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

9 Feb 25'

Julie and Martin Strudwick reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"We have just had the most wonderful enjoyable and relaxing day with Louise on a pairs days pottery course. Louise and Simon were both so welcoming and we thoroughly enjoyed the whole day, though the time flew by so quickly. My favourite things were the hand built items - the pinch pots, coiled pots and slab built pots but I was also excited to be able to try throwing a pot on the potters wheel. Throwing on the wheel was not my forte certainly much harder than I thought it would be but I was pleased to have tried. My husband did so much better at throwing on the wheel than I did! We were kept fuelled with cups of tea and biscuits and a delicious lunch in their lovely warm kitchen. I cannot wait to see our pots when they have been glazed and fired - hope the kiln gods are kind. Looking forward to returning to try something else. "

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

"What a lovely review guys - thank you so much! It was great having you both in the studio for the day and just wonderful that you enjoyed it so much. It's often the way that one person takes to the wheel quicker than the other, but I'd say you really found your niche with the beautiful slab work Julie :-). Thank you again for the lovely review and I'll be in touch when your creations have been glazed and fired."

8 Feb 25'

Andreea & Chris reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"We have done the half day pottery course, trying a little bit of everything and we absolutely LOVED IT!!!! Louise was brilliant and very knowledgeable and took time to go through techniques and teach us different things about clay. Louise is brilliant and her studio is great! We highly recommend a course and we will for sure be coming back for more fun."

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

"Guys, I'm so pleased you enjoyed your experience here in the pottery studio. You both made some beautiful pieces (we won't talk about how quicky Chris took to the wheel - some people are so annoying ;-)) to be super proud of! Looking forward to seeing your pieces when they emerge from the kiln in a few weeks' time. Take care. "

8 Feb 25'

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

"A really enjoyable half day with Simon. In three hours we went from the basics of the equipment and qualities of the book, to trying out the lathe and making my first piece, a lovely wine stopper. Simon was an excellent teacher, giving me a chance to try things out and helping me when necessary. Highly recommended."

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

"Hi Seb, Thanks for a lovely review; do get in touch if you need any further assistance. -- Simon"

29 Jan 25'

Trina McDonald reviewed: Half-day 1-2-1 sharpening (woodturning gouges) workshop for 1 person

"Really enjoyed our afternoon with Simon. Thank you. It was just what my husband needed to renew his enthusiasm, advise us on what equipment we needed and the fact that it is already ordered bears witness to how effective and appropriate Simon's tuition was. We might even find ourselves working in the wood shed together!"

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

"Hi Trina, So glad he enjoyed the session. I’ve sent over my notes; any questions, please do get in touch. — Simon"

27 Jan 25'

Simon Bailes reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Absolutely cracking course. Simon was brilliant in explaining what we were doing and why. He left me to it but stepped in when he could see that I was struggling. The day was well structred and I cam away with an enthusiasm to buy my own lathe and create large amounts of wood shavings. I would thoroughly recommend Simon as a tutor and I will be going back for additional courses."

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

"Hi Simon, So glad you enjoyed the course and I hope the follow-on notes are satisfactory. Do get in touch with any questions or queries and I look forward to seeing you again soon. --Simon"

23 Jan 25'

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

"Solid tuition from Simon who knows what he is talking about with the craft. It was an enjoyable day in the workshop learning some intermediate skills as I'm looking forward to getting back into woodturning"

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

"Hi Bert, Thanks for the review and glad you got a lot from the session. Do get in touch if you need any further help. -- Simon"

21 Jan 25'

Sarah J reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Bought the course for my 14 year old son for Christmas as he enjoys whittling and wanted to know more about woodwork generally. Simon was fantastic, connected with him, established what his interests were and what he knew already and pitched his instructions perfectly. My son was totally absorbed all day, learned a ton of new things, had a brilliant time, and is keen to do more! Great day, great course, can't recommend it enough. Lovely lunch too :-)"

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

"Hi Sarah, So glad your son enjoyed the workshop - promoting crafts to young people is a key part of our business ethic. I hope the notes will help him gather confidence and help him to practice key skills in his future woodworking endeavours. -- Simon"

20 Jan 25'

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

"I would thoroughly recommend the wood turning course with Simon. I had a fantastic experience. Simon is a very good teacher, with a good teaching style. I walked into his workshop a complete novice, and went home with 2 pieces of turned wood, that I am very proud of. I can't recommend this enough!"

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

"Hi Paul, Thank you so much for the recommendation; our business is built on it. If you'd like to try some of our other woodcraft/craft workshops please get in touch. -- Simon"

17 Jan 25'

Shelly Cole reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"What an amazing day! I learned so much, Simon let me go at my own pace and explained everything in a way that was easy to understand. Great communication before and after. Plus a fabulous lunch jointly shared with the pottery class which was lovely. I would highly recommend this workshop! A most enjoyable experience making a beautiful bowl and mushroom made by my own hand (with lots of help)."

