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

Shaun Jacobs reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"What a wonderful experience! A warm welcome from Louise & Simon before heading off into the workshop. Simon is an excellent tutor who knows his stuff & was able to teach with ease. The morning session was over in a flash followed by a lovely lunch. The afternoon session was over just as quick & surprised myself with the items I had made. The tooling & tuition notes were an added bonus. I will definitely be back for another course. Now off to find my local woodturners club."

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

"Hi Shaun, So glad you enjoyed the day and I hope the notes are useful. Might even see you at a local club sometime, whether that’s woodturning or archery 😉 — Simon"

Kim Flint reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"My friend and I thoroughly enjoyed a wonderful day. Both instructors were extremely good at their crafts and extremely capable tutors. 1 to 2 tuition meant we covered alot of different techniques. The location and hospitality was fabulous. I highly recommend the course. "

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

"We thoroughly enjoyed having you guys here in the woodturning and pottery studios, and we're really pleased you both had fun and are happy to recommend the course :-). Thank you for your lovely review Kim :-). "

Jaswinder Sira reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

""Louise and Simon were absolutely brilliant. They are so friendly and welcoming . They are so passionate about what they do and are really good at teaching. A friend of mine booked us both on this full day experience. It was truly a remarkable experience. First, we did woodturning with Simon and then stopped for lunch which was lovely and then after lunch we went to the pottery studio with Louise where we made several items . We were very very well looked after all day and were offered several teas, coffees and biscuits. We will definitely be back and I highly recommend it to anyone. It’s a perfect gift for anyone of any age. X""

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

"Jass, it was a real delight having you and Kim in the pottery & woodturning studios here at Blended Monkey :-). You're both very creative and we'd definitely welcome you back with open arms :-). Thanks for your fab review!"

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

"Louise and Simon were absolutely brilliant. They are so friendly and welcoming . They are so passionate about what they do and are really good at teaching. A friend of mine booked us both on this full day experience. It was truly a remarkable experience. First, we did woodturning with Simon and then stopped for lunch which was lovely and then after lunch we went to the pottery studio with Louise where we made several items . We were very very well looked after all day and were offered several teas, coffees and biscuits. We will definitely be back and I highly recommend it to anyone. It’s a perfect gift for anyone of any age. X"

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

"Jass, thank you for your lovely review! I've responded to the one you left on the "pairs" course :-)"

Antony Dodworth reviewed: Half-day 1-2-1 sharpening (woodturning gouges) workshop for 1 person

"I had done some wood chisel sharpening in my school days some 40 years ago, this course interested me as it was carving gouges and lathe tools, Simon made you feel at ease, he had a "let’s give it a go" attitude and said that he could correct most things that are not perfect, so I sharpened about 8 tools in the afternoon. Time flies when you’re having fun, I will go back and do his wood turning course in the future. Antony"

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

"Hi Antony, It was great having you visit my workshop; I look forward to meeting you again soon. -- Simon"

Jayne & Norman reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"I recieved a half day pottery class for 2 as a gift. Really wasn't sure what to expect as my artistic skills are limited! Louise greeted us with enthusiasm and a hot cup of coffee - after just a few minutes of coaching we were faced with a slab of clay to experiment with. We were like ducks to water... Had a thouroughly enjoyable afternoon, managed to create a pot or two which I am proud to call my own! Looking forward to returning to collect our pieces when they have been through the kiln. Would recommend this as a fabulous way to spend an afternoon - and maybe even start a new hobby! Jayne & Norman"

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

"I'm so pleased you enjoyed your belated Christmas gift of a pairs pottery experience here at Blended Monkey :-). It was lovely having you guys in the studio - always nice to have a laugh too! Fab to see you both let the creativity flow, and you've created some brilliant pieces (not mentioning the dark rabbit scenario Norman ;-)). I'll see you soon when your creations have been fired and glazed. Thanks again for the lovely review :-). "

Tracey young reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I came and did a Woodturning course with Simon for the day . I was a little bit apprehensive at first as I didn’t know or didn’t think that I would be able to do it. But Simon is a fantastic instructor and explained everything slowly to me . I was so proud of myself I thoroughly enjoyed it and I would highly recommend anyone to do this . When someone has the time and patience to explain things and has a passion In what they do .. It makes you want to be a part of it . Everybody in my family was highly impressed with what I achieved and made that day and so was I . Thank you Simon ."

