Blended Monkey reviews

26 Oct 20'

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

"I had an absolutely amazing day being taught by Louise for the full day beginners ceramics course. The day was well planned and very fun, I was able to explore handbuilding techniques to create a pinch pot, coil pot and slab rolled works, with ample time left for having a go at throwing some work on the pottery wheel, which is definitely trickier than it looks :) but Louise was very helpful and I managed to throw a few good pieces! Louise was very professional yet relaxed and good company and I enjoyed her clear demonstrations and instructions. I also appreciated the way she provided pictures and samples as inspiration for my own work. Thanks for making me so comfortable and catering for me with a yummy vegan lunch, I felt so renewed by the chance to get creative! Alex"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Alex! It was a pleasure spending the day with you in the pottery studio :-). You've made some really beautiful pieces and I'm just as keen as you are to see how they look when they emerge from the kiln! Especially the contentious coil pot ;-). We hope you and Edward continue to enjoy your time in the UK, and I'd be interested to hear what other crafts you have a go at during your stay. I'll let you know as soon as your pots are ready :-)."

26 Oct 20'

Megan Bradsworth-Cole reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Simon and Louise made me feel really welcome and the day course was really enjoyable. Simon was a patient and engaging teacher. I'm very happy with my creations and hope that I get the chance to try this craft again - I think I have caught the 'bodging' bug!"

Blended Monkey responded:

"It was lovely to meet you, and we are so pleased you enjoyed your woodturning workshop. We hope you do indeed go on to make more lovely woodturned creations in the future. The pieces you made with us are fab! Thanks again for the super review."

24 Oct 20'

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

"A really enjoyable course. Simon and Louise were very patient and welcoming. Lunch was lovely too! Would definitely recommend this course to any beginners."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Thank you for the review Charlotte :-). It was a pleasure teaching you and we really enjoyed meeting you both! I'll let you know when your ceramics are ready."

24 Oct 20'

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

"Superb day out the day flew by. Straight from the get go I felt welcome in a relaxing environment. Learnt the basics throughout the day basically, tinkering with different techniques to get a desired outcome. Left to go home with two woodturned pieces which I am very happy with. Highly recommend."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Really pleased that you enjoyed the day, and you made some really lovely pieces too! Thanks for the great review :-)."

18 Oct 20'

Debi McKee reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"My husband and I booked this as a late anniversary gift to ourselves, and we thoroughly enjoyed the day. Simon and Louise are lovely hosts, making us feel very welcome, and Simon quickly made us feel confident in working with the lathe. He gives clear instructions and is very attentive and was very quick to lend a hand if we got into difficulties. Refreshments were constantly being offered, and the buffet lunch was delicious. We left with some beautiful pieces and we are very proud of being able to say "I made that!""

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi guys, We're so pleased you enjoyed the workshop and we hope it was a fitting anniversary gift to yourselves :-). You both made some lovely pieces and we hope you are justifiably proud of your efforts! Thanks for the lovely review :-)."

17 Oct 20'

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

"The course was a great introduction into woodturning and pottery. We instantly felt at ease and were able to learn at our own pace. We both learnt a lot in the day and would definitely recommend to anyone looking to try their hand at either craft. Thank you Simon and Louise."

Blended Monkey responded:

"We're really pleased you guys enjoyed your day of woodturning and pottery :-). It was lovely to meet you both. You made some gorgeous pieces, and I can't wait to see your glazed pots emerge from the kiln. I'll let you know as soon as they are ready :-)."

17 Oct 20'

Andy and Helen Miles reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" 1-2-1 woodturning & pottery experience for 1 person

"What a great day! Simon and Louise were very welcoming and their obvious enthusiasm was infectious. The whole day was relaxed and informative and the hands on, guided approach gave us the opportunity to experience the new skills in a safe yet un-pressured way. The provided lunch was excellent and we were never without tea and biscuits. We would thoroughly recommend the day and we are already considering booking further courses."

Blended Monkey responded:

"We're so pleased you guys had a good time! It was fab meeting you both and we also had a lovely time teaching you :-). Your woodturning and ceramic endeavours were beautiful. We love this workshop, as it's amazing to see how much students can learn from each discipline in just 1 day! Your pots are drying wonderfully, so as soon as they are glazed I'll let you know. Take care."

9 Oct 20'

Catherine French reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Fabulous productive day with super wood crafts to take away and treasure. Simon is absolutely a great tutor very Patient. The whole day is just so relaxing and so much fun. Simon is such a friendly and approachable guy. We had one of our best days in a very long time. We would highly recommend this day to everyone. Thank you. ?"

Blended Monkey responded:

"We're so pleased you guys enjoyed your pairs woodturning workshop. It was a pleasure teaching you both and it's always great to see students leaving the workshop with a smile on their faces :-). You both made some lovely pieces!"

