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

Steve Creek reviewed: Beginners half-day pen turning experience (woodturning) 1-2-1 or pairs

"Simon is very knowledgeable and has an easy going fun attitude which puts you at ease straight away. The course was well run and we both enjoyed the experience very much. We will definitely be returning to increase our wood turning experience. Thank you Simon !!"

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

"Hi Steve, So glad that you and your mum had such a nice experience and went away with two lovely pens. I've sent the notes as promised; any queries or questions, just get in touch. Would be great to meet you again soon! --Simon"

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. "

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

"Wow! What a brilliant course. Really informative and well delivered. I learnt so much and will definitely be booking the next session very soon. "

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

"Hi Paul, So glad you enjoyed your day. If you need any assistance with your woodturning journey do get in touch. Look forward to seeing you again soon. -- Simon"

Louise Oakley reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I spent a thoroughly enjoyable day with Simon to learn how to do wood turning. It’s something I have always wanted to do and the course didn’t disappoint. Simon is really easy going and gives clear instructions without ‘taking over’. Along with lots of hands on time on the lathe you also get bottomless tea and biscuits along with a hearty lunch. This is one of the best craft courses I’ve done so far. You get to take home 2 projects which will certainly impress your friends. If you’ve always wanted a go, don’t hesitate book this course you will love it. "

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

"Hi Louise, Thank you for a lovely review and so glad you had a rewarding day. Do get in touch if you need more help or guidance. — Simon"

Kevin Brindle reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"Attending the beginners course on wood turning with my neighbour. We had a great time. Simon is an excellent teacher and I learnt a lot. I can thoroughly recommend the course."

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

"Hi Kevin, Thanks for the review and glad you had a good session. I look forward to seeing you again soon. — Simon"

Carole Goldsmith reviewed: Beginners Junk Journalling / Art Journal Workshop - Junk Journalling - Blended Monkey

"A really lovely venue at Denny Abbey and as with a previous course attended, really good 'joining instructions' and information. Zakiya, was very knowledgeable, passing on information easily, including showing detailed work on a screen display. She gave lots of inspiration, also bringing examples of her Junk Journals to inspire. The amount, diversity and quantity of materials to make our own were amazing. A really friendly, inclusive atmosphere, and thank you Simon for teas, coffee and biscuits all round. The Café is also to be recommended with a lovely selection of food and drink (homemade soup was lovely). And at the end of the day, lovely memories of shared learning, and our very own Junk Journal, incorporating things of interest and keepsakes of the future."

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

"Carole, thank you for your lovely, expansive and detailed review! Very kind of you to take the time to consider your workshop experience. We're so pleased you enjoyed the session and hopefully we'll see you again in the future :-)."

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

"Excellent and informative training with Simon who's a patient and knowledgable tutor! I left with a lot more confidence in my techniques and a good understanding of how to sharpen and maintain the tools I got with my lathe. Highly recommended for beginners and improvers, really useful training. Thanks Simon!"

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

"Hi David, Thank you for your review - so glad the session was helpful; if you need further help with sharpening issues, etc. do reach out. -- Simon"

Lesley reviewed: Beginners Junk Journalling / Art Journal Workshop - Junk Journalling - Blended Monkey

"Great fun day. I came away with lots of ideas on how to “grow” my new junk journal! This would be a fun thing to do with a group of friends. Nice venue with good facilities as well. The room was comfortable and well lit, prefect for crafting."

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

"We're so pleased you enjoyed your junk journalling session. You created a beautiful journal and we're sure you'll enjoying filling it over time :-). Thank you for the lovely 5-star review!"

Philip Schofield reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Thanks for an enjoyable course, which included your attention to my many and varied questions about woodturning, sharpening, dust extraction, and workshop layout - as well, of course, as the spindle and bowl skills you taught me, guided me on, and left me to practise alone once you considered me safe and competent!"

