Blended Monkey reviews

13 May 21'

Daria Panas-O'Brien reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"We received a crafts voucher for Christmas from our children back in 2019 and eventually managed to book a date. We decided on the 2 crafts in 1 day with Blended Monkeys as it seemed like a good idea to get an introduction to 2 different crafts and perhaps to continue with one of them. It definitely turned out to be a good choice as we both had an amazing day, came away with a piece of woodwork at the end of the day and are waiting with bated breath for our pottery pieces!!! Louise and Simon were very welcoming, friendly, knowledgeable and patient. We felt relaxed with no unnecessary pressure."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi guys, We're so pleased you enjoyed your woodturning and pottery workshops. You both made some lovely woodturned pieces, and we're sure your ceramic items will look fab when they emerge from the kiln too :-). Lovely to meet you both :-)."

11 May 21'

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

"Really was a fabulous day. We learnt a new skill and made new friends! We will definitely visit again and can't recommend Blended Monkey enough! Can't thank Louise enough for welcoming us and giving us an unforgettable day."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Sita, thank you for your lovely review! It was an absolute pleasure to meet you and Daniel, and we look forward to you guys returning some time :-). Excited to see how your pots will look after firing, and I've made sure that your gorgeous tall slab vase hasn't fallen over during the drying process ;-). Again, thank you for the fab review!"

10 May 21'

Terry Singleton reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"The days 1 to 1 woodturning course was a Xmas present from my wife and although delayed due to Covid was well worth the wait as it was fantastic. Simon is very knowledgeable and had plenty if patience with a complete novice! The workshop facilities, machinery and tools etc were great and gave a very good taster for this craft. Plenty of coffee and very nice lunch was provided, thank you Louise. I came away with two pieces of work which my wife thinks I must have purchased, not so, I made them all be with a little help (a lot of help!) The post course notes and equipment advice schedule were emailed over to me that evening and are compressive and full of photos and links, will prove very helpful if I take it further. I could not recommend this course enough, it was a five hour round trip and I would be more than happy to do again - great day, thank you Simon and Louise."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Thanks for a lovely review, Terry, and I'm glad you got home safe and sound. If you'd like to "purchase" more turned objects, don't hesitate to contact us again ??. Any questions/advice, please drop me a line - only too pleased to help."

6 May 21'

Stephen Leat reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"What a brilliant introduction to wood turning!! Simon and Louise at Blended Monkey made the whole experience, from the booking stage to the course day, extremely easy. Simon's enthusiasm for turning is infectious and his guidance, patience and knowledge added a different level to the day. Plenty of refreshments 'on tap' and lunch was great. I would recommend this course, without hesitation, to anyone who is interested in the art of wood turning."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Thanks, Stephen. Great praise from a teacher! So glad you enjoyed the day and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need help once the workshop is sorted."

3 May 21'

David & Luke Nickerson reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"What a wonderful days wood turning we both enjoyed, a really great experience with an excellent tutor. A great introduction into spindle and bowl turning, we have both taken so much from it. Simon knows his craft and has a lovely way of teaching it, so much was covered in a 1 day course. Regular refreshments were provided and a lovely lunch in the garden was also enjoyed, they even managed to order the sunshine for the day. A big thank you to Simon & Louise, we will be back."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi David/Luke, So glad you enjoyed the day and we look forward to seeing you again soon. Kind Regards, Simon & Louise"

2 May 21'

Stuart Jarrold reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"The beginners wood turning course by the Blended monkey was great. I booked the one to one course and I had never done woodturning before at all and Simon was an excellent teacher. Simon was patient and clear demonstrating the various techniques. I had a really enjoyable day and it surpassed my expectations and I am keen to now put into practice what I was taught. I would highly recommend this course."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Stuart, thanks for a great review. You were a pleasure to teach - nothing beats an enthusiastic student! Do get in touch if you need any help and advice in the future."

2 May 21'

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

"A fantastic introduction to wood turning with the fab Blended Monkey team! Simon obviously has a deep supply of wood turning knowledge, he pairs it well with a patient and enthusiastic teaching manner. Both Simon and Louise were lovely, conversation flowing freely throughout the day. Great lunch, loads of coffee! Even managed to come home with a couple of turned pieces. Would highly recommend."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Thanks, Chris - glad you enjoyed your day. You were a very able and enthusiastic student and a pleasure to teach. We hope you continue with the craft and look forward to see you again."

26 Apr 21'

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

"An excellent day of woodturning. A chance to try something new with patient tuition and guidance. An excellent experience, great lunch and lovely people. Highly recommend."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Thanks for a lovely review, Sam. Glad you had a fun experience; you were a joy to teach. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you take the plunge and need some help."

