Don't Let Fall End Without Making These 9 Cozy DIY Projects

Give Thrifted Paddles a Beautiful New Life with Paint Inlays
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The air is getting crisp, the leaves are turning, and piles of pumpkins are at your local grocery store. Now, if you're in sunny California, where we are, it might still be a bit toasty, but that's not stopping us from getting in the fall spirit!


We gathered some of our all-time favorite Autumn DIY projects to inspire you. These projects are cozy, creative, and full of handmade charm that makes a home feel like a home this time of year. Whether you're a brand new maker or a seasoned IOD lover looking for your next project, there is something in this roundup for you. From Thanksgiving tablescapes and fall pillows to painted pumpkins and whimsical brooches, this is your Fall making inspiration in one place.


And if you want even more? Head to our blog search bar and type "Fall" or "Autumn," and you'll find so many more projects waiting for you there. Consider yourself warned. 🤭


One more thing before we dive in: some of the IOD products featured in these older tutorials may have been retired. But don't let that stop you! There are so many beautiful current IOD products that work beautifully in their place. Your nearest IOD Stockist is always happy to help you find the perfect substitute. 💕

01 | Thanksgiving Tablescape | A 4-Part Series

This one deserves its own category because it's not just one project, it's four. Our Thanksgiving Tablescape series walks you through everything you need to create a stunning, handmade holiday table from centerpiece to place settings. Each video in the series focuses on a different element of your tablesetting, so you can make one piece or all four.


All four projects feature our Oak Leaves and Acorns Mould and you can walk through them all in our Thanksgiving Tablescape: DIY Ideas with One IOD Mould blog post. Or if you're ready to start now, here are all 4 full tutorials:

Part 1: The Chargers

Part 2: The Napkin Rings

Part 3: The Base Leaves for Your Pumpkins

Part 4: The Pumpkin

02 | Hello Fall Throw Pillow

If you've been looking for a beginner-friendly stamping project that delivers a high-end, sophisticated result, this is it. This darling throw pillow comes together quickly using the IOD Sprigs Stamp and Letterpress Stamp in a warm Turmeric ink, and the finished piece looks like something you'd find in a curated boutique rather than your craft room. We love that about it. 😍


This tutorial also comes with some genuinely game-changing tips on keeping seasonal decorating simple and manageable. Because beautiful doesn't have to mean complicated.

03 | The Cornucopia Mould | Signs, Trays, and Wall Art

The IOD Cornucopia Mould is a piece that will surprise you with how beautifully it shows up on almost everything. These two projects by our IOD Artisans below prove it.

Lynne from Ellen J Goods uses it to create the gorgeous Autumn Harvest Tray, where she builds up rich layers of black resin castings, dry-brushed paint, and warm autumn glazes. 

And Lisa from Sweet and Sassy Treasures takes the same mould in a completely different direction with her Gathered in Gratitude wall art.


Two makers. One mould. Completely different results. Love seeing the creativity! 🙌

04 | Whimsical Autumn Brooches with Millot's Pages

Wearable art for Fall? Totally possible with these charming little autumn brooches made with Millot's Pages!


Delicate, whimsical, and full of that vintage botanical character that we love here at IOD. Perfect for gifting, wearing, or simply making because you can. Check out the full tutorial here.

05 | Cottage Core Toile Pumpkins with the Petits Parasols Paint Inlay

These pumpkins will always be a favorite! 🥰


Painted in the most gorgeous cottage core toile style using the Petits Parasols Paint Inlay, these DIY pumpkins work beautifully with any color scheme, but are perhaps especially stunning in neutrals. The tutorial also teaches you how to use Paint Inlays on a round surface, which is a technique worth knowing for so many future projects.


A couple of important things to remember with Paint Inlays on pumpkins: because IOD Paint Inlays are made from proprietary paint that reactivates with water, sealing your finished piece is an essential step. You can use a spray sealer, or if you prefer a brush-on approach, set the inlay first with a 50/50 mix of polyurethane and water before applying your topcoat. This keeps everything looking gorgeous for the whole season. 🙌

IOD Products Used:

✨ Petits Parasols Paint Inlay

*The Petite Parasols Paint Inlay is retired, but we suggest using Little Lark in black or Alfred Peats & Co. for more color!

06 | Freshly Picked | A Colorful Boho Twist on Autumn Pumpkins

If neutral cottage core isn't your style, this one is for you. Colorful, bold, and charming to boot, these boho-inspired autumn pumpkins are proof that Fall décor doesn't have to live in the expected palette. Unexpected color combinations, rich textures, and that signature IOD botanical detail make this project one of our absolute favorites for the season. Check out the full tutorial for A Colorful Boho Twist on Autumn Pumpkin Decor.


