8 Dark Academia Thrift Flips: Transforming Thrifted Finds into Bookish Home Decor

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If you love the nostalgic charm of dark academia decor, you will want to check out today’s thrift flips and book inspired DIY projects. Today’s video will include transforming a thrift store jewelry box, a stair step cubby cabinet, and shadow box. We’ll also be creating book spine art, real book bookends, a book lamp, a paperback book garland, and a mouse eaten book.
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Images used in today’s video (book spines, books on shelf, public library sign, Jane Austen quote & Of Mice and Men book cover):
imgur.com/a/BvzXNsp

[@CanterburyCottage]

Try AG1 and get a one year supply of vitamins D# + K@ and 5 AG1 travel packs free with your first subscription: drinkag1.com/canterburycottage

[@maryellenyork2819]

Lol. A mouse chewing it's way out of "Of Mice and Men." How creative!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you, Mary Ellen! 😊

[@pamallen2498]

You are my favorite DIYer Sherry. I have never seen a craft that you have made that I wouldn't do if I had the money. I'm 75, live in Central California where the Oranges grow. I lost my husband 2 years ago, and now live on SSI. My family lives with me on and off, so I'm not lonely. I still paint walls, albeit a little slower these days. Your style is outstanding, so when a new video shows up, I'm glued to the computer. I love books and I'm a daily reader. Agatha Christie being my favorite. The picture on my site is my great grandson. He put it on when I wasn't looking, so I left it.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you so much, Pam! I am so glad that you enjoy my videos. I love hearing about your life. I’m sorry about the loss of your husband, but you are lucky to have family around (including your clever great grandson).

[@nicolezweifel1705]

Hey I’m here in the Central Valley too!

[@janiceguyer7893]

Where is SSI? I live near an SSI in Georgia.

[@lmurphy1219]

@@janiceguyer7893SSI isn’t a place or location….its Social Security Disability.

[@MamaEuny]

​@@janiceguyer7893 I think SSI means social security income, but I could be wrong.

[@theopkingdom3433]

Every. Single. Project. Is genius. Wow, Sherry. You've outdone yourself.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, thank you so much!😊

[@kathysmith9993]

I like the black marks on the Jane Austin one…makes it look older.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thanks!😊

[@traceystephens4831]

It always amazes me how you come up with new ideas all the time. Your channel is refreshing to visit because you are not recycling the same idea or technique over and over again. I know it must be hard for creators to constantly come up with new ideas, but you seem to do it, Sherry!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you so much! That really means a lot to me. I do really try not to repeat projects. Some weeks I think that I am out of new ideas, but then once I get started I usually think of something. 🤞

[@shellylemons]

I love the shadow box. I shared this video with my daughter and sister. My sister told me she has over 1000 books and DVDs. That was after purging and donating to the local homeless shelter.

[@CanterburyCottage]

That is A LOT of books! I have never counted mine, but now I’m curious.

[@ChristineDuval-cy5ck]

My favorite is the mice coming out of the book, the light with books and the shadow box. Fabulous.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thanks so much, Christine!

[@amandaspence1971]

I wonder if I will ever watch one of your videos without my jaw dropping at least once. You are amazing. Thanks for sharing!! 😊

[@CanterburyCottage]

Wow, thank you! That is so incredibly sweet of you to say, Amanda! 😊

[@genevievemurray7743]

Oh girl, youve outdone yourself this time. Super results.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Yay, thank you, Genevieve!

[@violetmartha916]

I didn't want this video to end Sherry! 🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, Violet, what a sweet thing to say!

[@robinsturm7063]

Here you go again...mind blown!!!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, thank you, Robin! 😊

[@lesliejackson8188]

*Dark Academia personified!📚🎓📚 Bravo‼️*

[@CanterburyCottage]

Wow, thank you!😊

[@janetdavis5619]

How special are these items today! That shadowbox is adorable! Your mind must explode with ideas! The book, "Of Mice and Men", with the mouse coming out, was brilliant!!!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you so much, Janet!

[@debbiem4836]

I don't know how you come up with these ideas, but they are wonderful. Thanks for sharing

[@CanterburyCottage]

Glad you like them, Debbie!😊

[@cecileroy557]

Only you would think to take a photo of book ens and & have them printed out HUGE!! As always, you amaze me!!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, thank you, Cecile!