20 Apr 21'

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

"I really enjoyed the woodturning experience. Simon, the tutor, gave a really good introduction to both the tools and the wood we would use. His balance of demonstrating what we would do and letting the student loose was ideal. In the morning I made a honey spoon and in the afternoon alovely bowl. A thoroughly enjoyable day with an interesting tutor and ample refreshments, including a tasty lunch in the kitchen. I might well be booking another session in the near future. Thanks for the experience!"

Blended Monkey responded:

"We're really pleased you enjoyed your woodturning experience! You made some fabulous pieces, and you had the added boon of the bowl wood being beautiful too :-). Happy to have you back any time. We hope you continue with your woodturning journey and don't hesitate to contact us if you need any help in the future."

19 Apr 21'

Sid Clotworthy reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"My wife got me this course as a Christmas present I had a fantastic day. Simon was an excellent teacher full of useful knowledge and guidance which he happly passed on. Produced two beautiful pices of work of which I am very proud. Beautiful surroundings, nice workshop I would happily recommend this course to anyone."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Sid, We're really happy you enjoyed your woodturning workshop on your birthday - shame we had to eat your cake though ;-). You made a beautiful bowl (great quilting) and we hope you go on to make more lovely things in your retirement :-). We're always here if you need any advice in the future. The notes I mentioned will follow on shortly."

16 Dec 20'

Howard France reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Sorry for the delay in sending this review, I am not good at doing reviews as they usual sound naff if they're good. I came on the day out at the end of October after receiving it as a birthday present, I had bought a lathe in June this year and try to get to grips with it, making a lot of mistakes and with all the catches started to get anxious when using it. Did make a few things but wasn't very happy with finished item. So came to see Simon and we started at the very beginning with the basics, went through everything tools, sharpening, how to stand, and most important how to use the chisels the correct way! Well worth it, if I was paying for myself I might have had second thoughts, but I would have been wrong, definitely one to one tuition was ideal for me. I can now go to the lathe and with confidence start turning. Recommended Thank you, Howard"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Howard, Thank you for such a considered and honest review ?. I'm glad you found it useful and that the course gave you confidence and encouraged you to pursue the craft. All the best and happy turning! Simon"

11 Dec 20'

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

"A really good introduction to different methods of making pottery items. It was lovely touch to get a certificate and the next day a whole host of good photographs. This experience was bought by my husband as a Christmas present and I will treasure my items once I get them back after firing and glazing. I would recommend this workshop and I will want to go again for another day to do some coiled items."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Veronica, it was great to meet you & thank you so much for your lovely review :-). We're pleased you enjoyed your day getting to grips with various ways of creating with clay. You made some fab pieces! And I'm sure your lasagne dish will have a variety of uses :-)."

9 Dec 20'

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

"I was very fortunate to be able to return to Blended Monkey for a half day pottery course as a follow on to my Full day course. I had loved my initial experience so much, I had asked whether I could return to learn a bit more about processes of throwing on the wheel and finishing pieces of work. I suspect I may have developed a new crush on pottery and ceramics! I cannot describe just how therapeutic and soothing the whole experience of creating things on a wheel can be. Seeing a ball of clay develop into a piece that can be functional whilst aesthetically very rewarding is nothing short of alchemy. On my second trip to see the wonderful Louise, (who is also a great teacher and incredibly patient and knowledgeable) I had a taster of seeing how bases are refined and finished - how to work with finished pieces at the leather hard stage, I also had a chance at trying out shaping pots into bowl shapes and even , ....wait for it.....made a bowl I am proud of , at the very last hurdle. Louise also kindly demonstrated other techniques as to shaping necks and manipulating the clay into various shapes - it was all eye opening and a total joy to watch. I think the whole experience is a genuinely fun and exciting journey - of course you create a few wonky pots along that journey but they are one of a kind pieces - I cannot wait to see them all glazed up. Louise also puts all the finishing touches including glaze and you come away feeling a great sense of achievement. She is a great host, tea and mince pies at the ready and great conversation whilst maintaining professionalism throughout. I am hoping to be able to return for other sessions at a later date ( if Louise can face having me back again)"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Marianna, thank you so much for your lovely review! It was an absolute pleasure having you back in the studio again, and I'm so very pleased you enjoyed learning a bit more about the wonderful art of ceramics. You should be very proud of the beautiful bowl you made - it was the last piece you threw and so you ended on a real high! Thank you again for your kind words and I very much look forward to seeing you again the studio in the future :-)."

