Blended Monkey reviews

Claire & Jeremy Clarke reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery/ceramics workshop

"We had a great time on the pottery afternoon with Louise. We wanted to do something different together as an activity and as we had enjoyed Pottery Throw Down we thought let's have a go! We really enjoyed the whole experience, Louise was a great instructor and we laughed lots and also felt proud of what we managed to achieve. We will be going back sometime to have more time on the wheel and see if we can 'master' that. We highly recommend this experience"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Guys, thank you for your lovely review! It was a pleasure and really good fun having you in the ceramics studio. You both made some really cool pieces (particularly like the musical vases Claire) and, well, it has to be said, but Jeremy you did take very well to the throwing element :-). Would be a pleasure to have you back and we're so glad you enjoyed your experience with clay."

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

"I was very pleased to be on this course, having really nil knowledge of the craft. I was made very welcome on arrival and was swiftly installed in the craft shed. Where do you start as a teacher in such a craft? Simon patiently explained about the lathes, tools and wood characteristics. Important aspects to help my understanding about carving, and the effects of the shaping and hollowing tools. Simon is -fortunately for me- patient. I know in his position I would be wanting to step in and correct the clumsy pupil, but full marks to him, the guiding hands are nearby to assist hand direction, posture and tool angles-not forgetting the bevel-leaving the carver with the illusion that he is not totally inept! I had an enjoyable day intermittently refreshed with coffees and biscuits..and at halfway point a well laid out and prepared extensive ploughman's lunch. There is a lot to learn and no pun intended....I know we only had time to scratch the surface in carving knowledge. I know the next step is to get the gear, so I'm expecting to be back some time once I've had a lot more (behind closed door) practice ."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi John, So pleased you enjoyed the day. Do reach out if you have any questions or need any further help. I look forward to seeing you again in the future. — Simon"

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

"What a wonderful day! Started with wood turning with Simon and spent a lovely morning on the lathe and even managed to make a beautiful honey dibber. The afternoon was spent experiencing 3 different types of pottery, free form, slab and using the wheel. I surprised myself! Spending time in the wonderful surroundings with very patient and passionate people was a joy. I would thoroughly recommend this experience! "

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Debs (& Phil), So glad you enjoyed the experience - it was lovely meeting you both - and thank you for the recommendation. — Simon & Louise"

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

"My husband booked this for us for a surprise for our anniversary and I was not disappointed. We did the wood turning first which was well explained and we got to take home our honey dibber creations. We then had lunch in the kitchen which was delicious. The afternoon was a mixture of pinch pots, slab building and using the wheel. It was fun and in a couple of weeks we will see our creations when they will be posted back to us. We would recommend this course as Simon and Louise were wonderful tutors and explained all of the elements before we got hands on. 5 stars"

Jeremy Shaw reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"What a great wood turning course! Did a day 1-2-1 with Simon, and learnt a huge amount. The two projects went very well, and I got an immense sense of achievement. Simon is a really nice guy and excellent teacher, and it all felt nice and relaxed, but motivational. Now to acquire my own lathe, and put the learnings into practice! Thanks Simon! "

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Jeremy, Thank you for a lovely review and glad that you're on your way to taking up the craft. -- Simon"

Andrew Pollard reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"Simon is an excellent tutor. He has found a great balance of teaching and humour. I would definitely recommend anyone who is interested in wood turning in attending his course."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Andrew, Thank you for taking the time to write this review and I wish you all the best in your woodturning endeavours in the future. -- Simon"

Dee and Ryan reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"We had a really great day learning to turn a bowl and honey stick with Simon, on a pairs wood turning experience. Such a beautiful setting and welcoming home! We both had a little previous knowledge but really wasn't needed. Simon is a brilliant teacher and was happy to talk us through everything and answer all of our questions. We both felt confident and very relaxed, to just be able to enjoy the process. Would highly recommend! Was lovely meeting you both and will hopefully return soon to learn more! "

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Dee & Ryan, It was lovely welcoming you both to my workshop and so glad you enjoyed the experience. Do get in touch if you have any further questions or would like to know more. -- Simon"

