Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing reviews

Richard Surma reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I wish to express how impressed, happy and buzzing I am after spending a day with the Blended Monkey team - a superb experience throughout. The communication through appointment set-up was exceptional, the team friendly and responsive. The day I spent in Simon's artistic and extremely patient hands was thrilling to me - as someone who needed to unlearn a load of self-taught nonsense, Simon put me right carefully, without rushing and indulged my incessant questions like he was enjoying himself..I certainly was. Without a pause, Simon basically put together a bespoke day to guide me through the things I was interested in (if it aint a Bowl...I aint interested....)...but firmly informed me of the things I had to get right like some Zen/Guru of wood...The techniques I have come away with have my hands aching to get to work and my brain alive with plans for my next project (probably a bowl...). The facilities are excellent, clean, safe, peaceful and robust...lunch was great and I have a sneaky feeling the scones were homemade....yummy. Follow-up notes and links are immediate and arrived the day after my course and useful stuff like items in Simon's workshop for safe storage of tools included also, notes are simple, clear and easy to follow......I'm going back, tool sharpening course first....I think. Cant thank Louise and Simon enough for a great experience but even more for lighting a fire under a hobby I have had for about a year now have been enjoying greatly, and now am having trouble containing my enthusiasm for. First class all round."

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Richard, Immensely grateful for a heartfelt review and look forward to seeing you again soon. Happy turning! — Simon"

Paul Brock reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"1to1 Wood Turning Oct 2024. What a super fun day with Simon in the very well equipped workshop. Simons knowledge and patience led to achieving results to be proud of. Just to show that at the age of 76 it’s never too late to learn new skills."

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Paul, Thank you for a lovely review; it was great to spend the day with you and so glad you enjoyed your stay too. — Simon"

Marianne reviewed: Stone Carving Experience - Working with Geometry & Pattern - Stone Masonry - Blended Monkey

"What a brilliantly rewarding experience. Mark is a great tutor, enthusiastic, encouraging and kind. Someone that brings just the right mix of technical input and 'have a go' attitude. He fostered a relaxed freedom to the day that encouraged everyone participate and we all made something charming to take home. Simon and Louise were great hosts, they looked after us really well, laid on lots of tea and coffee and a really nice lunch. Special shout out to the home made vegan sausage rolls, which were delicious! All in all a really enjoyable learning experience. I'll definitely be back!"

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"We're so pleased you enjoyed the stone carving workshop with Mark. He's a great tutor and we're getting lots of positive reviews about the experience. Your piece was beautiful! I don't think I could have attempted such straight lines on the letter like you did! We're also glad you liked the vegan sausage rolls and I've passed on the compliments to my daughter who made them. They are rather scrummy aren't they? Hopefully we'll see you again and thank you for taking the time to leave a lovely review :-)"

Sarah reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 pottery throwing workshop for 1 person

"Louise is a fantastic teacher, demonstrating clearly with easy to understand steps, offering support and advice when needed while allowing for exploration and experimentation. The facilities at Blended Monkey are ideal for one to one tuition, in a quiet and well-equipped studio. I had a wonderful half day and look forward to booking more classes! "

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Ah, I'm blushing now :-) Really pleased you enjoyed the throwing session. You took to it very quickly and I'm keen to see your pieces emerge from the kiln. Thank you for leaving a lovely review."

Liz Simons reviewed: Stone Carving Experience - Working with Geometry & Pattern - Stone Masonry - Blended Monkey

"The Roman Lettering stone carving workshop with tutor Mark Evans far exceeded my expectations. I was incredibly pleased with the quality of the Roman letter that I completed and was surprised that I was able to finish it by the end of the afternoon. Mark was a patient and encouraging teacher and my impression was that all four of us participating in the workshop thoroughly enjoyed our day. My stone carved letter is definitely going to take pride of place in my home. "

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Liz, thank you for leaving such a lovely review. We're so pleased you enjoyed the workshop and that it exceeded your expectations. Your carved letter looks amazing!"

Michael reviewed: Intermediate 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I am a self taught amateur wood turner with a fair bit of practical experience but some serious holes in my technique. I spent a day with Simon mainly about sharpening tools but we covered a great deal of ground all of it fascinating and very useful. Lots to think about and I clearly need to go back for another session - or two….. "

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Michael, Glad you enjoyed it and got a lot out of the day. I look forward to seeing you again soon. — Simon"

Gary Riches reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Had a great day and the lesson was really well run. The morning started with the basics and I made a honey dibber. In the the afternoon I had the opportunity to make a lovely bowl. Help and advice was available throughout and a lovely lunch was provided. "

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Gary, Glad you enjoyed the day. Do get in touch if you need any further advice, etc.. —Simon"

