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

26 Feb 22'

Lee Davies reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"I had a great day. My wife bought me a one day pottery experience with Louise as I've always fancied having a go especially at throwing a pot or two. I'm so glad she did. I learnt so much but had one of the most relaxed days I've had in a long while due to the environment, the hospitality and the training style. Which clearly worked as Louise had me throwing cylinders/pots shortly after lunch! Can't wait to see what comes out of the kiln. If you have an interest and like me, have never used a potters wheel or touched a bit of clay since I was at school ( some 40 years ago ) then you won't go wrong by spending a day in the studio with Louise. Highly recommended !"

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

"Thanks for your lovely review Lee. It was great having you in the studio and I'm glad you felt at ease and came away having learnt a bit more about the various methods of handbuilding and throwing. You made some fab pieces!"

24 Feb 22'

Nigel Hymas reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"Thank you for this course which my son, Hugo, and I greatly enjoyed. Simon's love of what he teaches really shone through and that inspired us both! He seemed to strike just the right balance between active guidance and periods of letting us have a go on our own. Simon's perfectionism was admirable, and his encouragement to us that we aim for shapes that pleased the eye and hand as far as possible was a valuable challenge. He imparted loads of very valuable advice during the day about various aspects of wood turning, tools, equipment etc and even sharpened some of my own chisels for me! The next day we received extremely helpful online copies of his illustrated teaching notes and information about equipment etc. Finally, thank you for the refreshments during the day and the delicious lunch. All in all, a great day!"

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

"Hi Nigel, Thank you for your heartfelt review. It was great having you and Hugo in the workshop for the day and we’re so glad you enjoyed it. As we said on the day, if you have any questions or need any help, please do get in touch. — Simon & Louise"

18 Feb 22'

David, Simone, Luke & Holly reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"My son and I enjoyed our days woodturning so much last year we returned with the girls for pottery and woodturning, again, not disappointed enjoying a superb days experience, can't recommend enough. Lovely lunch too. Thanks Blended Monkey."

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

"So lovely to see you guys again! And so glad you enjoyed another day with us. Hope your woodturning goes from strength to strength and you like your ceramics once they are finished. — Simon & Louise"

14 Feb 22'

Kevan McCaig reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"It was a great woodturning course that encompassed everything and more. Simon is a patient teacher and thoroughly understands his craft in detail. The day was very relaxed with coffee and lunch provided by Louise. I made a honey wand a bowl out of a really nice piece of wood. I enjoyed learning about the finishing products and process. The next day I turned 2 bowls at home thanks to Simons tuition. I would highly recommend Simon (Blended Monkey) to anyone wishing to get off to a god start in Woodturning. I’ll be back!!"

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

"Hi Kevan, Thanks for the great review. It was great having you in the workshop and I'm so glad you managed to put the teaching into practice - very nice bowls! -- Simon & Louise"

12 Feb 22'

Jeff Parker reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I've been trying my hand at wood turning (with a small amount of prior knowledge) through lock down! Simon's course was just what I wanted. He took me though all the basic principles and then slowly taught me the basic cuts for spindle work and for bowl turning with lots of hands on practice and careful guidance. I came away exhausted but very satisfied. More importantly I came away with a MUCH better understanding of what I was trying to do and how to do it safely. A great day. I learnt so much and had a lovely lunch to boot! Thank you Simon and Louise."

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

"Hi Jeff, So glad you had a useful day and came away more confident in the craft. As ever, if you have any questions or issues, please reach out to us. -- Simon & Louise"

9 Feb 22'

Jo Lundy reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"Both Simon (wood-turning) and Louise (Clay work) were wonderful! They made us feel very welcome and were great at getting two complete beginners (Mother and daughter) to feel confident in using the tools and equipment available. It didn't matter when we went wrong, it was just used as a learning moment and they then helped us to rectify any issues that we wanted rectifying. They both had a very calm and approachable manner. The day was delivered in an upbeat, positive and friendly way. Although the course had said lunch was included, we both assumed a quick sandwich, how wrong we were. Simon and Louise invited us into their kitchen and presented us with a wonderful farmhouse lunch which we ate with them whilst chatting. As well as new skills, we took home our turned wood and are excited about receiving 3 pieces of our pottery work once they are fired and glazed. We couldn't recommend this day more highly! what an amazing way to spend quality time with each other and learn some great, new skills."

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

"It was really lovely having you guys in the woodturning workshop and ceramics studio! You both grasped the various techniques really well and with good humour. Well done on creating some wonderful pieces! Your ceramic creations should be ready in a few weeks' time. Thank you for such a fab review!"

3 Feb 22'

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

"There are already so many nice words for this course and Simon and I can only agree and confirm. It was a very nice 3 hours course I had with Simon and because we had a nice chat about the world. We had to make it even a bit longer so I can take my own Honey spoon home with me (that I am now showing proud to any visitor coming for brunch). Simon is a great teacher, with passion for what he is doing that makes sure to give each person the best learning exciting fitting their individual needs. I can recommend this course to anyone that want to get to the next level with his Woodturning skills or if you just want to find out if woodturning is something for you."