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

"Hi Phil, Glad you enjoyed the day and got plenty out of it. Any further questions, issues, etc. please get in touch. —Simon"

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

"Wonderful day learning the art of wood turning with a very skilful, entertaining and patient Simon. Thoroughly recommended with the only downside being that you will probably end up spending a small fortune on your own equipment once you get home. "

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

"Hi David, Thank you for the lovely review. If you need any help spending that money on kit wisely, do get in touch! :) — Simon"

David G reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Thank you very much to Simon for providing such an enjoyable day in the wood turning workshop. Very informative and a very productive day . Great hospitality with a lovely lunch. A very warm welcome from Louise as well and I would thoroughly recommend attending any courses "

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

"Hi David, Really glad you enjoyed the day. Hope to see you again soon. — Simon"

Ivan Kelf reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"I completed this course with my son. I would highly reccommend it. We had a fantastic day. Simon was amazing, explaining everything in full detail. The food and beverages suplied was of a very high standard. There wasn't a single part of the day that we didn't enjoy."

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

"Hi Ivan, So glad you both enjoyed the day - any queries or questions do get in touch. Happy turning!! — Simon"

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

"I wish to express how impressed, happy and buzzing I am after spending a day with the Blended Monkey team - a superb experience throughout. The communication through appointment set-up was exceptional, the team friendly and responsive. The day I spent in Simon's artistic and extremely patient hands was thrilling to me - as someone who needed to unlearn a load of self-taught nonsense, Simon put me right carefully, without rushing and indulged my incessant questions like he was enjoying himself..I certainly was. Without a pause, Simon basically put together a bespoke day to guide me through the things I was interested in (if it aint a Bowl...I aint interested....)...but firmly informed me of the things I had to get right like some Zen/Guru of wood...The techniques I have come away with have my hands aching to get to work and my brain alive with plans for my next project (probably a bowl...). The facilities are excellent, clean, safe, peaceful and robust...lunch was great and I have a sneaky feeling the scones were homemade....yummy. Follow-up notes and links are immediate and arrived the day after my course and useful stuff like items in Simon's workshop for safe storage of tools included also, notes are simple, clear and easy to follow......I'm going back, tool sharpening course first....I think. Cant thank Louise and Simon enough for a great experience but even more for lighting a fire under a hobby I have had for about a year now have been enjoying greatly, and now am having trouble containing my enthusiasm for. First class all round."

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

"Hi Richard, Immensely grateful for a heartfelt review and look forward to seeing you again soon. Happy turning! — Simon"

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

"1to1 Wood Turning Oct 2024. What a super fun day with Simon in the very well equipped workshop. Simons knowledge and patience led to achieving results to be proud of. Just to show that at the age of 76 it’s never too late to learn new skills."

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

"Hi Paul, Thank you for a lovely review; it was great to spend the day with you and so glad you enjoyed your stay too. — Simon"

Marianne reviewed: Stone Carving Experience - Working with Geometry & Pattern - Stone Masonry - Blended Monkey

"What a brilliantly rewarding experience. Mark is a great tutor, enthusiastic, encouraging and kind. Someone that brings just the right mix of technical input and 'have a go' attitude. He fostered a relaxed freedom to the day that encouraged everyone participate and we all made something charming to take home. Simon and Louise were great hosts, they looked after us really well, laid on lots of tea and coffee and a really nice lunch. Special shout out to the home made vegan sausage rolls, which were delicious! All in all a really enjoyable learning experience. I'll definitely be back!"

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

"We're so pleased you enjoyed the stone carving workshop with Mark. He's a great tutor and we're getting lots of positive reviews about the experience. Your piece was beautiful! I don't think I could have attempted such straight lines on the letter like you did! We're also glad you liked the vegan sausage rolls and I've passed on the compliments to my daughter who made them. They are rather scrummy aren't they? Hopefully we'll see you again and thank you for taking the time to leave a lovely review :-)"

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."

Liz Simons reviewed: Stone Carving Experience - Working with Geometry & Pattern - Stone Masonry - Blended Monkey

"The Roman Lettering stone carving workshop with tutor Mark Evans far exceeded my expectations. I was incredibly pleased with the quality of the Roman letter that I completed and was surprised that I was able to finish it by the end of the afternoon. Mark was a patient and encouraging teacher and my impression was that all four of us participating in the workshop thoroughly enjoyed our day. My stone carved letter is definitely going to take pride of place in my home. "

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

"Liz, thank you for leaving such a lovely review. We're so pleased you enjoyed the workshop and that it exceeded your expectations. Your carved letter looks amazing!"

