Portland’s Oddball Invention Sets Guinness World RecordPortland’s Oddball Invention Sets Guinness World Record Portland, Oregon, has long been known for its quirky and innovative spirit, and this week, the city added another feather to its cap with the Guinness World Record for the “Largest Collection of Objects Embedded in a Single Pencil.” The record-breaking pencil, created by Portland-based artist and inventor Kevin W. Cooley, boasts an astounding 9,439 objects embedded in its 2.6-meter length. These objects, ranging from tiny screws and washers to a plastic dinosaur and a metal ring, are meticulously glued and arranged in intricate patterns. Cooley, a lifelong pencil collector and enthusiast, began working on the project in 2017. Inspired by the decorative pencils he had seen in his travels, he set out to create a unique and ambitious piece of art. Over the course of five years, Cooley spent countless hours scavenging thrift stores and garage sales for materials. He carefully cleaned and prepared each object before gluing it onto the pencil, ensuring that the arrangement would be both visually pleasing and secure. The resulting pencil is a testament to Cooley’s patience, creativity, and attention to detail. Each embedded object tells a story, reflecting the artist’s wide-ranging interests and the eclectic nature of Portland itself. “I wanted to create something that would make people smile,” Cooley said. “Pencils are such a universal object, and I thought it would be fun to use one as a canvas for my collection.” The Guinness World Record was officially awarded to Cooley on March 8, 2023, at a ceremony in Portland. The pencil has since been placed on display at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, where it is sure to attract visitors for years to come. Portland’s newest world record is a testament to the city’s unique character and its ability to inspire and entertain. It is a fitting tribute to Cooley’s passion, ingenuity, and the power of imagination.