A chance to relax while learning the ancient art of paper folding is being offered by Alton Library.

Tutor Shachi Jain will lead a free ten-hour course entitled Beginners Origami: Fold Your Way to Wellness on Tuesdays from January 14 to February 11 between 1pm and 3pm. The aim of the course is to develop origami skills while promoting well-being in a relaxing and interactive class, learn the fundamental folds and techniques, create useful, decorative and fun models including flowers, boxes, organisers and action models, and improve creative thinking skills and self-expression.

By the end of the course participants should be able to recognise at least three basic folds, identify four bases, identify five diagram symbols, create at least five origami models and create one modular model.

This course is for anyone who would like to learn about the magical art of paper folding and explore its infinite possibilities.

No previous knowledge or experience is required. Participants will be given oral and visual instructions and will gain hands-on experience of folding models during the sessions. Assessment will be by tutor observation and work produced.

Participants should bring at least 25 origami sheets, usually six inches by six inches in size, with one side coloured and the other white. Absolute beginners should avoid patterned paper. They should also have four A4 sheets of paper, a pad and a pen.

Anyone who would like to pursue the hobby can take further origami workshops and courses at Alton Library with Adult Learning in Libraries.

This course, funded by Hampshire Achieves, is aimed at Hampshire residents aged 19 and above. Attendance is expected at each session to get the most out of the learning experience and minimise disruption for other learners.

To book visit https://shop.hants.gov.uk/collections/learning-in-libraries, speak to Alton Library staff or call 02392 232957.