Looking for a unique fall craft? Try this Fall Burlap Busted Canvas tutorial with rustic ribbon, napkin decoupage, and a free printable.

lets craft with dollar store canvasses for fall

How to make a burlap fall busted canvas.

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Why I love this craft

This project is perfect for hanging in your entryway, leaning on a mantel, or even gifting to a friend who loves farmhouse-inspired fall décor. Don’t forget to grab the free printable so your craft looks just like mine.

how to make a dollar store fall busted canvas

Easily create the busted canvas look.

Turn a simple stretched canvas into something unexpected and eye-catching! The “busted canvas” trend starts by carefully cutting slits into the front of the canvas, then peeling back the cut sections to reveal a decorative surprise underneath.

Instead of scraping out pumpkin guts, you’re reshaping a canvas into a peek-a-boo design that’s part sculpture, part wall art. You can frame a botanical image, seasonal printable, or any pretty paper inside, so it feels like the artwork is emerging from within the canvas itself

The inspiration for this craft:

When I first saw this trend, I knew I had to try it. Since then, I’ve made lots of “busted” canvas looks for different seasons and holidays! Find them below!

Supplies to Make a Busted Canvas for Fall

Video Tutorial: Fall Burlap Busted Canvas

Watch this quick video to see how this craft came together:

I Love Fall Most of All Burlap Busted Canvas

Burlap Fall Busted Canvas

Create a Fall Burlap Busted Canvas using paint, burlap ribbon, and a free printable. This step-by-step DIY makes cozy fall wall art on a budget!

Materials

1 stretched canvas (8x10 or similar)
1 flat panel canvas (same size as stretched canvas)
Mod Podge (matte finish)
Acrylic paint (Mossy Meadow, Castle gray, and Vintage White)
Chalk paint in Castle gray (optional for blending)
Free printable (download and trim to size)
School glue stick
Decorative napkin (blue & white check, single-ply)
Burlap ribbon (thick and medium widths)
Blue burlap ribbon
Blue and white check ribbon (thin)
Twine

Tools

Craft scissors
Paper trimmer
Paintbrushes & spray bottle with water
Craft knife or pen blade with cutting mat
Mini heat press or iron (no steam)
Hot glue gun with fine tip
Parchment or wax paper
Lighter (to seal ribbon edges)
Silicone fingertip protectors (optional but recommended)

Instructions

Watch video. Follow along with the tutorial for a step-by-step walkthrough on how to make your own burlap fall busted canvas.
Prep the stretch canvas. Remove the plastic wrap and flip the stretched canvas over. Apply a generous coat of Mod Podge to the entire inside backside area. Let it dry while you work on the flat canvas.
Paint the canvas. Flip the canvas back to the front. Spray with water to help paints blend. Using Mossy Meadow, Castle gray, and Vintage White, layer and blend the colors until you get a soft watercolor feel.

Use parchment paper to dab and blend for a smoother look. Paint the sides for a finished appearance and set aside to dry.
Prep the flat canvas with printable. Cut your printable slightly smaller than the canvas backing using a paper trimmer. Apply glue stick evenly to the paper area on the back of the flat canvas, then smooth the printable into place. Make sure no glue seeps onto the design. Paint the rest of the flat canvas with Mossy Meadow for a polished look.
Add the napkin layer. Separate your napkin to a single ply. Place it over the dried Mod Podge on the stretched canvas and cover with parchment paper. Use a mini heat press (or iron with no steam) to bond it down bubble-free.
Cut the busted canvas start. Flip the stretched canvas face-down. Using your craft knife, cut an 8-point star (first an X, then cross lines between).

Trim any areas that didn’t cut cleanly with scissors. Bend back the triangles and you’ll see the layered design peeking through.
Assemble the canvases. Run hot glue around the back edges of the stretched canvas and quickly press it onto the flat canvas, centering carefully. One by one, roll back and glue down each triangle flap to create the “busted” effect.
Make and add the burlap bow. Cut burlap and ribbon pieces (kite-tail ends). Heat seal edges with a lighter to prevent fraying. Stack and pinch layers starting with thick blue burlap, then medium burlap, and finally thin check ribbon. Wrap tightly with twine and knot in back. Fluff, then hot glue the bow to the top left corner of your busted canvas.
Finish the edges. If the flat canvas shows around the edges, glue a thin ribbon (like the blue check) all around the seam.