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

Jessica Mooney reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"We had a fabulous time at our half day woodturning course. Louise and Simon made us so welcome and we loved how hands on the course was. We learned some really fun techniques and Simon was an excellent teacher; really clear, patient and knowledgeable. We will definitely be back to learn more! Could not recommend Blended Monkey highly enough! Thank you again guys, you made Tom's birthday really special ❤️ "

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

"Hi Jessica, So glad you loved the course - you’re welcome back any time! ? —Simon"

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

"As a complete novice I had no idea if I would show any aptitude for wood turning, Simon made me feel comfortable and capable. Simon was extremely patient, answering all of my questions without ever making me feel inadequate or talking down to me. I must have left the day a better wood turner than when I started as I had never touched a lathe previously and left with a couple of pieces. So mission accomplished by Simon. Refreshments and lunch were plentiful and delicious. My biggest bugbear with the course was leaving keen as mustard but with the prospect of having to spend a load of money to set myself up!! What an excellent day, it flew by. "

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

"Hi Phil, So glad you enjoyed your experience and apologies for causing a mini financial crisis! If you need any help with sourcing equipment and tools, don't hesitate to get in touch. -- Simon"

Tanya Mace reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I had a wonderful day making a beautiful bowl & honey dipper with Simon's help. Simon was so patient & understanding ...especially as I was awaiting a retina operation & my eyesight was not 100%.. Lunch was plentiful & delicious mmmmmm,,,,,THANKS Louise :) I really enjoyed the day & would recommend it to everyone regardless of ability ,,,,I look forward to having another class in the future :)"

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

"Hi Tanya, So glad you enjoyed your day and we look forward to seeing you again in the future. — Simon & Louise"

Karen & Peter McDaniel reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"We would highly recommend the wood turning and pottery courses, even for beginners we had a great day with Simon and Louise, their instruction was really clear as well as making the day fun. Great lunch and looking forward to collecting our pottery when ready."

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

"Hi Karen & Peter, Really glad you enjoyed your day - do get in touch if you need any more advice or assistance. -- Simon & Louise"

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

"The beginners half day workshop was excellent. The tuition provided by Simon was first class and felt that I learnt so much in the afternoon, thank you. "

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

"Hi Richard, So glad you enjoyed the session and learned so much. If you do take up the craft, don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need any help or advice. — Simon"

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

"Thank you very much for the super informative and well paced tuition that you gave me on the 1-1 woodturning course. Your enthusiasm was contagious and it was great to learn from your own experiences with this challenging activity; a real pastime in the true sense of the word! I can’t wait to get my garage cleared out (a mammoth task that may take me some time yet!) and fully set up with wood lathe and supporting tools needed to take on this new hobby. "

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

"Hi Simon, So glad to hear that the day has inspired you to clear out your garage and pursue the craft. Good luck and do get in touch if you need any further assistance. — Simon"

Dennis Lines reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I attended Simon's one day wood turning course and found the whole day very informative and enjoyable. Simon is an excellent and patient tutor. Also, many thanks to Simon's wife for a fantastic lunch. I thoroughly recommend this course and I am eager to start my new hobby. Many thanks "

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

"Hi Dennis, So glad you enjoyed your day and found the information and experience worthwhile. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you need any further help or guidance. -- Simon"

Sarah Maitland reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"My son and I had such a wonderful day on the beginners woodturning course. Simon was very kind and patient with us and his teaching is fresh and enjoyable. I love the bowl I crafted and will be able to use it and be reminded of our day and I’ll never look at any woodwork again without thinking about how it is made! "

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

"Sarah, Thank you for such a lovely review and so glad you both enjoyed your day. — Simon"

Sheila Levy reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs woodturning workshop

"Really enjoyed our afternoon beginners course. Simon was very attentive and had the right balance of demonstrating and letting us get on with carving. Delighted with the result of the project he gave us to do."

