Sharing Our Ideas and Products in 3x5 Size

Say hello to our new postcard set. You can collect all five: a summary of Actual, three product-specific postcards (UM Bags, Zip Tie, and Stola Lamp), and a ‘thank you’ card for purchases.

Want to see them in person? Let us know and we will happily send you a set.

Custom Napkins. Linen Samples. Challenges.

We are often approached for contract design and manufacturing jobs. Recently a local restaurant owner asked us to make 1,000 napkins: 100% linen and custom designed with a distinct stitching. The most exciting challenge is how to find an efficient and cool way to sew the napkin, thus providing a great product for a good value.

Our 25-ton Die Cutting Machine & Manufacturing Possibilities

Last month we bought two die cutting machines, an exciting step that will allow us to directly do some of our own manufacturing. The one seen here is the 10-ton die press, which cuts 12” x 12”. This will be perfect for the Felt Coasters and smaller products. The larger 25-ton press can accommodate up to 60” x 20”. This will open up possibilities for easier manufacturing, like making the UM Bags in color!

Making.

Meet the Models: Rob Hansen - Utilities Engineer

Rob Hansen let us follow him around a rail yard while wearing our new Skinny Zip Tie. Afterwards we asked him about his work inspecting the railways and what inspires him.

This is the first post in our "Meet the Models" series.


How would you describe your work?
As a Utilities Engineer, I work for the State of California to oversee the safety of our rail transit systems, such as BART and Muni. I review plans for new infrastructure, perform on-site inspections of construction sites, investigate accidents to determine the causes of a collision or derailment, offer recommendations to avert future accidents, and help with comprehensive reviews of the rail agency safety programs. 

How long have you been focused on engineering?I have a Bachelor's and a Master's in Civil Engineering, and have been working in the field for one year.

What do you enjoy most about being an engineer?
The best part of my job is the diversity of work- there's always interesting project. Long term, it is satisfying to know that my work could have enormous effects in the safety of train passengers, rail system employees, pedestrians, and motorists. My job lets me think about how mechanical, structural, and human components interact in a complex system and create ways to keep them all protected.

What inspires you when working?
I find myself inspired by the idea that I can help create safer, better transportation systems, and that someday my ideas will be implemented. This drives me to refine my thought processes and work habits, to become as good as possible at what comes my way. I have a unique freedom in my current position where I can propose creative and radical solutions for safety issues and let lawyers, politicians, and better engineers worry about whether they are practical.

Knowing Your Strengths

Josh’s strength is his ability to design and make things. He explained this to me, Katherine, the first time that I met him to speak about taking on the communication and presentation side of Actual. With that, he hired me in late May to help in this area. Since then, I have been in charge of the posts on our blog, Facebook, and Instagram. Growing a design practice lies in knowing what you are good at, and understanding when to partner with someone else. Josh’s greatest strength is knowing his strengths, and knowing when to allow others to bring their own ideas on board. So, hello, and thank you for following us!

Photographs and Zip Ties

Our Zip Tie is coming out soon in new colors and a skinny version! Currently we are in the final stages of photographing the new ties. We thought we would show our fantastic photographer, Jillian, at work. She came up with the idea of capturing real people we know wearing the Zip Ties while they do what they love. This is her first time working with products, so her fine arts background adds a fresh flavor to her work with us. Check out more of her work on her blog.

Felt Comes in Rolls.

When we order the felt that makes most our products, it comes in large rolls. Since this industrial material is 15% recycled, the variation between orders can be enormous. It is necessary to check the shade and texture of each roll to ensure that our products will continue to be consistent and beautiful. Once we approve an order of felt, we send it to the cutting house and the process of making new bags begins.

This Is Where It All Happens

We recently bought a new Juki sewing machine for our local producer specifically to make our Stola Lamps. The unusual lamp material requires an industrial machine equipped with a walking foot, which smoothly feeds the fabric through the machine by pulling from top and bottom simultaneously. In purchasing this machine, we are helping our producer more efficiently construct the lamps. This, in turn, helps us build a stronger business.