10 DIY FALL Projects to Infuse Old World Charm into Your Home (WITHOUT Pumpkins)!

Are you ready to add some cozy seasonal touches to your home (but maybe, not ready for pumpkins, yet)? Dark academia decor is perfect for fall with its moody colors, rich textures, and old world charm. In this video, I’ll be sharing ten DIY ideas for creating easy and inexpensive “autumn academia” decor. These projects include crow wall art, blackbird bookends, repurposed amber jars, book page flowers, a rolled book page wreath, a curiosity cabinet made from a doll crib, a book/dictionary stand, a repurposed rusty outdoor lantern, a framed poem on repurposed velvet (this one will surprise you), and a tall owl pedestal.
Lots of dark and moody goodness-hope you enjoy!
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Images used in this video:
Amber bottle vintage labels:
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Crow images:
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[@annjohns9939]

You are the most creative person I have ever seen. No doubt about it when God was giving creative ability and mind you went through that line several times. You always amaze me!!!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, Ann, you are so very sweet! If it’s any conciliation-I completely missed out on the music ability line!😜

[@lovingmayberry307]

@@CanterburyCottage Lol 😘

[@phyllisanngodfrey6137]

I agree with Ann……😉❤️👍🏻

[@ellenswartz7203]

I always say I got into the sarcasm line twice. And skipped the athletic ability line.

[@anneragnavsteb746]

Agree👍

[@melodymcdonnell1528]

I have always loved this look! I used to call it " bookish", "old English library style", "aristocratic nerdy". Basically the girl I always was deep inside... Currently, I am putting the finishing touches on my wide dark hallway. Studious on one side, ( heaven knows stacks of books aren't a problem) and the other side an art and curiosity wall. It's not just for Halloween. Love everything you did here!!! ❤

[@susanhunter1164]

I absolutely love your ideas! They are retail store worthy. You are brilliant!!!!!!

[@CanterburyCottage]

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

[@danielesinhorelli4083]

Love the owl! It really is perfect!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, thank you, Daniele!

[@RadBadJodster]

Hi Sherry. Although dark decor is the opposite of my taste, I love love your projects and have watched every video on your channel. You can’t push out content fast enough for me!!! TY for all the great ideas and inspiration! ❤❤

[@Ohwhale79]

Okay I LOVE the idea for using the velvet back of an old picture frame!!! It's really beautiful! You have an extra special and uniquely creative gift to be able to look at things differently, even more than other creative people i think. I absolutely love your ability to use the "garbage" items from projects and turn them into beautiful things. You've even helped me look at clocks in a new way (former clock despiser) 😂

[@kathykramer6267]

I agree with all of the comments above-using the velvet backing is brilliant-but I’ve always loved old clocks! I buy newer clocks at yard sales even if I only want it for the clock face and also use the frame separately.

[@Dawn_Reane]

I love everything about this video and your projects. The dark colors speak to me so much. Your ability to see something that someone else would throw away and turn it into home decor like a sconce is so inspiring.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, Dawn, you are so sweet! Thank you! 😊

[@janaebraden9377]

I absolutley love the dark decorating trend...it's more appealing to me than the shiny elements and the farmhouse style.

[@donnapecoraro3126]

all hail queen of the faux finish!! that owl statue came out looking like an antique bronze! amazing!

[@barbkrieser8972]

Before I comment on today's video...I have to say I admire your selection of books!!! Great library 😊

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, thank you! At one time I had a list, so I would buy something that I already had, but it was on an old laptop. I guess I need to make another one!

[@sofiamorgan6644]

I rarely comment because most crafters disappoint me. Other crafters always pull out those expensive rub on transfers and apply them to everything. Not true for you. I have never been disappointed in your videos. Thank you for being a REAL crafter and your genuine unique creativity.

[@robertabessey7990]

It appears we all agree about how creative you are. You definitely have a gift. Thank you so much for sharing. Of all the DIY channels I've ever watched, you are my absolute favorite.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thanks so much !😊 Roberta, I really appreciate that kind comment! What a lovely thing to say!

[@itzasunnyday4me]

Those projects were the very epitome of dark academia. I love that look. Thanks Sherry for the great ideas!

[@jonimorton333]

I love dark academia and I love your projects!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you, Joni!

