Blended Monkey reviews

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 responded:

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

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. "

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."

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 responded:

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

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 responded:

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

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 responded:

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

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"

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 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"

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 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"

Sheila reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs pottery/ceramics workshop

"What a fantastic day! I was so lucky to be invited by my friend Vyv to join her after receiving the day as a present. After a very warm welcome from Louise we settled into her studio and with generous amounts of tea and biscuits had a great morning handbuilding pots and chatting. Louise guided us, but also gave us the opportunity to use our creative skills and we were very pleased with our results. After a delicious lunch and a chance to meet and chat to both Louise and Simon we began our afternoon on the wheel. This is something I have always wanted to do and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, lots of help and guidance, but also the chance to just get on with it and we did produce pots of a sort! It was fun. Thank you Louise and Simon for making us so welcome and for such a memorable day."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Sheila, it was a delight having you and Vyveanne in the pottery studio! You both made some really beautiful pieces and I'm so very pleased you enjoyed your experience. Thank you for leaving this lovely review!"

Vyveanne Francis reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs pottery/ceramics workshop

"My oldest son and his wife gifted me this pottery experience day for two at The Blended Monkey. I was so excited in the lead-up to the day, that I feared it couldn’t ever live up to the awesome experience I was envisaging. When the day finally arrived, it did not disappoint! Although the hours passed quickly in their idyllic cottage setting, I couldn’t believe how many activities we completed and how many new skills we were taught. We had the most wonderful day from beginning to end. Louise and Simon were consummate hosts who ensured our pottery day experience was one we would treasure and a precious memory we’ll never forget. Thank you Louise and Simon, for a perfect day. x"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Vyveanne, it was a real delight having you and Sheila in the pottery studio - you both created some beautiful pieces and I'm really pleased you enjoyed your experience. Thank you for leaving this lovely review too!"

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

"I did the one day one-to-one woodturning course at BlendedMonkey, and loved it. Set deep in the beautiful fens, the workshop was safe, clean and tidy. Simon was an excellent coach, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Suitable for the young and the young-at-heart!"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi David, Thanks for a great review; so glad you enjoyed the day 😊. — Simon"

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

"I really enjoyed the course, it was just what I hoped for. Simon is a very knowledgeable, patient teacher and made the day very enjoyable. I learned a lot and I'm really pleased with the pieces I brought home at the end of the day. Would recommend to anyone interested in learning a new craft."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Thanks for the review, Joe. Do get in touch if you need more help or assistance. — Simon"

Cynthia and Andy Leggat reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"My husband and I had a very enjoyable day refreshing our wood turning skills and proudly coming home with a practice eggcup each and a final one too. My husband had accidentally broken two china eggcups a few days before so we were very pleased to have made replacements. Simon was helpful and supportive and we enjoyed our lunch and the environment too."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Andy & Cyn, So glad you enjoyed the session and look forward to seeing you again soon. — Simon"

Tom C reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I loved this course - nothing more therapeutic or indeed rewarding than doing something practical and being rewarded with something made by your own fair hand. I thoroughly recommend this course - my half day was extremely relaxed, informative and happy. I was given a run down of all the basic techniques needed to make basic spindle-formed turned-wood objects. Now all I need is a lathe, a good shed with electricity, some wood, some tools and some ideas for storyboards. This time next year, Rodders…."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Tom, So glad you enjoyed the morning. If you do take it up, do get in touch with any questions and I look forward to seeing you again soon. — Simon"

Mark & Steph reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"We enjoyed the course very much. Very relaxing. Excellent teachers. Simon and Louise were so welcoming and patient. Made us feel at ease very quickly. It was great to be able to do both the wood turning and pottery in one day and to be able to produce so many items. Lots of fun!"