[@terriallen2537]

Gosh Sherry, I always say this but only because it's true. Your creative ideas are top notch and you never fail to amaze me!!! Absolutely love watching you each week. You inspire me to try new ideas and some of yours too. Thanks for sharing your talent with us, you're greatly appreciated😊 Love seeing Edgar in your videos

[@CanterburyCottage]

Wow, thank you, Terri! I really love that you are encouraged to try new things. Sometimes things work out even better than you imagine!

[@shellydehart8217]

Sherry, I know I’ve said this many times but I’ve just got to say it again…. You’re the best creative DIYer I’ve ever seen. I’ve watched many but you’re still #1 in my book. I’m never in doubt at what you’re going to do. This time you did some amazing things. I loved the idea of the book lamp ( definitely gonna make one) n what you did to that black box drawer. That was so cool. Adding the pieces of wood to it really made it look old. You’re awesome you truly are. ♥️♥️♥️😊👍👍👍👍🌟

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, thank you, Shelly! I appreciate your kind comments so much! So glad that you liked today’s book projects. (I was really happy and surprised with how the stair step cabinet turned out, too.)

[@sharonhughes588]

These are truly after my own heart! I have had a love for books and reading since I first learned to read at around the age of six. I will be 70 years old in November, and time has only deepened my love for them. I loved everything! Great, great job, Sherrie!!!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you, Sharon! I’m afraid that one day printed books will be a thing of a past. I’m glad that I won’t be around then!

[@sharonhughes588]

@@CanterburyCottage I get where you are coming from. I have a Kindle that I truly love to use.....but it will NEVER take the place of printed books.....NEVER!

[@melissalorden5789]

You are just beyond!!!! I am simply blown away by your talent!!! I could watch your videos for days!!! I just love you Sherry❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@sandiwood9048]

You never cease to amaze me , you have such an incredible imagination! I look forward to your videos😀

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you so much, Sandi!

[@vickinoeske1154]

Sherry, shut the front door! You outdid yourself. I love everything. The card catalog is a work of art. The 1st DIY, the large book spines...I was thinking for Halloween it would be cool to do Shelley's Frankenstein.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you, Vickie! Oh, I love that idea for Halloween! Now, I’m trying to think of other good Halloween titles!

[@vickinoeske1154]

@@CanterburyCottage If you do, please share them with us.😊

[@Cindycic2]

Love them all, but the 'card catalog' and the shadow box are my favorites! ❤

[@CanterburyCottage]

Yay! Thank you, Cindy!

[@ruthiestiefel1415]

Oh my goodness !! I LOVE the book with Mouse!! I started drawing mice at 6 yrs old. Been an artist all my life. 69 now & i love mice . That is so UNIQUE!! I want to be able to do that!@ great idea !!

[@sharicole4255]

Those book spine wall hangings are genius, Sherri. Nice job

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you so much, Shari!

[@lydialangfordjoiner765]

I had to watch later today. No one could ever deny how clever you are- we should all take those/your vitamins.😳

[@CanterburyCottage]

Hello, Lydia! Thank you! Hope you enjoyed today’s book inspired projects.

[@alohamom2380]

Sherry- I'm less than 2 minutes into your video (1:50 to be exact), and the proverbial lightbulb just went off in my head.🤯I have about a dozen left-over pieces of pallet wood from a project, and I said, "That's it! Wooden books!". Thanks for always inspiring us with your works of art! 😊

[@eloisenunez8512]

The book with the mouse. Creative. Adorable. You are the best!!! ❤

[@CanterburyCottage]

Yay! Thank you!😊

[@SlimshadyVictoria]

Like them all, except, the hanging books!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thanks, Victoria! 😊

[@melapost9207]

Love your ideas! My husband is a pastor and we have 2 small libraries in our home. Can't wait to make some of these ideas!! 📚📚📚

[@CanterburyCottage]

I thought you were going to be upset that I used old hymnals for the bookends. 😅 Glad you enjoyed today’s’ projects!

[@flowerchild89]

❤❤❤🙂🇱🇷👋 Illinois Sherri, you inspire me! I absolutely love how you use old thrift store books as crafts and useful things!! Amazing!!! Books are so affordable and easy to get at my local thrift store! I support a local thrift store by donating my items and shopping there. The proceeds support a local homeless shelter ❤❤❤. I really like the dresses and blouses you wore in this video!! So pretty!! 🐦📖🕰️🪻🌻

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you so much, Flower Child! My favorite thrift store is called Helping Hands. They give their profits to different charitable agencies every week.

