Ukunto - wooden toy blocks

Box samples, originally uploaded by Hans and Carolyn.

These are two boxes that I received as samples. I really like the smaller one (apparently both boxes have the same pounds per square inch tear strength, but there must be other factors, the thicker cardboard feels much much better). It uses thicker card board, which means that I don’t need to repackage it for shipping.

I’m thinking about using biodegradable shrink rap to protect the box during shipping (and so I can stick the shipping label on it). I know that a lot of you really like the juke bags, but they are expensive (they add a lot of value as well, but not everyone recognizes that), and they add considerably to the weight and size for shipping. I will keep them for a special edition and for certain stores that really want to keep them.

So much for an update on the packaging. Now I’m working on designing the outside of the box and getting a UPC (bar code).

Box Sample , originally uploaded by Hans and Carolyn .

My Kijiji Loot, originally uploaded by Hans and Carolyn.

I was looking for a used router on Kijiji, because the current one will not take the bit that I just ordered. I found this great lot of tools. Lots of high end tools, some not so high end, but I will still be able to use them.

Look out for some great new products from Ukunto very soon. I’m working on designing stackable toy boxes right now. I will build the first prototypes soon.

Today I’m working on the packaging. I’ve been contacting a lot of companies that make great packaging. One thing is clear, I would like to keep the footprint caused by packaging as small as possible. Really not easy, considering that it takes so much to create packaging, that is just going to be thrown out in the end.

One way of making the packaging relevant was to put the blocks into cloth bags. I really like it, but it adds to much cost the product and doesn’t seem to add enough value for the Ukunto fans. I’m still thinking how I can create packaging that is the shipping box and the product packaging in one. At least, this way you reduce the use of one box.

Have you come across any really cool innovative designs? Please let me know, I’d love to see it.

Cheers, Hans

The ceiling is finished and I finally had enough time to organize everything properly. The workflow is so much faster now and the shop is so much more presentable.

Speaking of presentable. Today two gentlemen from Royce//Ayr came over. Royce//Ayr makes high precision blades and cutting/boring bits. This means that Ukunto’s toys will be even more precise in the future AND (this is very important to me) we support the local economy. One less thing that has to be shipped in from China or Europe.

Hi everyone,

a very quick update. Things are rolling. Alea (my 10 week old daughter) keeps me and my wife very busy, but I still manage to put a lot of time into Ukunto. So here’s what is happening at Ukunto at this point:

The workshop : It is getting more and more ready. The ceiling was just finished and now I’m working on the last details. I might actually be able to have some people over. You really don’t need that much to make wooden toys, but I always get asked by a lot of people that I do business with (tool makers, retail stores, other toy manufacturers) they really want to see my "facility". I hope to post a little video of the shop soon too, so everyone here can see what I’m talking about :-).

Packaging : Blocks are still being made, at this point I’m looking into the packaging. I’m pretty happy with the packaging that I have at this point, but I’d like to make it more professional and elegant looking. If there are any cardboard box manufacturers out there that read this, please contact me.

Webpage : I’m really not that happy with the page. After my nice one had to come down (because it was not very convenient and easy to update), I’ve been struggling to find the time to create a new one. I have contacted a web designer to help me work on parts of the page. A new shopping cart is coming too.

Ebay and Etsy : As soon as I have more sets ready to be shipped I will sell on ebay and etsy as well.

Cheers, Hans

Today I finished cutting all the short blocks for the next 85 sets. This is what it looks like.

Hi everyone,

the Green Living Show was absolutely amazing. I wish I could have been able to see more of the presentations, but I was much to busy making some really good connections. I will let you in on some of those amazing business’ as time goes along.

As you might have noticed, I’ve not been posting lately. Carolyn - my wife - and I had a little baby girl. She was 7 weeks early and needed a lot more attention than a baby born at term. By now, we’ve gotten to know our little munchkin a lot better though and we can work around her schedule.

This week I picked up 10% of the lumber that I had ordered from Eastwood Wood Specialties. I ordered enough wood to make 1000 sets of wooden blocks. All in all it’s 4 skids of recycled hard maple. It’s recycled, because they are the cut away pieces from the large production facility. The wood is still virgin (never used) and perfect highest quality Canadian hard maple. The best is that is it preshaped, which takes a lot of work load of my shoulders.

Today I spent some time, getting the shop in order again, I built a new rig for cutting the blocks, because I was not happy with the cutting quality of the old one. At the end of the day I spent one hour of cutting 2 inch long blocks. It took me 1 hour to cut 500 blocks, which means I’m still as time effective as before, with the other rig.

By the end of next week I will have the new sets of blocks ready for shipping.

For now, that’s an update on what has happened here at Ukunto. C U all very soon.

Hans

Hi everyone,

a very late night post. I had a very busy week. I finally did get a lot of things done that had to get done for a while. I finished the advertisement panels on the car, printed business cards, and even made some t-shirts. The webpage also got an overhaul (although a raterh quick one, but now it is up and running again, and more important, it is functioning

Unfortunately I do not have any of my toys on display at the Green Living Show, but I’m prepared for it, because I never know what opportunities will open themselves up for me. I’m really stoked to go to the show. I’ve been there last year and it was absolutely amazing. If you are coming? Perfect! If you live in Toronto and you are not coming, because you are not a granola eating, birkenstock wearing kind of person, please rethink your decision. The green living show is anything but that. About 50% of the show is all about innovation and you can find some very modern and really interesting things there.

So, if you are heading to the show, I’d love to meet you. I’ll be there for all three days so just give me a call on my cell: 905 321 3905.

C U there, Hans

Hi everyone,

Carolyn and I (Hans) had our first Baby 3 weeks ago. Her name is Alea and she’s doing great. She was a little bit early but she’s doing great.

Things have been a little bit slow here at Ukunto for that reason, but I trust that you understand. All the sets of wooden blocks purchased to this day have been mailed out.

Please check back really soon, a new main webpage (ukunto.com) is in the making and I will also be at the Green Living Show in Toronto. Unfortunately there has been some set backs with ordered materials so that Ukunto will not be able to have any wooden blocks on display at the show. However I would love to meet up with you if you are going to be there. I will be at the show all three days.

Best Regards, Hans