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

28 Aug 24'

Rachel H reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I had a super day with Simon doing the woodturning. I'd never used anything like the tools and machinery before and was a little apprehensive, but it was all very gentle and well-paced. Simon was great at explaining the tools, the nature of the wood, and the reasons behind the techniques. I made a lovely little toggle and a beautiful bowl, and had a fantastic day."

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

"Hi Rachel, Thank you for a lovely review and so glad you enjoyed the day. Do get in touch if you need more guidance. --Simon"

27 Aug 24'

Caroline Brown reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"We loved our woodworking day. As complete novices, we were astonished to turn our rounds of cherry into such beautiful bowls! Our family couldn't believe we'd made them :-) Simon taught us how to use the various tools and make a range of cuts in the morning and then took us step by step through the process to craft the bowls in the afternoon. The woodturning studio is very well set up and Simon took great care over our safety. As an accident-prone person I thought the lathe might be a bit scary, but it's actually a surprisingly gentle craft. Lots of tea, biccies and a farmhouse lunch too! Highly recommended."

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

"Hi Caroline, So glad you enjoyed the experience - told you it was a gentle craft! Do get in touch if you need any further information or guidance. --Simon"

19 Aug 24'

Karl Cerski reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I had a brilliant time on this 1-2-1 woodturning course! I learnt so much, and particularly appreciated the depth of knowledge that Simon has - and his patience with an absolute beginner! I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to have a comprehensive introduction to woodturning."

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

"Hi Karl, Thank you for a lovely review. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need further help. —Simon"

18 Aug 24'

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

"What a great day, the course was excellent, run by Simon, an extremely patient and very knowledgeable tutor. All aspects of the course itinerary were explained in full detail with plenty of time for additional questions as necessary. The day was full but relaxed, the lunch was excellent and Simon couldn’t have been more accommodating. The 1-2-1 format was very useful allowing full focus on the participant skill levels. Can’t recommend this course high enough and will definitely look to return for a follow up course."

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

"Hi Bill, Thanks for a lovely, heartfelt review. Great to meet you and looking forward to seeing you again. —Simon"

15 Aug 24'

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

"My daughter booked this experience as a surprise birthday present, following excellent reviews. The day did not disappoint, from the moment I walked in, I was welcomed by Simon, an amazing teacher, whose passion for woodturning was evident from the start. He was not only incredibly knowledgeable but also patient and encouraging. A fantastic day, would highly recommend Blended Monkey. "

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

"Hi Paul, So glad you enjoyed the day - hope the notes were useful. Do get in touch if you fancy another go at turning... -- Simon"

9 Aug 24'

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

"Simon clearly is an expert woodturner, but also he is an excellent teacher - by explaining things carefully and patiently, and by giving praise even to complete novices like me! The workshop is located in Simon and Louise's beautiful naturalistic garden, where we also sat for lunch. The time flew by, which is the sign of a very enjoyable experience. "

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

"Hi David, Thanks for a lovely review - so glad that you enjoyed the experience. Do get in touch if you need any further help or guidance. -- Simon"

6 Aug 24'

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

"Mum and I thoroughly enjoyed learning to wood turn and our slab building ceramics session. Both were brilliantly run with Simon and Louise enthusiastically sharing their knowledge and passion for their crafts. Staying in the Crafters Retreat cabin was the icing on the cake of our lovely weekend! We will definitely be back and highly recommend Blended Monkey for something different to do - whether couples or mother/daughter, father/son or just friends. Fantastic five stars!!!"

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

"It was an utter delight having you guys spend the day with us in the woodturning & ceramics studios. You both created beautiful pieces and we're so pleased that you also enjoyed your stay in our Crafter's Retreat :-). Thank you for the 5-star rating - most appreciated!"

29 Jul 24'

Julian Cooper reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery throwing workshop

"My goodness what a wonderful day and experience! Thank you Simon. This was a 60th birthday present to me from family and was so worthwhile. A lovely place to be and Simon looked after me and taught so well as I took my first steps on the lathe. Excellent instruction and then notes to follow up as well. The garden to be in (it was a nice day) was also lovely in the gaps between sessions."