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

"Hi Sheila, So glad you enjoyed your session - do get in touch if you need any further guidance. -- Simon"

Peter Morris reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"I attended an introductory wood turning class with Simon and I'm really pleased that I did. The venue is great, very clean, comfortable and well equipped but also welcoming which was important for someone trying to learn a new skill. (Especially when the skill is to effectively stick a razor sharp tool into a solid piece of wood rotating at considerable speed!) I have over 12 years of teaching experience and so I feel qualified to say that Simon's delivery style is first rate and backed up by excellent subject knowledge. By the end of the day (with Simon's help and guidance) I produced 2 pieces that I can be really proud of. For me the acid test is always, would I be proud to give this experience to someone as a gift and the answer is yes, without reservation."

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

"Hi Pete, Thanks for a glowing review, especially from an experienced teacher! Any questions or queries, please do get in touch. -- Simon"

Sharon McIntyre reviewed: Intermediate 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I certainly learned a lot today and with such lovely people. It's a course I would highly recommend for information and instructions, both written, verbal and practical. The constructive comments assisted me to produce a number of items in the day, identify and address bad habits and gain confidence to continue on the path to becoming a proficient wood turner. I will be repeating the course to learn other aspects of wood turning. Great course. Good food. Friendly people. "

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

"Hi Sharon, Thank you for such a descriptive and thorough review! Great having you in the workshop and we look forward to seeing you again. -- Simon & Louise"

Nigel Smith reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"My Brother-in-law and I were gifted this course for our birthdays. We were greeted on our arrival by Louise and Simon, and were shown to the workshop where we had a good introduction chat over a cup of tea and a biscuit. We went straight into the turning. Simons tuition was brilliant. Unhurried, clear, concise and very friendly. There's a lot to take in as a beginner in just the one day, and when we inevitably got it wrong, or forgot, Simon was instinctively there to help, correct and get us back to where we should be. As the weather was nice, lunch was outside in their garden and this was tasty and plentiful. We both came home with our turning creations and I think we were both amazed what a couple of beginners had achieved in just a day. The day flew by. I really enjoyed my course and I thoroughly recommend it. A very big thank you to both Louise, Simon and Harry the Dog for making it such a memorable day."

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

"Hi Nigel, Thank you for a glowing review! So glad that you enjoyed the day - do get in touch if you need any further help or information. -- Simon"

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

"I had an excellent day with Simon and learnt alot about wood turning, coming in as a complete beginner. He should and explained things well and with patience and got me doing some turning myself pretty quickly. At the end of the day I left with two complete projects to be proud of and a much better understanding of this skill."

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

"Hi Ben, So glad you enjoyed your experience. Do get in touch if you decide to take up the craft and feel free to ask any questions. -- Simon"

William Catchpole reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"What a cracking day with Simon - the time just flew and it was so well structured from arrival through to lunch and then the afternoon project. I had come quite a long way and was hugely excited by this highly original birthday present from my wife. To say I loved it would be an understatement - the workshop is immaculate and has so many clever subtle features. Simon is so so patient in explaining the various chisels and their cuts and the problems that wood orientation presents. Its hard to imagine somebody having anything other than a great experience. I certainly would give the course 5 stars - Simon 5 stars - lunch 5 stars ! and oooh the elm bowl is my pride and joy. "

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

"Hi William, Thank you so much for a lovely review! 15 stars! Who'da thought it? :D It was great to meet you - do stay in touch and if you need any advice, don't hesitate to shout. P.S. I've already made a small goblet with some of the elm you left me. -- Simon"

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

"Fantastic day. Thoroughly enjoyable and learnt a great deal. The course had a good structure to it but flowed so naturally that you didn't really notice. Simon was a great tutor and very friendly and welcoming. Highly recommended."

