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

10 Aug 21'

Graham & Tina Wright reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"We booked this course hoping to get a good insight into woodturning and we were not disappointed. Simon and Louise were great hosts and made us feel at ease as soon as we arrived. Simon spent time running through the basics of the lathe and the safety considerations and then we were soon producing our first piece of work, a honey twizzler. After the morning session, we were treated to a farmhouse lunch, which was fully gluten free, accommodating my dietary needs. In the afternoon we worked on making bowls and whilst we had to learn new skills, Simon was a great tutor and gave lots of encouragement. At the end of the day, we stood for a photo opportunity, proudly showing off the fruits of our labour. We would highly recommend this course if you are interested in taking up woodturning or just want to experience making something."

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

"Graham & Tina, Thank you so much for a lovely review. It was fun having you visit for the day and we’re glad you enjoyed your workshop. Any queries, comments, questions, please reach out. - Simon & Louise"

7 Aug 21'

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

"I would really recomend this course for anyone interested in wood turning. Simon was such a great teacher and so knowledgeable. It was a great introduction and it was wonderful to be able to make something lovely by the end of the day. It left me wanting to do more. Thank you sinon and louise for the day and for being so welcoming!"

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

"Hi Molly, Thank you for a lovely review and we're really glad you enjoyed your day. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you need any more help or information. - Simon & Louise"

5 Aug 21'

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

"The Blended Monkey 1-Day Course is a very good way to experience woodturning for the first time. It is professionally organised and run. In addition the tuition is flexible to reflect the student's interests and existing knowledge. The workshop itself is well equipped and safely managed. Simon is a fine teacher keen to share his skills and passion for woodturning in a very accessible manner. The follow-up pack of course notes and equipment guide is very helpful. Together Simon and Louise make a great team. MSW"

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

"Thank you for a glowing review, Mark. It was a pleasure to meet you and we hope that the course has stimulated your interest in woodturning. Any questions or queries, please feel free to get in touch. --Simon & Louise"

5 Aug 21'

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

"Had a wonderful 1-2-1 Pottery Day with Louise at Blended Monkey. It was an incredibly relaxed and friendly environment which was perfect for exploring my artistic side as I learnt to use a variety of techniques to make pots and vases. I can’t wait for them to be fired and glazed so I can see them finished. I would definitely recommend Blended Monkey!!"

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

"It was lovely having you in the studio Alison - and I enjoyed our chat - we certainly put the world to rights :-). You made some beautiful pieces that you should be very proud of. They're drying away nicely and I'll get in touch as soon as they've been glazed. Lovely to meet you :-)."

29 Jul 21'

Jo and Lucy reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"My daughter and I had a brilliant time on the pairs half day pottery session. We received a warm welcome from Louise and found it to be a lovely relaxed, creative environment. We received great tuition from Louise and can't wait to see how our creations have turned out after glazing and firing. Highly recommend Blended Monkey - I'd really like to come back and make more!"

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

"I'm so pleased you enjoyed your pottery experience :-). It was lovely having you both in the studios and you should both be very proud of your creations. Looking forward to seeing your work glazed - it's drying nicely and will be biscuit-fired shortly. Take care and maybe see you again sometime :-)."

20 Jul 21'

Tina & Ian Grinsell reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"What a fantastic day from start to finish. Louise met us with a warm friendly smile. We then met Harry an adorable big soft as anything Alsatian. Simon was already in the workshop, he also gave us a very warm welcome. Ian my husband has worked with wood for years and loves to make things and has a lot of knowledge. However he was very new to wood turning, I was worried he may not enjoy the day. It turns out he had a fabulous time and learnt lots of new techniques. Simon is an outstanding teacher, he has the ability to explain things in the most simple way, without making you feel silly. He also has the patience of a saint. One last thing Louise presented the most wonderful lunch just perfect for us. Highly recommend to both novice or experienced people, you will not find a better tutor. Thanks once again Simon, Louise and Harry Look forward to seeing you both again soon. X"

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

"Hi Tina & Ian, Thank you for such a lovely review - it was great to meet you both and spend the day getting covered in shavings. We're glad you both enjoyed it and, if you have any questions, please just get in touch. Kind Regards, Simon & Louise"

18 Jul 21'

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

"This was a fantastic course in a great setting. I was made welcome from the start and the level of tuition was just right and extremely good . I was given loads of tips on how to develop my wood turning, storing wood and tool care. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who is starting out in wood turning!"

