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

6 Jun 21'

Steven keen reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"The course is a wonderful introduction into a new skill. Simon has a very relaxed style of teaching that puts you at ease straight away. His enthusiasm and passion to help you achieve a wonderful bowl is second to none. I must also thank Louise for a wonderful farm house lunch. I am definitely looking forward to another session with Simon"

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

"Hi Steve, Thanks for the review and we look forward to seeing you again soon when you can show off your new skills - because you will have practiced day and night? ?? Seriously, you were a joy to teach and a lovely host and we look forward to your next visit. Kind Regards, Simon & Louise"

1 Jun 21'

Tony Goldsmith reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"The day was a Christmas present from my wife. I had done some woodturning at school, some 45 years ago, but remembered none of it. The workshop Simon has is lovely and the set up great. Simon is a really good teacher, explains things very clearly and patiently and lets you try things for yourself. I found the day flew by and the turning was very therapeutic. I came away with 2 really pleasing bits of work, and the bug. I will definitely do more woodturning. As I said above, the workshop was really nice. It is well kept and safety is obviously a high priority for Simon. He provided all the gear you needed and had excellent ventilation systems. There is nothing I could fault by the day. Louise provided a lovely lunch to round off a perfect day. I thoroughly recommend this course."

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

"Hi Tony, Thanks for a great review :) I hope the course inspired you to take up the craft and, if you need any more help, please get in touch. If you get fed up with the Tesla, I'll happily take it off your hands.... :) All the best, Simon"

31 May 21'

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

"A brilliant day out! Super friendly unbelievably enthusiastic and positive with fantastic knowledge! Would recommend it to anyone."

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

"Hi Pat, So pleased you enjoyed your half-day ceramics workshop :-). You did really well at the wheel! I'll let you know when your pieces are ready and I've remembered to put your "makers mark" in all of them too ;-). Thanks again for the great review!"

24 May 21'

oliver stovin reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"This was a birthday present , delayed by Covid. Everything about the course was excellent. The communications before hand, the environment and work shop, the lunch but especially the hands on side of it and the pieces I made. I have inherited a lathe and tools and was keen to start learning how to use them. Incredibly practical and useful as well as relaxing and the time flew by. I know you can do a day split between pottery and woodturning, as a fun day i think that would be really good fun too. I can't wait to get turning myself The whole thing beats anything you could get from a book or youtube hands down Simon was a great teacher and gave the right balance of help and being left to get on with it. Thanks Oliver"

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

"Hi Oliver, Thank you for such a lovely review - you were a pleasure to meet, teach and converse with! I'm glad the day worked out well and you should be proud of your creations. I hope you persevere with the craft and, if you need any help, please do get in touch. -- Simon"

23 May 21'

Phillip Leverett reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"A day to savour. Simon introduced me to lathe and tools and we quickly began to get hands on, looking at techniques and learning do's and dont's. A lovely lunch broke up the session and I was very happy with the honey dipper and the bowl which I had produced by the end of the day."

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

"Phil, we're so pleased you enjoyed your 1-2-1 woodturning experience. It was a pleasure to have you in the workshop, and don't hesitate to contact us if you need more info when you're setting up your own workshop. The figuring in and the shape of your bowl is lovely, and thank you for the photo you sent to us showing how you're putting it to good use :-)."

22 May 21'

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

"Fantastic time with Simon who is a great tutor. Really please with the bowl I made. I never felt rushed and he took time to make sure I produced something to be proud of. Lunch was really good and complimented the feel good day. Just what I needed. Wishing Simon and Louise all the best. The follow up notes and photos of the day were a great reminder to share with friends and family."

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

"Hi Julian, We're really pleased you enjoyed your 1-2-1 woodturning workshop with us here at Blended Monkey. You made a fabulous bowl! Hopefully the notes will be useful if you decide to take up the craft. Don't hesitate to contact us if you need any help with equipment, setting up etc.."

21 May 21'

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

"We really enjoyed the day (2 crafts in 1 day) and had a lot of fun with wood turning in the morning followed by pottery in the afternoon. Simon and Louise were knowledgable and talented hosts who provided a relaxing creative atmosphere. Their teaching style was excellent and allowed us both to develop our new-found skills into creating some freestyle pieces. Thank you very much for a very enjoyable day"

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

"Guys, thank you for the lovely review. It was a pleasure having you in the studios. We're also pleased that you found the experience to be relaxing and creative. After teaching the basics, we do try to give our students the space to add their own personalities to their work whilst ensuring we're always ready to step in when you need us. Again, thanks for the lovely review :-)."

20 May 21'

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

"I attended a two day pottery class with a friend... without doubt the mostly relaxing activity i have ever participated in, I left feeling completely relaxed. Louise pitched the class perfectly, a great mix of activity and pace; leaving us time to really enjoy getting to grips with the clay. I am seriously thinking of attending a class on a frequent basis... i honestly feel the activity helped eliminate stress (you can't play with clay and read emails! :)."

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

"Hi Louise, So glad you enjoyed your 2-day pottery workshop :-). It was great having you and Charlotte in the studio and I'm soooo pleased you found it relaxing. You both made some really beautiful pieces - and your big coil pot has caught the eye of other students too! Anything these days to get us off our mobile phones and get our brains focused on creativity is a good thing :-). Looking forward to you returning to do your glazing."

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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 :-)."