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

Charlie reviewed: Intermediate 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I had been turning for around 8 months and all self taught. I realised I needed advice on tool presentation and technique. I also wanted advice on tool sharpening. Simon was excellent at giving me this advice and confidence. The day was first class. I felt very much at ease. Simon tailored the day to best suit me. We chatted a lot and the lunch was very nice. Lots of cups of tea. Thank you Simon and Louise. It is something that I will definitely consider doing again with Simon. I would absolutely recommend this course for any novice wood turner. "

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

"Hi Charlie, Thanks for the nice review; I enjoyed the day too :) I look forward to seeing you again soon - happy turning! — Simon"

Peter & Karen Forrester reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"We had a wonderful day and thoroughly enjoyed this introduction to woodturning. Simon is a brilliant teacher and passed on a great deal of his undoubted expertise and experience during the day. A most enjoyable lunch included too! We would highly recommend this course and look forward to attending the intermediate course in the not too distant future."

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

"Hi Karen & Peter, Really glad you enjoyed the day and look forward to seeing you again soon. -- Simon"

Karen reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"Absolutely fabulous day with Simon learning woodturning. Simon was a very patient teacher and was able to teach my husband and I the basics of woodturning despite our very different levels of confidence and ability. Thoroughly recommend and we will definitely be attending an intermediate session once we have had a chance to practice our new skills."

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

"Hi Karen, Thank you for your (independent!) review - most kind. Look forward to seeing you both again soon. -- Simon"

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

"I am in a dilemma as to where to direct my praise and appreciation first as I was fortunate enough to have been gifted this experience day by my beautiful partner Kelly for Christmas, but then the day itself was made special by Simon (although I think Louise may have made the lovely lunch). Instantly upon arrival I was made to feel welcome and at ease with a cuppa as the formalities were completed. The course itself consisted of two projects with an initial piece of work that helped you understand the basic fundamentals to complete the projects. The tuition was very well pitched and Simon is assured enough of his teaching ability to set you up on a task and leave you to work whilst he undertakes other activities around the workshop. I was very pleased with the outcome of both my projects and there was never any feeling of time pressure or personal inability. The workshop is nicely proportioned for 1-2-1 tuition and the equipment is in very good condition. Plenty of offers of drinks throughout the day, which seemed to fly by and a lovely lunch. Highly recommended course, excellent tuition from someone who genuinely makes you feel welcome and comfortable as well as giving the right amount of assistance without either neglecting you or being overbearing. As well as taking away your projects, there were course notes provided and even a certificate! Thanks for a great day! Chris"

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

"Hi Chris, I'm glad the day left an impression on you - it's what we do it for! I do hope you pursue the craft and do get in touch if you need more help or guidance. -- Simon"

Michael Hawes reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Such an enjoyable day -as a novice it didn’t feel at all intimidating, but friendly, relaxed and really informative. I made a couple of great pieces as well. Thanks, Simon. I’ll be back for the half day tool sharpening course! "

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

"Hi Michael, So pleased you enjoyed the session and look forward to seeing you again soon! — Simon "

Amanda Compton-Cook reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"Fantastic, absorbing pottery day - I loved it. To go at my own pace, explore techniques and learn from such a truly lovely teacher was a wonderful experience. Thank you so much Louise for such a brilliant hands on day. I recommend Blended Monkey completely. "

Richard Garbett reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Great experience! Loved it! Learnt so much from Simon and managed to make a great little mushroom! Thoroughly recommend this course for anyone looking to bring out that inner creativity! Thanks very much!!! Hopefully I’ll be back sometime!"

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

"Hi Richard, Thank you for your review and so glad you enjoyed the experience. Please get in touch if you’d like any help or advice. — Simon"

Edd M reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"What an excellent day! Simon was fantastic, top bloke to chat to, made you feel comfortable and really knows his stuff. The environment was perfect, nice and warm, lots of teas and that lovely wood shop smell. The wood turning was so much fun, Simon shows you all the techniques whilst giving you enough space to try it for yourself and get a feel for it. Amazing day, I will be back for another lesson for sure."

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

"Hi Edd, So glad you enjoyed the session. Look forward to seeing you again soon! — Simon"

Cat Roscoe reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"My daughter and I have done a few classes with Blended Monkey now. Louise’s amazing, a great teacher and we make some lovely things every time. She is also great with my daughter who is very shy. Thanks for all the great classes! "

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

"Lovely to see you guys again! I'm really pleased you enjoyed your pottery session and thank you for the lovely review :-). See you again soon x"

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

"Thanks Louise for being very patient with me on the wheel. It was good to have a 'go' and make an attempt at throwing some bowls. Looking forward to seeing finished items.. (I think!)"

