DIY Deer Art Trio for a Woodland Nursery (Buck + Doe Silhouettes)

Updated November 28, 2025 by Jan of Unique Baby Gear Ideas

DIY deer art has become one of my favorite ways to add a warm, woodland feel to a baby’s nursery, especially when I’m working with the classic trio of a proud buck in the center and two mirrored doe silhouettes on each side. There’s something so timeless and peaceful about these shapes, and they instantly bring a sense of rustic charm without overwhelming the room. What I love most is how approachable this project is — even if you’ve never made wall art before, you can create a beautiful set that looks thoughtful, handcrafted, and right at home in a cozy woodland nursery.

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A handcrafted deer art trio with a buck and two mirrored does adds rustic woodland charm to a baby’s nursery.

As soon as I hung this deer art trio above the crib, I remembered why this arrangement works so beautifully in a woodland nursery—the balance of the strong buck in the center with the softer, mirrored does on each side creates a cozy symmetry that’s so easy on the eyes. It feels handcrafted and intentional, the kind of wall décor that quietly anchors the entire room. Whether your nursery leans rustic, modern, neutral, or vintage-inspired, these silhouettes blend in effortlessly while adding that touch of personality every baby’s room needs.

DIY deer art like this buck-and-doe trio is one of the easiest ways to bring handmade woodland charm into a baby’s room without spending a lot or needing advanced crafting skills. A project like this is wonderfully simple because the materials are easy to find and budget-friendly, yet the finished trio looks like something you’d buy from a boutique nursery shop. For the silhouettes, you’ll only need cardstock, a craft knife, and a steady hand; for the frames, you can use any lightweight wood in the rustic tones that fit your woodland theme. I’ve made this trio with everything from burlap to linen as the background, and they all work beautifully as long as the fabric or paper has a little texture. If you’re hanging the art over a crib, I always choose lightweight frames and secure them with baby-safe strips so the entire display stays secure and worry-free. DIY deer art is especially fun at this stage because the materials are simple, but the results look beautifully handcrafted.

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A simple, budget-friendly set of supplies is all you need to create this gorgeous woodland deer silhouette trio for your nursery wall.

Supplies You’ll Need for This Woodland Nursery Wall Trio

A project like this is wonderfully simple because the materials are easy to find and budget-friendly, yet the finished trio looks like something you’d buy from a boutique nursery shop. For the silhouettes, you’ll only need cardstock, a craft knife, and a steady hand; for the frames, you can use any lightweight wood in the rustic tones that fit your woodland theme. I’ve made this trio with everything from burlap to linen as the background, and they all work beautifully as long as the fabric or paper has a little texture. If you’re hanging the art over a crib, I always choose lightweight frames and secure them with baby-safe strips so the entire display stays secure and worry-free.

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Trace and cut the buck and doe silhouettes using printed templates and black cardstock to create clean, crisp shapes for your woodland wall trio.

Step 1: Prepare Your Deer Silhouettes

How to Begin Your DIY Deer Art Cutouts

The heart of this project is the three silhouettes: the proud buck for the center frame and the two mirrored does that sit on each side. I like to start by printing the shapes at the exact size I want them to appear in the finished art, usually sized to leave a comfortable inch or two of border inside the frame. Once you have your templates printed, place them over your black cardstock and trace the outlines slowly, paying special attention around the antlers and the gentle curves of the does’ necks. These shapes may seem simple, but taking your time here gives the entire trio that clean, polished look that makes the finished wall arrangement feel professionally made. If you’re cutting with a craft knife, rotate the paper instead of your hand—it gives you smoother lines and helps keep the edges crisp and consistent.

This part of your DIY deer art project takes shape quickly once the silhouettes are traced and ready to cut.

Step 2: Cut the Deer Silhouettes Cleanly and Safely

Tips for Smooth Lines and Baby-Safe DIY Deer Art

Once your buck and doe shapes are traced, it’s time to cut them out slowly and carefully so the edges stay smooth. I like to start with the wide, gentle curves first and leave the trickier details, like antlers and ears, for last. Use a sharp craft knife and work on a cutting mat, rotating the cardstock as you go instead of twisting your wrist; this gives you graceful lines and keeps the silhouettes from looking jagged. If you’re more comfortable with scissors, make small snips rather than long cuts, especially around the curves of the neck and legs.

As you work, check each silhouette against its template and trim any tiny bumps or corners that catch your eye. These little adjustments don’t take long, but they make a big difference in the finished trio, helping your buck and mirrored does look crisp and polished when they’re framed and hung above the crib. When you’re satisfied with the shapes, set them aside in a safe spot so they stay flat and dust-free while you prepare the backgrounds.