[@patriciahagan3652]

Loved the shadow box as well as the play on words with the mouse coming out of the book

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you, Patricia! 😊

[@user-mu6wn7cv3m]

You knocked this one out of the park. Bravo

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, thank you! 😊

[@Fitzwillyfl]

Another home run!!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE old books and have them all over the house… even in the bathroom. Lol

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you!

[@orawolf4035]

My favorite is the shadow box

[@ninasanchez2944]

Loved the paperback book “garland” and the shadow box❤

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, thank you, Nina!

[@greatestever6738]

I love Jane Austen too! My favorite was the little stair step drawers. Amazing what you did with them.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thanks so much! I thought that green paint on the cabinet looked so good after distressing and black wax.

[@elizabethrocha975]

I may sound like a broken record, but you outdid yourself again: My favorite projects were the book lamp and the shadowbox. Your Virtual Friend, Liz

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, thank you, Liz! I’m so glad you enjoyed the book inspired projects this week! 😊

[@jamiemarsh3422]

Love book inspired crafts and shadow boxes, so that last one is my fave. I just love your bookshelves, the entire room is stunning 📕 📚 ♥️ !

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you so much, Jamie! 😊

[@janiceguyer7893]

I have watched you from day 1. I know this sounds silly, but if ever I could do just one house tour, it would be your home to see all your wonderful decor & projects. You make the most terrific little things that have such charming details. The book with the mouse is so cute & funny, I giggled. I love it. Thanks so much for sharing your ideas for all of us. You home is beautiful

[@sharicole4255]

Each project gets better and better! Love the book plate box

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thanks so much, Shari!

[@rebekahphillips2334]

Yay!! It's Sherry!! 💖

[@Grettie81]

My goodness, you are amazing. Who would have thought to remake the green cabinet into such an artful piece. I can’t imagine the thoughts that go through your brain or imagination to see what others can’t see. I love watching all your videos. You are terrific. ❤❤❤

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you so much! You are so very sweet, Grettie!

[@kannabartsy8397]

Themed upgrades? Yes please, TYVM!

[@CanterburyCottage]

You are so welcome! 😊

[@sharicole4255]

I love the 3D effect of the critter coming through the book. Such great creativity, Sherri

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thanks so much, Shari!

[@cherylstark99]

Another winner. Love anything to do with books. I used to make handmade junk journals. They were big sellers.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thanks, Cheryl! I love the look of junk journals, and I bet they were fun to make!

[@evekankam6744]

What awesome ideas,loved them all buy my favourite was the mouse in the book.Thanks for sharing.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@katherinelarini8514]

Absolutely will be doing the "of Mice and Men" book with the mouse AND will also make a night light from a stack of books... outstanding...

[@CanterburyCottage]

Yay, thank you, Katherine!😊

[@sharicole4255]

Beautiful, simply beautiful, shadow box, Sherri

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you so much!

[@brandybarris3252]

Good grief Sherry this could be my absolute favorite DIY video ever! I am a book nut and these are fabulous!!!!!! I want to make them all! You are so inspiring! Thank you for all your videos, but especially this one! ❤️📚❤️📚❤️

[@suemussatto3543]

I ❤❤❤ all the DIY's except the Paperback book wreath/single stack. That was a brave and unique attempt to do that. The lighting was so much better to see you without a glare. You are one of my top favorites on KZbin....never boring, always fun and soooo imaginative😊

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you, Sue! 😊 The lighting is so hard because I wear glasses. The lighting techniques that work for most people create a glare on my glasses. I’m so glad that it was better this week.

[@roxiewallace2900]

That mouse 🐁🐭 coming through the book is adorable! 😅 You have a boundless creative mind!

[@misslannie73]

I forgot it was Monday. This is a great surprise. xx

[@CanterburyCottage]

Hope you enjoyed it, Miss Lannie!