26 Nov 20'

Mark thulborn reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Great day we'll worth doing. Simon is very Informative and works well towards your needs and capabilities. I learned a lot and soon be turning bowls for fun. Thanks for a great day"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Really pleased you enjoyed your 1-2-1 woodturning workshop with us here at Blended Monkey. We try to provide the best possible woodturning tutoring tailored to the specific needs and levels of the student. Lovely meeting you and we hope you go on to turn many lovely bowls!"

16 Nov 20'

Faye Harnwell reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"Amazing day at blended monkeys, my husband booked this as a surprise, and I loved it. Really friendly engaging teachers, and such a lot of fun. Lunch was lovely and water teas and biscuits on tap. Highly recommend this day both wood turning and pottery were really interesting. Lots of laughs, thank you."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Faye, Thanks for your lovely review! We're so pleased you enjoyed your workshops :-). You both made some lovely pieces (loving the wooden Christmas decs!) and your pottery bits & bobs and drying nicely in the ceramics studio. Glad you had fun - so did we :-)"

12 Nov 20'

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

"This was a birthday present for my daughter who absolutely loved every minute of this workshop, she didn't want the day to end. This is way better than going to school! :) The day was full of laughs and we did learn and experiment a lot with various different styles of pottery and ways of imprinting designs on our masterpieces. Louise was very patient and very good at explaining how to do things especially on the wheel which seemed like the trickiest part of the day as first yet the most enjoyable once the technique was mastered my daughter was addicted. Lunch was too very good with more than enough to go round and something for everyone. The atmosphere was great too and both Louise and Simon are very easy to get along with. Thank you both for our wonderful memories :) We hope to visit you again in the new year!"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Jenny, thank you for your lovely review and we're so pleased that Cassy enjoyed the day - and also that she'd like to return again in the future :-). She made some lovely pieces which will be ready for collection very soon. It's always interesting to see how children respond to the various types of clay building. The hand building is a very free form and you can get really creative with it, so although most people consider throwing to be the "thing" you do in pottery, it's always encouraging to see that students are open to the other forms of building too. Thanks again for a lovely review!"

5 Nov 20'

Florence Steer reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"I booked this course for myself and my partner as a birthday gift. With minimal/zero experience in wood turning and pottery, we were very excited to give both crafts a go! The day really exceeded expectations, with a very professional approach from Louise and Simon when it came to teaching basic techniques in an engaging and friendly way. We left Blended Monkey with the satisfaction of having learnt (or started to !!) new skills, and with the added bonus of a piece of woodwork in hand which was very satisfying. Overall I could not recommend Blended Monkey highly enough, regardless of skill level. The teaching is really personal, so can easily be tailored, and the environment is so relaxing and welcoming that you can't help but feel at home."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Flo, We're super happy that you and Aaron enjoyed your "2 Crafts in 1 Day" experience with us here at Blended Monkey. It was a real pleasure to teach you both and you should be massively proud of the woodturning the pottery pieces you guys produced. I'll let you know as soon as your ceramics have been fired :-)."

4 Nov 20'

Sian Astley reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"I went as the willing plus-1 with no particular expectations. I had a great day! Thoroughly enjoyed learning to use the tools and making things that are not only functional but also attractive. Simon is an excellent tutor, who clearly enjoys the art wood turning. Importantly, however, it is evident that Simon enjoys teaching others, enabling them to take something pleasing home. Lunch was good too!"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Sian, Thank you so much for your lovely review :-). We're so pleased you enjoyed the workshop and learning a new skill. You and Abbi both came away with some lovely pieces that you should be very proud of. We enjoy teaching our crafts, and it's great that our enthusiasm comes across to the students :-)."

2 Nov 20'

Abigael Polley reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"This was a birthday present from my spouse and I took my BFF along for the experience. We are complete beginners and had a fabulous day woodturning in a calm, relaxed atmosphere. Simon was kind and patient in his tuition, ensuring we had help when we needed it. Simon knows his craft, is obviously experienced in teaching and ensured we came away with beautiful, unique honey drizzlers and bowls to be proud of. Louise and Simon could not have made the day any better. Thank you both."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Abbi, We are so pleased you enjoyed your pairs woodturning experience. You certainly made some lovely pieces and it was a pleasure teaching you both. You took to the craft well and you should be very proud of your achievements - a honey dibber and a bowl in just one day!"

1 Nov 20'

Alannah J reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"Myself and my husband did the half day pottery and woodworking course. The course was superb from start to finish. We were made to feel so welcome from the moment we arrived, the instruction was perfectly suited to make you feel relaxed and happy while also challenging you to push yourself. Can’t recommend highly enough"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi guys, We're so pleased you enjoyed your respective 1/2-day pottery and woodturning workshops! We do aim to create a relaxed, creative yet immersive atmosphere and we are really happy you felt that came across. You both made some fabulous pieces, and your ceramics will be ready to collect very soon Alannah :-)."