Karen White reviewed: Half-day 1-2-1 sharpening (woodturning gouges) workshop for 1 person

"This is my second course with Simon. 1st was a full day beginners turning, this week was sharpening. Well what a mess I had made of my tools at home, but Simon has given me the knowledge to be able to purchase equipment I need and be more confident. Thanks so much. I can't recommend Simon any higher"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Karen, So glad I could help you sort out your tool sharpening - they weren’t that bad! :) I hope the notes were useful; do get in touch if you need any further help. — Simon"

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

"I had been turning for around 8 months and all self taught. I realised I needed advice on tool presentation and technique. I also wanted advice on tool sharpening. Simon was excellent at giving me this advice and confidence. The day was first class. I felt very much at ease. Simon tailored the day to best suit me. We chatted a lot and the lunch was very nice. Lots of cups of tea. Thank you Simon and Louise. It is something that I will definitely consider doing again with Simon. I would absolutely recommend this course for any novice wood turner. "

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Charlie, Thanks for the nice review; I enjoyed the day too :) I look forward to seeing you again soon - happy turning! — Simon"

Peter & Karen Forrester reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"We had a wonderful day and thoroughly enjoyed this introduction to woodturning. Simon is a brilliant teacher and passed on a great deal of his undoubted expertise and experience during the day. A most enjoyable lunch included too! We would highly recommend this course and look forward to attending the intermediate course in the not too distant future."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Karen & Peter, Really glad you enjoyed the day and look forward to seeing you again soon. -- Simon"

Karen reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"Absolutely fabulous day with Simon learning woodturning. Simon was a very patient teacher and was able to teach my husband and I the basics of woodturning despite our very different levels of confidence and ability. Thoroughly recommend and we will definitely be attending an intermediate session once we have had a chance to practice our new skills."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Karen, Thank you for your (independent!) review - most kind. Look forward to seeing you both again soon. -- Simon"

Chris Rogers reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I am in a dilemma as to where to direct my praise and appreciation first as I was fortunate enough to have been gifted this experience day by my beautiful partner Kelly for Christmas, but then the day itself was made special by Simon (although I think Louise may have made the lovely lunch). Instantly upon arrival I was made to feel welcome and at ease with a cuppa as the formalities were completed. The course itself consisted of two projects with an initial piece of work that helped you understand the basic fundamentals to complete the projects. The tuition was very well pitched and Simon is assured enough of his teaching ability to set you up on a task and leave you to work whilst he undertakes other activities around the workshop. I was very pleased with the outcome of both my projects and there was never any feeling of time pressure or personal inability. The workshop is nicely proportioned for 1-2-1 tuition and the equipment is in very good condition. Plenty of offers of drinks throughout the day, which seemed to fly by and a lovely lunch. Highly recommended course, excellent tuition from someone who genuinely makes you feel welcome and comfortable as well as giving the right amount of assistance without either neglecting you or being overbearing. As well as taking away your projects, there were course notes provided and even a certificate! Thanks for a great day! Chris"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Chris, I'm glad the day left an impression on you - it's what we do it for! I do hope you pursue the craft and do get in touch if you need more help or guidance. -- Simon"

Michael Hawes reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Such an enjoyable day -as a novice it didn’t feel at all intimidating, but friendly, relaxed and really informative. I made a couple of great pieces as well. Thanks, Simon. I’ll be back for the half day tool sharpening course! "

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Michael, So pleased you enjoyed the session and look forward to seeing you again soon! — Simon "

Amanda Compton-Cook reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 pottery/ceramics workshop for 1 person

"Fantastic, absorbing pottery day - I loved it. To go at my own pace, explore techniques and learn from such a truly lovely teacher was a wonderful experience. Thank you so much Louise for such a brilliant hands on day. I recommend Blended Monkey completely. "

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

"Great experience! Loved it! Learnt so much from Simon and managed to make a great little mushroom! Thoroughly recommend this course for anyone looking to bring out that inner creativity! Thanks very much!!! Hopefully I’ll be back sometime!"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Richard, Thank you for your review and so glad you enjoyed the experience. Please get in touch if you’d like any help or advice. — Simon"

Edd M reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"What an excellent day! Simon was fantastic, top bloke to chat to, made you feel comfortable and really knows his stuff. The environment was perfect, nice and warm, lots of teas and that lovely wood shop smell. The wood turning was so much fun, Simon shows you all the techniques whilst giving you enough space to try it for yourself and get a feel for it. Amazing day, I will be back for another lesson for sure."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Edd, So glad you enjoyed the session. Look forward to seeing you again soon! — Simon"