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

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

"Great morning learning woodworking practices. I realise I have a lot to learn and feel inspired to explore classes nearer to me. I would love to come back for a whole day’s tuition but am delighted with the oak salt spoon we made today. Thank you Simon."

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

"Hi Roz, So glad you enjoyed the session and, even though we had some hiccups 😀, you made a lovely piece in the end. I look forward to seeing you again, perhaps with your own tools (?) and we can do a sharpening session followed by a bowl. — Simon"

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

"This course is well worth the price. A relaxed, insightful experience learning the art of wood turning. Simon was very welcoming and it was really interesting learning from a well experienced wood turner. I would definitely recommend this course starting as a beginner to fast track yourself to creating some great pieces. Thank you Simon. "

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

"Hi Ed, Thank you so much for your review and recommendation - means a lot! Any questions you have, please don't hesitate to get in touch. --Simon"

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

"Very enjoyable, and very informative. It gave me really good experience and a great understanding of wood, as wood was a relatively new material for me, I normally work with 3d printers. Simon, my instructor, was very friendly, much more knowledgeable than what is taught in this course, so any questions I had, Simon could answer, and was open for ideas to make the outcome as best as possible. I received this course as a gift, and before the course I was was concerned if I would be strong enough to mill the wood using the lathe. Turns out it doesn't require any strength, and it was harder to be gentle than it is to mill it, which surprised me. Also, you don't have to be a geek like me to apply any of the techniques, to get you started, there are 2-3 simple rules, if you apply them, you can make things. Although at the start, watching Simon, made it look almost too easy :D but my hands got used to making curves after an hour I think. Most of the course is doing practical work, which made it a joy. Thanks to Blended Monkey team, it was a memorable experience, which probably will just be the start of my woodworking hobby :) Hope to see you again. Kindest Regards, Egemen"

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

"Hey Egemen, So glad you enjoyed the day and got something out of it. If you need any more information, etc. don’t hesitate to get in touch. — Simon"

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

"Fantastic! Simon made me feel at ease. He has a wealth of knowledge. I gained a lot from the 1:1 session and looking forward to the next! Definitely recommend. "

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

"Hi there, Thanks for the review and look forward to seeing you again soon! 😊 — Simon"

Janine Collier reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery throwing workshop

"Absolutely fantastic! Really friendly, relaxed, enjoyable course. I’ve done one before and this was by far the best! Thank you :-)"

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

"Hi Janine, Really pleased you enjoyed the throwing workshop - and so pleased you found it to be the best you've attended - thank you for that! :-)"

Heather Robinson reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I had a Fab day yesterday, Simon and Louise were very welcoming. I enjoyed my wood turning experience, Simon was very patient and has given me the confidence to try using my lathe again. Plenty of tea and biscuits and a yummy lunch made the day even better. Thank you for all the knowledge you passed on, much appreciated. "

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

"Hi Heather, So glad you enjoyed the day. Do get in touch if you need further advice or would like to attend my sharpening course. Simon"

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

"This course was a lovely experience that I received as a gift for my 60th. The morning was spent woodturning with Simon, who explained everything really well and I came away with a completed honey dabber. Lunch was amazing and it was then time for an afternoon of pottery with Louise. Everything was explained and taught really well and during the afternoon I learnt pinching, slab building and throwing on the wheel. I look forward to collecting my pots and vases once fired and glazed. Overall a really lovely day."

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

"I had a fantastic day with Simon! The tuition was outstanding and I was shown all I needed to get started. Simon then allowed me to execute a test piece, helping me as and when it was needed. He then demonstrated the honey dipper, after which I made a dipper of my own. After a lovely buffet lunch, Simon got me started with turning a bowl, then allowed me to proceed with help from time to time. At the end of the day I had two pieces of work to take home. "

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

"I really enjoyed the woodturning day. The session was well structured, with time to explain what was needed, progressing through from trial cuts through to finishing pieces. Both projects were timed well and the day went very smoothly. Thanks"

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

"Hi Richard, Thanks for your honest review and praise. Please reach out if you need more help or information. — Simon"

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