3 Oct 20'

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

"WOW what an excellent day, from the gate opening to the gate closing when we arrived and finished the welcome we recieved from Simon and Louise was second to none. Simon is an excellent tutor who works at your pace, his knowledge no only for the skills of wood turning but also about the types of wood, and what the tools are used for. This being my first experience of this skill has given me an appetite for more. Louise was lovely keeping the tea and coffee coming and the wonderful lunch. I thoroughly recommend this work shop for anyone wanting to learn this skill."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Paul, We're super pleased that you and Simon enjoyed the workshop. It was a pleasure teaching you, and you both turned some really lovely pieces :-). Feel free to contact us if you'd like to attend a more intermediary session. We're not currently advertising this, but it's something we can offer to those who might need the next level. Again, fab meeting you both!"

3 Oct 20'

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

"My mum and I attended a full day pottery workshop. We wouldn't describe ourselves as artistic types and other than 'do pottery' we weren't sure what to expect. We had a fantastic time though, Louise was really clear showing us different techniques and had lots of inspiration for how we could use those techniques to make different items. We made some pinch and coil pots, slab vases and thrown pots on the wheel. We were really pleased with what we'd managed to acheive and can't wait to see our items when they're fired and glazed :)"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Emma, So pleased you and your mum had an enjoyable day. It was really lovely to meet you both, and at the time of me writing this response your pieces have been biscuit fired and are now ready to be glazed so they won't be much longer now! Thanks again for the lovely review :-)."

27 Sep 20'

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

"Excellent day! My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the 2 crafts in one day. Simon and Louise are such an endearing couple, it is obvious they have a great passion for the individual crafts they teach. Their knowledge and enthusiasm is inspiring, along with their warm personalities and a great sense of humour, they both made us feel very welcome. We were soon absorbed into both sessions with informative clear instruction. Thank you Simon and Louise for your hospitality, we had a fabulous day which was over and above our expectations!"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Pauline, hi Malcolm, Thank you for the really lovely review! We're so pleased you enjoyed your "2 Crafts in 1 Day" experience. It was certainly a pleasure to teach you both the basics in woodturning and ceramics - you guys took to both crafts really well. It's always lovely to watch students absorbed in the process :-). We hope we've inspired you to continue with your creative path! Take care."

26 Sep 20'

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

"Had the best 1/2 day pottery session. Despite my mother being a bit of a natural on her first attempt at hand throwing (very frustrating), we both made some great pieces that I’m looking forward to using once fully finished. Louise was great, taking the booking very last minute and making us feel very welcome. I can’t recommend this course enough and it’s in such a lovely setting. Thanks Louise"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Frances, thank you so much for your fab review :-). It was a pleasure meeting you and your mum, and lovely to see how quickly your mum took to the wheel :-) - some people are just naturals ;-). You both made some beautiful pieces and I'll be in touch shortly as soon as they have been glazed (they've already been biscuit fired)."

25 Sep 20'

Sheila and Paul Child reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"We thoroughly enjoyed our two person Wood Turning Beginners course with Simon and are delighted with what we took home. We made a beautiful bowl, a butter pat press, a light pull and two honey dippers, the latter being the result of our first practice pieces. It is amazing how a square block of wood becomes cylindrical with just a few, carefully guided, moves. Excellent, patient instruction and an altogether very interesting and satisfying experience with real, tangible, output. We learned a lot. The lunch provided was also excellent and just what we would have chosen had we been asked for a preference. We were looked after extremely well and it was just 20 minutes from home. Could not have been better."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Sheila/Paul, So glad you enjoyed your workshop as much as I enjoyed meeting you both. You were lovely to teach and I'm glad you're pleased with your creations. Once lock down is over, I must go to Canada and see the bears fishing for salmon! :)"

24 Sep 20'

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

"This wood turning course was bought by my family as a birthday present in February. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions my initial date was put back until Sept. Simon and Louise were exceptionally helpful in arranging everything. The course was excellent, Simon's teaching was very thorough and his patience was second to none! It was great to take home my projects, a honey dipper and bowl, which were admired by family and friends. My daughter was welcomed for lunch which we were able to enjoy in their lovely garden. Both Simon and Louise are lovely friendly people and it was a joy to be in their company. We hope to see them in the future at the local craft fair. I thoroughly recommend this course for anyone. Just a shame I didn't get to do Louise's pottery course. Perhaps another birthday present!"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Terry, So glad you had a great day -- you were a pleasure to teach and chat with. You're welcome back any time and we look forward to your company again."

17 Sep 20'

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

"I booked the 1/2 day pottery workshop as a birthday present for my 19 year old, recently disabled daughter. From the very first email, Louise has been attentive, generous and caring trying to ensure Chloe's needs were catered for. The morning was a huge success playing with and then working on pinch and slab pots and then finally throwing on the wheel. Everything was so relaxed with continual refreshments provided by Simon. As soon as we left Chloe stated that she wanted to come back and learn more from Louise...no greater compliment I would say!"

Blended Monkey responded:

"So very pleased Chloe enjoyed her pottery experience! It was a pleasure to teach her and she's evidently an incredibly creative young woman. Look forward to meeting you both again!"

