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

12 Jul 21'

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

"We had a fantastic time at Blended Monkey, Simon and Louise both led us through our new crafts in an understandable way. They made us feel very welcome and were easy to talk to, Louise treated us to a lovely lunch too! We were very happy with the way we progressed through both sessions and are proud of what we made!! We had great fun and highly recommend them as an experience"

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

"It was great having you and Ian in the woodturning workshop and pottery studio, and it's lovely to hear that you both enjoyed your day. You have every right to be proud of what you made! I'll be in touch as soon as your beautiful ceramic pieces are ready."

10 Jul 21'

Bill Good reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"The level of tuition was exactly right - clear, well explained and the right pace. I was pleased to learn so much and come away with pieces that looked good. The facilities there are good, with a good light lunch and pleasant surroundings too. I'd readily go back for more, but wondering how and where I can put kit of my own! Many thanks to both."

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

"Hi Bill, Thank you so much for a lovely review and we're glad you had a great time. If you do manage to find space, please keep in touch around your progress and shout if you have any questions or issues. -- Simon & Louise"

10 Jul 21'

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

"We decided to give each other as a Christmas present 2020, the 2 crafts in 1 day course, wood turning and pottery with Blended Monkey, managed to book it in July. I have done woodworking which is not the same as wood turning and have never done pottery, my wife had not done either. The day started on time at 10am and ended at 5pm with one hour for lunch at 1pm. Enjoyed both, good teaching in the wood turning and we both manged to produce the set piece of a honey spoon. Also, good teaching in the pottery, three styles taught hand formed, slab and wheel. The wheel is the hardest one and found the slab the easiest or more productive style. We await the outcome of our pottery efforts when they have been fired. Lunch was provided which provided a relaxation and chance to chat, with the hosts Louise and Simon. Overall, I would recommend this Blended Monkey course, regardless of skill level."

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

"Thank you for your review Ian :-). It was lovely having you and Ann in the woodturning workshop and pottery studio. You both produced some fabulous pieces and Simon and I enjoyed your company. Your pots are drying nicely and will be biscuit fired shortly. I'll let you know as soon as they are ready."

9 Jul 21'

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

"Husband and I treated ourselves to a 2 in 1 day with Blended Monkey as belated birthday presents. We had a super full day. Simon and Louise are both excellent as teachers, giving you plenty of advice and encouragement and a soupçon of constructive criticism. Neither of us had done any wood turning before and I could have happily turned my piece of wood all day but by lunchtime we had made honey dippers. The workshop is a comfortable place to work and has high quality equipment and a range of safety features. At the end of the morning we had a chance to explore the garden and meet the resident cats, fish and dog. I did pottery with Louise after lunch. Louise started off with pinch pots and we moved on through slab pots to throwing on the wheel. There was plenty of clay and lots of advice. I’m looking forward to seeing the finished pots after firing. A very full day, well worth the money just don’t wear your best clothes and cut your nails!"

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

"Thank you for your lovely review Valerie. We're really glad you enjoyed your woodturning and pottery experience and it was a pleasure to have you in the studios. It was nice to see that you'd not forgotten some of the throwing techniques you'd previously learnt, even if it had been a while since you'd thrown. Well done!"

5 Jul 21'

Louise and David reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"Absolutely fabulous! We were greeted by Simon, Louise and their dog Harry, all incredibly welcoming. As complete wood turning novices, we had no idea what to expect from the day ahead but Simon gave us a great introduction, he showed us how to use a number of wood turning tools and demonstrated techniques from which we made a pine honey dipper and a sycamore bowl each…almost all our own work!!!! Lunch was a tasty ploughmen’s - fun, friendly and relaxed day. Would thoroughly recommend."

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

"Thank you for a lovely review, Louise & David. So glad you enjoyed the day and you should be justifiably proud of your creations :)"

5 Jul 21'

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

"What a day!! I loved every second of this course! Started with hand building pinch pots, coil pots and slab, understanding techniques and tools. Went on to throwing on the wheel coning and shaping and came out with three pots. I could of spent all weekend doing this! Information that Louise gives is extremely valuable from such a talented lady. I cannot wait to see the final glazed pieces! Louise and Simon are great hosts and make you feel very welcome - this was my second trip to blended monkey after my partner and I completed a woodturning course, it was lovely to be back doing this pottery course with Louise."