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

"Hi Tracey, So glad you enjoyed the day and felt the experience was worthwhile. If you need any further assistance, please don't hesitate to get in touch. -- Simon"

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

"This is a great workshop for anybody who wants to try out pottery. Louise was very welcoming and after a cup of coffee we felt very relaxed and ready to go. We started getting used to the clay by making pinch pots and then Louise patiently guided us through the process of making vases using the slab method. Louise had a variety of materials and suggestion which we used to create different decorative effects. We had great fun trying these out and adding our own ideas. And then we tried the wheel. We knew that throwing clay is a difficult art to master but wanted to give it a go. Louise gave us very good instructions, so we managed to see a lump of clay taking on some shape. I admit that my daughter was more successful than me, but it was great to try it. It was a great experience and we enjoyed it a lot. Louise is such a great and supportive teacher. I am sure we will be back. "

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

"Thank you for your lovely review Michelle :-). It was a delight having you and your daughter in the pottery studio - I've shown several students the rabbit vase; such a lovely piece! You both managed the wheel really well, despite your trepidation ;-) and it would be a pleasure to have you both back in the studios in the future. "

Phil and Harvey reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"When my son and I arrived, and Simon greeted us, we just knew it was going to be a good day! From the tools to techniques, Simon explained and demonstrated everything clearly, and was happy to help if we had any questions or were struggling in any way. We had plenty of hands on experience during the day, and had our bowls and honey dippers to prove it! We’ve definitely learnt a lot. With great food, plenty of drinks, story telling and banter, we were well looked after throughout. Thank you Simon and Louise for a thoroughly enjoyable experience, we hope to see you both again soon. Phil and Harvey"

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

"Hey guys, So glad you enjoyed the day - makes my day too! Any issues or questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. — Simon"

Martin Bass reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"We had a half day beginners workshop and thoroughly enjoyed it. Louise is very friendly and welcoming. I would definitely recommend Blended Monkey. It has a real feel good factor to it."

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

"It was great to have you guys in the pottery studio. I think you both made some fab pieces and I know they'll look great after they've been glazed too! Maybe see you again in the future. "

Steve Hamlett reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Excellent day spent with Simon providing just the right amount of help, guidance and intervention. I could not have wished for a better tutor. He clearly has great levels of skill, not just in the craft but also in communication. It is a rare thing to have someone answer the questions you asked rather than just delivering an agenda. Highly recommended."

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

"Thank you, Steve, for a great review and I’m so glad you enjoyed the session. I hope your turning goes from strength to strength with your new sharpening skills; do get in touch if you need more assistance. Happy turning! — Simon "

Jason & Martin reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"An excellent, fun day and we each completed two projects! Simon is a very knowledgeable tutor, ensuring we got the most out of the day and helped out two novice wood turners as little or as much as we needed. We highly recommend this day - whatever your experience level. A big thanks to Louise for providing a lunch that matched up with some rather specific dietary requirements - it was greatly appreciated!"

Liz Bradley reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"a brilliant 2 day woodturning course. Simon was extremely helpful and patient for a beginner with no prior experience. would highly recommend."

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

"Hi Liz, I’m so glad that the tailored course was a success. Any further questions or help required, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. — Simon"

Sandi and Mike Turner reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"My husband and I attended the 2 in 1 craft day the woodturning and pottery day, and what an incredible time we had. Louise and Simon are so welcoming and are attentive and patient teachers. Although I was most looking forward to the pottery wheel, I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the course and was surprised at just how much I enjoyed the woodturning, as a complete beginner. My husband had some experience at woodturning, but under Simon's expert guidance he learnt so much. We both loved the pottery afternoon and the different methods and, although the wheel was challenging, Louise is a fabulous teacher. It was a brilliant day and we will both definitely be returning. Thank you both so much. "

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

"Really good for beginners. I made a pen and now I am going to buy a lathe myself."

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

"Hi Otto, So glad you enjoyed it and (finally) got the car sorted out. If you need any advice, please don't hesitate to get in touch. -- Simon"

Robert Hood reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I can fully recommend The Blended Monkey one day 1 to 1 beginners woodturning course. Simon is a really nice bloke, who will quickly put you at ease. He takes time to explain in detail the tools and techniques used, so you can enjoy plenty of hands on experience, in a modern and well equipped workshop. My day was a really worthwhile and enjoyable experience, which has left me wanting to learn more. "

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

"Hi Rob, It was great having you in my workshop for the day. Please get in touch if you need further help with the craft. -- Simon"

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

"Fabulous Louise took on the challenge of a very ambitious project accepting me and my ideas. Being a very long time since I'd touched pottery clay, I was very excited to give it a go. My project brief was to produce a dinner service for 12 including large plates, side plates plus bowls... A 2 day workshop as a Christmas present given to me by my wonderful Darren. Think I might have bitten off more than I can chew and will be a tad longer to complete, whoops!!! However Louise is extremely patient and explained the techniques in a very clear and thorough way. Louise makes you feel at home and encourages you all the way. Just a few more days to go Louise..tee hee!!! "