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

"Hi Chris, Thank you for a lovely review. You were a model pupil and I'm glad you enjoyed the day. As ever, any questions/comments/etc. please just get in touch. Kind Regards, Simon"

12 Jul 21'

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

"I had a wonderful day on Simon's woodturning course, and have learned new skills which will enable me to develop my new found hobby. This was a birthday gift from my partner which will keep on giving for many years to come! Simon really explained everything well and pretty soon I was getting hand’s on tuition and slowly but surely building my confidence under Simon’s expert and watchful eye. Simon and Louise really looked after me well with plenty of food and refreshments during the day, and all set in lovely surroundings. I’m delighted with my projects which I was able to take home, and would strongly recommend Simon’s course to anyone wanting to try their hand at woodturning. Highly recommended !"

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

"Hi Joe, Thanks so much for a great review and we're glad you enjoyed your birthday present! As you develop the craft, please feel free to contact us if you need any help - only too happy to assist. --Simon & Louise"

12 Jul 21'

Ann Ashforth reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"We had a fantastic time at Blended Monkey, Simon and Louise both led us through our new crafts in an understandable way. They made us feel very welcome and were easy to talk to, Louise treated us to a lovely lunch too! We were very happy with the way we progressed through both sessions and are proud of what we made!! We had great fun and highly recommend them as an experience"

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

"It was great having you and Ian in the woodturning workshop and pottery studio, and it's lovely to hear that you both enjoyed your day. You have every right to be proud of what you made! I'll be in touch as soon as your beautiful ceramic pieces are ready."

10 Jul 21'

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

"The level of tuition was exactly right - clear, well explained and the right pace. I was pleased to learn so much and come away with pieces that looked good. The facilities there are good, with a good light lunch and pleasant surroundings too. I'd readily go back for more, but wondering how and where I can put kit of my own! Many thanks to both."

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

"Hi Bill, Thank you so much for a lovely review and we're glad you had a great time. If you do manage to find space, please keep in touch around your progress and shout if you have any questions or issues. -- Simon & Louise"

10 Jul 21'

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

"We decided to give each other as a Christmas present 2020, the 2 crafts in 1 day course, wood turning and pottery with Blended Monkey, managed to book it in July. I have done woodworking which is not the same as wood turning and have never done pottery, my wife had not done either. The day started on time at 10am and ended at 5pm with one hour for lunch at 1pm. Enjoyed both, good teaching in the wood turning and we both manged to produce the set piece of a honey spoon. Also, good teaching in the pottery, three styles taught hand formed, slab and wheel. The wheel is the hardest one and found the slab the easiest or more productive style. We await the outcome of our pottery efforts when they have been fired. Lunch was provided which provided a relaxation and chance to chat, with the hosts Louise and Simon. Overall, I would recommend this Blended Monkey course, regardless of skill level."

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

"Thank you for your review Ian :-). It was lovely having you and Ann in the woodturning workshop and pottery studio. You both produced some fabulous pieces and Simon and I enjoyed your company. Your pots are drying nicely and will be biscuit fired shortly. I'll let you know as soon as they are ready."

9 Jul 21'

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

"Husband and I treated ourselves to a 2 in 1 day with Blended Monkey as belated birthday presents. We had a super full day. Simon and Louise are both excellent as teachers, giving you plenty of advice and encouragement and a soupçon of constructive criticism. Neither of us had done any wood turning before and I could have happily turned my piece of wood all day but by lunchtime we had made honey dippers. The workshop is a comfortable place to work and has high quality equipment and a range of safety features. At the end of the morning we had a chance to explore the garden and meet the resident cats, fish and dog. I did pottery with Louise after lunch. Louise started off with pinch pots and we moved on through slab pots to throwing on the wheel. There was plenty of clay and lots of advice. I’m looking forward to seeing the finished pots after firing. A very full day, well worth the money just don’t wear your best clothes and cut your nails!"

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

"Thank you for your lovely review Valerie. We're really glad you enjoyed your woodturning and pottery experience and it was a pleasure to have you in the studios. It was nice to see that you'd not forgotten some of the throwing techniques you'd previously learnt, even if it had been a while since you'd thrown. Well done!"