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

"Hi Sebastian, Thank you for such a lovely review and I'm glad you had a fun day. You're the type of student that makes teaching the craft worthwhile :) Vielen dank!"

1 Feb 22'

Bruce reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"Many thanks to Simon for an excellent day's wood turning. It was an extremely friendly, professional and comfortable atmosphere in his workshop. I would recommend this course to anybody looking for an introduction to wood turning. Also many thanks to Louise for a delicious lunch."

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

"Hi Bruce (& Pete), Thanks for the review and glad you had a good day. Great to have you both in the workshop ?"

1 Feb 22'

Hannah L reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"I had a really enjoyable day learning and making lots of pottery pieces. Louise is a great teacher and a lovely lady. Lunch was so good! :-) All in all a brilliant day had, thank you x"

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

"It was a delight having you in the studio Hannah :-) So pleased you enjoyed your experience. I particularly like your coil pot, and well done with the throwing :-)."

31 Jan 22'

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

"My husband and I had a wonderful day at Blended Monkey. Learning new skills from Simon and Louise who are so knowledge and very patient. Thank you both."

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

"It was a pleasure having you guys in the woodturning workshop and the pottery studio. You both made some really lovely pieces! We're glad you enjoyed your experience :-)."

30 Jan 22'

Gregory Z reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs woodturning workshop

"Great experience! We've learned a lot. Simon's a good teacher"

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

"Hi Greg & Monika, Thanks for your review and great to meet you both! — Simon"

24 Jan 22'

Inga and Luke reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"We had a great day with the super knowledgeable Simon! From absolutely zero knowledge regarding the craft of woodworking we left feeling inspired and looking for our nearest club as we clutched our newly carved bowls and honey twizzles! A lovely day nattering, learning and getting thoroughly covered in wood shavings. Thoroughly recommended as Simon puts you right at ease."

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

"Hi Inga and Luke, I’m glad you enjoyed the day - it was great fun! If you do take up the craft, let me know how you get on and shout if you need any help."

23 Jan 22'

Lachlan and Quentin reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"Bought a pairs woodturning course for my Dad and I for Christmas, it was well worth it! Simon is an enthusiastic, friendly and knowledgeable teacher and we both enjoyed the experience immensely. Thanks also to Louise for preparing a lovely lunch and catering to my dietary requirements. Highly recommended!"

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

"Hi Lachlan, Thank you for such a lovely review; we’re so glad you enjoyed the day. — Simon & Louise"

20 Jan 22'

Amy and Martin reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"We booked the 2 crafts in 1 day for a couple and had a brilliant day! We carried out woodturning in the morning and pottery in the afternoon… Louise and Simon showed a huge passion for their craft which was contagious. They guided us through the basics giving us lots of interesting information to help but then stood back and allowed us to get into our own groove and enjoy experimenting with the woodturning and pottery. Well run and thorough... a lovely relaxing day was had!"

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

"I was nice to have you guys in the studios and we're so pleased you enjoyed your super-creative crafty day here at Blended Monkey :-). We enjoyed it too - always great when we can have a bit of a laugh with our students; makes the day really good fun all round!"

19 Jan 22'

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

"I had a full day Pottery Workshop Experience as a gift from my children. I have had a few goes of some pottery many years ago but had always wanted to have a go on a potter's wheel. Louise introduced a pinch pot, a coil pot and a slab pot in the morning and there were pictures and other people's work to give me ideas. However, Louise encouraged me to be as creative as I wished and really helped me explore my ideas. I made a hanging wall decoration in the afternoon and then made a few pots on the wheel. Louise's instructions were so clear and she gave good advice as I progressed through the stages. The day was brilliant and the time seemed to go so fast. I joined a couple doing the woodturning workshop for lunch which was a lovely spread, and it was a very relaxed atmosphere. The day is very good value. Apart from the six hours of one to one tuition and a lovely lunch, Louise had obviously spent a good deal of time preparing all the clay to be used in advance and once the day was over would be sanding the pieces when dry, then glazing and firing them. I loved it so much that I hope to return and do some more pottery. A really great day."

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

"What a lovely informative review Maureen! Thank you very much :-). Really pleased that you enjoyed your ceramics experience. You really let your creativity flow and made some fabulous pieces. It's also kind of you to acknowledge all the background processes that go on before and after the workshop - it's fairly involved :-). Would be great to have you back in the studio again later in the year!"

18 Jan 22'

Colin Izzard reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"This was purchased as a Christmas gift for me from my Wife! Simon and Louise greeted me and made me feel very welcome! Thoroughly enjoyable day! Simon is very professional and patient, I made some fabulous pieces and had a lovely lunch. I will be retuning for further courses with Simon! I would highly recommend"

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

"Hi Colin, Thanks for such a glowing review! It was lovely to meet you and we look forward to seeing you again. -- Simon & Louise"

16 Jan 22'

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

"I really enjoyed learning the basics of woodturning with Simon! Great instruction and friendly chat with it. I was very proud of the pieces I made on the day with Simon's help. Woodturning is very satisfying, with a real zen quality about it once you get in the zone. It is definitely something that would be hard to learn from a book or videos as it was all about feel, and small changes to angles. However, with an expert helping guide me by showing me the exact movements the tools needed it felt like I made really good progress in just one day. (I'm sure I'm no woodturning prodigy; Simon is just nice) Lunch was great - way better than expected. I'd imagined something basic so I was delighted by a delicious spread. One note: I went in January and it was very cold. I was very glad of a full set of thermals I had chucked in the car at the last minute which I popped on half way through, so if you are going in the bleak midwinter then do dress warm! Overall a great day, highly recommended."

