A simple, bamboo plate gets a complete makeover thanks to a cool technique from KORZEN @korzen_hak. They wanted to reinterpret IKEA’s simple HULTET plate by giving it an Eastern facelift.
The key to this transformation was mulberry stem (and a lot of patience). Mulberry stem fiber is extracted from the stems of the mulberry tree, and it’s the primary material for hanji, traditional Korean paper.
The creator said, “By overlaying hanji made from mulberry stem fiber onto IKEA’s sleek and simple wooden products, I created a practical and accessible reinterpretation of Nordic furniture with an Eastern twist.”
What You’ll Need
- 1 IKEA HULTET plate
- Mulberry tree stem
- Ink
- Wood glue
- Water-based glue
- Water
- Gloss varnish
- Sandpaper (200 and 400 grit)
- Paint stirrer or plastic spoon (to mix glue)
- 2 bowls (one for water, one for glue)
- Paintbrushes (that you don’t mind tossing)
How to Create Custom Eastern-Inspired Decor from IKEA Pieces
1. Prep the Plate and Mulberry Stem
Soak the mulberry stem in water to soften it while you prepare the rest of your materials. Rough up the surface of the HULTET plate using 200-grit sandpaper. Next, apply the ink to the plate to achieve a black color.
2. Mix the Glue
Create a paste by mixing the wood glue, the water-based glue, and water using a 5:3:2 ratio. Mix with a plastic spoon or paint stirrer.
3. Apply the Mulberry Stem to the Plate
Use paintbrushes to apply the prepared paste to the plate, then attach the mulberry stem. Sand the stem with the 400-grit sandpaper. Since you’re using the brushes to apply adhesive, use something you wouldn’t mind tossing, just in case.
The hacker said that this was the most difficult part of the hack. You need to be careful to apply the glue thinly so it adheres well and the stem doesn’t peel when you’re sanding it.
4. Finish With Varnish
After getting the mulberry stem how you want it, let it dry. Finally, finish with the gloss varnish and let it dry.
How long did this hack take? One week
How much did the hack cost? $20
From One IKEA Hack, a Custom Decor Item Is Born
KORZEN calls their transformed plate DAKTET, creating an entirely new piece of decor from the basic bamboo piece. The clean, smooth lines of many of IKEA’s pieces make them good fits for this technique,
Therefore, you could apply the same concept to other items. For example, you could wrap the exteriors of the UPPDATERA boxes, the DRAGAN accessories, or even do a cutting board to turn it into a decorative tray or platter.
Something to keep in mind is to consider how you plan to use whatever item you wrap after you make it. For example, if you want to use it for food, make sure to use a food-safe varnish.
For this particular project, the hacker said they loved how it became a whole new piece through the Eastern reinterpretation. What do you think?
Have any particular IKEA pieces in mind that you’d like to try this hack out on? If you do, make sure to share your hack when you’re done!