Step 3: Mount the Silhouettes on Burlap or Linen Backgrounds

How to Give Your DIY Deer Art a Boutique, Textured Look

Once your buck and doe silhouettes are cut and ready, it’s time to mount them onto your background fabric. I personally love using burlap or linen because the soft texture adds warmth and depth—exactly the right touch for a woodland nursery. Start by cutting your fabric so it fits neatly inside each frame, leaving just enough extra around the edges to wrap or secure it if needed.

Mounting each piece carefully is what gives DIY deer art its polished, boutique-quality look.

Lay each piece of fabric flat and position your silhouette on top, adjusting it until it feels balanced and centered. When you're happy with the placement, use a thin layer of craft glue or double-sided adhesive sheets to secure the silhouette to the fabric. Press gently from the center outward to avoid bubbles and raised edges. Take your time—this step is where the entire trio begins to look finished, classic, and beautifully handmade.

After mounting each silhouette, place the fabric into its frame without fully closing the back yet. This gives you a chance to make any last adjustments before sealing the art and preparing it to hang above the crib.

Step 4: Assemble the Frames and Prepare Them for Hanging

How to Finish and Display Your Woodland Deer Art Trio

Once each silhouette is mounted smoothly onto its fabric background, it’s time to assemble your frames. Place the buck in the largest frame and the two mirrored does in matching smaller frames so the arrangement feels balanced when displayed above the crib. Before sealing each frame, take a moment to brush away any loose threads or dust that may have settled on the fabric—small details like this help the finished trio look clean and polished.

After closing the backs, attach lightweight, baby-safe hanging hardware. I always choose hardware that sits flush against the wall and avoids any metal pieces that could rattle or shift. If you prefer an even safer option for a nursery, use heavy-duty adhesive picture strips; they hold surprisingly well and give you the freedom to adjust spacing without making holes in the wall.

Lay the frames out on the floor first to test the spacing before transferring the arrangement to the wall. This simple step helps you fine-tune the height and alignment so your buck-and-doe trio hangs straight, symmetrical, and nursery-ready.

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Step 5: Hang and Style Your Finished Deer Art Trio

How to Arrange the Buck and Doe Silhouettes Above the Crib

Now that your frames are assembled, it’s time for the part that transforms the entire nursery—hanging your deer art trio on the wall. Start with the center frame featuring the buck, placing it directly above the crib at a height that feels balanced and easy on the eyes. Once the buck is in position, hang the two mirrored doe silhouettes on each side, keeping the spacing even so the display feels cohesive and intentional. This classic three-piece arrangement brings instant charm and creates a natural focal point in any woodland nursery.

After the frames are in place, step back and look at the wall from different angles in the room. Sometimes a quarter-inch adjustment makes all the difference in how symmetrical and polished the grouping feels. If you're using adhesive picture strips, you can easily nudge each frame until everything lines up beautifully. To finish the styling, add a cozy throw over the crib rail or a soft woodland-themed blanket to bring the entire vignette together.

Once the trio is hung, you’ll notice how the clean silhouettes and rustic textures instantly elevate the room. This simple DIY project creates a high-impact look that fits perfectly with modern woodland nurseries, vintage décor, neutral rooms, or any space needing a sweet, handcrafted touch.

Extra Tips and Variations for Your Deer Art Trio

Ways to Personalize This Woodland Nursery Wall Decor

One of my favorite parts about creating DIY nursery art is how easy it is to customize each piece so it feels personal to your baby’s room. You can soften the look by switching the black silhouettes for warm charcoal cardstock, or add a touch of whimsy by layering faint watercolor behind the shapes before framing them. If you prefer a lighter, airier feel, linen in soft ivory or oat tones looks gorgeous behind the buck and doe silhouettes, especially in smaller nurseries or gender-neutral spaces.

For nurseries with a stronger woodland theme, I’ve even added tiny stitched details along the edges of the silhouettes using embroidery thread in deep fir green. It doesn’t take long, and the subtle texture adds a handcrafted charm that pairs beautifully with crib sheets or blankets that feature pine trees or soft forest motifs.

And just as a little personal aside — the first time I made this trio for a friend’s baby shower, I remember stepping back and smiling because the entire nursery suddenly felt calmer and more complete. It’s amazing how three simple shapes can anchor an entire room.

Safety Notes for Hanging Art in a Baby’s Nursery

Whenever you’re placing art above a crib, safety comes first. Choose lightweight frames, avoid glass fronts if possible, and secure everything with baby-safe, high-strength adhesive strips or anchored hardware. After hanging the trio, give each frame a gentle shake to make sure nothing moves. These few extra minutes ensure your woodland wall art stays secure and perfectly aligned as your little one grows.