[@sharonrussell7933]

Great ideas. I have been keeping house and decorating 56 years. I have always done dark academia and didnt realize it. Just loved the richness and history of all my pieces. Will never change.

[@CanterburyCottage]

I know what you mean, Sharon! I have always loved this look, but I could never really verbalize it because in years past, it didn’t have a name! Whoever coined “dark academia” is a genius!

[@maryfrankey3102]

Hi Sherry, Love the dark academia style! I didn’t know that I liked it so much until I saw your creations ❤

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you so much! I think I have always been drawn to this “scholarly” look, but in the past there was no name for it, so I didn’t realize it. Does that make sense?

[@serenakoleno9338]

You were just ahead of the crowd. As a book lover and collector of globes and maps, academia suits my tastes.

[@lilliangeist4769]

That owl is STUNNING

[@julieaylward6178]

I cannot thank you enough for your delightful approaches to making “new lamps from old” as the Aladdin story describes. May you have a lovely life and a beautiful transition to the next.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, thank you, Julie! What a lovely blessing! ❤️

[@angelisoriginals6854]

Love love love the book ends and the book stand! Nice work on the bottles and the owl too.

[@carolcowser1461]

The book stand was my favorite

[@sherryfarrell4031]

So many great fall ideas for a dark moody but not so scary feel! Last year I found an Edgar Allen Poe book of tales and poems like yours. I love it for a Halloween decor with black ravens. I now want to decorate this year with your ideas of black cats and birds! By the way, I had to memorize The Raven in middle school so I’ve always been a bit fascinated with Mr. Poe! 😄

[@CanterburyCottage]

You are a girl after my own heart! I became fascinated with Poe in high school; I think his stories might have been one of the reasons I became an English teacher. I never had to memorize “The Raven” though! That’s a long poem! I had to memorize Frost’s “Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening”-much shorter!

[@BeckyM154]

Especially loved the owl and the bookstand.

[@helenaw9533]

Wow! So many great ideas I don't know which to start with. Love the book stand, the bookends, and the paper flowers. I have a very old plastic owl that was in my father's garden that is passed its prime but I hate the idea of tossing it. I think I'll try to repair the hole in his foot and give your pedestal idea a try.

[@CanterburyCottage]

You can use Loctite Repair Putty to repair just about everything and you can sand it after it’s dry. Be sure to paint the owl with some thick textured paint to disguise that it is plastic.

[@pjp9383]

Love the idea of using your dad's old owl! I love having holiday keepsakes that hold memories of a departed loved one - gives an extra oomph to the pleasure of pulling out your awesome holiday decor every year!

[@jahmasin]

❤I love that dark look every day...kinda like Sherlock Holmes apartment. I also love "science" glass..test tubes and amber bottles. ❤ I have to be honest...when you start something I think to myself..what on earth is she doing now. That's not going to look good. But EVERY TIME once you are finished it's ALWAYS MAGNIFICENT ❤ I was one of the people who voted for you to paint you bookcase dark. It's FANTASTIC. Love all your ideas❤

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you so much, Jahma! I hope I got your name right, or is it Jahmas? I love the test tube look, too! Why is that? Does it remind us of school or old horror movies?! I’m so glad that there is a name for this style now. Whoever coined “dark academia” is a genius!

[@mikki3961]

The owl added the perfect touch. The craft brew growler turned into a gin jug made me laugh, my husband is a Brewer in our area. You never cease to amaze me Sherry.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Well, I didn’t even know what that jug was for! 😜

[@jeanne-marie8196]

I’m not sure I’m loving dark academia design, but I am loving your projects! The plastic bird projects were great, but my favorite was the wall sconce. The textured glass was so beautiful. Then, upon further reflection, the book ends seem to have eked out a win! As always; it’s too hard to choose!

[@terrybazin8067]

Your ideas should be on the cover of a magazine!! Absolutely exquisite!

[@beeline22]

Good afternoon, Sherry! I adore the dark academia design style, as well! All of your projects are stunning and cleverly made. I especially love the book stand and book ends. Thank you for inspiring and sharing. Autumn is my favorite season, too.🍂🍁 ❤, Bobbie.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Good afternoon, Bobbie! I just recently realized that I have always loved the dark “scholarly” look, but before there was never a name for it, so I didn’t realize it! I am shopping in Galena today. What a great little town. Have you been here? I am having a blast and trying to film some for KZbin.