Or watch it!

07 | Affordable Faux Terracotta Planter for Autumn

That lonely little plant on your shelf deserves a seasonal glow-up! And we've got just the thing.

A faux terracotta planter made with chalk-type paint and a white glaze to create a gorgeous vintage patina. It's simple, affordable, and will fall (see what we did there?) into your decor perfectly.

IOD Products Used:

✨ IOD Autumn Cottage (Retired) *We suggest Cornucopias Mould and/or Oak Leaves and Acorns Mould

✨ IOD Trimmings 2 Mould

✨ IOD Air Dry Clay

08 | DIY Charming Fall Placemats with the Autumn Blessings Stamp

Another favorite that was inspired by the table at Thanksgiving. These DIY fall placemats, made with the Autumn Blessings Stamp, bring warmth and seasonal character to a simple placemat in a beautiful way. A beginner-friendly project that looks anything but. Grateful hearts gather here, indeed. 💕

09 | 15-Minute Fall Décor with IOD Moulds

For the days when you want to make something beautiful, and you want to make it now, we've got a quick one for you. 🤭


Using the little leaf elements from the Autumn Cottage Mould (or swap in Oak Leaves and Acorns or any IOD mould you love!), this project comes together in fifteen minutes and looks completely gorgeous.


Check out the full 15 Minute Fall Inspired Decor tutorial and add these to jars, vases, candlesticks...you name it!

There's So Much More Where That Came From


This roundup is just the beginning. Head to our blog and type "Fall" or "Autumn" into the search bar, and you'll find page after page of seasonal projects, technique tutorials, and maker inspiration waiting for you. Consider it your Fall making rabbit hole. We'll see you on the other side. 😍


And a friendly reminder: some of the IOD products featured in these tutorials may have been retired since they were originally published. Your nearest IOD Stockist knows the current lineup inside and out and can help you find a beautiful current alternative that works just as well, and sometimes even better! Use the big red Where to Buy button on our website to find one near you. 🙌


Made something gorgeous this Fall? Share it with the IOD Creative Tribe on Facebook where a community of makers who genuinely love to cheer each other on resides. We cannot wait to see what you create this season. 💕

holiday plaques

Don't Let Fall End Without Making These 9 Cozy DIY Projects

Give Thrifted Paddles a Beautiful New Life with Paint Inlays
Pin this article to save for later

The air is getting crisp, the leaves are turning, and piles of pumpkins are at your local grocery store. Now, if you're in sunny California, where we are, it might still be a bit toasty, but that's not stopping us from getting in the fall spirit!


We gathered some of our all-time favorite Autumn DIY projects to inspire you. These projects are cozy, creative, and full of handmade charm that makes a home feel like a home this time of year. Whether you're a brand new maker or a seasoned IOD lover looking for your next project, there is something in this roundup for you. From Thanksgiving tablescapes and fall pillows to painted pumpkins and whimsical brooches, this is your Fall making inspiration in one place.


And if you want even more? Head to our blog search bar and type "Fall" or "Autumn," and you'll find so many more projects waiting for you there. Consider yourself warned. 🤭


One more thing before we dive in: some of the IOD products featured in these older tutorials may have been retired. But don't let that stop you! There are so many beautiful current IOD products that work beautifully in their place. Your nearest IOD Stockist is always happy to help you find the perfect substitute. 💕

01 | Thanksgiving Tablescape | A 4-Part Series

This one deserves its own category because it's not just one project, it's four. Our Thanksgiving Tablescape series walks you through everything you need to create a stunning, handmade holiday table from centerpiece to place settings. Each video in the series focuses on a different element of your tablesetting, so you can make one piece or all four.


All four projects feature our Oak Leaves and Acorns Mould and you can walk through them all in our Thanksgiving Tablescape: DIY Ideas with One IOD Mould blog post. Or if you're ready to start now, here are all 4 full tutorials:

Part 1: The Chargers

Part 2: The Napkin Rings

Part 3: The Base Leaves for Your Pumpkins

Part 4: The Pumpkin

02 | Hello Fall Throw Pillow

If you've been looking for a beginner-friendly stamping project that delivers a high-end, sophisticated result, this is it. This darling throw pillow comes together quickly using the IOD Sprigs Stamp and Letterpress Stamp in a warm Turmeric ink, and the finished piece looks like something you'd find in a curated boutique rather than your craft room. We love that about it. 😍


This tutorial also comes with some genuinely game-changing tips on keeping seasonal decorating simple and manageable. Because beautiful doesn't have to mean complicated.