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

"Hi Rob, Thanks for your kind review - much appreciated. Had I known you were cold I would have turned up the heater thermostat! :) You are the first to mention it, so I'll keep it in mind for future students at this time of year. I keep the workshop at around 15 degrees C to ensure that the tools and machinery are kept at an optimum temperature. Glad you had a backup plan though and that it didn't spoil your day. -- Simon"

27 Dec 21'

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

"This course is so much fun! I loved learning all the different techniques in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Louise is kind, helpful, and fun to chat to. This experience was very relaxing, and I hope to come back again!"

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

"It was great fun having you guys in the studio! Nice to have a good chat while we're creating :-). I'm so glad you enjoyed your ceramics experience. It would be a pleasure to have you back again."

24 Dec 21'

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

"This was my first woodturning experience since my school days 50 years ago and I really enjoyed my day with Simon. His enthusiasm, experience and knowledge was invaluable and I am now looking to purchase my own lathe and tools. As well as detailed instruction on various techniques, Simon also spent time explaining how to select and sharpen the tools, dust extraction and safety equipment. I was delighted with the bowl and decoration that I made, and my family and friends also seemed impressed. My wife attended the pottery course with Louise on the same day and they both made us feel very welcome, including an enjoyable lunch."

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

"Hi Barry, Thanks for a lovely review; you were a pleasure to teach and we're glad you went away feeling that you got the most from the day. Any help required, please don't hesitate to get in touch. -- Simon & Louise"

23 Dec 21'

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

"An excellent introduction to working with clay and the potter's wheel. Louise is relaxing company whilst offering instruction and advice throughout the day. The lunch was tasty and accommodated dietary needs, and tea was plentiful throughout the day ! Thank you Louise."

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

"It was lovely having you in the studio Lynne and I'm so pleased you enjoyed your ceramics experience :-). I'll let you know as soon as your fabulous pieces have been glazed and are ready for collection. Merry Christmas!"

21 Dec 21'

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

"Both Simon and Louise are so patient and incredibly talented. They are clearly very passionate about their crafts and made the day informative, safe, inspiring and fun. They are both such lovely people and very easy to talk to and they genuinely could not have done any more to make our day special. Me and my son had the most wonderful day learning new skills and we are hoping to return for another session next year."

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

"It was a real delight having you guys in our studios :-). We're really pleased that you both enjoyed your woodturning & pottery experience! What a lovely mother and son treat :-). We'll let you know as soon as your fab pots have been fired. We hope you have a great Christmas and we'll see you in the New Year."

20 Dec 21'

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

"I would unreservedly recommend this course. Simon is both friendly and informative and no question is too stupid to ask. His workshop is well equipped and the programme was just right for me as a beginner (well, actually I had already turned one bowl, but that was 45 years ago at school!). There is ample opportunity to both practise and ask questions and I was delighted with the things that Simon helped me to produce. It was a day where I barely noticed the passage of time as I was fully engrossed for the whole workshop. I discovered there is much more to wood turning than I realised, but was also convinced that all of it is possible."

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

"David, Thank you for such a glowing review! We're glad you had a useful experience and delighted that you have got the woodturning 'bug'. Happy turning! -- Simon & Louise"

7 Dec 21'

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

"A day to be enjoyed by novices and those with experience alike. Simon is an excellent tutor. He obviously has lots of experience and knowledge and a very good way of imparting it. The workshop, machinery, tools and hospitality first class."

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

"Hi Paul, Thank you so much for your review and so glad you found the day worthwhile. — Simon & Louise"

3 Dec 21'

Geoff Powell reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I’ve always loved working with wood but never got around to woodturning. My wife bought me this course as a Birthday present and It has to be one of the best presents she has ever bought me. Simon and Louise are friendly and welcoming hosts. Simon is extremely knowledgeable but also has the knack of passing that knowledge on to beginners like me. His facilities are enviable with a large selection of tools and also health and safety facilities like dust extractions. On top of that, he is just good company. I’m sure I will be back in future for an intermediates’ course if he runs one."

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

"Geoff, thank you for a glowing review! Really enjoyed the day with you too; watch this space, an intermediate course should be available soon… — Simon & Louise"

1 Dec 21'

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

"It was a wonderful day at Blended Monkey. I was made to feel very welcome and the tutor, Simon, was excellent and put me at ease immediately. I would whole heartedly recommend this to anyone who may be interested."

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

"Hi Tony, So glad you had a good time. Please get in touch if you need any help with the craft in the future. -- Simon & Louise"