Spinning tops

John has been fascinated by the science of spinning tops for many years. So fascinated by the physics, in fact, that he still can't quite put them down.

Over the years, that fascination has turned into an ever-growing collection of hand-turned tops, each exploring just how much fun you can have with a carefully shaped piece of wood and the laws of physics. There are tiny tops that look far too small to possibly spin, large humming tops that seem to float, and all sorts of clever designs with tricks of their own.

Each one is individually turned from wood and made to be picked up, played with and experimented with, these are definitely not toys destined to sit quietly on a shelf.

They make a wonderful handmade Cornish gift for a child, a curious mind, a physics enthusiast or, perhaps most appropriately, the adult who never quite got around to growing up.

If you catch John at the Craft Kiln in Charlestown, ask him for a demonstration. He'll be more than happy to show you what they can do.

If you cant wait that long you can head to craft in action and search spinning tops. There you'll find a number of videos showing off John's beautiful pieces.

All John's work is available from The Craft Kiln in Charlestown, Cornwall, or you can browse his latest pieces through his Etsy shop.