As an animal lover, I’m drawn to anything with a critter motif. So, when I saw a printed cloth placemat with forest animals, I grabbed it. The dollar store also had a fabric roll printed with woodland animals. I framed these fabrics to make decorative art that can be displayed on the wall or a side table and really love how they turned out.

Here’s how to create beautiful fall art using a placemat and a fabric square, both featuring forest animals and both from Dollar Tree.

Beautiful Fall Art Using Forest Animal Print Fabrics

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Idea 1: Placemat and Embroidery Hoop Wall Art

Supplies Used and Recommendations:

Step 1: Centre Placemat Design in an Embroidery Hoop

 

 

When I saw this placemat, I knew I could create something with it, besides making it into a cushion, which would also be cute. This idea is also easy to do, although you do have to take your time to ensure that the entire design gets centred within the embroidery hoop. I didn’t cut the placemat until after I had it in the embroidery hoop, and found that the double-layered placemat fit nice and snug within the hoop. 

You could cut the placemat down into a square first, if you find that easier to work with. Just be sure to leave plenty of fabric around the outside of the image until you have it positioned just right. After the design is  centred, turn the embroidery hoop over and use your scissors to trim off the excess fabric. 

Step 2: Add Ribbon Hanger to Wall Art

 

 

I bought this spool of 5/8″, gold-trimmed beige ribbon at Dollar Tree and thought it was just right for use as a hanger here. Simply thread it through the opening at the top of the embroidery hoop and tie the two ends together. You can use twine or whatever else you have on hand as a hanger.

Step 3: Add  Autumn Decorations

 

 

I wanted to give my wall hanging an autumn vibe, so I hot glued two pieces of fall stems on the outside edge of the embroidery hoop, one on either side of the hanger.

 

 

After adding a leaf and berry bundle from my stash of fall odds and ends, I was very happy with the way this wall hanging looked. 

Idea 2: Fall Fabric in Picture Frames

Supplies Used and Recommendations:

Step 1: Choose Image 

 

 

This whimsical fabric from Dollar Tree has forest animals that were designed using fall leaves and flowers, as well as pinecones and acorns. This is so cute that I wanted to highlight a couple of the animals in frames.

Position the glass in the frame you’re using over the image you want to use, so it’s centred. Leave a bit of overlap as you cut out the section. Clean any smudges from the glass and replace it into the frame. 

Step 2: Glue Image to Frame Backing

 

 

You only need to tack the fabric to the backing so it stays in place until you get it into the frame, so I used a glue stick. Be sure to add glue around all of the edges.

Step 3: Smooth Fabric

 

Use your fingers to smooth the fabric onto the frame backing. Check that all of the edges are secured. I had to add a bit more where the fabric wasn’t sticking, as it will bunch up in the frame if the edges are not glued down. Trim any excess fabric from around the edges of the backing.

Step 4: Insert Into Frame

 

 

Place the image inside the frame. Before closing the tabs, check to be sure it’s centered and the fabric is laying flat.

Step 5: Add Leaf Embellishments

 

 

I had some 3D leaves in my stash that were the same colour as the leaves in the fabric. Place one leaf at each corner of the frame, angling them so they hang over the image slightly.

 

 

I really love how this turned out! This serene looking fox deserves to be the focus of attention.

Picture Frame Idea – Take 2

Step 1: Trace Squirrel Image

 

I also wanted to highlight the squirrel from the same fabric. This time, I used a  5 1/2 by 3 1/2 recessed frame and followed the same steps as in the previous project, using the glass from the frame to centre the image and gluing the fabric to the frame backing.

Step 2: Make a Small Swag

 

I didn’t want bright colours that would detract from the image, so I chose two pale green flower stems from my stash to fashion a small swag for the top of the frame. A small piece of floral wire was used to join them. 

Step 3: Add Pinecones

 

 

After hot gluing the swag to the top, centre of the frame, I added two mini pinecones where the stems met in the middle.

Step 3: Adding More Greenery

 

 

After some consideration, I decided the swag needed a bit more greenery, so I added two more flower stem pieces, one on either side, hot gluing them behind the pinecones.

 

 

The greenery pieces give the impression of overhanging tree branches. As an afterthought, I added an acorn to the bottom of the frame on the recessed edge. 

I love the way these animal “portraits” turned out. It’s so easy to bring autumn charm into your home by showcasing the fall forest animals from this year’s Dollar Tree fabrics.

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