[@Katie23652]

I just can’t believe this. You keep coming up with new, interesting and amazing projects and we get to see them and be inspired over and over! As a teacher and former librarian, I love this video in particular. ❤

[@gizmo7877]

I loved the drawers with the antique library name plates. There should be a special KZbin award for the most ingenious imagination. You’d win hands down!! Never a dull moment with your crafts!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Wow, thank you! You are so sweet!

[@mrstenajmv]

My gosh Sherry - you are amazing! Your creativity knows no bounds. TFS 😁

[@debrahurst1319]

Sherry, I have been racking my brain for how to update my old metal bookends. So I was quite happy when I watched your video tonight. All of your ideas were quite inspiring. I loved the whimsical mouse, the book lamp, and the shadow box. ❤❤❤😊😊😊😊

[@Steiner_Student]

These are all marvelous, Sherry! Your love of the written word translates so well into these pieces.

[@sherylcarter6242]

I love your unique style. I'm sure being a former educator has influenced your academia approach. I love that everything is not cookie cutter copies of others. Thank you for your inspiration and your frugality as well. I have recommended your channel to others.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Wow, thank you, Sheryl! I’m sure that I have been influenced by my years as a teacher in ways I don’t even realize. I know it is one of of the reasons that I am so frugal! 😜

[@Pstanich]

The shadow box was heavenly ❤

[@ellenswartz7203]

I’m not surprised that all your pieces that you posted of today’s projects on Shop Canterbury Cottage are sold out. That catalog box is epic. Congratulations on another amazing video.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, thank you, Ellen! The card catalog was my favorite project, too. I loved how the green paint turned out.

[@lindawynell]

I thought the book bookends were ingenious. 👏 My fav is the shadow box. Enjoyed the whole video. Thank you.

[@simone-d1123]

As I am watching your video, I find myself constantly saying: Wow! Wow! Wow! Sherri, you are truly amazing.

[@debbievanhoecke3727]

I loved, loved, loved the book spine posters, the books lamp & the 'card catalogs. Thank you for that ideas.

[@helenlouise_]

Some really "moody" ideas here. ❤ I really thought you transformed the step cubbies into a unique card catalogue!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, thank you! The step cubbie makeover was my favorite project, too!

[@beeline22]

Good afternoon, Sherry! Yay!!! Love this design style. I am looking forward to seeing your creative upcycles. Thank you for sharing. Stay cool 😎 ❤, Bobbie. xoxo

[@CanterburyCottage]

Good afternoon, Bobbie! Hope you enjoyed it. I always love playing around with book inspired projects! Trying to stay cool-even the dog doesn’t want to go outside! 😊

[@christinefrancoeur325]

Love love love the green cabinet and shadow box!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you, Christine! 😊

[@bobbipetty7411]

That little mouse, come on!!😆

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thanks, Bobbie!

[@debkincaid2891]

You are a definite treasure. I'm saying, "Oooh... I LOVE this!" Then you do another: "Oooh, no-yes-idk... this one, too?" Etc, etc, etc... You are so original! ❤❤❤

[@sharicole4255]

The card catalog turned out great Wonderful work, Sherri

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thanks so much, Shari!

[@Audrey-km9in]

A little slice of heaven, Sherry. Amazingly beautiful and creative DIY’s . Thank you!

[@poodlegirl55]

That card catalog was so fabulous!! And the book spines. OK all of it.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, thanks, PoodleGirl! Do you have a poodle? I’ve always wondered.

[@poodlegirl55]

@@CanterburyCottage I have a large collection of 50's pink and white poodles. The kind with glasses! They match my collection of 50's dishes. My husband and I have a sick joke...I say when one of us dies I'm getting a poodle.😂

[@cherylpatrick1386]

Oh wow❣ I love your book wall hangings. Hummmm🤔 Hahaha, I think the title & mouse make sense. The shadow box is a great idea.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you, Cheryl! 😊

[@cherylparish1375]

Wow! I can't even pick one to be my favorite! Every project was so good! Loads of great inspiration! Loved them all! ❤

[@CanterburyCottage]

Yay! Thank you, Cheryl!

[@katherineharper-sj4ys]

Sherry, I just loved the shadow box. Also liked the book spine posters. I’ve gotta try a book lamp.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you, Katherine! Yes, I think you need a book lamp!