Dean Jarrett reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"What a great day! I finally pinned myself down to a day to do the course I was purchased as a present last Christmas. I had a great day learning the basics of something I have wanted to do for over 40 years. Simon was very patient, as was Henry, and the keepsakes now have pride of place in our house. Lunch and refreshments were more than expected. Would recommend the course and experience wholeheartedly!!"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Dean, Thank you for a lovely review and so glad that you enjoyed your experience and have something to show for it. Do get in touch if you need more advice or assistance. -- Simon"

Gisela & Charlise reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery/ceramics workshop

"My daughter and I attended a beginner's pottery workshop and loved every moment of it! The atmosphere was very relaxed and Louise was very patient and brilliant at explaining everything step-by-step while learning a new skill. Louise is very encouraging, creative and supportive and we would recommend this experience to all! Many thanks again Louise :-) "

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

"Had a fantastic half day - pinch pots, slab work and some time throwing on the wheel - It was great fun, Louise was a fantastic host/tutor and we can't wait to see the results of our endeavours!"

Mark Swanson reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"I’ve always wanted to do woodturning and finally got round to it. Couldn’t have asked for a better tutor than Simon. So much more to it than I imagined but Simon instilled confidence through his knowledge and guidance. If you’ve never done it before don’t worry, you will be in good hands. Do it!"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Mark, Nice to have you (and Gary, of course!) in the workshop. Please do get in touch if you need any help in the future. —Simon"

Monika reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs pottery/ceramics workshop

"I did a beginners all day workshop and then because it was so much fun I also did a half day throwing workshop. I loved both of them, Louise is a great teacher, and there is a lovely relaxed atmosphere (and lots of biscuits and tea), and she’s very flexible in what you can make. The pots and vases turned out very well and love the glazes that she put on as per our wishes. Super fun, would definitely recommend!"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Monika. It was a pleasure having you and your daughters here to learn handbuilding and throwing techniques. You all created some beautiful pieces and I'm really pleased you like the glazed results. Nice to hear you've already used one of your bowls for your breakfast this morning too :-). "

Mike Bucknor reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 pottery throwing workshop for 1 person

"It was a good introduction to the techniques of throwing pottery which I enjoyed immensely. I had a good teacher in Louise who was very positive. I came away relaxed and looking forward to seeing my glazed results. If, like myself, you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at throwing clay, this is a really good starter. I would recommend the course. "

Blended Monkey responded:

"It was lovely having you in the ceramics studio Michael. For someone who had never thrown before you did really well! I always try to put people at ease as I want students to have a chilled, creative time here - and I'm glad you came away relaxed :-). Thanks for the lovely review. "

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

"Thank you so much, Louise, for the 1-2-1 pottery workshop. It was so relaxing - learning a new craft from you, with your great playlist playing. I am really looking forward to seeing my finished pots. Hopefully next time I will be more successful on the wheel!"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Ann, you made some beautiful pieces. I think you found the handbuilding to be a creative medium that you connected with, and your slab vases really show that :-). Shame you didn't get as much time on the wheel; but maybe we'll see you again in the future. Thank you for your lovely 5-star review."

James Donaldson reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"A great experience. Simon very clearly explains the key wood turning techniques. Instilling confidence. The summary booklet is an added bonus."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi James, Thank you for the positive review. —Simon"

Alison Gascoigne reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery throwing workshop

"This was such a fun afternoon. Louise explained everything very clearly over coffee and biscuits, and then let us loose on the wheels to have a go ourselves. I think it's fair to say that my cylinders were not very cylindrical, but my bowls got better and by the end of the afternoon I was feeling quite pleased with myself. And even if my bowls had been completely rubbish, it would still have been great fun :-)"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Thanks for your fab review Alison. It was great having you and Pam in the ceramics studio learning all about throwing on the wheel. You should both feel very pleased with your results - most people don't end up with cylinders, so don't worry :-). Thanks again! "

V D reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs pottery/ceramics workshop

"Did the course with Louise, with a friend. We both thoroughly enjoyed it, and were delighted with what we made! She's a great and gentle teacher and I think anyone would enjoy this, if you want to explore your creative side. "

Blended Monkey responded:

"Was great fun having you guys in the pottery studio and thank you for your 5-star review. You both made some really nice pieces and I'm sure you'll like the glazed results. Glad you enjoyed your time here in the Blended Monkey pottery studio :-)."

