Blended Monkey reviews

16 Nov 21'

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

"Although I had over a few years been 'playing around' with a wood lathe I’d never felt confident in what I was doing. Having looked at many YouTube videos on the subject I decided I needed some one to one tuition and the Blended Monkey site seemed to offer exactly what I was looking for. In fact the day turned out to be that and more. From start to finish it was an experience I won’t forget. Simon explained and demonstrated each step, then used a guiding hand to allow you to experience the correct way of using the gouges. He then allowed you to continue on your own but was always there when you needed any help. I now feel much more confident, knowing the correct way to hold and use the gouges. Having the notes Simon supplied will be very useful and something I’m sure I will use quite frequently. I would say to anyone thinking that wood turning might be for you Simon’s course is an absolute must. Thank you Simon for a really great day."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi David, You are most welcome! You were a pleasure to teach and we're glad you had such a great day. -- Simon & Louise"

8 Nov 21'

Alison Hoffman reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"Booked a ‘pairs’ workshop as a gift for my husband (which I could enjoy as well). Whole experience exceeded my expectations from start to finish - gift voucher came with a lovely ceramic heart which added to the present giving experience and the afternoon we spent with Louise was just amazing! Workshop was at just the right pace and we covered much more than we thought possible, making lots of items and having informative tuition in a relaxed environment. Our Sunday afternoons are usually fairly low-key but this weekend we ended it on a total high all thanks to our Blended Monkey experience. We can’t wait to try wood-turning now with Simon (and to pick up our masterpiece creations of course). Totally recommend booking this course - you won’t be disappointed!!"

Blended Monkey responded:

"It was lovely to have you guys in the studio! You both created some fantastic pieces and we're really pleased you enjoyed your ceramics experience - amazing what you can achieve in an afternoon isn't it? :-). You're more than welcome to return to try your hand at woodturning or more pottery."

8 Nov 21'

Alison Hoffman reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

Blended Monkey responded:

8 Nov 21'

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

"I had a great day. The place was easy to find and Louise and Simon are very welcoming. They are also very good instructors. Lunch was excellent too! Would definitely recommend for beginners and more advanced potters/wood-turners."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi David, Thanks for giving us a review - most welcome! We're glad you enjoyed the day and hope that you may go on to develop your craft skills. -- Simon & Louise"

8 Nov 21'

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

"I'm thinking of getting into wood-turning but had no background or experience beyond some basic woodworking, so booked this one-day 1-1 course to give it a go. Simon is an excellent teacher. I felt I learnt a great deal (which I still remember!) and got to try a variety of techniques. The time just flew by, it was 5 pm before I knew it! It's a nice location and the workshop/facilities are great. The lunch was lovely too. Went away with a nice bowl. Highly recommended."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Jason, Thanks for a great review; we're so glad you enjoyed your experience. Do get in touch if you need any further assistance. -- Simon & Louise"

8 Nov 21'

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

"Have wanted to try woodturning for a while and my partner bought me this course as a present. I had an amazing time learning how to turn with Simon, he is an excellent teacher, very knowledgeable & helpful. Had a lovely day there and would recommend it to absolutely everyone that wants to try this craft! 10/10"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi George, Thanks for the review -- really appreciate it. Hope we've kindled enough interest for you to take up the craft; don't hesitate to get in touch if you need any further help or information. -- Simon & Louise"

5 Nov 21'

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

"This was one of the few courses, I have been on a few, I found it to be brilliant. I had a great couple of days, learnt masses, thoroughly enjoying every minute. The instructions were very clear and my development in lathe turning has as a result improved. I am also more confident in my approach to doing something new. Simon and Louise were both very accommodating and provided a lovely lunch. This is a course I would not hesitate in advising any lathe enthusiast to do."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Marco, Thank you so much for a nice review. We're glad you found the course useful and, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch again. -- Simon & Louise"

4 Nov 21'

Thomas and Ottilie Wilson reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"I attended this course with my daughter who is in her mid twenties. Although i have worked a little with wood neither of us had experience in wood turning. Simon made us most welcome and after learning the safety and the basics we quickly got into the practical side of the course using the wood turning lathe and producing two items each to take home. We enjoyed the informative but relaxed atmosphere in which we were taught and have already recomended this course to a couple of other friends. Overall the experience was valuable and enjoyable. Simon showed me 'you can teach an old dog new tricks'!"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Thanks for a lovely review, Tom. Most welcome! We’re so glad you enjoyed your day and thank you for spreading the word :)"