[@jonimosteller8946]

I love restoring books and old bibles , so with that said I always cringe when I watch this kind of video but I can appreciate the work involved . I did love and get a chuckle out of the mouse coming out of the book. 😀Thank you for my lovely brass vase . It looks great❣️

[@CanterburyCottage]

I understand how you feel. I try to use books that aren’t particularly special in my crafts. However, I did use some nicer old books for the lamp. I’m so glad you liked the vase!

[@sallyh7282]

Beautiful projects! I adore the card catalogue, it's so cute. Love the lamp idea and the gorgeous shadow box.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you so much, Sally!😊

[@edithjackson5476]

I like the bookends. They would have also been cute with favorite titles or decorative transfers like flowers or butterflies

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you, Edith! Oh, I like the idea of decoupaging favorite titles on them!!!

[@lesliejackson8188]

@@CanterburyCottage *Agreed! Removing the existing titles and adding best loved titles on the spines is a genius idea, @edithjackson5476‼️😉📚*

[@kathleenroberts7972]

Crazy over that library card catalog. All of the bookish ideas thrilled me. You are amazing.

[@clej1]

Wow! You are just so creative! These are all so my style....I especially love the library card boxes!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you so much! The card catalog was my favorite project, too.

[@tep1962]

Loved them all, but i think the shadow box was my favorite. Also, the paint on the book plaque from my perspective looks like natural wear on an old book.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you! 😊

[@sandicantz2003]

Creative ideas, as usual. My favorites were the card catalog and the shadow box.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thanks so much, Sandi! The card catalog was my favorite, too!

[@kamillsap3155]

🤯 mind blown ! I love these…especially the book bind poster!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, thank you! 😊

[@laurajeansimons5212]

These projects are just great! I couldn't pick a favorite as each one got my wheels turning. LOVE this video!!!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Yay! Thank you, Laura!

[@itzasunnyday4me]

Love dark academia and these book diys are ingenious. My favorite was the shadowbox with paper scrolls. Thanks for sharing your creative genius!!!

[@robinwebb2160]

The card drawers was my favorite project. Love it ❤

[@CanterburyCottage]

Yay! Thank you!

[@MaryanneFischler]

So many wonderful ideas! These will make my book themed living room look so neeat.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Yay! Thank you!

[@viktoriaannscotto6296]

have alway loved the book lamp. today my favorite was the shadow box. now off to another canterbury video.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you, Viktoria!😊

[@chalmadanes405]

Oh my! Of Mice and Mice. 😂😂😂😂😂. I love it.

[@tammyjohnson7401]

Great work Sherry. Love the mouse so cute, large poster book spines, library card catalog, and scrolls and clock in frame, and your classic lamp.Thank you for great ideas.

[@melissaward1812]

Love the shadow box project! ❤❤❤

[@CanterburyCottage]

Yay! Thank you!

[@tamaraatkinson940]

Love the book with the mouse peeking out! Also: I am a big fan of AG1. I’ve been using it for over a year!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you! I actually think that I sleep less and have more energy since I started taking AG1!

[@KJ-wh8fu]

Sherry, I've been a subscriber for a while and binge-watched your older videos, but I have to say, this video? Mind blown! Love them all! You are amazing!❤

[@Southeastgeorgiapeach]

Hi, Sherry. Loved all the projects in the video! But my “faves” were the book lamp, the book bookends, and especially the card catalog cabinet! I have always wanted a book lamp. I will be heading to my local thrift stores tomorrow to look for an appropriate lamp to use. Thanks for inspiring me to do this project!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you, Ms. Peach! I hope you find a perfect little lamp. Mine was for a small bulb, so the socket was all one piece which made it even easier to use.

[@cyndifairburn4014]

These projects are excellent. I love reading and I will start looking for old books at my favorite book sale. Thank you for the ideas

[@soniagrish4173]

😮 the book lamp was awesome and seems easy! Well done! Amazing mind I tell you!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you, Sonia! It only took me about 20 minutes to make the lamp, but I had already disassembled the lamp.😊

[@pennycampbell7458]

The shadow box was my favourite. All lovely.

[@caronward4042]

More DARK ACADEMIAplease- and THANK YOU1 I'm always so inspired to re-use my stash by watching you use yours!

[@conniedelvigna9427]

The shadowbox is my favorite. I also really like the book box.

[@patriciakumar115]

Fantastic projects! Love, love, love the shadow box. Oh, who am I kidding! I love them all! Thank you for sharing.