the strips together to make one long strip and then tape one end of your long strip close to the bottom of a toothpick.

3. Twist the toothpick to wind the paper tightly around the toothpick. You want to keep the tension tight. Every once in a while you can pull the paper and tighten it. You want it to be as tight as can be without ripping the paper, but if you do rip it it's okay, just tape it and keep going. This might be challenging for kids. When you come to the end of your paper, just tape the end down.

These tops spin really nicely. You can shape your paper into a cone or leave as is. If your top is hard to spin, changing the shape may help. Moving the center of gravity lower makes it easier to spin, but you don't want it so low that it hits the table too easily. Experiment and see what works best.

If you try this project, share it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and tag @mommypoppins so we can see your creations too!

Find more fun things to do in Boredom Busters Activities Guide.