[@chalmadanes405]

Only you would use an old worn out light fixture and make a beautiful candle holder. Brilliant

[@craftcrumbs]

This is so exciting! A week ago I picked up an old crib w/2 of the 4 wheels missing and thought I'd upcycle it into something for the garden, but you've given me an idea I may just try. So now I'm looking at it and ideas are endless. You always inspire me! Thank you!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, I am so glad that I could share this idea. What a coincidence that we both thrifted old cribs! I wasn’t sure how it would turn out, but I ended up loving how unique it was.

[@roxiewallace2900]

Very nice and unique ideas for fall or year round! I don't decorate with the same style, but I love every one of the decor pieces with the birds and the owl. They are awesome!❤

[@pjp9383]

​@CanterburyCottage Make that 3 of us! Except that mine was a curbside find, and is more of bassinet (actually, what I'd describe it as is a deathtrap - flimsy, cheap "wood," very low sides on the cradle part, wheels, and of course, a mechanism so you can put your baby in this thing and walk away, letting it rock by itself - no chance of that ending badly, right? 🤪) Anyway, I intend to turn it into a plant stand... 👍🏻

[@tammywhite3670]

That owl / pedestal! Oh my gawd! ❤

[@tuhesse]

love the bookends! One of your best creations :) And the owl!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you so much!😊

[@benpearson2254]

Mrs. here. Love the owl on the candlestick! Beautiful.

[@barbaradzitko1826]

Love the owl and the corbels with the birds.

[@anteangie]

The owl!! Turned out so good.

[@minajones1635]

Yes, I really love the dark, Sherry. Although I think all of the white and light gray distressed furniture we’ve seen for the last several years is very nice, I really prefer the dark browns and blacks. Your projects all turned out lovely! Thank you for sharing! 🦋

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you so much, Mina! I think the white painted furniture is going out of style fast, so it will probably be hard to find in another year or two.

[@amyweaver7413]

I especially loved the book stand and the owl.😊

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you! 😊

[@chellepitts6677]

I just loved this video and even though dark has not been my thing, THESE projects are gorgeous! I was able to snag your bird bookends before seeing this video without knowing they are one of your amazing projects! I will cherish them and know right where they are going. Loved the owl as well! You have given me some great. Ideas for decorating and slowly switching from summer to fall. Hugs!!

[@pjp9383]

Those bird bookends were so lovely!

[@mindmatters9515]

You knocked it out of the PARK with this compilation! Everything you touched turned into GOLD!!!!!

[@lynneallison1296]

I've always been drawn to darker decor; I was decorating in dark academia before it had a name! It's also a good way to express a darker Halloweenish aura, without putting out items that might make Grammy's house too creepy, now that we have grandkids. Thanks for the terrific ideas!

[@patriciarogers5808]

I eagerly wait for your weekly videos! They really make Monday better. Thank you!

[@womern]

I just love you Sherry! I told my husband you just never know what you’ll come up with. I so look forward to your videos each week!

[@hollyhechavarria444]

It is my newest obsession!.. finally ! I don't have to pack away 1/2 of what I own to achchieve a look!🥰

[@katherineharper-sj4ys]

Loved the amber bottles, paper flowers and especially the wreath! I think I’ll try the wreath for my door this year. Thanks for sharing.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you, Katherine! I am so glad you liked these ideas!

[@judyblaise1639]

My husband would love the owl! Beautiful projects.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you so much, Judy!😊

[@bethsims665]

You are brilliant!!! I love how you think!!! Love all your creations❤️❤️❤️🇨🇦

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you so much!

[@graciechapa2566]

All of them are awesome, but I love the owl best !! At the end, very majestic looking on his perch. 🌹🌹🌹🦉🦉🦉

[@darleenstill7011]

Wow, the crib/ shelf,and bookends are original.

[@shelleleversee1904]

Thank u for being non farm house..its so refreshing.....

[@wendyfrock493]

Love the dark and moody! Another great production, 😊Sherry!! You’re amazing!!!

[@barbkrieser8972]

Loved the baby crib shelf...CLEVER ... YES you are!!! ❤😊

[@CanterburyCottage]

😊 thank you, Barb! I wasn’t sure how it would turn out, but I really liked its unique look!