Kevin Ouughton reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Simon made the day very enjoyable. He was very easy to learn from and packed a lot of content into the day. I will be booking again in the future. "

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Kevin, Glad you found the day useful and enjoyable. Look forward to seeing you again. -- Simon"

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

"Fantastic afternoon. 1-1 my first introduction to using clay and Louise was very patient and clear. She is an experienced gentle teacher who guided my learning brilliantly. I am looking forward to seeing the pots we made fired and glazed. "

Martin Sims reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Thank you to Simon at Blended Monkey for a fantastic day being introduced to the delights of wood turning. If you have been wondering what wood turning might be like, then I urge you to reach out to Blended Monkey - Simon's patience, direction and encouragement was the best way to experience wood turning for the first time. I ended the day with a fantastic sycamore bowl - something to remember the day and inspire further wood turning efforts. Thanks again Simon - likely to be in touch soon to learn more about the craft. Ride the bevel and keep those tools sharp :)"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Martin, Thank you for your (very prompt!) review. So glad you enjoyed your day. Your notes will be with you shortly and, if you have any questions or suggestions, please get in touch. -- Simon"

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

"Well! I had such a lovely day. Very relaxed and just lots of scope to develop and stretch ideas. Super teaching with really positive feedback making you feel like you can achieve anything! I still have lots of scope for achieving though …may have to come back a few times for throwing practice. Would thoroughly recommend the 1-2-1 day … and have been boring anyone who’ll listen to me about what a thoroughly brilliant experience it is. "

Blended Monkey responded:

"Wendy, it was lovely to have you in the studio and I'm really pleased that you enjoyed your ceramics experience. I'm glad you felt you had the room to expand your own ideas (that's exactly what I like to encourage :-)). Would be happy to have you back for a throwing-only session. Take care and thanks for the lovely review! "

Sue Casey reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs woodturning workshop

"Had a fantastic morning on the pairs woodworking course. Simon was really helpful and struck the right balance between demonstrating and letting us have a try. So pleased to actually come away with a finished item. We would love to come back for another go. "

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Sue, You're welcome back any time - so glad you enjoyed the session. -- Simon"

Jonas Rohnke reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I've had a great time doing the half-day woodturning workshop with Simon, thank you very much for this experience! I have never done any woodturning before and Simon managed to give me a great overview of the tools, techniques and philosophy behind it and I even managed to take a piece home with me at the end of the day. I highly recommend this course to anyone, it's very easy to get started and I couldn't imagine anyone better suited than Simon to get you excited about it! "

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Jonas, You're most welcome! So glad you enjoyed your day - it makes doing what I do worthwhile. :) -- Simon"

Greg Scott reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Thank you Blended Monkey for a brilliant day's woodturning. If you're interested in having a go at woodturning and getting a crash course in the basics, you will not do better than this. Simon's tuition was excellent, allowing me plenty of hands-on time at the lathe, whilst also intervening when necessary to ensure I didn't ruin my projects! I came away with 2 lovely creations (honey dipper and bowl), a set of photos which Simon took during the day, and a great set of pdf notes (provided by Simon) covering pretty much all we'd done during the day. Simon and Louise are very friendly hosts, so I enjoyed chatting throughout the day, and over lunch / refreshments, which were also great. Thank you!"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Thanks for the lovely review, Greg. So pleased you had a great day. Do get in touch if you need any further help with setting up, etc.. -- Simon"

Rhoda reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs woodturning workshop

"We spent a very enjoyable morning attending a beginners' wood-turning workshop. Simon is a great teacher and was very encouraging. Many thanks!"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Thanks, Rhoda. It was great to have you both. Any questions or queries, so get in touch. -- Simon"