Beginner`s woodturning workshop
About the Course
Learn woodturning in the peaceful setting of our workshop located in the cottage garden of our home on the Cambs/Norfolk border.
Classes are 1-2-1 so you will have an immersive experience with the full attention of the tutor. You'll learn how to make a number of items that you'll be able to take away with you at the end of the day. The day can also be tailored to meet the requirements of those who are relatively new to woodturning and wish to gain some more insight. Complete beginners will learn how to mount a piece of wood on the lathe; how to cut and shape the wood using gouges and other woodturning tools, and then how to finish the wood afterwards.
If you will be redeeming a CraftCourses gift voucher on this course, the voucher code must be provided at the point of booking.
What's included in the price?
Refreshments will be provided throughout the day, and a light, rustic farmhouse-style lunch is also included. Depending on the weather/time of year, lunch can be taken either out in the cottage garden or in our country kitchen which has a view over the garden.
The sessions are hands-on, and the student will be able to use the lathe to create their pieces. The tuition can be tuned to what they would like to do, as people tend to learn quicker working in areas that they are interested in. They may wish to make a candlestick or perhaps a bowl – they can choose from a number of items that would be suitable for beginners or those relatively new to the art. The aim is to make an item or items that they can feel proud of and take away with them. All students will be provided with a certificate of completion. All of the wood used is from sustainable local sources.
We also offer this workshop now for 2 people. So couples or even parents and children can come along and experience the art of woodturning together! See our website for details.
The 1-day workshop includes:
- All tools, materials and personal protection equipment (eye protection/lung protection).
- Smocks and old shirts, but the student may wish to bring their own. If they already have some woodturning tools, they could bring these along too if they wish.
- Refreshments (tea/coffee/soft drinks) and a light, rustic farmhouse-style lunch.
- One-to-one tuition, ensuring the student gets the maximum benefit from the day with no distractions.
- All work can be taken home.
- Certificate of completion.
Please contact us to book your place.
Contact
Simon Taggart & Louise Taggart at Blended MonkeyUpwell
Wisbech
Norfolk
PE14 9BG
All reviews for this course organiser
This craft course provider has been awarded Gold status for receiving 10 or more 5 star ratings from previous students.
The Students' Choice award ensures that course providers get recognised for their efforts in the teaching and practice of UK craft.
They also allow tutors to gain valuable feedback on their courses and for new students to find the course that's right for them.
Suitable for
- Adults
- Children
- Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
- Intermediate level
- Learning difficulties (SEN)
- Parking provided
- Seniors
- Suitable for beginners
- Teenagers
Available as a gift
Learn about gift vouchersReviews
I am a recent beginner to wood turning and though I recently joined a club I need a course to help me improve.
On my arrival Simon and his dear wife made feel at home, including their dogs. Simon explained what the day consisted of and the safety measures of his workshop.
He was very patient and fully explained on...
What type of chisels there were.
How to hold the chisels.
How to stand in front of the lathe.
The speed of the lathe.
And much much more.
He allowed me to be creative and gave tips to improve.
I was looked after throughout the day with refreshments and the lunch was very nice.
I made a bowl, the best I have ever made (my own tries before though ok were not as good) it was smooth and great. The other item was a honey spoon and though simple, was indeed welcomed by my dear wife.
I would recommend all beginners to attend a course like this one before you get into bag habits.
Thanks Simon a great day was had and if there are more course you do to go beyond my present standard then I will book another in the future.
Response from Blended Monkey:
Keith, thank you for your lovely review. It was fab to meet you and we'd love to have you back in the future. Simon has no problem providing a more intermediate/next step up from beginner workshop for you, so let us know when you'd like to do it. You made a beautiful bowl :-).A great day professionally presented. Simon's tuition was excellent allowing even a novice to produce a piece of work to be proud of. A very pleasant lunch in lovely surroundings added to the enjoyment of a fantastic experience.
Response from Blended Monkey:
Nick, we are really glad you enjoyed your woodturning experience. You both made pieces you should most definitely be proud of. It's amazing what you can do in a day!Thanks again for the lovely review :-).
A really great day learning the art of wood turning. Simon was extremely patient and clear with his instructions. The set up was very professional and well presented. Lunch was excellent (a big thank you to you both for catering for our dietary needs). In conclusion, a fantastic day which I would both highly recommend and love to do again. Thank you both so much 😊
Response from Blended Monkey:
Hi Nikki,We are so pleased you had a good day!
You both made some lovely pieces and it was a pleasure to teach you.
Feel free to come back any time :-)
Really good fun!
I’d done some woodturning before, but it was really good to get some proper instruction on the matter.
Both Simon and Louise were very friendly and made the entire day a real pleasure.
I would definitely recommend this course to both newcomers and those with some experience as well.
Response from Blended Monkey:
Hi Thomas,We're so glad you enjoyed the workshop, and it was lovely meeting you. Pleased you learnt something from the day, despite already having woodturning experience :-).