5 Jul 21'

Louise and David reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"Absolutely fabulous! We were greeted by Simon, Louise and their dog Harry, all incredibly welcoming. As complete wood turning novices, we had no idea what to expect from the day ahead but Simon gave us a great introduction, he showed us how to use a number of wood turning tools and demonstrated techniques from which we made a pine honey dipper and a sycamore bowl each…almost all our own work!!!! Lunch was a tasty ploughmen’s - fun, friendly and relaxed day. Would thoroughly recommend."

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

"Thank you for a lovely review, Louise & David. So glad you enjoyed the day and you should be justifiably proud of your creations :)"

5 Jul 21'

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

"What a day!! I loved every second of this course! Started with hand building pinch pots, coil pots and slab, understanding techniques and tools. Went on to throwing on the wheel coning and shaping and came out with three pots. I could of spent all weekend doing this! Information that Louise gives is extremely valuable from such a talented lady. I cannot wait to see the final glazed pieces! Louise and Simon are great hosts and make you feel very welcome - this was my second trip to blended monkey after my partner and I completed a woodturning course, it was lovely to be back doing this pottery course with Louise."

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

"Sarah, it was a delight having you in the studio. Such a creative and talented young lady! I'm so pleased you enjoyed the day and the various aspects of handbuilding and throwing. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you need any more help :-)."

4 Jul 21'

Ian reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"We found Simon and Louise both very knowledgeable and accommodating, meeting my fathers specific disabilities to enable him to participate fully in the woodturning. It was great to have lunch around the farmhouse table, discussing progress with fellow pottery students too. We made a honey dibber and small bowl! We would fully recommend the day."

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

"Hi Ian, Thanks so much for a lovely review and we're glad you both enjoyed the day. Any questions in the future, please don't hesitate to get in touch."

3 Jul 21'

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

"Thank you Simon and Louise for your hospitality, chat, fabulous lunch and of course a great day of tutoring by Simon on the pleasures of making all things wooden. I came away with a lot of advice and pointers. What a wonderful surround and setup!! No hesitation in recommending Blended Monkey Go on, give it a go, you won’t regret it. ??"

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

"Hi Stuart. Thank you so much for a lovely review. You were a pleasure to teach and I hope you take up the craft; any help you need, please just shout. -- Simon"

1 Jul 21'

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

"Did the half day pottery experience. Excellent tuition and thoroughly enjoyable. Would totally recommend doing the Full day course as time just flies by when you're having such fun !!"

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

"Thank you for your lovely review Michelle. It was great to meet you and you took to throwing very quickly! You made some beautiful pieces and I'll let you know when they're fresh from the kiln :-)."

30 Jun 21'

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

"Simon and Louise gave me a very warm welcome when I arrived and what followed was a wonderful day of woodturning! Simon is a brilliant teacher - informative, inspiring, patient and helpful. I felt at home throughout the day and whenever I had questions or needed advice, Simon was there to help. Like all great teachers Simon stood back and let me get on with it, but always with his watchful eye to make sure I used the tools and techniques correctly. Drinks, snacks and a lovely lunch in the dappled shade of the garden added to the day and in the end I'd managed to make a honey scoop and sycamore bowl, much to my delight and my wife's astonishment! If you're thinking of trying your hand at woodturning, look no further than Simon at Blended Monkey - I can't recommend it highly enough!"

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

"Many thanks for a lovely review, Peter. You were a pleasure to teach and we hope that you continue with the craft; don't hesitate to get in touch if you need more information and help. Simon & Louise"

28 Jun 21'

Sarah Mortimer reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"What a fantastic day! We learnt two new skills in one day and loved both. Simon and Louise are very welcoming and very patient in their teaching; instructions were easy to follow and very helpful and all aspects of health and safety were very clear. We also had a very tasty lunch. Both crafts were extremely enjoyable and very satisfying; it is lovely to come away with something we made (and a certificate!) Our honey dibbers are beautiful and have already been shown off to friends and family and we are looking forward to seeing out pottery after it is fired and glazed. We would (and already have) recommend this craft day - we had a lot of fun and are proud of our achievements. Thank you Simon and Louise."