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

"Hi Julian, So glad you found the day useful and memorable. Any questions or help required please get in touch. -- Simon"

28 Jul 24'

Jo Phillips reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery throwing workshop

"Just come back from the most amazing morning doing a pairs throwing workshop. Louise was so friendly and made us so comfortable. In fact, I enjoyed the chat as much as the throwing! I definitely need more practice but my daughter- in- law nailed it. Can't wait to see the finished pots, however they look and would love to do more sessions. Cant recommend it enough. "

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

"It was a real delight and lots of fun having you and Dawn in the ceramics studio. So nice to have chilled out, relaxed students who want to just enjoy the process. You should both be proud of the pieces you made. Some parts of throwing are difficult to get and it takes a lot of practice, but you both got to grips with it really quickly. Well done ladies! Oh, and thank you for the lovely review :-)."

26 Jul 24'

Harry Kempton reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I've learnt so much from listening to Simon and how thorough and knowingly knowing all of the ways things could go wrong and letting you find that so you become braver with the machine. Outstanding course 100% recommend "

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

"Hi Harry, Thanks for your recommendation - means a lot coming from a professional woodworker! Do get in touch if you need more assistance. -- Simon"

24 Jul 24'

Dee Jackson reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Thank you for a fantastic course Simon, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The pace of the course was just right and your excellent tuition skills were spot on. I came away with a massive amount of knowledge that you graciously shared and some lovely pieces of work. I would highly recommend this course. Thank you."

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

"Hi Dee, You're welcome! So glad you had a great day and I hope the notes are useful. Do get in touch if you need further help with anything. --Simon "

21 Jul 24'

Mike Carveth reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Great day with Simon, helped with a lot of my questions. Helped me get ready to set up an effective woodworking workshop. Will probably be back to learn other types of woodturning techniques. Well done Simon. Kindest thanks and regards Michael"

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

"Michael, So glad you enjoyed the day and got a lot out of it. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need more assistance with setting up. - Simon"

16 Jul 24'

Natasha Werdmuller reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Thank you Simon for a wonderful day. I really enjoyed everything, I felt that Simon was really good at explaining and demonstrating wood turning. The lunch was lovely. I really enjoyed using the lathe and was pleased with my bowl. I hope to take wood turning further and can totally recommend this course to anyone who would like to try this. "

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

"Hi Tasha, Thank you for a lovely review and so glad you enjoyed the day. Do get in touch if you need more help. — Simon"

7 Jun 24'

Neil Brew reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Lovely location, well set out workshop with good safety provision. Extremely good instructor with extensive knowledge of woodturning, willing to adapt the course and advise on a project I had in mind. Very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Would heartily recommend to beginners like me!!"

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

"Hi Neil, Thanks for a lovely review. I do hope you take up the craft and look forward to seeing you again in the future. — Simon"

2 Jun 24'

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

"Great fun- learned so much and even got to make something genuinely useful! "

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

"Hi Simon, So glad you enjoyed the day. Do get in touch if you need any further assistance. — Simon"

31 May 24'

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

"I attended this course last yesterday. On arrival I was greeted with a smile by Simon who proceeded to take me to and show me his work shop. The workshop is well equipped. Simon skilfully explained the lathe and its tools. The day proceeded with me getting some experience with different cuts. We stopped for lunch which was a very appetising farm house lunch. The afternoon was devoted to making a wood bowl. I would highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn wood turning. Great tutor. "

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

"Hi Richard, Thank you for a lovely review. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need any further help. — Simon"

31 May 24'

Michelle Warren reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 pottery throwing workshop for 1 person

"Had the best half day. Louise is so welcoming and friendly. The tuition is homely and not too structured that you feel under pressure… do your own thing, your own way… The studio is fantastic and so cosy. I think I’ve found my thing.. thank you! "

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

"It was an absolute pleasure having you in the studio Michelle :-). Well done with your first session of throwing! Can't believe you centered so quickly - usually one of the main issues when throwing. Glad I've helped you find your thing :-). "

30 May 24'

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

"I recently attended a full day wood turning course and had a great time. I made 2 projects that I'm really pleased with and learned a lot while doing it. Simon is a great teacher and I felt that the whole day was tailored to suit me. I have some previous woodworking experience but no turning experience and we were able to go quickly where there was common ground, and then take more time with the new concepts. Simon took me through the basics of spindle work and bowl turning, giving me the opportunity to get to grips with lots of techniques and tools. Throughout the day, he took the time to explain not just what to do, but why certain tools and techniques would or wouldn't work in different situations which worked really well for me as I like to know how things work! It was really clear to me that the purpose of the day wasn't just to have a nice time (which I did!) but also to teach the basics such that a novice could learn enough to safely start turning as a hobby themselves. Simon explained what to look for in a lathe, what tools you would need to get started, and how to use them safely. As a bonus I was also provided with a digital download containing a write-up of all of the things we had done during the day for future reference. The provided lunch was delicious and the setting in the garden was really nice too. All in all, I had a great day and am keen to do more wood turning and can definitely see myself coming back for another session!"