Mark and Sue reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery throwing workshop

"Thanks for a great morning Louise. Two novice's on the wheel and we learned a lot in a short time Loved every minute and would definitely recommend it to anyone. Looking forward to picking up the pots in a few weeks. "

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

"It was a pleasure! You seem to have picked up the throwing bug pretty quickly. You made some fab thrown pieces and I'm sure they'll look amazing glazed too. Glad you enjoyed your time here in the Blended Monkey ceramics studio. Thank you for the nice review too :-)."

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

"My wife booked the half day wood turning course for me as a Christmas present. I thoroughly enjoyed my time and Simon's teaching meant I was able to produce something I was proud of. Would definitely recommend for anyone who has an interest or wants to learn a new skill. "

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

"Hi Steve, So glad you enjoyed the experience. If you decide to make it a hobby, do get in touch if you need more guidance - happy to help. — Simon"

Colin Kemp reviewed: Intermediate 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I felt I was not ready for an Intermediate One Day 1 to 1 Woodturning Course when my wife bought it for me, but I am very glad to have attended the course. From the outset, Simon put me at ease as we discussed woodturning in general, as well as my own experience and concerns, in particular. Simon informed me what we could do throughout the day, and we did. Simon has a good training environment and setup in his workshop which assisted me to draw the maximum from the day. He is an extremely capable trainer, with a great deal of woodturning experience and knowledge, who instructed me in a relaxed professional manner. He passed on both guidance and tips, including to stand even closer to the lathe and have the rest even closer to the wood, to good effect. He encouraged me to take away all that I had learned and put it into practice, which I intend to do. I very highly recommend this course to all woodturners who wish to improve their skills and knowledge, whilst drawing on the experience and guidance of a very capable professional and woodturning instructor. I look forward to attending another course run by Simon, in due course. "

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

"Hi Colin, Thanks for a lovely review; I’m so glad you enjoyed the session. Do get in touch if you have any questions or would like to take it further. — Simon"

Tracey Reynolds reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery throwing workshop

"After watching the Great pottery throw down we thought we’d like to have a go but never got round to it. However we found Blended Monkey after my partner, 54, suffered a stroke and thought it would be a great way to have some fun alongside rehabilitation with their expertise with working with stroke survivors. Louise is amazing, welcoming, patient and encouraging. Great tuition as we were complete novices. We had a wonderful afternoon, full of laughter, plenty of tea and biscuits. We won’t win any prizes for our efforts but thoroughly enjoyed having a go. Can’t recommend highly enough and thank Louise for a brilliant time. "

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

"It was fab having you guys in the ceramics studio. I'm really pleased you both enjoyed your session and that you found it fun as well as creative. It's never a chore to have nice people like you guys in the studio :-). Thanks for the lovely review!"

Michael Hickford reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"What a fun morning. The beginners half day workshop was brilliant. As a complete novice with no tools or equipment, I was a little apprehensive, but Simon quickly put me at ease and the 3 hours flew by. Tuition was top rate allowing a lot of hands on experience at your own pace. Added bonus of not having to waste time taking notes as they were all sent out by email after the day so you had lots of time to get stuck in. Simon obviously knows his trade and his enthusiasm is infectious. Very friendly and engaging. Now off to get equipped so I can practice and then book up further courses, such as how to sharpen tools. It's incredible how much difference a properly sharpened gouge delivers. Thank you so much. "

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

"Hi Mike, So glad you enjoyed the session and that it has spurred you on to get stuck in to the craft. I look forward to seeing you again soon. — Simon"

Charlotte and Paul reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery throwing workshop

"We thoroughly enjoyed our morning’s throwing lesson. Louise was an outstanding teacher, knowledgeable and talented. This was for my partner’s birthday, and he really loved the experience, and now wants to be a potter! We both managed to produce pieces worth firing, which we weren’t really expecting and my partner was brilliant and made 4 bowls! We are returning to decorate the pieces ourselves so that they are all ours 🥰 Thank you so much Louise "

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

"I'm so pleased you guys enjoyed your throwing experience. Paul seemed to be quite taken with the craft and was totally immersed! Well done to both of you ... and thank you so much for the lovely review! "

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

"Wonderful day with Louise. Great experience would highly recommend, hand building in the morning, lovely lunch then on wheel in the afternoon "

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

"Thank you for your lovely review Zoe. It was fun having you in the studio and although you don't think it, you did make some lovely pieces :-)."