03 | The Cornucopia Mould | Signs, Trays, and Wall Art

The IOD Cornucopia Mould is a piece that will surprise you with how beautifully it shows up on almost everything. These two projects by our IOD Artisans below prove it.

Lynne from Ellen J Goods uses it to create the gorgeous Autumn Harvest Tray, where she builds up rich layers of black resin castings, dry-brushed paint, and warm autumn glazes. 

And Lisa from Sweet and Sassy Treasures takes the same mould in a completely different direction with her Gathered in Gratitude wall art.


Two makers. One mould. Completely different results. Love seeing the creativity! 🙌

04 | Whimsical Autumn Brooches with Millot's Pages

Wearable art for Fall? Totally possible with these charming little autumn brooches made with Millot's Pages!


Delicate, whimsical, and full of that vintage botanical character that we love here at IOD. Perfect for gifting, wearing, or simply making because you can. Check out the full tutorial here.

05 | Cottage Core Toile Pumpkins with the Petits Parasols Paint Inlay

These pumpkins will always be a favorite! 🥰


Painted in the most gorgeous cottage core toile style using the Petits Parasols Paint Inlay, these DIY pumpkins work beautifully with any color scheme, but are perhaps especially stunning in neutrals. The tutorial also teaches you how to use Paint Inlays on a round surface, which is a technique worth knowing for so many future projects.


A couple of important things to remember with Paint Inlays on pumpkins: because IOD Paint Inlays are made from proprietary paint that reactivates with water, sealing your finished piece is an essential step. You can use a spray sealer, or if you prefer a brush-on approach, set the inlay first with a 50/50 mix of polyurethane and water before applying your topcoat. This keeps everything looking gorgeous for the whole season. 🙌

IOD Products Used:

✨ Petits Parasols Paint Inlay

*The Petite Parasols Paint Inlay is retired, but we suggest using Little Lark in black or Alfred Peats & Co. for more color!

06 | Freshly Picked | A Colorful Boho Twist on Autumn Pumpkins

If neutral cottage core isn't your style, this one is for you. Colorful, bold, and charming to boot, these boho-inspired autumn pumpkins are proof that Fall décor doesn't have to live in the expected palette. Unexpected color combinations, rich textures, and that signature IOD botanical detail make this project one of our absolute favorites for the season. Check out the full tutorial for A Colorful Boho Twist on Autumn Pumpkin Decor.


Or watch it!

07 | Affordable Faux Terracotta Planter for Autumn

That lonely little plant on your shelf deserves a seasonal glow-up! And we've got just the thing.

A faux terracotta planter made with chalk-type paint and a white glaze to create a gorgeous vintage patina. It's simple, affordable, and will fall (see what we did there?) into your decor perfectly.

IOD Products Used:

✨ IOD Autumn Cottage (Retired) *We suggest Cornucopias Mould and/or Oak Leaves and Acorns Mould

✨ IOD Trimmings 2 Mould

✨ IOD Air Dry Clay

08 | DIY Charming Fall Placemats with the Autumn Blessings Stamp

Another favorite that was inspired by the table at Thanksgiving. These DIY fall placemats, made with the Autumn Blessings Stamp, bring warmth and seasonal character to a simple placemat in a beautiful way. A beginner-friendly project that looks anything but. Grateful hearts gather here, indeed. 💕

09 | 15-Minute Fall Décor with IOD Moulds

For the days when you want to make something beautiful, and you want to make it now, we've got a quick one for you. 🤭


Using the little leaf elements from the Autumn Cottage Mould (or swap in Oak Leaves and Acorns or any IOD mould you love!), this project comes together in fifteen minutes and looks completely gorgeous.


Check out the full 15 Minute Fall Inspired Decor tutorial and add these to jars, vases, candlesticks...you name it!

There's So Much More Where That Came From


This roundup is just the beginning. Head to our blog and type "Fall" or "Autumn" into the search bar, and you'll find page after page of seasonal projects, technique tutorials, and maker inspiration waiting for you. Consider it your Fall making rabbit hole. We'll see you on the other side. 😍


And a friendly reminder: some of the IOD products featured in these tutorials may have been retired since they were originally published. Your nearest IOD Stockist knows the current lineup inside and out and can help you find a beautiful current alternative that works just as well, and sometimes even better! Use the big red Where to Buy button on our website to find one near you. 🙌


Made something gorgeous this Fall? Share it with the IOD Creative Tribe on Facebook where a community of makers who genuinely love to cheer each other on resides. We cannot wait to see what you create this season. 💕

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