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

"Hi guys, We are really pleased that you had a good time! You both made some lovely woodturned dibbers and ceramic pieces - which are drying nicely. We enjoyed your company and having you in the studios too :-). Well done - you should both be very proud of your work!"

25 Jun 21'

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

"A excellent and very informative day for me as a complete novice to woodturning, Simon is a very good tutor and the workshop environment he has set up is first class, I came away with a far better understanding of what to do and what not to do, very happy. Louise put on a lovely lunch which was greatly appreciated and the tea kept coming just when you needed it, all in all, a great day and one I would recommend to anyone interested in getting into woodturning. Thank you Simon and Louise."

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

"Thanks, Rob, for a great review and we're so pleased you enjoyed your day. Let us know how you get on and do get in touch with any questions or queries - happy to help! Simon & Louise"

23 Jun 21'

Jane and Pete reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"We both had a great time and really enjoyed our pottery session with Louise. Such a warm welcome and a no-pressure relaxed atmosphere made our afternoon informative, productive and fun. The way I was taught at school was nothing like the way Louise explained the techniques - no endless 'wedging' in order to get the clay workable and no soggy lumps of clay sliding all over the wheel and refusing to stay central. Everything was prepared for us and we were ready to start potting within minutes of our arrival - and all this with tea/coffee and biscuits. Perfect! Thank you so much Louise and looking forward to seeing our 'masterpieces'!"

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

"Guys, I'm so happy you enjoyed your pottery session :-). It was a delight to have you in the studio and good to hear that you took so much away from the half-day session. I always say to my students that it's amazing how much you can do in three hours :-). Your pots have dried nicely and will be biscuit-fired this week. I'll let you know when they've been glazed. Thanks for the lovely review!"

21 Jun 21'

Philip Butcher reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Simon’s woodturning course was a Christmas gift from my children and was something I had always wanted to do. Both Simon and Louise make you feel very welcome. Along with Simon’s guidance and teaching skills for beginners and Louise’s hospitality ( plenty of drinks and a lovely lunch ) they make for a fantastic team. If anyone is thinking of doing something like this I couldn’t think of a better place to start. I am looking forward to doing the Intermediate course in the future."

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

"Hi Phil, Thank you so much for a lovely review and Louise and I are glad you had such a good time. Once I have an intermediate course plan written, I'll get in touch. In the meantime, any questions, please drop me a line and I'm only too pleased to help. -- Simon"

21 Jun 21'

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

"I had a fantastic day woodturning with Simon. He was an excellent and patient teacher and I would recommend him highly to anybody who wants to learn the craft! Louise was lovely and accomodating too and next time I would love to try pottery with her! The lunch was also lovely. Thanks guys! 5 stars!"

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

"Thanks, Miles. I had a great day teaching you too! You were a very attentive and interested pupil and I'm glad you found it enjoyable and interesting. -- Simon"

14 Jun 21'

Sarah McQuillan reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"Unbelievably happy with this craft day. Simon and Louise are so welcoming and knowledgeable. Really fantastic teachers I learned new things and left with some lovely crafts I can feel proud of."

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

"Thank you for the lovely review Sarah. It was great to have you and Becca in the studios :-). Really pleased you enjoyed your crafty experience - you both made some lovely pieces that you can definitely be proud of. Your ceramics pieces are drying nicely & I'll let you know when they've been glazed."

7 Jun 21'

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

"I have done some woodturning for several years but am self-taught and never had 1-2-1 instruction, consequently my technique leaves a lot to be desired! I saw this 1-day course, a birthday present from my wife, as an ideal opportunity to do something about this. From the moment I arrived Simon and Louise made me most welcome and the whole day was delightful. Simon is an inspirational teacher and as well as helping me to improve my basic skills he suggested lots of ideas for extending the range of projects I could consider in the future. I also learnt a great deal about the way Simon has organised his workshop and enjoyed chatting about many different aspects of this fascinating craft. Louise provided frequent cups of tea and a lovely lunch which greatly added to the enjoyment of the day. I can thoroughly recommend spending a day with Simon whether you are an absolute beginner or more experienced."

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

"Chris, Thank you so much for your lovely comments. You were a model student - made one of the best beads I've seen! I look forward to seeing more of your work in the future and catching up when you next visit the Ely Crafts market. All the best, Simon"