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

"Thank you for the lovely review Sally! It was a delight having you in the studio and I look forward to part 2 next week where you'll be making the side plates and continuing with your throwing journey :-). "

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

"Couldn’t have asked for more from the day’s experience. I was initially met by both Simon and Louise, who immediately made me feel completely welcome and comfortable. Simon subsequently took me to his workshop, where after a cup of tea, biscuits, and a relaxed catch about anything and everything in life, we began the teaching session. Simon is clearly a very talented craftsman who is passionate about his work. His style of teaching is both thorough yet laid back. He seems keen for you to be able master his techniques for yourself, and will explain the reasons why they’re important to know. However, once taught, he’s just as happy to leave you alone to practice for yourself, something I personally really appreciated. Lunch was great (ploughman’s style). There was loads of choice and if felt like it had been done with a genuine sense of care. At the end of the day I came away with loads of new knowledge, a bowl and honey dipper that I love, and that good vibes feeling you can only get after doing something really enjoyable for a day. A final point that feels worth mentioning is how thoughtful Simon appears to have been to the types of people who might come to these sessions- the tools and lathe he teaches you on are the sort that a serious hobbyist would have (I.e. v high quality, but not the ridiculously priced equipment that a true professional might need - he has those use too!), As such, I left feeling as if I had a rare opportunity to try a craft under expert tuition, on equipment that was both accessible if i chose to take it up as a hobby, yet more professional than my skills would probably ever require. This final point was further demonstrated when Simon informed me that he sends out detailed handouts of all the techniques and equipment used, whilst also offering to be a source of contact if I needed any advice on buying equipment in the future. Thank you Blended Monkey for a great day. "

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

"Hi Owen, Thanks for a wonderful review - so glad you enjoyed your day and do get in touch if you need more assistance. --Simon"

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

"Brilliant experience!!! Having only tried woodturning at home- self taught from Youtube, this was a fantastic day. Simon was really helpful before the course allowing me to explain what i felt comfortable doing and what i wanted to learn. Simon was great at making each step understandable and helping if anything wasn't clear. He was great at giving advice and provided a relaxing and approachable environment. Simon was extremely patient, knowledgeable and an incredible teacher. I cannot recommend this course enough. Looking forward to booking another course with Simon. Great lunch also included! "

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

"Hi Barry, So glad you enjoyed it and looking forward to seeing you again. You'll have to collect your face shield at some point! -- Simon"

Andrew & Sue Southgate reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"We had a fantastic day with Simon learning to do wood turning. He is so knowledgeable and passionate about the subject and a great teacher. He was also very patient with us and genuinely wanted us to take home lovely pieces, even if he did want to keep one of the bowls we made because of the fascinating grain through it! Thanks again for making the day special, we’ll highly recommend to others. "

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

"Hi Andy & Sue, So glad you enjoyed your day - it makes my day too. Are you sure you want to keep the bowl still? I can find a good home.... ;) -- Simon"

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

"This course was excellent. I’m not a complete novice but learnt so much about technique and how to relax whilst turning. Great tuition with extensive knowledge. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking to start wood turning. Many thanks Simon, I thoroughly enjoy my day. Kindest regards"

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

"Hi Tony, So glad you enjoyed the day and got good value from it. Happy turning! -- Simon"

Martin reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"Very enjoyable and interesting course. I highly recommend it. Simon is a very skilled teacher."

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

"Hi Martin (& Jason), Stop it! You'll make me blush :) Thanks for the recommendation - it was a great day and you were both excellent students. -- Simon"

Denise Moxon reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs woodturning workshop

"Pairs Woodturning Half Day Course Friendly and easy to follow tuition. Loved every minute, can't wait to book the next one. Thank you!"

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

"Hi Denise, You’re welcome! Look forward to seeing you again soon. — Simon"

Dave Gee reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"An absolutely awesome experience !! Having always wanted to have a crack on a lathe this was a brillaint xmas present from my partner. Simon and Louise are such lovely people and immediately put you at ease upon arrival. In a beautiful setting and great workshop. Simon was extremely patient, knowledgeable and an incredible teacher. He covered all aspects from setup to completing a project in a very easy to follow way and makes you feel totally confident and comfortable in the environment. We had a delicious farm style lunch in there home kitchen and completed a second project in the afternoon. I could not recommend this enough to anyone and will be returning for a second course in the New Year. Amazing job guys ! Keep up the great work !! "

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

"Hi Dave, Thanks for a lovely review. Really enjoyed the session and look forward to seeing you again soon. — Simon"

Chrissimiddleton@gmail.com reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"This was such a lovely and interesting experience. Louise is a wonderful host and teacher, and both my sister and I were free to create and learn some new technical skills. We came away feeling renewed, inspired and very proud of our creations. We will return!"