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

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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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!"

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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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!"