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

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!"

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)."

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"

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! "

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."

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!"

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"

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"

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"

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"

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. "

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 :-)."

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 :-)"