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

"Hi Will, So glad you got so much out of the day and I look forward to seeing you again soon. — Simon"

29 May 24'

Daisy reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"My mum and I did the pottery morning for Mother’s Day and we absolutely loved it. Louise was wonderful and we got to make lovely pieces while having a good chat. She’s a very good teacher and really encourages experimentation! Louise then very kindly glazed our pieces and posted them to us, making sure they got there safely. Thank you for a brilliant morning!"

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

"It was lovely having you and your mum in the studio for your pottery experience. You both made some beautiful pieces and I'm sooo pleased they arrived safely! I always have everything crossed when I post things out :-). I wish you well with your painting too - very creative. Thank you for the lovely review."

26 May 24'

Simon & Mark reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"A great experience with excellent results taking away an impressive bowl. Simon has a lot of experience and patience to teach the easiest ways for effortless wood craft. Lunch was nice and good conversation throughout the day. It's also a very nice set up and makes me realise I need to clean out my own shed! Many thanks "

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

"Hi Simon, hi Mark, Glad you enjoyed the day and it worked for you. Cleared out the shed yet? ;) If you need any help once you’re set up, do get in touch. — Simon"

24 May 24'

Jonathan and Carolyn reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"We really enjoyed and learnt a lot from our pottery experience. We tried various techniques with the instructions and guidance helping greatly with the development of our ideas and pots. Louise and Simon are great hosts and provided a lovely relaxed lunch in their garden. We were made to feel very welcome and have recommended this experience to our friends. "

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

"I'm really pleased you both enjoyed your day of pottery and I'm glad the weather held so we could all enjoy lunch outside in the garden :-). You both made some lovely pieces!"

23 May 24'

Meaghan reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery throwing workshop

"We absolutely loved the experience! I would recommend it to anyone who is curious to learn about throwing or who just wants a fun way to spend an afternoon. Five stars not only for the lessons, but for the comfortable atmosphere you've created and the pacing and freedom offered by this format. Thank you for an ideal afternoon."

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

"I'm so pleased you guys enjoyed your beginner's throwing experience! It was great having you in the studio and hopefully the experience helped to make your holiday all the more interesting :-)."

18 May 24'

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

"I had a wonderful day learning about wood turning with Simon. A very relaxed experience, in the morning I made a practice piece and a beautiful keyring, followed by a lovely lunch. In the afternoon, the second project was turning a bowl, on both projects Simon guided me when needed so I didn't make any mistakes, both items are proudly displayed and a great talking point. I would highly recommend a visit to Simon, a great teacher, and the studio is in a lovely location. Thank you to Simon and Louise for being so friendly and welcoming. I look forward to more turning in the future. "

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

"Hi Tony, I'm really glad you enjoyed the day - I enjoyed it too and you made a couple of lovely items you should be very proud of. If you need any help or guidance in the future, please just shout. -- Simon"

15 May 24'

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

"I had such a wonderful day. My course was a 1-2-1 day. Woodturning with Simon in the morning, followed by the Pottery workshop with Louise in the afternoon. It was an amazing day, very informative. Both Simon and Louise explained every step of the way and very encouraging. Can't wait to rebook another session "

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

"Verna, it was really fun having you with us here in the Blended Monkey studios! You made a lovely dibber with Simon in the woodturning workshop and went on to create some beautiful ceramic pieces in my pottery studio. Thank you for your lovely review :-). Louise & Simon"

7 May 24'

Vickie Rudkin reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery throwing workshop

"Had a pottery workshop with Louise on Sunday and it was so much fun. She was very patient with us both and we have not laughed like that in a very long time. We did manage to get some respectable pieces off in the end too and can't wait to see what they come out of the kiln like! Would highly recommend Louise and the workshops at Blended Monkey - Simon does the woodwork courses too. Lovely spot and a really creative place to be."

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

"Vickie, thank you for your lovely review. It was a joy having you guys in the studio and I'm so pleased you had fun discovering the potter's wheel :-). Very sweet of you to recommend our workshops. I'll let you know when your creations are ready :-) "