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

"Sarah, it was a delight having you in the studio. Such a creative and talented young lady! I'm so pleased you enjoyed the day and the various aspects of handbuilding and throwing. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you need any more help :-)."

4 Jul 21'

Ian reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"We found Simon and Louise both very knowledgeable and accommodating, meeting my fathers specific disabilities to enable him to participate fully in the woodturning. It was great to have lunch around the farmhouse table, discussing progress with fellow pottery students too. We made a honey dibber and small bowl! We would fully recommend the day."

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

"Hi Ian, Thanks so much for a lovely review and we're glad you both enjoyed the day. Any questions in the future, please don't hesitate to get in touch."

3 Jul 21'

Stuart Hyslop reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Thank you Simon and Louise for your hospitality, chat, fabulous lunch and of course a great day of tutoring by Simon on the pleasures of making all things wooden. I came away with a lot of advice and pointers. What a wonderful surround and setup!! No hesitation in recommending Blended Monkey Go on, give it a go, you won’t regret it. ??"

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

"Hi Stuart. Thank you so much for a lovely review. You were a pleasure to teach and I hope you take up the craft; any help you need, please just shout. -- Simon"

1 Jul 21'

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

"Did the half day pottery experience. Excellent tuition and thoroughly enjoyable. Would totally recommend doing the Full day course as time just flies by when you're having such fun !!"

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

"Thank you for your lovely review Michelle. It was great to meet you and you took to throwing very quickly! You made some beautiful pieces and I'll let you know when they're fresh from the kiln :-)."

30 Jun 21'

Peter Schmidt-Hansen reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Simon and Louise gave me a very warm welcome when I arrived and what followed was a wonderful day of woodturning! Simon is a brilliant teacher - informative, inspiring, patient and helpful. I felt at home throughout the day and whenever I had questions or needed advice, Simon was there to help. Like all great teachers Simon stood back and let me get on with it, but always with his watchful eye to make sure I used the tools and techniques correctly. Drinks, snacks and a lovely lunch in the dappled shade of the garden added to the day and in the end I'd managed to make a honey scoop and sycamore bowl, much to my delight and my wife's astonishment! If you're thinking of trying your hand at woodturning, look no further than Simon at Blended Monkey - I can't recommend it highly enough!"

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

"Many thanks for a lovely review, Peter. You were a pleasure to teach and we hope that you continue with the craft; don't hesitate to get in touch if you need more information and help. Simon & Louise"

28 Jun 21'

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

"What a fantastic day! We learnt two new skills in one day and loved both. Simon and Louise are very welcoming and very patient in their teaching; instructions were easy to follow and very helpful and all aspects of health and safety were very clear. We also had a very tasty lunch. Both crafts were extremely enjoyable and very satisfying; it is lovely to come away with something we made (and a certificate!) Our honey dibbers are beautiful and have already been shown off to friends and family and we are looking forward to seeing out pottery after it is fired and glazed. We would (and already have) recommend this craft day - we had a lot of fun and are proud of our achievements. Thank you Simon and Louise."

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

"Hi guys, We are really pleased that you had a good time! You both made some lovely woodturned dibbers and ceramic pieces - which are drying nicely. We enjoyed your company and having you in the studios too :-). Well done - you should both be very proud of your work!"

25 Jun 21'

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

"A excellent and very informative day for me as a complete novice to woodturning, Simon is a very good tutor and the workshop environment he has set up is first class, I came away with a far better understanding of what to do and what not to do, very happy. Louise put on a lovely lunch which was greatly appreciated and the tea kept coming just when you needed it, all in all, a great day and one I would recommend to anyone interested in getting into woodturning. Thank you Simon and Louise."

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

"Thanks, Rob, for a great review and we're so pleased you enjoyed your day. Let us know how you get on and do get in touch with any questions or queries - happy to help! Simon & Louise"

23 Jun 21'

Jane and Pete reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"We both had a great time and really enjoyed our pottery session with Louise. Such a warm welcome and a no-pressure relaxed atmosphere made our afternoon informative, productive and fun. The way I was taught at school was nothing like the way Louise explained the techniques - no endless 'wedging' in order to get the clay workable and no soggy lumps of clay sliding all over the wheel and refusing to stay central. Everything was prepared for us and we were ready to start potting within minutes of our arrival - and all this with tea/coffee and biscuits. Perfect! Thank you so much Louise and looking forward to seeing our 'masterpieces'!"

