Burlap Canvas Nativity Scene – DIY Project

Are you looking for some gorgeous Christmas art for your walls that shows off the real meaning of the season? Then learn how to make this canvas nativity scene on burlap! You can make this easy project in just minutes using your Cricut or Silhouette machine and a few sheets of vinyl!

How To Make Canvas Nativity Scene

If you have been following my blog for a while, then you know that I love working with burlap! It’s so easy to use, inexpensive to purchase, and makes great farmhouse decor!

I’ve used burlap for several other Christmas crafts on my website, like these burlap angle ornaments and this Christmas garden flag. However, I wanted to do something a bit different this Christmas.

Over the years, I’ve fallen in love with nativity scenes. There are so many creative ones out there, so I thought why not combine a nativity scene with burlap to create a unique piece of wall art?!

This quick and easy burlap canvas nativity scene can be made before the holidays! The process of making this project is similar to my nativity scene on mason jars and only requires a few supplies. Plus, the best part, is that you can easily make the design larger or smaller depending on your preference, the look you are going for, or how you would like them to be displayed.

For example, you can easily place the whole scene on a larger canvas or break it up over multiple canvases. In this tutorial, we will use two 12 x 12 burlap canvases.

Let’s get started!

Supplies Needed To Make Canvas Nativity Scene

• 12 x 12 Burlap Canvas (2 used)
• DIY Nativity Scene Printables
  • Nativity 1
  • Nativity 2
• Silhouette Heat Transfer Material in Black
• Silhouette
• Iron
• Weeding Tool (optional)

Step 1: Download Files

First, download the files to your computer. Click on the links below to get those for free.

• Nativity 1
• Nativity 2

Step 2: Upload Files To Silhouette

You will need to add these to your Silhouette software and trace around the images. You can get more details on how to do this here if you have trouble.

Be sure to mirror the images before cutting as you are working with heat transfer vinyl.

Step 3: Cut & Weed Vinyl

Cut the material with your Silhouette then begin to weed the vinyl. Weeding involves removing all areas that you do not want. You will want to remove all large and small areas that are not a part of the final design. A weeding tool can help with this task. You will be left with something that looks like the below image.

Step 4: Add Vinyl To Burlap Canvas

We are now going to iron the vinyl to our burlap canvas. Be sure to read and follow all directions that come with the vinyl brand that you are using. It will tell you the times and heat settings. Be sure to insert a book into the back of the canvas so you have a firm surface for ironing. Then iron according to the directions and remove your protective sheet.

Step 5: Display Canvas Nativity Scene

Your burlap canvas nativity scene is ready to be hung in your home!

I love that heat transfer vinyl will work on these great canvases. Let your imagination run wild at the project possibilities!

These simple canvases are perfect for decorating for the holidays! Remember the true reason for the season with a burlap canvas nativity scene. It is not too late for this quick and easy project idea!

FAQs About Canvas Nativity Scene

Here are a couple of questions that I see readers ask about how to make this canvas nativity scene. If you have a question, please check to see if I’ve already answered it below. Don’t see your question? Leave it for me in the comments!

Can I Use My Cricut Machine To Make This Project?

Yes, you can!

What Cricut Machine Can I Use For This Project?

All of them! The Cricut Maker, Cricut Explore series, Cricut Joy, Cricut Joy Xtra, and Cricut Venture, can all cut viny!

The only thing to keep in mind is that each Cricut machine is different in regard to project size capabilities and the materials it can cut. So, depending on what project you have in mind, you might need to resize the design or cut it out in a different material.

Can I Use A Regular Canvas?

Absolutely! I like the look of the burlap, but you could use a plain white canvas or another type of canvas.

Can I Change The Size Of This Project?

Yes, you can! For this project, I used a 12×12 canvas, but you can use any size that you like. The only thing to keep in mind is that you will need to adjust the design in Silhouette or Cricut to fit the canvas size you are using.

5 Christmas Crafts

Did you love this canvas nativity scene and are looking for more Christmas crafts? Then check out the projects below!

• DIY Wooden Christmas Tree For Holiday Decor
• DIY Wood Nativity Set
• Plaid and Burlap Christmas Ornaments
• Paper Angel DIY Christmas Tree Topper
• Easy DIY Holiday Rustic Wood Sign