Deborah Drewery reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"A most enjoyable experience. I was made to feel welcome and comfortable throughout the whole experience. This is not something I have ever done before, but thoroughly enjoyed the time spent learning what to do and how to use the different tools, and then making my own little gift to take home with me, which has pride of place on my Welsh dresser, along with the test piece used to learn how to work with the tools."

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

"Hi Debbie, Really glad you enjoyed your experience; do get in touch if you'd like to learn more or try pottery - it was great to have you here. -- Simon"

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

"I enjoyed it a lot, it was so much fun making a bowl with Simon and I’m excited for my next woodturning session. William - Aged 10."

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

"Hi Will, Thanks for the nice review - so glad you enjoyed your session. That bowl is lovely - well done! —Simon"

SImon & Helena Hart reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our 1/2 day instruction and the actual making of our labour's, both our first time at making Pottery. Louise made it simple, instructive and fun (as well as Coffee, Tea and Biscuits). We are both very pleased with the results, we would highly recommend for all."

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

"It was a joy having you guys in the Blended Monkey pottery studio. You both rose to the challenge and created some lovely pieces! Thank you so much for your lovely review too :-). And we're glad you enjoyed staying in our Crafter's Retreat cabin too."

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

"A fantastic morning, learning the basics of wood turning. I was bought it as a gift (I had no idea before I arrived). It brought back fond memories of turning at school (that ages me🤣) Simon made the mornings lesson something I will never forget, he is so understanding, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about turning and all things to do with turning! He took me through all the safety of the machines & tools I would be using. He got me turning quite quickly on a pice of wood to practice different techniques needed for each turning tool and after some mistakes I went on to turn a mushroom out of a piece of pine. He also got me to sand it smooth, seal it and polish it. I loved the class so much I have been looking at getting my own wood turning lathe. I would recommend this course to anyone (you don’t need to be big and strong to be able to turn just have comfy foot ware and be able to stand in one place for a while). Overall a fantastic morning (he even provided me with great gluten free biscuits🤗)"

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

"Hi Paul, It was great fun teaching you - you're a very able student and will make a fine turner. Do shout if you need any further advice or help. -- Simon"

Lynn & Paul reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"Excellent course, never laughed so much at my pathetic attempts on the wheel ! I’m clearly not destined to be a potter, my husband on the other hand was heading for a full dinner service set! Great host, clear explanations, knowledgeable tutor. Highly recommend this course."

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

"I'm so pleased you guys enjoyed your pottery session - it was a good laugh too :-). You both made some lovely pieces and I'm looking forward to seeing them glazed and fired. Thank you for your lovely review!"

Gill reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs woodturning workshop

"We spent an excellent morning woodturning with Simon who has so much knowledge to share. He's an experienced teacher and we both came away with finished items - impressive! We wholeheartedly recommend his workshop to anyone interested in woodturning - fun and informative."

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

"Hi Gill (& Tony), Thanks for a lovely review and so glad you enjoyed your experience; do get in touch if you need more help or advice. -- Simon"

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

"Readers - do not hesitate! Louise is a wonderful tutor, (complete with a relaxing background audio playlist!) willing and able to share her ceramics skills in a clean and welcoming atmosphere. A few pottery failures (too tall, too wide, too thin... oops!) going into the recycling tub, but with lessons learned, six classy pieces achieved from my own hands with Louise's guidance and encouragement. A fine lunch included, shared with Simon and his trainee allowed for free conversation and shared experiences. The peaceful concentration achieved throughout the day helped make this course one of the best learning/doing days of my life - using a sensual material that transforms from lump to artwork before your very eyes. Slab, coil, and finally to the wheel - where subtle skills are learned to centre, spread, and raise the clay to form stable sides of dish or pot. Thank you Louise for your friendly tutoring, light touch, and plenty of tea! A brilliant day - can't wait to see my pieces fired and glazed, each to my choice of colours."

Terry Mitchell & Moira Mathers reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"Absolutely brilliant day! Thoroughly enjoyed it. Louise and Simon are a fantastic couple who are passionate about what they do. Highly recommend a pottery day!"

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

"Well it was lovely having you guys in the studio! You and Moira are lovely people and much more creative than you think! Thank you for the lovely review x"