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

"Guys, I'm so happy you enjoyed your pottery session :-). It was a delight to have you in the studio and good to hear that you took so much away from the half-day session. I always say to my students that it's amazing how much you can do in three hours :-). Your pots have dried nicely and will be biscuit-fired this week. I'll let you know when they've been glazed. Thanks for the lovely review!"

21 Jun 21'

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

"Simon’s woodturning course was a Christmas gift from my children and was something I had always wanted to do. Both Simon and Louise make you feel very welcome. Along with Simon’s guidance and teaching skills for beginners and Louise’s hospitality ( plenty of drinks and a lovely lunch ) they make for a fantastic team. If anyone is thinking of doing something like this I couldn’t think of a better place to start. I am looking forward to doing the Intermediate course in the future."

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

"Hi Phil, Thank you so much for a lovely review and Louise and I are glad you had such a good time. Once I have an intermediate course plan written, I'll get in touch. In the meantime, any questions, please drop me a line and I'm only too pleased to help. -- Simon"

21 Jun 21'

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

"I had a fantastic day woodturning with Simon. He was an excellent and patient teacher and I would recommend him highly to anybody who wants to learn the craft! Louise was lovely and accomodating too and next time I would love to try pottery with her! The lunch was also lovely. Thanks guys! 5 stars!"

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

"Thanks, Miles. I had a great day teaching you too! You were a very attentive and interested pupil and I'm glad you found it enjoyable and interesting. -- Simon"

14 Jun 21'

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

"Unbelievably happy with this craft day. Simon and Louise are so welcoming and knowledgeable. Really fantastic teachers I learned new things and left with some lovely crafts I can feel proud of."

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

"Thank you for the lovely review Sarah. It was great to have you and Becca in the studios :-). Really pleased you enjoyed your crafty experience - you both made some lovely pieces that you can definitely be proud of. Your ceramics pieces are drying nicely & I'll let you know when they've been glazed."

7 Jun 21'

Chris Peters reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I have done some woodturning for several years but am self-taught and never had 1-2-1 instruction, consequently my technique leaves a lot to be desired! I saw this 1-day course, a birthday present from my wife, as an ideal opportunity to do something about this. From the moment I arrived Simon and Louise made me most welcome and the whole day was delightful. Simon is an inspirational teacher and as well as helping me to improve my basic skills he suggested lots of ideas for extending the range of projects I could consider in the future. I also learnt a great deal about the way Simon has organised his workshop and enjoyed chatting about many different aspects of this fascinating craft. Louise provided frequent cups of tea and a lovely lunch which greatly added to the enjoyment of the day. I can thoroughly recommend spending a day with Simon whether you are an absolute beginner or more experienced."

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

"Chris, Thank you so much for your lovely comments. You were a model student - made one of the best beads I've seen! I look forward to seeing more of your work in the future and catching up when you next visit the Ely Crafts market. All the best, Simon"

6 Jun 21'

Steven keen reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"The course is a wonderful introduction into a new skill. Simon has a very relaxed style of teaching that puts you at ease straight away. His enthusiasm and passion to help you achieve a wonderful bowl is second to none. I must also thank Louise for a wonderful farm house lunch. I am definitely looking forward to another session with Simon"

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

"Hi Steve, Thanks for the review and we look forward to seeing you again soon when you can show off your new skills - because you will have practiced day and night? ?? Seriously, you were a joy to teach and a lovely host and we look forward to your next visit. Kind Regards, Simon & Louise"

1 Jun 21'

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

"The day was a Christmas present from my wife. I had done some woodturning at school, some 45 years ago, but remembered none of it. The workshop Simon has is lovely and the set up great. Simon is a really good teacher, explains things very clearly and patiently and lets you try things for yourself. I found the day flew by and the turning was very therapeutic. I came away with 2 really pleasing bits of work, and the bug. I will definitely do more woodturning. As I said above, the workshop was really nice. It is well kept and safety is obviously a high priority for Simon. He provided all the gear you needed and had excellent ventilation systems. There is nothing I could fault by the day. Louise provided a lovely lunch to round off a perfect day. I thoroughly recommend this course."