1 Nov 21'

Malcolm Watson reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"After a 2 hour journey, I received an extremely warm welcome on arrival, followed by a much-needed coffee and an explanation of how the day was planned. Both the morning and afternoon sessions were very constructive and informative. Simon soon has you hands-on on the lathe, resulting in producing a "Christmas Tree" in the morning and a Bowl in the afternoon. Simon's workshop is very well equipped and his explanation of his various pieces of equipment was most thorough. The communication from both Simon and Louise, before the course and after, was informative and timely. I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to learn woodturning."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Malcolm, Thank you for a very positive review; we're really glad you enjoyed your day and got the most out of it. Please shout if you need any more help. --Simon & Louise"

25 Oct 21'

Toby Hare reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"A great day! Simon was a brilliant instructor - patient, giving me lots of time to practice and try techniques but on hand in case I needed assistance. A really enjoyable day with a lovely lunch and got to take home a cracking couple of pieces that I can be proud of. Would really recommend!"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Toby, Thanks for a lovely review and we're glad you enjoyed your day; you should be proud of what you made -- well done! -- Simon & Louise"

19 Oct 21'

Miss Emma C Garrett-Jones reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I had a great time on this 1-2-1 woodturning course. Prior to the course Louise was quick to respond to emails and answer any questions. Simon is a great teacher and provides a great balance of guidance and space to try for yourself. Simon and Louise provided a lovely lunch and make you feel very supported and welcome. I highly recommend the course to anyone considering and wanting to learn about woodturning. Thank you both for a lovely day!"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Emma, Thank you so much for a lovely review; we're so glad you enjoyed your day. -- Simon & Louise"

19 Oct 21'

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

"I attended a 1-2-1 beginners wood turning course, Simon is an excellent teacher giving plenty of good turning working practices. I've come away with new skills and will continue to practice those on the day which were a little poor. I am looking forward to putting my lathe to more use that just turning pens. Simon and Louise made me feel most welcome and I can highly recommend this course to anyone. Many Thanks to you both."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Karl, Great having you here for the day - your efforts weren't that bad! :) Let us know how you get on with any pieces you make. Happy turning! -- Simon & Louise"

18 Oct 21'

Fernando Gris reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"Simon is a natural-born teacher and coach and he made the course a treat. I had a wonderful lunch in a setting full of beautiful trees and came out with a beautiful bowl!! Louise and Simon have a very good set-up and I would recommend anybody to take the course"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Fernando, Thank you so much for a lovely review. It was great having you here and we're so glad you enjoyed your day :) -- Simon & Louise"

17 Oct 21'

Maureen Pearman reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"My partner and I had a great afternoon with Louise, in a relaxed, friendly and informative setting. The tuition was fun, through gentle encouragement and exploration. We were introduced to the tools and shown the techniques as we went along and encouraged to have a go. Louise kindly provided timely breaks for refreshment and we were able to chat and ask questions about the art of pottery and ceramic making. We feel that we achieved a great deal in our three hours. The only thing we really wished we could have spent more time on was the pottery wheel which required greater skill and practice than we could muster. Thank you Louise for a really enjoyable creative taster afternoon."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Maureen. It was a delight having you and John in the studio and I'm really pleased that you came away feeling that you'd achieved a lot within your half-day workshop :-). Yes, the wheel takes some getting used to! Happy to arrange a half-day throwing workshop if you fancy having longer on the wheel."

14 Oct 21'

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

"My husband and I did the 2 Crafts in 1 Day with Louise and Simon & I could not recommend it more, what a brilliant day, no pressure, lovely relaxed atmosphere. If you want to forget your everyday stresses and concentrate on something that is both relaxing and addictive then book this course you won't regret it. We will definitely be back. Thank you both again."

Blended Monkey responded:

"It was a pleasure to meet you guys and we're thrilled you enjoyed the 2 Crafts in 1 Day experience. You both made some fab woodturned and ceramic pieces and it was lovely to have you in the studios. We try to make things as chilled as possible, so we're super happy that you found the day to be relaxing and we look forward to maybe seeing you again in the future."