[@marleybedford8628]

The Black birds and Owl are just delicious. I love the whole effect of dark academia.

[@maryFly-io2jq]

You take the most simplest things and turnn them intto works of art. Love

[@janashe8600]

Sherry your imagination is incredible!!

[@sharonkerr3485]

I just love the wood lamp behind the couch. Great DIY’S

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thanks so much! 😊 That lamp was a $20 Goodwill find! I found it online, and it was selling for over $300-the exact same lamp! I LOVE when that happens! 😜

[@wanderandwonder5717]

I love the way you repurpose the velvet on the photo frame.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, thank you! I don’t think most people would realize that the velvet is the frame’s backing. It looks so vintage!

[@katesullivan1038]

I must tell you, I subscribe to probably 30 different creators on KZbin. And honestly, when your channel would pop up in my recommendations, I would just skip by because my style is more modern/transitional. One evening, I watched one of your videos, and I was hooked! Not only did I learn so much just by studying your techniques, but I’m blown away by how you can look at something that I would pass by or discard and turn it into something amazing! I’ve since gone back and watched several years’ worth of episodes. Thank you for the teaching and inspiration you provide. I hope that others, like me, will slow down and watch and be amazed by the creativity!

[@ellenswartz7203]

I have to say my taste doesn’t lean to the dark academic look but your creations are amazing. I loved so many of them. The shelf, the owl, the lantern. Just amazing.

[@lydiakinnaman3679]

Love love the book stand...beautiful velvet frame...everything soooo lovely. I can see every peice in my home !!!

[@terryciavola5962]

Sherry I love all these wonderful ideas! So creative! The baby crib is awesome. Love the owl! 🥰

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thanks so much, Terry! 😊

[@dorothybunot5994]

Doesn't matter what you do to it or how you do it. It always comes out so beautiful. I love your talent.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thanks so much, Dorothy! You are so sweet! 😊

[@midgethorn4083]

You are a miracle worker! I always love reading your book titles. It makes me happy to see you chose them carefully for quality, not for color alone. When people just buy old books because of the color alone, it is sad to me.

[@scottcosta7119]

😊😊😊 Indeed... I LOVE the dark academia... all year around. You've got me shaking my head in awe. That owl pedestal. The bird bookends. Wow. FABULOUS. Thank you!

[@janavaliton4165]

You never cease to amaze me! Seemingly tireless transformations over and over! Creativity off the charts! Wow!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, thank you, Jana! What a super sweet thing to say! 🥰

[@wendyvillamar4224]

I love all of these! The dark moody aesthetic is beautiful for fall. I think if I had to pick a favorite it would be the owl.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you! 😊

[@riflegurlsmom]

Every project, I said "Wow!!".

[@jennslifeinhuntingtonwv2678]

Usually, I'll like most of what you do and love one or two. This time, I loved everything you did! I like how you make everything look expensive. You got the touch!

[@brenyule]

Hello sweet friend. I’m loving it all but I think the owl was my fav. The bookends a close second!!!❤

[@gracegrasso9376]

Love that owl you can create. ❤

[@SweetYellowHouse22]

Everything was wonderful.

[@crystalrogers7175]

Ooooh I really like the wreath with rolls of paper! So pretty!

[@annabendabout6599]

I am obsessed with this channel. You have been such an inspiration. Thank you

[@marilynwright7274]

Love the bookends and bookstand. I also liked the owl (I have loved owls since the early 70's). I also like the dark academia decor. All the projects were great and inspiring. Didn't miss the pumpkins, at all!😉

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, thank you, Marilyn! I was actually thinking that I might try decorating my home without using any pumpkins this year. I feel it will transition into Christmas better. On the other hand, I have some pumpkin decor that I really like! 😜

[@m.cooper1372]

I love all the projects but my favorite is the owl. I'm loving the dark academia decor also.

[@terrizimmerman5297]

I love the book stand and owl pedestal! Taxidermy, skulls, and spiders wouldn’t be found in my academia decor. But I love the books, darker flower arrangements, and birds nests.

[@mimzyc9949]

I love this dark moody look. I might have to rethink my autumn decor this year.

[@ginacrusco234]

The paper flowers are my fave. And I agree: yes to cats and crows, no to spiders and skeletons!

