How to make ikat inspired storage boxes

October 14, 4:32 PMNY How-To Home Design ExaminerSamantha Baldwin

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Make your own ikat paper to cover plain boxes 

Ikat, a style of textile weaving and dyeing that originated in Asia, remains popular in fashion and in home decor. The characteristic sketchy motif appears everywhere from Kelly Wearstler's library to Pier 1.

This quick and easy DIY project will give you a taste of ikat for less than $1. Basically, you recreate an ikat design using paper and marker rather than thread and dye. This brightly colored version of ikat was inspired by the ikat pillows at Fabricadabra. If you prefer a softer ikat, use colored pencils or crayons instead of markers for this project.

Make your own ikat paper by printing out an image of ikat blown up to 11 by 17. Then trace the shape and color it in. Wrap a plain cardboard box in your homemade ikat paper. Adhere the paper to the box using spray adhesive or double-sided tape. Fold down and tape the edges with regular tape along the bottom of the box.  See the attached slideshow for a complete step-by-step tutorial.

Materials needed are: 

• A cardboard box
• Highlighters, markers, or colored pencils
• A printer that prints 11 by 17
• Double-sided tape and regular tape