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

"Hi Tony, Thanks for a great review :) I hope the course inspired you to take up the craft and, if you need any more help, please get in touch. If you get fed up with the Tesla, I'll happily take it off your hands.... :) All the best, Simon"

31 May 21'

patrick grant reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"A brilliant day out! Super friendly unbelievably enthusiastic and positive with fantastic knowledge! Would recommend it to anyone."

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

"Hi Pat, So pleased you enjoyed your half-day ceramics workshop :-). You did really well at the wheel! I'll let you know when your pieces are ready and I've remembered to put your "makers mark" in all of them too ;-). Thanks again for the great review!"

24 May 21'

oliver stovin reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"This was a birthday present , delayed by Covid. Everything about the course was excellent. The communications before hand, the environment and work shop, the lunch but especially the hands on side of it and the pieces I made. I have inherited a lathe and tools and was keen to start learning how to use them. Incredibly practical and useful as well as relaxing and the time flew by. I know you can do a day split between pottery and woodturning, as a fun day i think that would be really good fun too. I can't wait to get turning myself The whole thing beats anything you could get from a book or youtube hands down Simon was a great teacher and gave the right balance of help and being left to get on with it. Thanks Oliver"

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

"Hi Oliver, Thank you for such a lovely review - you were a pleasure to meet, teach and converse with! I'm glad the day worked out well and you should be proud of your creations. I hope you persevere with the craft and, if you need any help, please do get in touch. -- Simon"

23 May 21'

Phillip Leverett reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"A day to savour. Simon introduced me to lathe and tools and we quickly began to get hands on, looking at techniques and learning do's and dont's. A lovely lunch broke up the session and I was very happy with the honey dipper and the bowl which I had produced by the end of the day."

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

"Phil, we're so pleased you enjoyed your 1-2-1 woodturning experience. It was a pleasure to have you in the workshop, and don't hesitate to contact us if you need more info when you're setting up your own workshop. The figuring in and the shape of your bowl is lovely, and thank you for the photo you sent to us showing how you're putting it to good use :-)."

22 May 21'

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

"Fantastic time with Simon who is a great tutor. Really please with the bowl I made. I never felt rushed and he took time to make sure I produced something to be proud of. Lunch was really good and complimented the feel good day. Just what I needed. Wishing Simon and Louise all the best. The follow up notes and photos of the day were a great reminder to share with friends and family."

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

"Hi Julian, We're really pleased you enjoyed your 1-2-1 woodturning workshop with us here at Blended Monkey. You made a fabulous bowl! Hopefully the notes will be useful if you decide to take up the craft. Don't hesitate to contact us if you need any help with equipment, setting up etc.."

21 May 21'

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

"We really enjoyed the day (2 crafts in 1 day) and had a lot of fun with wood turning in the morning followed by pottery in the afternoon. Simon and Louise were knowledgable and talented hosts who provided a relaxing creative atmosphere. Their teaching style was excellent and allowed us both to develop our new-found skills into creating some freestyle pieces. Thank you very much for a very enjoyable day"

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

"Guys, thank you for the lovely review. It was a pleasure having you in the studios. We're also pleased that you found the experience to be relaxing and creative. After teaching the basics, we do try to give our students the space to add their own personalities to their work whilst ensuring we're always ready to step in when you need us. Again, thanks for the lovely review :-)."

20 May 21'

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

"I attended a two day pottery class with a friend... without doubt the mostly relaxing activity i have ever participated in, I left feeling completely relaxed. Louise pitched the class perfectly, a great mix of activity and pace; leaving us time to really enjoy getting to grips with the clay. I am seriously thinking of attending a class on a frequent basis... i honestly feel the activity helped eliminate stress (you can't play with clay and read emails! :)."

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

"Hi Louise, So glad you enjoyed your 2-day pottery workshop :-). It was great having you and Charlotte in the studio and I'm soooo pleased you found it relaxing. You both made some really beautiful pieces - and your big coil pot has caught the eye of other students too! Anything these days to get us off our mobile phones and get our brains focused on creativity is a good thing :-). Looking forward to you returning to do your glazing."