Lesley G reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" 1-2-1 woodturning & pottery experience for 1 person

"Absolutely brilliant day trying my hand at Wood Turning and then Ceramics. Simon and Louise (and the pets!) were very welcoming and are really lovely people too! There was full explanation of the equipment being used for the wood turning and excellent tuition. The test piece was fun and good to (try to!) do different techniques to achieve different results. The final piece then came together quite quickly. Simon was very patient and helped where needed but also allowed me to do what I wanted to/could manage. I was really chuffed with the final result. Lunch was lovely and more than enough to eat and drink. The afternoon was with Louise. The pinch pots and slab builds were surprisingly relaxing to do and then the wheel, great fun to give it a go and a 50% success rate, I don't think I'll be entering the pottery throwdown. Overall this was a great day, I absolutely loved it and would have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who is pondering."

Diane Hill reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"I have always wanted to have a go at the potters wheel, so I was so happy to spend the day with Louise, I had a great day, got to try out some different techniques and I loved the potters wheel. Would recommend this course for anyone from beginners like me to the more advanced potter. Lovely lady running this. I also got to keep some of my pots to remind me of the experience. "

Tom reviewed: Stone Carving Experience - Working with Geometry & Pattern - Stone Masonry - Blended Monkey

"It was a brilliant day. I feel like I've got a newfound appreciation for the art and history all around us. Mark was a great teacher, he got us all started, had projects ready for us to work on and we all got help and encouragement from him when we needed it. Simon and Louise were fantastic hosts, the space they have made is fantastic, they put on a great lunch and we're really enthusiastic and welcoming. I've had a woodturning session with Simon before and I can confirm their quality as hosts is consistently high. Absolutely fantastic experience."

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Tom, thank you for your lovely review! You made a beautiful piece & we're so pleased you enjoyed the stone carving experience. Mark is a great tutor and we're pleased to have him on board. Thank you also for your kind words about our Blended Monkey setting and how we do as hosts :-). Hopefully we'll welcome you back to our studios sometime in the future. "

Katherine reviewed: Stone Carving Experience - Working with Geometry & Pattern - Stone Masonry - Blended Monkey

"Fabulous course with an exceptional tutor. I really enjoyed every aspect of it from the lovely hosting to the beautiful garden setting. Thank you for such a super day, I'm absolutely delighted with the piece I carved. "

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"It was lovely to meet you Katherine and I'm still wowed by how much was achieved - such beautiful work all round. Thank you for your positive review. Maybe we'll see you again in the future."

Mike Wilkinson reviewed: Stone Carving Experience - Working with Geometry & Pattern - Stone Masonry - Blended Monkey

"This was a great day really enjoyed the workshop on stone curving,was made very welcome and a lovely lunch. "

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Mike, thank you for your kind words. We're really pleased you enjoyed the stone carving workshop - you all created amazing pieces! Maybe we'll see you again in the future."

Noel Mc Laughlin reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I recently attended a 1-2-1 full day wood turning course, with Simon and Louise. I was welcomed by both, and immediately felt relaxed. Simon walked me through all the health and safety issues, before explaining about the lathes and tools that we would be using Simon was very patient and helpful throughout the day and is clearly an extremely competent, talented and professional turner. We completed 2 x tasks on the day and the time flew by as I enjoyed the challenges in a very relaxed atmosphere. Simon let me work alone but was onhand with advise and positive feedback throughout the day. The course was a present for me and I'm so glad to have had the experience. Thanks Simon and Louise for an extremely professional experience in a very relaxed atmosphere Noel "

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Noel, So glad that the experience exceeded your expectations and that your day was relaxed and satisfying. If you have any questions, now or in the future, don't hesitate to get in touch. --Simon"

Rachel H reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I had a super day with Simon doing the woodturning. I'd never used anything like the tools and machinery before and was a little apprehensive, but it was all very gentle and well-paced. Simon was great at explaining the tools, the nature of the wood, and the reasons behind the techniques. I made a lovely little toggle and a beautiful bowl, and had a fantastic day."

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Rachel, Thank you for a lovely review and so glad you enjoyed the day. Do get in touch if you need more guidance. --Simon"

Caroline Brown reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"We loved our woodworking day. As complete novices, we were astonished to turn our rounds of cherry into such beautiful bowls! Our family couldn't believe we'd made them :-) Simon taught us how to use the various tools and make a range of cuts in the morning and then took us step by step through the process to craft the bowls in the afternoon. The woodturning studio is very well set up and Simon took great care over our safety. As an accident-prone person I thought the lathe might be a bit scary, but it's actually a surprisingly gentle craft. Lots of tea, biccies and a farmhouse lunch too! Highly recommended."