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

"Hi Shelly, So pleased you enjoyed your day - do get in touch if you need further assistance or would like to try more woodcraft. --Simon"

16 Jan 25'

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

"This was a great experience, given as a gift for an 11 year old with an interest in woodworking. They loved how hands on it was and are very proud of the items they made. They learned a lot from the expertise shared by Simon, who is an excellent host and tutor. Thankyou for making this a special day."

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

"Hi Laura, Thank you for a lovely review and I'm so glad that they enjoyed the day and hope that it spurs them on to continue having an interest in the craft. Please get in touch if you need any further help or advice. -- Simon"

12 Jan 25'

Barbara Taylor reviewed: Beginners Silk Painting Workshop - Silk Art - Blended Monkey

"A very enjoyable course in a relaxed environment. Louise and Simon provided plenty of encouragement and help on the day. I was very pleased with the resulting silk painting and might have another try at home."

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

"It was lovely to meet you Barbara and I'm so pleased you enjoyed your silk painting experience. Thank you for the nice review too! "

2 Jan 25'

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

"I really enjoyed my second course with Louise and thoroughly recommend having this one to one experience. I was able to choose what I wanted to make and concentrated on making thrown pots. My arthritic hands did not interrupt the creativity and Louise was able to find alternative ways of holding the clay which assisted with the making. Cant wait to book an other course."

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

"It was lovely to have you back in the studio Helena. You achieved a lot in the time we had and it was good to see the progression. I think we can go for a bigger bowl next time! Thank you for the lovely review. Very kind of you. See you later in the year."

31 Dec 24'

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

"I bought this experience for my granddaughter's 13th birthday and we both had a wonderful time. Right from the start we were made welcome with drinks and snacks ( Saffron loved the homemade cookies!!) We were both a bit nervous initially about using the potters wheel but after after a clear demonstration ( and with useful written instructions and lots of encouagement) we got stuck in and had a whale of a time . It was a really fun relaxing afternoon , and we didn't want it to end as we were having so much fun , and making so much mess !! Surprisingly we made some rather good pots ( particuarly Saffron who of course is now aspiring to have her own potters wheel !) Cant wait to see the pots fired and glazed in our chosen colours . Thank you Louise , "

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

"So pleased you both enjoyed your throwing session (and the cookies!) :-) Saffron did seem to take to the wheel quite naturally, but you both achieved a lot during your half-day session. Well done! Thank you for the lovely review too!"

13 Dec 24'

Nick Webb reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs woodturning workshop

"Thankyou Simon for your instruction it was a very enjoyable morning learnt a lot of new things and made an item to keep . We would thoroughly recommend Blended Monkey"

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

"Hi Nick, You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed the experience; do get in touch if you need any help in the future. --Simon"

28 Nov 24'

Tom S reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"A fantastic experience from start to finish. Day was full of learning and laughter and was so impressed with what I was able to make during the day. Would recommend to anyone. Looking forward to doing one of the other courses at Blended Monkey"

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

"Hi Tom, I had a great day too - so glad you enjoyed it. Hope you got the notes okay and look forward to seeing you again soon. -- Simon"

25 Nov 24'

Andy and Cathy reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Was exactly what we wanted.Simon informative and patient. The bowls we made are lovely and a great reminder."

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

"Hi Andy & Cathy, Thanks for taking the time to leave a review and I’m glad you enjoyed the day. — Simon"

24 Nov 24'

Claire reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"I bought the woodturning workshop for my Dad for his 80th birthday. We were warmly welcomed by Simon with a coffee and biscuits, after an hour & half drive, both Dad & I were abit nervous but we were soon put at ease by Simon after being reassured by his professionalism, knowledge, patience & interest in us as people. The workshop is very clean, tidy and well organised with health and safety deeply in mind, as being complete novices this is a must. We had a lathe each and lots of time to practise and ask questions before we started our lovely Cherry bowls. Which are taking pride of place in our homes. Our family’s really love them. We had a lovely lunch provided by Louise, thank you Louise… and refreshments offered to us thru out the day. Not only do you woodturn but also the process to get the best out of product, sandpaper, gritting, waxing etc… The day was just perfect and catered to us, going at our pace… This is certainly a birthday to remember for Dad and a day never to forget. We loved it, and will be back.. Thank you Simon & Louise. "

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

"Hi Claire, So glad you and your dad enjoyed the day and were look forward to seeing you again soon. — Simon"

17 Nov 24'

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"

17 Nov 24'

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 :-)."

17 Nov 24'

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"

14 Nov 24'

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"

13 Nov 24'

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"

7 Nov 24'

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 :-)."

7 Nov 24'

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"

4 Nov 24'

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!"