People always say “miracles can happen” but that is mainly for the purpose of trying to make others feel better. But when a miracle really happens, it is an extraordinary feeling.
Yesterday, Jan. 30, my mom and I were planning to send my products to a lady who was going to test them for lead content. All of this is from that unfortunate law that was made called the CPSIA. It requires that all products for kids 12 and under must be tested for lead content. And by everything, I mean everything; from clothes and toys to books and games. That meant it included Pencil Bugs too.
So as I was saying, we were about to put the Pencil Bugs in the mail when my mom found a company, Gray Environmental, who had the machine to test items for lead. We contacted them and since they were within driving distance, they said we could come right away. They even invited us to stay and watch while they did the test which was very exciting.
The little lead testing device was so cool but much smaller than I expected. The technician took each part and smashed it down to as flat as she could and then put the sensor on it for a minute or so until the reading came up. After each part was tested, she recorded the numbers on a calibration sheet and told us the results. We cheered each time. After about an hour, Pencil Bugs passed the CPSIA testing and they didn’t even have to study.
That night when we came home, we found out that the CPSIA deadline for the testing had been extended a whole year. At least we got mine tested now.
So miracles can happen as they say, and for me and my business, they did. I’ve worked hard since I started my business three years ago and I just wasn’t ready to give it up yet.
As for this situation, we have another happy ending.

It’s too bad that humans have to be so legislated, FOR THEIR OWN GOOD! Where are the parents when the kids are doing homework? If I had NIBBLED on and eraser I’d probably have had my mouth washed out with soap besides.
Keep up the PENCIL BUGS. I need a couple for EASTER, Maybe put a hat on it. CAn this be done??
Ori,
Thanks for the comment. Just to be clear though for everyone, Pencil Bugs are definitely NOT meant to nibble on. They have wire antennas and other small parts. Just because they passed the lead testing, they are a decorative pencil topper for kids old enough to know NOT to put things in their mouths.
Jason
Congratulations on your miracle!
I think it’s wonderful that all your products are safe for children to nibble on (and all other forms of self-poison by lead-ingestion that kids can come up with)! I think it’s great, but not necessarily a miracle. You creating high-quality, non-poisonous products is a result of your intelligence, and good decision making in ingredients. I suppose one of my most used quotes “The best way to predict the future is to create it!” applies in this case to “The best way to predict miracles is to create them!”
I look forward to seeing the headline of “True miracle! Young entrepreneur solves world hunger through sales of PencilBugs!”
Way to go Jason! Glad your pencil bugs passed the test and you got to learn something along the way. Keep in touch.
dj