13 Sep 20'

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

"Great day learning new skills in a relaxed and easy manner with Louise and Simon. The combi-day is an excellent idea to be able to have a taster of playing with Wood and Clay. All done in a beautiful setting with lunch and great humour. Thank you."

Blended Monkey responded:

"We're so pleased you enjoyed the 2 in 1 workshop :-). We had a very enjoyable day too! Lovely to give you both a taster in woodturning and ceramics. I'll let you guys know when your pottery pieces are ready to post out :-)."

13 Sep 20'

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

"Had such a great day and were really welcomed by Simon and Louise. Both are clearly very skilled and talented in their individual fields and were able to easily translate their knowledge into teaching even us...complete beginners! A fabulous, fun, learning experience and surprisingly therapeutic. Also a great idea to combine the Wood and Pottery into one day. Perfect to be able to try out the basics of both before deciding if you want to invest more in one, the other or both. Highly recommended."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Tara, thank you for your lovely review! We really enjoyed having you guys here and we're so pleased you had a great day :-). You both made some super pieces!"

10 Sep 20'

Amelia Howe reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I had a fantastic time on the day's woodturning course. I was a total beginner but was given lots of support and so happy with my pieces. It was great to be given the right amount of time and freedom to explore the tools, but also know that I had support there whenever it was needed (quite a lot!). Lunch and snacks were also of the highest standard! Simon has been really helpful in advising about tools and I can't wait to develop my skills further in the future."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Really glad you enjoyed the day and that you got the course notes afterwards. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you need any help or advice."

10 Sep 20'

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

"Highly recommend this course very informative and very enjoyable."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Thank you for your review Alex. It was a pleasure teaching you and you made some lovely pieces! :-)"

7 Sep 20'

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

"I don’t remember enjoying an afternoon so much in a long time! I have wanted to try my hand at pottery for years; I’m in my mid-sixties and the last time I touched clay (other than a garden pot) was when I was at school and always regretted not having tried hand throwing. It was fantastic!! We tried our hand at pinch pots, slab construction and hand throwing and, despite all the concentration ? it was very relaxing. Louise was so easy to talk to and was also very patient, encouraging and tolerant. She made us feel very comfortable. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her course to anyone"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Angela, I really enjoyed teaching you and Francis, and I'm so glad you enjoyed what was evidently a "surprise" afternoon :-). You've both made some beautiful slab pots and you were very natural on the wheel - you looked thoroughly absorbed! I'll be trimming you pots this evening and I'll let you guys know as soon as they are ready for collection. Thanks again for the lovely review!"

23 Aug 20'

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

"Great course- we got hands on very quickly and Simon was an excellent tutor. Gave very good explanations to all questions without throwing too much information at us. We made some beautiful bowls and had a memorable day. Absolutely loved it."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Really pleased you had a good day Kim, and thank you for your fab review. You just need to convince Annie to to buy a lathe now ;-). Well done making some beautiful pieces!"

23 Aug 20'

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

"As a total novice at wood turning (and all other crafts!) I had an amazing day. Simon pitched the day perfectly so we could get the most out of it. We learnt a lot and felt that we really achieved something. It was also great fun! We had a lovely lunch and felt utterly welcome with Simon and Louise."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Annie, thank you for your lovely review. We're so pleased you enjoyed the workshop. You made some beautiful pieces and you should be very proud of your efforts :-). Thanks again!"

23 Aug 20'

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

"I brought the half day beginner pottery workshop for my mum for Christmas. We had a wonderful time with Louise. The instruction was clear and easy to follow. We really enjoyed the morning & can't wait to see our finished pots!"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Alex. So pleased that you and your mum enjoyed the pottery workshop! I'm sure your glazed pots will look wonderful. Thanks again!"

22 Aug 20'

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

"I had a brilliant day with Louise. Not only did I learn how to throw, centre, cone up and down, open and pull a pot on the wheel but I also had a go at a slab vase and a pinch pot. I did the 1/2 day course and I wish I'd booked a full day as I could have stayed longer. Louise is a very talented potter and her work is all around her studio and inspires you to do better. She is encouraging, friendly, kind, patient, easy going and knowledgable. I would highly recommend doing this course. I am definitely going to re-book for some more tuition. Thanks Louise and Simon...for the tea!"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Beth, What a lovely review! Thank you so much :-). Massively pleased you found the workshop inspiring - and I had a funny feeling you'd enjoy the slab work just as much as the throwing ;-). Look forward to seeing you again - we can focus a little more on the whole "cylinder" thing then ;-). I'll let you know when your pots are ready to collect :-). Take care Louise"

20 Aug 20'

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

"We really enjoyed the wood turning course, it was a lovely day and we are very happy with the pieces we made. Simon is an excellent tutor; very informative, and very patient! Simon and Louise made us feel at home, plenty of refreshments, lunch was lovely. We enjoyed every second! Highly recommend; we will be looking to book another course in the future."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Sarah, hi Robin, Thank you for the really lovely review. We're so pleased you enjoyed your day - it was lovely to have you! Simon says that Robin's a natural! Love to have you back again in the future :-) Take care."