Origami is a paper folding art originally from Japan/China. Learning origami not only helps with hand-eye coordination but improves concentration and problem-solving skills. This ancient art form has been used as meditation, stress relievers and a fun social activity with friends. In our Origami Workshop, Lu Yu will guide you step by step through the creation of specific origami shapes, teaching essential techniques such as valley folds, mountain folds, squash folds, and reverse folds. These foundational skills will help you build confidence and precision in your folding. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll have the opportunity experiment with your own designs and experience the joy of transforming a simple sheet of paper into something unique. Origami is a powerful tool for mindfulness and mental well-being. Its calming, repetitive motions help people relax, focus, and cope with stress, making it a valuable activity for your emotional and mental health. Basic materials provided. Food and drink is also available for purchase throughout the session from our cafes. This event is suitable for ages 16+. Lu Yu studied a BA Fine Art at Colchester Institute and won the 2022-2023 Graduate Awards. She is a member of Colchester Art Society, practicing mainly 3-dimensional forms. Lu Yu also experiments with different materials including wood, metal, ceramic, plaster and paper. Her sculptures have been selected to join Spring and Winter Exhibitions by Colchester Art Society each year with other sculptures being exhibited in Fingringhoe Wick Nature Park, Marshall Estate and the 60th Essex Art Open Exhibition at Beecroft Art Gallery. She has previously run origami workshops for World Culture Day at the East Bergholt High School and other schools across Essex and London. Other activities that have hosted her origami workshops include; the Rice and Spice Festival, International Women’s Day, BHM Culture Integration Event, the Global Village event at Rayleigh and at Jaywick Martello Tower. This Origami Workshop is held as part of our Fabulous Fridays!