28 Oct 20'

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

"I cannot recommend this course enough. Even before attending the Pottery full day course , I received informative emails from the course organisers with all the information I needed in preparation for the day. The last time I did any pottery was in school approximately 3 decades ago and even then it was the basics. I loved every minute of my day with Louise - she was very welcoming , supportive and I learned a great deal from her - from making a pinch pot, to coiling and decorating slab work and most fun of all experiencing throwing on the wheel. The studio environment is bright, clean and houses some lovely pieces of completed works. Louise has created a lovely balance between structuring the day and organising the sessions to learn about processes involved in making pieces of pottery, whilst still encouraging creativity and freedom to explore clay . There were refreshments throughout the day and a lovely lunch . Although it can be daunting having a one-to-one session , I felt very relaxed in Louise's company and it was very rewarding having such an opportunity to have a tutor's full attention- it felt very natural and we had plenty to talk about . I look forward to returning again in future and look forward to any other classes that may develop over time. Thank you again for such an unforgettable and exceptional day."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Marianna, thank you so much for the really lovely review! I enjoyed every minute of the workshop too, so that's always a plus from my perspective ;-). I really appreciate hearing students' opinions about their workshop with me. I also totally understand that the thought of a 1-2-1 session with a complete stranger could be a daunting prospect at first, but I'm so pleased that all my students have felt comfortable in my company and in the studio. The aim of the workshop is obviously to impart some pottery info and give students a grounding in the basic methods we can use to make some lovely things out of clay, but also for them to have a creative, fun and relaxed day. You made some really beautiful pieces and I can't wait to see them glazed. Thanks again for the fab review and see you soon!"

27 Oct 20'

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

"A fantastic day experimenting with lots of different techniques for making and decorating pots. Louise was attentive, encouraging and informative. I couldn’t have felt more welcome with refreshments through the day, a lovely lunch and interesting conversation. Using the wheel was great fun and totally absorbing. It’s encouraged me to dedicate some time to crafting as a hobby and for relaxation. I enjoyed every minute! Thanks again Louise and Simon."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Ann, it was a pleasure to meet you and teach you about the various ways we can have fun with clay! You made some really beautiful pieces and you took to the wheel super quickly too - I'm looking forward to seeing what the kiln Gods make of your pieces and I'll let you know as soon as they are ready to post out :-). I'm really pleased you enjoyed the therapeutic benefits that come with having a day to yourself to be creative. Clay is a fantastic medium if you want to just switch off and enjoy the process. Thank you for the lovely review!"

26 Oct 20'

Penny Lukins reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"A lovely day at the home of Simon and Louise, who are running their courses from the workshops in their garden. I did the Beginners wood turning course. It was very well run, and I learned about the tools, the skills, and had the opportunity to make 2 pieces - a honey spoon and a small bowl. Whilst there is still a lot more to learn, I came away with the basic skills to allow me to start practicing my wood turning at home. Simon is very enthusiastic and has a good balance of demonstrating and then allowing hands on trying for his attendees. The course notes are extremely helpful, and I am sure I will be referring to them to refresh memory about all he taught us! Thanks for a lovely day and for welcoming us into your home. Great lunch too!"

Blended Monkey responded:

"We're really pleased you enjoyed the woodturning workshop and have come away with the skills needed to pursue the craft at home and on your own lathe. You made some really lovely pieces, and we do hope you go on to make many more! Let us know how you get on, and feel free to send us some photos of your work in the future. Thanks again for the lovely review!"

26 Oct 20'

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

"I had a great day being taught by Simon for the full day beginners woodturning course. It was highly informative and hands on, I learned all about the different tools and parts of the lathe. Simon gives good demonstrations and instructions for you to create your own pieces. I enjoyed the wonderful lunch and a tour around their beautiful garden. I would highly recommend this course for anyone interested in learning the basics of woodturning or anyone wanting to refresh their skills or better learn how to utilise their wood turning tools. I was really pleased to take my lovely pieces home to show off :) Thanks Simon!"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Edward - I think this one was meant for the woodturning workshop section :-), so we'll respond to it there :-)"

26 Oct 20'

Edward reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Edward, We're so pleased you enjoyed the woodturning workshop :-). You're a quick learner and you seem to have a natural flair for turning. The pieces you produced are really beautiful and you should be very proud of them - so enjoy showing them off :-). We hope you and Alex continue to have fun in the UK. As we've mentioned to Alex, we'd love to hear about any other crafts you have a go at. Do stay in touch!"