Downstage Designs

05/24/2026

05/24/2026

So many amazing new teams and New Frames coming to the website! Check them out to frame all your favorite memories! As always FREE SHIPPING on EVERY order!
www.etsy.com/shop/downstagedesigns

05/15/2026

NORTHSIDE OR SOUTHSIDE? Cubs or Sox? Crosstown Rivalry is this weekend. Whose your team? OR......are you a House Divided?

04/02/2026

WHO IS DOWNSTAGE DESIGNS?

Meet Jeni Donahue, the owner and maker of all you see within Downstage Designs.

I am a mother of 2 amazing kids-One in Chicago and One in Minneapolis.
A professional choreographer for over 30 years.
A widow, whose grief and loss pushed me into doing something to keep me active and find my smile.
I love being creative! (I need it to survive!)
I love meeting customers at events (*especially return customers).

How did I get my business name?
Years ago, while in a stage production of Fiddler on the Roof, I was given a note from the director. There were 3 "Jens" within the cast. My note had "Jeni DS" written on it along with one of the lines I said in the show and a downward arrow. I asked my friend next to me what he thought it meant. He said he thought it meant I should say the line Downstage (Hence the down arrow and the "DS") I laughed and said----the DS are my initials! We had a good laugh and the nickname Jeni Downstage stuck for decades, with many of the theaters and schools I work with calling me Downstage. (*My kids even call me Downstage when yelling Mom 100 times doesnt get my attention LOL) So was Born Downstage Designs.

I am based out of Joliet, a DIE HARD White Sox fan, I have 2 cats (*Neither of which are mine but somehow became mine!), I have an amazing Nephew who lives WAY too far from me and I am obsessed with Halloween!!

Nice to meet you and Welcome to Downstage Designs!

03/31/2026

BASEBALL IS BACK! Whose your team? Capture those fun moments at the ballpark with a custom frame with your team and colors!

03/22/2026

Come on out to Craft Productions, Inc. Event at College of DuPage today from.10am - 4pm. Tons of amazing vendors with wonderful decor, jewelry, treats and more!

03/21/2026

Come on out and shop!!! 10 - 4 today and tomorrow!!

03/20/2026

Come on out this weekend and see Downstage Design sin booth 126! Cant wait to start the Season off with this great show from Craft Productions, Inc.

03/11/2026

Downstage Designs will be kicking off the Spring Craft show season with this amazing event at the College of DuPage. Craft Productions, Inc. ALWAYS puts on a fantastic, well run event! Dont want to miss this one for all your cute spring decor, Easter gifts and more! I will be there with fun Easter, spring frames, all the sports and college frames as well as my very popular Desing-A-Pen station! See you there!

2 days. 200 booths. Over 37,000 square feet of incredible handmade goods ❤️

Shower of Crafts @ COD
March 21-22, Glen Ellyn IL

Save $2 on early bird tickets through 3/20/26 🎉