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Caroline, So glad you enjoyed the experience - told you it was a gentle craft! Do get in touch if you need any further information or guidance. --Simon"

Karl Cerski reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I had a brilliant time on this 1-2-1 woodturning course! I learnt so much, and particularly appreciated the depth of knowledge that Simon has - and his patience with an absolute beginner! I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to have a comprehensive introduction to woodturning."

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Karl, Thank you for a lovely review. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need further help. —Simon"

Bill Jenkins reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"What a great day, the course was excellent, run by Simon, an extremely patient and very knowledgeable tutor. All aspects of the course itinerary were explained in full detail with plenty of time for additional questions as necessary. The day was full but relaxed, the lunch was excellent and Simon couldn’t have been more accommodating. The 1-2-1 format was very useful allowing full focus on the participant skill levels. Can’t recommend this course high enough and will definitely look to return for a follow up course."

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Bill, Thanks for a lovely, heartfelt review. Great to meet you and looking forward to seeing you again. —Simon"

Paul Allen reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"My daughter booked this experience as a surprise birthday present, following excellent reviews. The day did not disappoint, from the moment I walked in, I was welcomed by Simon, an amazing teacher, whose passion for woodturning was evident from the start. He was not only incredibly knowledgeable but also patient and encouraging. A fantastic day, would highly recommend Blended Monkey. "

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Paul, So glad you enjoyed the day - hope the notes were useful. Do get in touch if you fancy another go at turning... -- Simon"

David Harrison reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Simon clearly is an expert woodturner, but also he is an excellent teacher - by explaining things carefully and patiently, and by giving praise even to complete novices like me! The workshop is located in Simon and Louise's beautiful naturalistic garden, where we also sat for lunch. The time flew by, which is the sign of a very enjoyable experience. "

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi David, Thanks for a lovely review - so glad that you enjoyed the experience. Do get in touch if you need any further help or guidance. -- Simon"

Sally and Fran reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"Mum and I thoroughly enjoyed learning to wood turn and our slab building ceramics session. Both were brilliantly run with Simon and Louise enthusiastically sharing their knowledge and passion for their crafts. Staying in the Crafters Retreat cabin was the icing on the cake of our lovely weekend! We will definitely be back and highly recommend Blended Monkey for something different to do - whether couples or mother/daughter, father/son or just friends. Fantastic five stars!!!"

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"It was an utter delight having you guys spend the day with us in the woodturning & ceramics studios. You both created beautiful pieces and we're so pleased that you also enjoyed your stay in our Crafter's Retreat :-). Thank you for the 5-star rating - most appreciated!"

Julian Cooper reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery throwing workshop

"My goodness what a wonderful day and experience! Thank you Simon. This was a 60th birthday present to me from family and was so worthwhile. A lovely place to be and Simon looked after me and taught so well as I took my first steps on the lathe. Excellent instruction and then notes to follow up as well. The garden to be in (it was a nice day) was also lovely in the gaps between sessions."

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Julian, So glad you found the day useful and memorable. Any questions or help required please get in touch. -- Simon"

Jo Phillips reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery throwing workshop

"Just come back from the most amazing morning doing a pairs throwing workshop. Louise was so friendly and made us so comfortable. In fact, I enjoyed the chat as much as the throwing! I definitely need more practice but my daughter- in- law nailed it. Can't wait to see the finished pots, however they look and would love to do more sessions. Cant recommend it enough. "

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"It was a real delight and lots of fun having you and Dawn in the ceramics studio. So nice to have chilled out, relaxed students who want to just enjoy the process. You should both be proud of the pieces you made. Some parts of throwing are difficult to get and it takes a lot of practice, but you both got to grips with it really quickly. Well done ladies! Oh, and thank you for the lovely review :-)."

Harry Kempton reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I've learnt so much from listening to Simon and how thorough and knowingly knowing all of the ways things could go wrong and letting you find that so you become braver with the machine. Outstanding course 100% recommend "

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Harry, Thanks for your recommendation - means a lot coming from a professional woodworker! Do get in touch if you need more assistance. -- Simon"

Dee Jackson reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Thank you for a fantastic course Simon, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The pace of the course was just right and your excellent tuition skills were spot on. I came away with a massive amount of knowledge that you graciously shared and some lovely pieces of work. I would highly recommend this course. Thank you."

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Dee, You're welcome! So glad you had a great day and I hope the notes are useful. Do get in touch if you need further help with anything. --Simon "

Mike Carveth reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Great day with Simon, helped with a lot of my questions. Helped me get ready to set up an effective woodworking workshop. Will probably be back to learn other types of woodturning techniques. Well done Simon. Kindest thanks and regards Michael"

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Michael, So glad you enjoyed the day and got a lot out of it. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need more assistance with setting up. - Simon"