Design Your Own Mahjong Tiles workshop

Join us on July 18

What the workshop is

Reimagine Mahjong tiles inspired by your own culture, memories, and identity. This workshop is yours to play, experiment, and connect. Design and paint your own set of 4 ceramic Mahjong tiles in this hands-on workshop. No experience needed, just bring your stories, creativity, and your inspiration to design your tiles.

In this workshop, participants will design and glaze a set of 4 ceramic Mahjong tiles using underglaze techniques. Guided by our instructor, you’ll explore pattern-making, symbolism, and personal storytelling through clay.

I’m from Sichuan. My province is crazy about mahjong, my mom played mahjong when she was pregnant with me. Mahjong for me is all about family, so I chose my nick name and parents’ names to do the design. (Designed by Ruolan, 2026)

I’m from Sichuan. My province is crazy about mahjong, my mom played mahjong when she was pregnant with me. Mahjong for me is all about family, so I chose my nick name and parents’ names to do the design. (Designed by Ruolan, 2026)

I only recently started learning mahjong. Growing up I remember sitting beside my parents and other relatives as they played during family gatherings. It feels nostalgic. I’m learning as a way to reconnect with my family’s Hong Kong roots. (Designed

I only recently started learning mahjong. Growing up I remember sitting beside my parents and other relatives as they played during family gatherings. It feels nostalgic. I’m learning as a way to reconnect with my family’s Hong Kong roots. (Designed by Victoria, 2026)

The mahjong tiles I designed reflect the identity that has been shaped by these gatherings and the people who surrounded me. Each symbol carries a personal meaning: rabbits represent my birth year, the Year of the Rabbit; the gourd references the cha

The mahjong tiles I designed reflect the identity that has been shaped by these gatherings and the people who surrounded me. Each symbol carries a personal meaning: rabbits represent my birth year, the Year of the Rabbit; the gourd references the charm my mother gave me as a child, which I still carry with me today; and the flowers remind me of my mother’s ikebana practice, which has always been dotted around my home. These tiles celebrate the memories and traditions that have shaped who I am. (Designed by Anita, 2026)

(Designed by Carol, 2026)

(Designed by Carol, 2026)

I did my cat, CN tower, my last name, and a bagel from Montreal. (Designed by Benton, 2026)

I did my cat, CN tower, my last name, and a bagel from Montreal. (Designed by Benton, 2026)

(Designed by Yoon, 2026)

(Designed by Yoon, 2026)

These tiles are representing things I see in nature and things I enjoy. (Designed by Alexander, 2026)

These tiles are representing things I see in nature and things I enjoy. (Designed by Alexander, 2026)

Mahjong was not really something I grew up with. My family had a set at my family home and I watched my relatives play during lunar new year. And I just started my journey in April 2026 playing in Toronto as a social activity on the weeknights! Immer

Mahjong was not really something I grew up with. My family had a set at my family home and I watched my relatives play during lunar new year. And I just started my journey in April 2026 playing in Toronto as a social activity on the weeknights! Immersing myself into an Asian board game. (Designed by Wai Kit)

I only started playing mahjong with my sisters and friends a couple years ago, and it’s the best game to bond and spend fun time together! (Designed by Jasmine, 2026)

I only started playing mahjong with my sisters and friends a couple years ago, and it’s the best game to bond and spend fun time together! (Designed by Jasmine, 2026)

Mahjong was one of the ways I “took back” my Chinese identity. When I grew up, I rejected my cultural identity, not realizing it was because of my poor family life. As I grew up, I realized how I’m actually proud to be Chinese, and connecting with Ch

Mahjong was one of the ways I “took back” my Chinese identity. When I grew up, I rejected my cultural identity, not realizing it was because of my poor family life. As I grew up, I realized how I’m actually proud to be Chinese, and connecting with Chinese culture like mahjong and other areas was important. Now that I’m much older, I have gone no contact with my parents this year (long story) as a first generation immigrant daughter. My tiles are numbered in order. The first is a phoenix where it’s about rising from the ashes (burning down your past). The second is a lotus representing growth through adversity. The third is a Chinese knot for luck, and I made it, so it represents making your own luck (carving your own path). The last is kind of for fun, with a mahjong within a mahjong, to represent self-reflection (looking within) for healing. (Designed by Anonymous, 2026)

Get Rich! (Designed by Carina, 2026)

Get Rich! (Designed by Carina, 2026)

Who We Are

  • DeNarrative Studio is a creative platform exploring stories of culture, identity, and immigrant history through art and community.

    We create spaces for people especially those with immigrant backgrounds to reflect, create and share their narratives in ways that feel authentic. Our work sits at the intersection for storytelling, craft and community building.

  • We’re currently exploring what a permanent home for DeNarrative Studio could look like. For now, we collaborate with studios and community spaces across Toronto to host our workshops and community events. If you’re interested in creating something together, we’d love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out and start a conversation with us.

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Join us on July 18

We’re building a growing archive of personal stories connected to Mahjong—exploring memory, culture, identity, and creativity.

Sharing is completely optional. You’re welcome to keep your story private.

Mahjong Stories Archive