Go Fly a Kite! The Art of Paper Kite Making

$260.00

Saturday September 12 & Sunday September 13
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Lizz Aston

Materials Fee: $40 (paid to Instructor)
Students: 10

Discover the art of kite-making in this immersive two-day workshop exploring kozo paper, surface design, and flight!

Together we will explore the history of kites, the fundamentals of aerodynamics, and the principles of kite design before turning our attention toward the unique qualities of kozo paper. Through a series of hands-on studies, participants will experiment with a range of dye and surface design techniques—including indigo dyeing, folded resist dyeing, printmaking, and painting before transforming their designed papers through the process of momigami to create a beautifully textured, durable material.

Along the way, participants will build a personal material library, documenting their surface designs and material explorations to create a valuable reference for future projects. A curated selection of kite patterns will be provided for participants to choose from, allowing them to begin planning and preparing their kites for construction.

On the second day, we will transform our prepared papers into fully functional kites by constructing frames, attaching bridles, balancing our kites, and preparing them for flight. Weather permitting, we will conclude the workshop with a celebratory group flying session.

Following the workshop, participants will be invited to an informal kite flying meet-up as a chance to reconnect, fly our kites together, and continue exploring beyond the workshop.

Whether you’re an artist or designer, or simply curious about working with paper, this beginner-friendly workshop offers an engaging introduction to material exploration, papertransformation, and the art of kite-making. No previous experience is necessary.

Saturday September 12 & Sunday September 13
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Lizz Aston

Materials Fee: $40 (paid to Instructor)
Students: 10

Discover the art of kite-making in this immersive two-day workshop exploring kozo paper, surface design, and flight!

Together we will explore the history of kites, the fundamentals of aerodynamics, and the principles of kite design before turning our attention toward the unique qualities of kozo paper. Through a series of hands-on studies, participants will experiment with a range of dye and surface design techniques—including indigo dyeing, folded resist dyeing, printmaking, and painting before transforming their designed papers through the process of momigami to create a beautifully textured, durable material.

Along the way, participants will build a personal material library, documenting their surface designs and material explorations to create a valuable reference for future projects. A curated selection of kite patterns will be provided for participants to choose from, allowing them to begin planning and preparing their kites for construction.

On the second day, we will transform our prepared papers into fully functional kites by constructing frames, attaching bridles, balancing our kites, and preparing them for flight. Weather permitting, we will conclude the workshop with a celebratory group flying session.

Following the workshop, participants will be invited to an informal kite flying meet-up as a chance to reconnect, fly our kites together, and continue exploring beyond the workshop.

Whether you’re an artist or designer, or simply curious about working with paper, this beginner-friendly workshop offers an engaging introduction to material exploration, papertransformation, and the art of kite-making. No previous experience is necessary.

Lizz Aston is a Toronto-based textile artist, educator, and material-led designer. She holds an Advanced Diploma in Crafts & Design from Sheridan College and a Bachelor of Design in Industrial Design from OCAD University. Aston is an alumna of the Craft & Design Artist-in-Residence Program at Harbourfront Centre, where she currently serves as a Textile Studio Advisor. Her work engages the histories of textile production, lace-making, and the decorative arts as material and conceptual reference points. Drawing on historical textiles and pattern structures, she explores abstraction and material transformation through textiles, paper-cut, and installation-based works. Her work has been exhibited across Canada, the United States, Australia, and South Korea, and is held in public and private collections internationally. Aston has created commissioned and site-responsive artworks for organizations including Google, Harvard Kennedy School, Holt Renfrew, General Catalyst, and Lululemon, and has contributed to collaborative projects with H&M Canada, 3M, and the Japanese Paper Place. In 2026, she founded Soft Practice Studio, a material-led design studio working at the intersection of textiles, interiors, and creative production. Through the studio, Aston collaborates with brands, institutions, and creative teams on textile design, material development, fabrication, workshops, tactile brand experiences, alongside advising and consulting in material strategy and creative direction. She has also held teaching positions at Sheridan College, OCAD University, and Toronto Metropolitan University.