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

"I am a self taught amateur wood turner with a fair bit of practical experience but some serious holes in my technique. I spent a day with Simon mainly about sharpening tools but we covered a great deal of ground all of it fascinating and very useful. Lots to think about and I clearly need to go back for another session - or two….. "

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

"Hi Michael, Glad you enjoyed it and got a lot out of the day. I look forward to seeing you again soon. — Simon"

Gary Riches reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Had a great day and the lesson was really well run. The morning started with the basics and I made a honey dibber. In the the afternoon I had the opportunity to make a lovely bowl. Help and advice was available throughout and a lovely lunch was provided. "

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

"Hi Gary, Glad you enjoyed the day. Do get in touch if you need any further advice, etc.. —Simon"

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

"Absolutely brilliant day trying my hand at Wood Turning and then Ceramics. Simon and Louise (and the pets!) were very welcoming and are really lovely people too! There was full explanation of the equipment being used for the wood turning and excellent tuition. The test piece was fun and good to (try to!) do different techniques to achieve different results. The final piece then came together quite quickly. Simon was very patient and helped where needed but also allowed me to do what I wanted to/could manage. I was really chuffed with the final result. Lunch was lovely and more than enough to eat and drink. The afternoon was with Louise. The pinch pots and slab builds were surprisingly relaxing to do and then the wheel, great fun to give it a go and a 50% success rate, I don't think I'll be entering the pottery throwdown. Overall this was a great day, I absolutely loved it and would have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who is pondering."

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. "

Tom reviewed: Stone Carving Experience - Working with Geometry & Pattern - Stone Masonry - Blended Monkey

"It was a brilliant day. I feel like I've got a newfound appreciation for the art and history all around us. Mark was a great teacher, he got us all started, had projects ready for us to work on and we all got help and encouragement from him when we needed it. Simon and Louise were fantastic hosts, the space they have made is fantastic, they put on a great lunch and we're really enthusiastic and welcoming. I've had a woodturning session with Simon before and I can confirm their quality as hosts is consistently high. Absolutely fantastic experience."

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

"Tom, thank you for your lovely review! You made a beautiful piece & we're so pleased you enjoyed the stone carving experience. Mark is a great tutor and we're pleased to have him on board. Thank you also for your kind words about our Blended Monkey setting and how we do as hosts :-). Hopefully we'll welcome you back to our studios sometime in the future. "

Katherine reviewed: Stone Carving Experience - Working with Geometry & Pattern - Stone Masonry - Blended Monkey

"Fabulous course with an exceptional tutor. I really enjoyed every aspect of it from the lovely hosting to the beautiful garden setting. Thank you for such a super day, I'm absolutely delighted with the piece I carved. "

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

"It was lovely to meet you Katherine and I'm still wowed by how much was achieved - such beautiful work all round. Thank you for your positive review. Maybe we'll see you again in the future."

Mike Wilkinson reviewed: Stone Carving Experience - Working with Geometry & Pattern - Stone Masonry - Blended Monkey

"This was a great day really enjoyed the workshop on stone curving,was made very welcome and a lovely lunch. "

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

"Mike, thank you for your kind words. We're really pleased you enjoyed the stone carving workshop - you all created amazing pieces! Maybe we'll see you again in the future."

Noel Mc Laughlin reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I recently attended a 1-2-1 full day wood turning course, with Simon and Louise. I was welcomed by both, and immediately felt relaxed. Simon walked me through all the health and safety issues, before explaining about the lathes and tools that we would be using Simon was very patient and helpful throughout the day and is clearly an extremely competent, talented and professional turner. We completed 2 x tasks on the day and the time flew by as I enjoyed the challenges in a very relaxed atmosphere. Simon let me work alone but was onhand with advise and positive feedback throughout the day. The course was a present for me and I'm so glad to have had the experience. Thanks Simon and Louise for an extremely professional experience in a very relaxed atmosphere Noel "

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

"Hi Noel, So glad that the experience exceeded your expectations and that your day was relaxed and satisfying. If you have any questions, now or in the future, don't hesitate to get in touch. --Simon"