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

26 Jul 24'

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"

24 Jul 24'

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 "

21 Jul 24'

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"

16 Jul 24'

Natasha Werdmuller reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Thank you Simon for a wonderful day. I really enjoyed everything, I felt that Simon was really good at explaining and demonstrating wood turning. The lunch was lovely. I really enjoyed using the lathe and was pleased with my bowl. I hope to take wood turning further and can totally recommend this course to anyone who would like to try this. "

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

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

7 Jun 24'

Neil Brew reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Lovely location, well set out workshop with good safety provision. Extremely good instructor with extensive knowledge of woodturning, willing to adapt the course and advise on a project I had in mind. Very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Would heartily recommend to beginners like me!!"

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

"Hi Neil, Thanks for a lovely review. I do hope you take up the craft and look forward to seeing you again in the future. — Simon"

2 Jun 24'

Simon reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Great fun- learned so much and even got to make something genuinely useful! "

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

"Hi Simon, So glad you enjoyed the day. Do get in touch if you need any further assistance. — Simon"

31 May 24'

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

"I attended this course last yesterday. On arrival I was greeted with a smile by Simon who proceeded to take me to and show me his work shop. The workshop is well equipped. Simon skilfully explained the lathe and its tools. The day proceeded with me getting some experience with different cuts. We stopped for lunch which was a very appetising farm house lunch. The afternoon was devoted to making a wood bowl. I would highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn wood turning. Great tutor. "

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

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

31 May 24'

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

"Had the best half day. Louise is so welcoming and friendly. The tuition is homely and not too structured that you feel under pressure… do your own thing, your own way… The studio is fantastic and so cosy. I think I’ve found my thing.. thank you! "

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

"It was an absolute pleasure having you in the studio Michelle :-). Well done with your first session of throwing! Can't believe you centered so quickly - usually one of the main issues when throwing. Glad I've helped you find your thing :-). "

30 May 24'

Will reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I recently attended a full day wood turning course and had a great time. I made 2 projects that I'm really pleased with and learned a lot while doing it. Simon is a great teacher and I felt that the whole day was tailored to suit me. I have some previous woodworking experience but no turning experience and we were able to go quickly where there was common ground, and then take more time with the new concepts. Simon took me through the basics of spindle work and bowl turning, giving me the opportunity to get to grips with lots of techniques and tools. Throughout the day, he took the time to explain not just what to do, but why certain tools and techniques would or wouldn't work in different situations which worked really well for me as I like to know how things work! It was really clear to me that the purpose of the day wasn't just to have a nice time (which I did!) but also to teach the basics such that a novice could learn enough to safely start turning as a hobby themselves. Simon explained what to look for in a lathe, what tools you would need to get started, and how to use them safely. As a bonus I was also provided with a digital download containing a write-up of all of the things we had done during the day for future reference. The provided lunch was delicious and the setting in the garden was really nice too. All in all, I had a great day and am keen to do more wood turning and can definitely see myself coming back for another session!"

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

"Hi Will, So glad you got so much out of the day and I look forward to seeing you again soon. — Simon"

29 May 24'

Daisy reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"My mum and I did the pottery morning for Mother’s Day and we absolutely loved it. Louise was wonderful and we got to make lovely pieces while having a good chat. She’s a very good teacher and really encourages experimentation! Louise then very kindly glazed our pieces and posted them to us, making sure they got there safely. Thank you for a brilliant morning!"

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

"It was lovely having you and your mum in the studio for your pottery experience. You both made some beautiful pieces and I'm sooo pleased they arrived safely! I always have everything crossed when I post things out :-). I wish you well with your painting too - very creative. Thank you for the lovely review."

