Welcome to our April 2026 Designer Challenge with a theme of SET THE STAGE!

I challenged the team to use our new Stage Pop-up die set for a card of any theme. As usual, they will amaze and astound with their ideas.

For my card and video I wanted to try the Peacock Add-ons on the Stage. I was delighted with how well it worked.

Learn this technique by watching the full YouTube tutorial here:

When closed, the card will fit easily in an A7 envelope. I like how the peacock's beak is visible when the card is closed as a little teaser of the reveal. To create the greeting and the PUSH instruction I combined Greeting Labels, Bouquet Bits, Bouquet Sayings Clear Stamps and Stage Scenes Clear Stamps. Patterned papers are 49 and Market designs from my stash.

Push the Stage open to reveal the peacock. I was inspired by Lois to add the white pen detailing to the head of the peacock. To make the die set fit the stage I used it without the Arch Pop-up and instead attached the back row of feathers to the back of the same piece that holds the front feathers. This is a good alternate assembly to fit the peacock into narrower cards.

One of the techniques shown in the video is something I call a gritty glossy texture. Be sure to watch the video for this easy way to add shine and texture to die cut pieces.

Ready to give this card a try? Here are the dies and supplies used in the video:

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Now let's take a look at the amazing ideas from the Design Team. In each case you can click on the designer's name to go to their blog post. On their blogs you will find additional photos, supply lists and, in some cases, full video or photo tutorials.

Sue Small-Kreider has been using the Stage for Christmas ideas including this amazing light-up Reindeer card. You'll definitely want to visit Sue's blog to watch the video for how she made this show-stopper of a card. Sue has such amazing ideas!

Lois Bak is also sharing Christmas inspiration with two Stage cards featuring different holiday pop-ups. The first is the Christmas Trees Pop Stand in a stunning white and gold theme.

Next, Lois made a Sleigh Pop-up Stage card. I love her addition of the larger teddy bear from the Love Is In The Air Charms. Lois added an ornament hanger, inspired by Sue Small-Kreider, so it can be added to the tree. Both cards are wonderful!

Nicky Foden made the mother of all Mother's Day cards with this stunning stage bouquet. As usual, Nicky photographed her process and includes a wonderful step-by-step photo tutorial that includes any mistakes she made and how they were rectified. She also shows the versatility of the slot and L-support system that allows for slots and supports throughout the Stage. I love this card!

Suzanne Smit made this Awwww-some cloudy hedgehog cupcake card and I am swooning! What a brilliant idea to borrow the bows from the Dolled Up Charms to use as hair bows! Suzanne has her signature look of an animal holding something and another signature look with the way she will use just a few colors repeated throughout the card. Magnificent!

Sandy Diller takes us out to the farm for this amazing barnyard scene created on the Stage. This is such a great way to elevate the Barn as well as creating a vertical surface to add box extenders. There are so many layers of dimension to this great card. Be sure to click over to see a video of it in action. Yeehaw!

Jen Webster has been under the weather and although this card was made earlier than the challenge it absolutely fits the theme, so I'm sharing it. Jen's signature coloring is on full display with this delightful Palm Tree Stage card. Oh to be able to color like Jen!

Well we hope you feel inspired to make some Stage cards of your own. Join us next month on May 6, 2026 for Designer Challenge 105 with a theme of CAFFEINATE. We will be making coffee, tea, soda or chocolate themed cards. 

Happy Crafting!