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

"Thanks, Ross. So glad you enjoyed the day and learned so much. Do get in touch if you need further help or advice. —Simon"

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

"My 12 year old attended the wood turning beginner course this week. He made a sample spindle, a keyring and a bowl. Simon was kind, patient and knowledgeable. he explained in a way which was informative and clear, without 'dumbing down' the class for my son. The lunch was delicious too :) My son was learning from the min we arrived to the end of the day, and left, exhuasted and happy. He learned a huge amount and plans to do more 'turning' in the future. Would recommend this course to anyone seeking an informative and full introduction. "

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

"Hi Lisa, Soooo glad that he enjoyed the day - it makes my day when young people get into the craft and your son did exactly that. I do hope he goes on to make a hobby (career?) out of it and I wish him all the best. -- Simon"

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

"My sister and I did the half day ceramics workshop and loved it! We were shown 3 different methods of making but were also allowed to be creative and tailor the methods to what we wanted to make which was brilliant. Can't wait to see the things we made once they're glazed and fired! Thanks again :)"

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

"It was a delight having you guys in the studio :-). So pleased you enjoyed it! Thank you for your kind review and I'll let you know as soon as your beautiful creations are ready for collection/postage."

Peter McDaniel reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I had a fantastic day with Simon, the course was ideal for me as I am a complete novice. The tuition was spot on with Simon being at hand to demonstrate and fully explain the cutting techniques we were using. I would have no hesitation in recommending this course and I look forward to my next visit. Louise also put on a very nice lunch."

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

"Hi Peter, Thanks for a wonderful review; I've just sent you the notes as promised. I look forward to your next visit (possibly with Mrs McDaniel in tow!). Happy turning! -- Simon"

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

"Me and my partner did a half-day beginners pottery course and had an amazing time. Louise was so friendly and really good at showing and explaining the different techniques. We both had an excellent time and would definitely recommend this course for others to try, it was a lovely and fun day."

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

"It was fab having you guys in the studio! So pleased you both enjoyed your experience, and thank you for the lovely review! "

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

"Amazing, relaxing, informative, fun :) We loved it. Thank you :)"

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

"Was a pleasure having you and Charlotte in the studio. Thank you for your kind review :-)."

Claire King reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I booked this course for my 13 year old son to try something different during the summer holiday. Simon made us both welcome. His workshop is well equipped and clean. My son has ASD but Simon’s approach was clear with lots of visual instruction so my son had no difficulty in following. He learnt a lot during the 3 hours and throughly enjoyed the workshop. "

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

"So glad he enjoyed the experience, Claire. Look forward to seeing you again soon. -- Simon"

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

"Louise was a very encouraging tutor. I really enjoyed a day playing with clay and the one on one help made a huge difference as I tackled the wheel for the first time. What a treat! "

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

"I had a really great day with Simon. He's an excellent tutor and despite this being my first experience working with a lathe I ended up with a very beautiful bowl. "

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

"Hi Jane, Thank you for your praise and so glad you enjoyed your experience. Any future help required, please don't hesitate to get in touch. -- Simon"

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

"That was a great day! I've not done anything like that since school. Great teacher, clearly very experienced in both woodworking and teaching, I would love to look at some other courses there. I've already started looking at lathes on Ebay. "

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

"Hi Paul, Really glad you got so much from the day and excellent that you’re considering it as a hobby; please get in touch if you need any help in the future. —Simon"

Phil D reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"For my very first experience of wood turning by hand, my wife surprised me to this fantastic course for my birthday last year. We had a fantastic day; Simon and Louise made us feel very welcome and everything from the beautiful location and lunch was an absolute treat! Simon is a fantastic teacher, he explains the concepts really well and demonstrates them before letting you loose! I got a bit too keen at one point and accidentally broke my project, but Simon immediately grabbed our practice piece from the morning and set about showing me how to resurrect it into a lovely honey dipper! This moment really showed off the versatility and speed of wood turning, as well as Simon's obvious passion for the craft and his great hosting and teaching skills as it meant I didn't go home without something to be proud of! I have already recommended the course to some keen friends and would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking to get started or expand their skills in wood turning. Louise's pottery class looks fantastic as well so we hope to return for that in the future as well!"

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

"Hi Phil, Thank you for your kind words - really glad you enjoyed your day despite the hiccup! We would love to see you both again and thank you for spreading the word. -- Simon & Louise"