26 May 24'

Simon & Mark reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"A great experience with excellent results taking away an impressive bowl. Simon has a lot of experience and patience to teach the easiest ways for effortless wood craft. Lunch was nice and good conversation throughout the day. It's also a very nice set up and makes me realise I need to clean out my own shed! Many thanks "

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

"Hi Simon, hi Mark, Glad you enjoyed the day and it worked for you. Cleared out the shed yet? ;) If you need any help once you’re set up, do get in touch. — Simon"

24 May 24'

Jonathan and Carolyn reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"We really enjoyed and learnt a lot from our pottery experience. We tried various techniques with the instructions and guidance helping greatly with the development of our ideas and pots. Louise and Simon are great hosts and provided a lovely relaxed lunch in their garden. We were made to feel very welcome and have recommended this experience to our friends. "

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

"I'm really pleased you both enjoyed your day of pottery and I'm glad the weather held so we could all enjoy lunch outside in the garden :-). You both made some lovely pieces!"

23 May 24'

Meaghan reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery throwing workshop

"We absolutely loved the experience! I would recommend it to anyone who is curious to learn about throwing or who just wants a fun way to spend an afternoon. Five stars not only for the lessons, but for the comfortable atmosphere you've created and the pacing and freedom offered by this format. Thank you for an ideal afternoon."

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

"I'm so pleased you guys enjoyed your beginner's throwing experience! It was great having you in the studio and hopefully the experience helped to make your holiday all the more interesting :-)."

18 May 24'

Tony Read reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I had a wonderful day learning about wood turning with Simon. A very relaxed experience, in the morning I made a practice piece and a beautiful keyring, followed by a lovely lunch. In the afternoon, the second project was turning a bowl, on both projects Simon guided me when needed so I didn't make any mistakes, both items are proudly displayed and a great talking point. I would highly recommend a visit to Simon, a great teacher, and the studio is in a lovely location. Thank you to Simon and Louise for being so friendly and welcoming. I look forward to more turning in the future. "

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

"Hi Tony, I'm really glad you enjoyed the day - I enjoyed it too and you made a couple of lovely items you should be very proud of. If you need any help or guidance in the future, please just shout. -- Simon"

15 May 24'

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

"I had such a wonderful day. My course was a 1-2-1 day. Woodturning with Simon in the morning, followed by the Pottery workshop with Louise in the afternoon. It was an amazing day, very informative. Both Simon and Louise explained every step of the way and very encouraging. Can't wait to rebook another session "

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

"Verna, it was really fun having you with us here in the Blended Monkey studios! You made a lovely dibber with Simon in the woodturning workshop and went on to create some beautiful ceramic pieces in my pottery studio. Thank you for your lovely review :-). Louise & Simon"

7 May 24'

Vickie Rudkin reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery throwing workshop

"Had a pottery workshop with Louise on Sunday and it was so much fun. She was very patient with us both and we have not laughed like that in a very long time. We did manage to get some respectable pieces off in the end too and can't wait to see what they come out of the kiln like! Would highly recommend Louise and the workshops at Blended Monkey - Simon does the woodwork courses too. Lovely spot and a really creative place to be."

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

"Vickie, thank you for your lovely review. It was a joy having you guys in the studio and I'm so pleased you had fun discovering the potter's wheel :-). Very sweet of you to recommend our workshops. I'll let you know when your creations are ready :-) "

24 Apr 24'

Roger Gorrod reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I did the 1-2-1 one day introduction to woodturning course in April 2024. This is a great day in which a lot is learnt in a very easy-going, friendly, relaxed style with Simon as the tutor. It's great fun and you even end up with something to show for your efforts. The workshop location is easy to find, spacious, with good parking and a lovely lunch is provided. It truly is a great way to gain an introduction to woodturning, I'd thoroughly recommend it."