How to Style Your Woodland Nursery Around This Deer Art Trio

Simple Ways to Tie the Buck and Doe Silhouettes Into the Rest of the Room

The beauty of this woodland deer art trio is how effortlessly it blends with so many different nursery styles. If you already have fir tree crib sheets or forest-inspired textiles, the silhouettes echo those shapes in such a soft, subtle way. Even a single green throw draped over your nursery chair can help pull the entire palette together without feeling theme-heavy.

Adding small woodland touches around the room is one of my favorite ways to highlight DIY deer art without overwhelming the space.

For a more complete woodland look, consider adding a cozy floor basket with a plush deer or forest animal tucked inside, or hang a small floating shelf nearby with a few nature-themed board books. When the art is centered above the crib, these small touches help the entire wall feel intentional—warm, handcrafted, and full of personality.

If your room leans more modern or neutral, try pairing the deer art with light wood tones, creamy textiles, and simple greenery. A small potted fir or eucalyptus sprig next to the chair creates a fresh, calming moment that ties right back to the rustic texture of the burlap or linen behind your silhouettes.

And if you’re feeling inspired to explore more woodland nursery ideas, you might enjoy the soft neutrals and fir-green accents I used in my nursery ideas collection, or the natural textures in my woodland nursery theme gallery. These internal links help you keep the room cohesive and offer even more sweet inspiration as you create your baby’s space.

More Woodland Nursery Ideas to Inspire Your Next Project

Where to Go Next After Creating Your Deer Art Trio

Once your deer art trio is up on the wall, you may find yourself wanting to bring in a few more woodland touches to complete the space. A sweet next step is exploring different wall accents, like the fir-green tones and natural textures featured in my nursery wall decor ideas. From floating shelves to lightweight artwork, these simple additions blend beautifully with rustic silhouettes.

If you're drawn to the soft greens and cozy textures that make woodland nurseries so inviting, you’ll enjoy browsing my full collection of woodland nursery designs. There are so many ways to echo the buck-and-doe theme while keeping the room calm, warm, and baby-friendly.

And if this project sparked your creativity, you might love trying one of my other beginner-friendly decor tutorials, like the crafty ideas featured in DIY nursery decor. Each one is easy to customize and helps you add more personal, handcrafted details to your baby’s room.

Wherever you choose to go next, I hope this simple buck-and-doe trio brings a sweet touch of forest magic to your nursery—and gives you the confidence to create even more beautiful pieces for your little one’s space.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creating the Deer Art Trio

Do I need special tools to cut the buck and doe silhouettes?

No, you don’t need anything fancy. A simple craft knife or small pair of precision scissors works beautifully. I personally prefer a sharp craft knife because it gives you cleaner curves around the antlers and the softer lines of the does’ necks.

What size should the frames be for this project?

I often use 11×14 or 12×16 frames for the buck and slightly smaller matching frames for the mirrored does, but you can size the trio up or down depending on the wall space above your crib. The key is keeping the shapes balanced so the center frame feels like the focal point.

Can I use fabric other than burlap or linen?

Absolutely. Cotton canvas, muslin, or even textured scrapbook paper all work well. Burlap and linen simply offer that rustic, woodland look that fits the deer silhouettes beautifully, but you can choose whatever complements your nursery theme.

Is this safe to hang above a baby’s crib?

Yes, as long as you follow nursery-safe hanging practices. Choose lightweight frames, avoid glass, and secure everything with high-strength adhesive strips or anchored hardware. After hanging, gently test each frame to make sure nothing shifts.

Can I customize the silhouettes?

Of course. You can adjust the shapes, change the angles of the does, or even add a tiny fawn silhouette to create a four-piece arrangement. This buck-and-doe trio simply happens to be the most timeless and popular version among woodland nursery designs.

Hi, I’m Jan — the creator of Unique Baby Gear Ideas. I love helping expecting parents discover nursery décor inspiration and creative photo shoot ideas that make every stage of pregnancy feel beautiful.

Over the years, I’ve helped thousands of parents choose safe, stylish nursery furniture through hands-on reviews and real-world testing.

The suggestions I share here come from years of hands-on experience styling nurseries, reviewing maternity gowns, and learning what makes each photo session shine.

All articles and images on Unique Baby Gear Ideas are personally reviewed and edited by Jan Bay. Modern creative tools may assist with design or drafting, but every final page reflects my own voice, experience, and editorial judgment.