This day course was a brilliant introduction to woodturning having never done any previously.
Simon was a great tutor who took time to explain things in detail before handing over the tools for me to have a try and was always on hand to give advice or step in when required.
This course was very relaxed and informal which was ideal for someone with no turning experience and both Simon and Louise put me at ease from the start which was great as I was quite nervous when I arrived.
Many thanks to Louise for the lovely lunch and the not to mention the endless supply of refreshments throughout the day.
The information pack supplied after the course with some woodturning equipment and beginners notes as well as photos and video of the day was a nice touch.
I would recommend this course to anyone who would like to try their hand at woodturning.
Regards,
Brian.
Response from Blended Monkey:
Hi Brian,We're so pleased you enjoyed your workshop!
You should be super proud of the pieces you made, and it was lovely to meet you :-).
Don't hesitate to contact us if you need more information about setting your woodturning workshop.
Kind regards
Simon & Louise
(Blended Monkey)
Simon was an excellent teacher and I learned a lot of new techniques which I feel I can put to use on my own. The lunch was lovely too!
Overall a great course, I would definitely recommend it.
Response from Blended Monkey:
Hi Mat,Thank you so much for your lovely review.
We're so pleased you enjoyed the workshop, and we know you'll be making some wonderful pieces in the future :-).
This was a most enjoyable course and I left with numerous tips and, of course, improved techniques. Simon and Louise were great hosts and the day started with a warm welcome from both. Simon was a very patient tutor and stepped in whenever necessary but also allowed us (a 2 person course) time to practice what we had been shown. Louise ensured we had enough drinks throughout the day, together with a lovely lunch which we ate in the very pleasant garden. When I am ready to go to the next level, I will be giving Simon a call and am happy to recommend this course to anyone who wants to start woodturning; but be warned - it is addictive!
Response from Blended Monkey:
Hi Michael,We're so glad you and Timothy enjoyed your woodturning workshop.
We're always amazed and really happy to see how much our students can achieve in just 1 day.
We hope you continue to enjoy woodturning, and we'd love to see some of the pieces you make - so do stay in touch!
Simon & Louise
(Blended Monkey)
Brilliant introduction into the art of woodturning in a beautiful setting. Simon is such a patient tutor, which he had to be when I took lumps out of my honey dipper and blunted his tools through misuse. Nonetheless he persevered and I came away very satisfied and feeling competent enough to have a go on my own.
Response from Blended Monkey:
Paul, thank you for your lovely review.We're so pleased that you and Ben enjoyed your woodturning workshop. We hope you continue to make many more wonderful pieces :-).
An excellent day's introduction to wood turning. Simon was a great tutor allowing me plenty of time on the lathe and stepping in when I needed support (quite often!). I've wanted to try wood turning for some time and couldn't have had a better introduction.
Louise kept us well watered and fed so, all in all, a very enjoyable day.
Many thanks!
Response from Blended Monkey:
You're welcome, Brian and thanks for the lovely review. You were a great pupil who listened and persevered. I wish you well in your future turning endeavours and please feel free to reach out if you need advice.Kind Regards,
Simon & Louise Taggart
(Blended Monkey)
Simon was really patient and friendly, judged my learning pace really well. Excellent lunch and kept well watered. I will be back to further my knowledge. Simon has a real passion that shines through ! Came away with pieces of work I am really proud of and a thirst to develop further. Inspiring!
Response from Blended Monkey:
Christian, you were a pleasure to teach and picked up the craft really well. I look forward to helping you progress in the craft, and, now that you have a lathe, you can practice, practice, practice! 😊Simon is a really nice guy, and did a good job of teaching me not only the basics of wood turning, but also what tools and equipment I should get as a beginner.
I highly recommend if your a beginner who's thinking about having a go at wood turning.
Response from Blended Monkey:
Hi Tom,Thank you for your fab review!
We're so pleased you've enjoyed your first session, and we're looking forward to seeing you again soon.
Kind regards
Simon & Louise
(Blended Monkey)
A wonderful and inspiring day course! As an absolute beginner I learnt so much and came home with a magnificent bowl and other bits. A really warm and friendly couple, Simon’s teaching was well paced and Louise provided a great lunch and never ending cups of coffee. Cannot recommend too highly!
Response from Blended Monkey:
Hi Ben,Thank you for your lovely review :-).
We're really pleased you had a good day, and it was lovely to meet you.
We get a buzz from the enthusiasm that our 1-2-1 woodturning workshop can generate for this really interesting craft.
Simon’s woodturning course was a surprise birthday present from my daughter, something I have always fancied trying. I was a complete beginner but with Simon’s guidance, patience and kindness I was pleased and surprised to come away with what I thought were three amazing pieces. I would recommend this course to anyone who would like to try their hand at something new. Many thanks also to Louise for the very welcome refreshments throughout the day.
Response from Blended Monkey:
Hi Janet,We're so pleased you enjoyed your day. It was lovely to meet you!
Thank you for your fab review too :-).