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

"Hi Roger, Thanks for a lovely review. Do get in touch if you need any further help or guidance. -- Simon"

19 Apr 24'

Tim reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I can thoroughly recommend the 1 on 1 wood turning course with Simon . The day is well structured and gives a great overview of the equipment, skills and joys of wood turning. Simon gives clear and concise instruction during the day and is happy to let you to get on with each stage once you are comfortable with the techniques. After practicing in the morning you have a nice lunch and then apply your newly learnt skills to turn a bowl in the afternoon which you then take home as a memento of a very interesting day. There is a lot to take in but the course is run at your pace and is followed up with an email containing all the information you need to start wood turning as a hobby. All in all a great day out - thank you Simon. "

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

"Hi Tim, You're most welcome! Really glad you had a great day; do get in touch if you need further assistance or advice. -- Simon"

19 Apr 24'

Phil reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"A very well structured course covering the basics and ending with a more than satisfactory end product which sits in pride of place in our sitting room. A comprehensive set of notes also means I shan't forget what I learnt."

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

"Hi Phil, Thanks for your review and I hope the notes stand you in good stead for any future woodturning endeavours. -- Simon"

18 Apr 24'

Cloey reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs woodturning workshop

"Had a great first introduction to woodturning thanks to Simon. Bought the experience as a birthday gift for my partner and would definitely recommend to friends and family."

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

"Hi Cloey, Thanks for the review and recommendation :) -- Simon"

18 Apr 24'

Sheila and Paul Child reviewed: Beginners half-day pen turning experience (woodturning) 1-2-1 or pairs

"We had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon with Simon on a pairs pen-turning workshop. We have already participated in Simon's bowl making workshop which was great, so we had an idea what to expect. However, we were thrilled at the beauty and functionality of the pen each of us made. Simon is such a patient, helpful, understanding tutor and if you want to lose yourself in another world and think only about wood grain and crafting skills, we would certainly recommend this workshop. You come away from the session, completely enthralled, with a made-by-you, totally unique, item to show for your efforts. What is there not to love about that?"

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

"Hi Sheila & Paul, Thanks for a lovely review and recommendation. Look forward to seeing you again for the bowl turning workshop. -- Simon"

17 Apr 24'

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

"Really enjoyed the half-day introductory wood-turning course, which I received as a gift. The location was easy to find and Simon was a very welcoming host, offering refreshments and ensuring attention to safety and comfort. For a novice the process was involving and, after investing some time to learn the basic elements, a very satisfying crafted item resulted. Overall, highly recommended. "

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

"Hi Richard, Thanks for the review and recommendation; any help required in the future, don't hesitate to get in touch. -- Simon"

16 Apr 24'

K Mansell reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"I had a lovely morning with Louise. It was great to learn how to use the potter's wheel and practice my technique. Louise was positive and offered lots of practical tips. I would really recommend Blended Monkey"

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

"It was lovely having you in the ceramics studio for your throwing session. You created some beautiful things and I hope you've learnt some useful techniques for continuing with your throwing journey :-). Thank you for the lovely review!"

11 Apr 24'

Iain reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I did this course having only occasionally used a wood lathe in an incorrect manner. I found Simon a very good teacher who very quickly helped to correct my mistakes. It is a nice airy workshop with good equipment. During the day I was able to learn how to correctly sharpen tools; learn how to do spindle turning and complete a finished bowl. The following day at home I managed to make my first solo bowl. I would definitely recommend Blended Monkey for woodturning courses. I feel I learnt an amazing amount in one day."

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

"Hi Iain, Thank you for a lovely review and so glad you learned so much and put it into practice straight away! Would love to see a photo of your bowl... Happy turning! -- Simon"

9 Apr 24'

Martin Strudwick reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Excellent enjoyable day on the beginners woodturning one to one course with Simon. So pleased with the tuition and his patience and to go home with a fantastic bowl and a sample piece and pictures of the day. So engaging was the course, I didn't notice the camera in some of the captures. Very friendly both Simon and Louise. Will be returning at a later date for the pottery with my wife."

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

"Thank you for a lovely (and speedy!) review, Martin. Your notes will follow shortly and we look forward to seeing you and your wife soon. — Simon"