Creative with Clay - Ceramic Coiling & Botanical Vases - Blended Monkey

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

"What an amazing weekend! I purchased a wood-turning day for my husband for his birthday and decided to make a weekend of it with a pottery session for me and a stay in the beautiful ‘Crafter’s Retreat’. Louise was a wonderful pottery teacher, encouraging me to try new things and have confidence in what I was doing with kindness and patience. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for some relaxation and proper time out. "

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

"Thank you for your lovely review Jo. It was a pleasure having you in the studio and we're so pleased you enjoyed your experience in the pottery studio and in Crafter's Retreat :-)."

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

"Louise is a fantastic teacher, demonstrating clearly with easy to understand steps, offering support and advice when needed while allowing for exploration and experimentation. The facilities at Blended Monkey are ideal for one to one tuition, in a quiet and well-equipped studio. I had a wonderful half day and look forward to booking more classes! "

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

"Ah, I'm blushing now :-) Really pleased you enjoyed the throwing session. You took to it very quickly and I'm keen to see your pieces emerge from the kiln. Thank you for leaving a lovely review."

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

"I have always wanted to have a go at the potters wheel, so I was so happy to spend the day with Louise, I had a great day, got to try out some different techniques and I loved the potters wheel. Would recommend this course for anyone from beginners like me to the more advanced potter. Lovely lady running this. I also got to keep some of my pots to remind me of the experience. "

Julian Cooper reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery throwing workshop

"My goodness what a wonderful day and experience! Thank you Simon. This was a 60th birthday present to me from family and was so worthwhile. A lovely place to be and Simon looked after me and taught so well as I took my first steps on the lathe. Excellent instruction and then notes to follow up as well. The garden to be in (it was a nice day) was also lovely in the gaps between sessions."

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

"Hi Julian, So glad you found the day useful and memorable. Any questions or help required please get in touch. -- Simon"

Jo Phillips reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery throwing workshop

"Just come back from the most amazing morning doing a pairs throwing workshop. Louise was so friendly and made us so comfortable. In fact, I enjoyed the chat as much as the throwing! I definitely need more practice but my daughter- in- law nailed it. Can't wait to see the finished pots, however they look and would love to do more sessions. Cant recommend it enough. "

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

"It was a real delight and lots of fun having you and Dawn in the ceramics studio. So nice to have chilled out, relaxed students who want to just enjoy the process. You should both be proud of the pieces you made. Some parts of throwing are difficult to get and it takes a lot of practice, but you both got to grips with it really quickly. Well done ladies! Oh, and thank you for the lovely review :-)."

Michelle Warren reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 pottery throwing workshop for 1 person

"Had the best half day. Louise is so welcoming and friendly. The tuition is homely and not too structured that you feel under pressure… do your own thing, your own way… The studio is fantastic and so cosy. I think I’ve found my thing.. thank you! "

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

"It was an absolute pleasure having you in the studio Michelle :-). Well done with your first session of throwing! Can't believe you centered so quickly - usually one of the main issues when throwing. Glad I've helped you find your thing :-). "

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

"My mum and I did the pottery morning for Mother’s Day and we absolutely loved it. Louise was wonderful and we got to make lovely pieces while having a good chat. She’s a very good teacher and really encourages experimentation! Louise then very kindly glazed our pieces and posted them to us, making sure they got there safely. Thank you for a brilliant morning!"

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

"It was lovely having you and your mum in the studio for your pottery experience. You both made some beautiful pieces and I'm sooo pleased they arrived safely! I always have everything crossed when I post things out :-). I wish you well with your painting too - very creative. Thank you for the lovely review."

Jonathan and Carolyn reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"We really enjoyed and learnt a lot from our pottery experience. We tried various techniques with the instructions and guidance helping greatly with the development of our ideas and pots. Louise and Simon are great hosts and provided a lovely relaxed lunch in their garden. We were made to feel very welcome and have recommended this experience to our friends. "

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

"I'm really pleased you both enjoyed your day of pottery and I'm glad the weather held so we could all enjoy lunch outside in the garden :-). You both made some lovely pieces!"

Meaghan reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery throwing workshop

"We absolutely loved the experience! I would recommend it to anyone who is curious to learn about throwing or who just wants a fun way to spend an afternoon. Five stars not only for the lessons, but for the comfortable atmosphere you've created and the pacing and freedom offered by this format. Thank you for an ideal afternoon."

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

"I'm so pleased you guys enjoyed your beginner's throwing experience! It was great having you in the studio and hopefully the experience helped to make your holiday all the more interesting :-)."

Vickie Rudkin reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery throwing workshop

"Had a pottery workshop with Louise on Sunday and it was so much fun. She was very patient with us both and we have not laughed like that in a very long time. We did manage to get some respectable pieces off in the end too and can't wait to see what they come out of the kiln like! Would highly recommend Louise and the workshops at Blended Monkey - Simon does the woodwork courses too. Lovely spot and a really creative place to be."

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

"Vickie, thank you for your lovely review. It was a joy having you guys in the studio and I'm so pleased you had fun discovering the potter's wheel :-). Very sweet of you to recommend our workshops. I'll let you know when your creations are ready :-) "

K Mansell reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"I had a lovely morning with Louise. It was great to learn how to use the potter's wheel and practice my technique. Louise was positive and offered lots of practical tips. I would really recommend Blended Monkey"

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

"It was lovely having you in the ceramics studio for your throwing session. You created some beautiful things and I hope you've learnt some useful techniques for continuing with your throwing journey :-). Thank you for the lovely review!"

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

"What a fantastic day! I was so lucky to be invited by my friend Vyv to join her after receiving the day as a present. After a very warm welcome from Louise we settled into her studio and with generous amounts of tea and biscuits had a great morning handbuilding pots and chatting. Louise guided us, but also gave us the opportunity to use our creative skills and we were very pleased with our results. After a delicious lunch and a chance to meet and chat to both Louise and Simon we began our afternoon on the wheel. This is something I have always wanted to do and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, lots of help and guidance, but also the chance to just get on with it and we did produce pots of a sort! It was fun. Thank you Louise and Simon for making us so welcome and for such a memorable day."

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

"Sheila, it was a delight having you and Vyveanne in the pottery studio! You both made some really beautiful pieces and I'm so very pleased you enjoyed your experience. Thank you for leaving this lovely review!"

Vyveanne Francis reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"My oldest son and his wife gifted me this pottery experience day for two at The Blended Monkey. I was so excited in the lead-up to the day, that I feared it couldn’t ever live up to the awesome experience I was envisaging. When the day finally arrived, it did not disappoint! Although the hours passed quickly in their idyllic cottage setting, I couldn’t believe how many activities we completed and how many new skills we were taught. We had the most wonderful day from beginning to end. Louise and Simon were consummate hosts who ensured our pottery day experience was one we would treasure and a precious memory we’ll never forget. Thank you Louise and Simon, for a perfect day. x"

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

"Vyveanne, it was a real delight having you and Sheila in the pottery studio - you both created some beautiful pieces and I'm really pleased you enjoyed your experience. Thank you for leaving this lovely review too!"

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. "

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!)"