[@CanterburyCottage]

I know, right? I was out shopping today and saw a huge metal spider (as big as a suitcase)-I guess to put in your yard, but I just thought, “NO!”

[@DebBat0519]

I love the black moody pieces you created.

[@ellenc.1685]

Wow! You knocked it out of the ballpark today! You make good use of a hammer and mallet. Loved everything - your ability to envision a finished item is remarkable. Thank you for the flower tutorial - that is one thing I can do!

[@deborahdavey1743]

Hi, I am in constant awe of your imagination and abilities. Thanks for sharing!

[@toniagarcia2885]

Everything turned out super gorgeous

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, thank you, Toni! 😊

[@maryellenyork2819]

I love the crib shelves. I have repurposed lighting fixtures, too (lantern style hanging light into lantern filled with flowers on my entry table and torchiere into a table for my printer). I love repurposing and hope to do more.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you, Mary Ellen! When lanterns first became popular, I bought so many outdoor lanterns at the Habitat ReStore that the manager called me the “light lady!”😜 Unfortunately, I don’t see many at thrift stores that I like these days.

[@pjp9383]

​@@CanterburyCottageI've been to the ReStore so frequently lately, that when I went to pick up an item I'd previously purchased, I started to pull out the receipt and the lady working waved me off, saying, "It's ok, I know you." She hadn't even been working when I bought it!

[@kristinthornton2690]

I watch and just shake my head! I can't believe you continually come up with such beautiful items......

[@simonepyle3931]

Oh my that baby bed. AMAZING. I still have mine that looks like that.

[@heathermacleod7068]

Absolutely love the book ends with the birds as well as the oval frames!!! And the use of the old gold frame with the background turned around! 🥰🥰😍😍

[@lisadawson2652]

Who is this LADY you mesmerize me each and every time I tune into your channel ❤👍🏾

[@laurie5937]

You always have such unique ideas. Nothing is ever the same or repeated, not even your voice.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, what a sweet thing to say, Laurie! 🥰

[@juliacockroft8745]

It would be hard to choose a favorite from these projects. I really like how you updated the plastic “brass” Home Interiors pictures. I had them at one time so it was fun to see them flipped.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you, Julia! I do think using textured paint makes it difficult to tell if the frames are plastic, wood, or metal.

[@beverleypalmer5298]

I truly love watching all you video's I truly love your work I truly love the dark gothic look I truly love your deco I truly am telling the truth you are one amazing woman who knows what you're saying doing and creating Love beverley from England

[@51Lorie]

My favorites are the bookends and the owl (missed out on the purchases yet again!) Everything was so creative and I love the dark academia look, too!

[@CanterburyCottage]

I’m sorry you missed out. One of these days. Dark academia is so hot right now, and I am totally loving it, too!

[@patriciakirkpatrick7933]

Your creative imagination blows me away!!!! 👏

[@CanterburyCottage]

Wow, thank you, Patricia!

[@terrimaldonado8806]

Your owl came out very nicely! For my own tastes I probably would have let alittle more gold show through.

[@Horselady65]

I’ve always been attracted to dark and moody decor like you are ❤

[@55delynn]

Sherry, I AM loving the dark academia look. I really love the Korbel piece and crow pictures, with the bird plaques amttached. I also love the pheasant feathers.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, thank you! I think I found the feathers at a thrift store for a few dollars, but the little trophy they are in was from an antique store and was $20 or more!

[@thepennycrafters7616]

Oh Sherry!!! One of your best videos to date!!!! The book stand , the corbels with the birds, the crow prints, and the owl!!!! 😍😍😍🙌🙌🙌

[@CanterburyCottage]

Wow, thank you!☺️

[@CB-pf7go]

So much thought goes into each project and all of the details and the precise execution of what becomes, a masterpiece, in my opinion are head and shoulders above so many other channels. I really enjoyed your rendition of Fall DIYS.

[@lyndawashbrook8018]

I say it everytime I watch a new video of yours, that you have out done yourself . Yet again your imagination has no bounds. Thank you for the wonderful inspiration Sherry.❤😊

[@reneehunt906]

I love the dark colours!

[@cjhenderson9910]

Wow! You blew projects out of the ballpark this time💖

[@lisadannaker8063]

Best video yet! Love dark academia! These are great ideas!