Halfway Through the Year & Full of Heart: A Shack Update

Hey everyone,

Can you believe we’re already past the halfway point of 2025? It feels like just yesterday we were ringing in the new year, full of ideas and excitement for what was to come. Here at the Shack, we wanted to take a moment to pause, look back at the incredible journey so far, and share a little bit about what’s lighting a fire under us for the rest of the year.

When we (Jacob and Ashley) first started Shack in the Back Designs, it was purely a passion project. It was about creating things that made us smile, huddled in our creative space here in Newcastle. We wanted to see if our crocheted critters, our fantastical 3D printed dragons, and our custom laser-engraved signs could bring that same smile to other people's faces.

This year has been our biggest and most incredible yet, and the absolute best part has been sharing it with you. While we love sending our creations off to their new homes, nothing beats the energy of a local show or fair! Seeing your faces light up as you discover a 3D printed dragon, or watching a child instantly bond with a crocheted animal—those moments of shared joy are the real fuel for our little shack. It's the reason we do this, and it makes the entire adventure worthwhile.

Our Goals for the Rest of 2025

Running a business with your best friend means you always have someone to dream with. As we look toward the holiday season and the end of the year, we have a few goals we're so excited to work on:

1. Experimenting with New Creations: We’re always tinkering! We're exploring some new filament colours for our 3D prints (any requests?) and brainstorming some seasonal amigurumi friends for the fall and winter. We can't say too much, but let's just say things might get a little spooky for Halloween!
2. Connecting with You More: We want to share more of the "how." More behind-the-scenes peeks, more stories about our creations, and hopefully see you at a few more local markets before the year is out! We love chatting with you online, but nothing beats a face-to-face hello.
3. Perfecting the Classics: While new ideas are fun, we also want to continue pouring our hearts into the products you already love. We’re dedicated to making sure every single articulated snake, welcome sign, and crocheted octopus is crafted with the care and quality you deserve.

This whole journey is a dream come true, and it’s only possible because of your support. Thank you for being here, for cheering us on, and for choosing handmade. It means the world to us.

Here’s to a creative, exciting, and smile-filled second half of the year!

With gratitude,

Jacob & Ashley - Shack in the Back Designs