14 Oct 21'

laura marchant reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

Blended Monkey responded:

11 Oct 21'

Christopher Biggs reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I attended the 1/2 day beginners woodturning workshop with Simon and had a great time brushing up long lost skills on a wood lathe. Simon is clearly a very skilled woodworker and made the afternoon interesting, using a variety of handtools to make the different cuts into our piece. He was patient and explained then demonstrated what was next before you got to try out too. We still had the time to make a Christmas Tree and talk about my own tools and he even made them better on his sharpening belt. I couldn't have asked for anything more and looking forward to the next step of learning how to make bowls. Many, many thanks."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Chris, Thanks for a great review - it was a fun few hours! I look forward to seeing you again soon. -- Simon"

11 Oct 21'

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

"I wanted to try woodturning and this was the perfect way to do so. Simon was an excellent teacher and After a couple of practice pieces in the morning, where I learnt the basic technics, I spent the afternoon working on turning a beautiful beech bowl. Highly recommend it to anyone even slightly interested!"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Alex, thanks for a complimentary review - much appreciated, and glad you enjoyed your day. -- Simon"

10 Oct 21'

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

"I traveled 120 miles to attend my one to one day with Simon and every mile was worth the effort. From the minute I arrived I was greeted and made to feel comfortable and drank coffee while the day was explained to me. The instructions were clear and I had an extremely informative day that went all too quickly. An excellent lunch was provided. Simon’s instruction technique is excellent and soon gets you hands on the lathe. I left with an amazing bowl and real enthusiasm to get myself started on my new hobby in retirement. I will return for a refresher lesson and definitely recommend Simon to anyone that wants an introduction to safe wood turning. Thank you Simon"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Bill, Thank you for a great review! Always nice to hear that a student has had a great experience. Once I get a lesson plan together, I'll let you know and we'd be happy to welcome you back for another day. All the best in your turning journey. Simon"

7 Oct 21'

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

"What a fantastic day - great hosts, very knowledgeable - it completely exceeded our expectations. Would definitely recommend."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Thanks for your lovely review Sarah! It was a pleasure to have you and Jo in the studio and I'm really pleased that you enjoyed your session :-)."

4 Oct 21'

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

"I really, really enjoyed all aspects of the beginner's one-day pottery course and would not hesitate in recommending it to others. Louise is an excellent tutor. She was friendly, supportive and encouraging and explained everything very clearly and easily and her enthusiasm was infectious."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Suzy :-). It was a pleasure to meet you and I'm really pleased you enjoyed the day. You should feel very proud of what you achieved. I particularly like your slab vase! I'll let you know as soon as your pots have been glazed. I'm sure they'll look amazing!"

29 Sep 21'

Stephen Butcher reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"Attended the Blended Monkey for the day with my wife, we both had a great time learnt some new skills and experiences. Would recommend it to anyone and I would be surprised if we are not back again at some point to take one of the skills further. You can't give a much better recommendation."

Blended Monkey responded:

"It was lovely to meet you both and have you in the woodturning and pottery studios for your 2 Crafts in 1 Day experience. We're really pleased you enjoyed your workshops and would love to welcome you back again sometime. You made some lovely pieces. Well done!"

16 Sep 21'

Tracey & Martin Hayes reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"What a fantastic day! I purchased the '2 crafts in 1 day' as a gift for my husband. We were not sure what to expect but the communication with both Simon and Louise leading up to the booking was so friendly we were both looking forward to a great day and to meeting them in person. We were not disappointed. Both the workshops - woodturning and pottery - were amazing. We loved every minute and the day went in a blink of an eye. We have both learnt so much about both crafts which has ignited a need to be more creative going forward. Both Simon and Louise were excellent hosts, mentors and tutors for the day - we would highly recommend giving their craft days a go!"

Blended Monkey responded:

"It was an absolute pleasure having you guys in the woodturning workshop and ceramics studio. We're so pleased you enjoyed the day - and we're glad you were able to let your creative juices flow! Your pots have dried and will be fired very soon. Thank you for your lovely review :-)."

15 Sep 21'

Andrew Luck reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"Fantastic and most enjoyable day at Blended Monkey. I did the two in one, wood turning and pottery day with my brother in law. We had a great time, learnt a lot about both crafts and had a lot of fun and laughs. Simon and Louise are relaxed and patient teachers and we were both amazed how well we did in such a short time as total novices! I would definitely recommend the courses. Thanks Andrew and Kozo"

Blended Monkey responded:

"We really enjoyed having you guys in the studios! You both created some lovely pieces and we all had a great time :-). We're really happy that you found the experience to be enjoyable and that you felt you'd achieved something - and that you certainly did! Well done! We'll let you know as soon as your pots are ready. Thanks for the lovely review!"

14 Sep 21'

Charles Milne reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Great course, Simon was very accommodating. I had done a little turning before so he was able to adapt his intended lesson to suit me. Loads of fun and I came away achieving exactly what I wanted. I fully recommend this course."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Charlie, Thanks for the review and glad you enjoyed your day. Any questions or issues, please get in touch. — Simon & Louise"