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

Cat Roscoe reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"My daughter and I have done a few classes with Blended Monkey now. Louise’s amazing, a great teacher and we make some lovely things every time. She is also great with my daughter who is very shy. Thanks for all the great classes! "

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

"Lovely to see you guys again! I'm really pleased you enjoyed your pottery session and thank you for the lovely review :-). See you again soon x"

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

"Thanks Louise for being very patient with me on the wheel. It was good to have a 'go' and make an attempt at throwing some bowls. Looking forward to seeing finished items.. (I think!)"

Mark and Sue reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery throwing workshop

"Thanks for a great morning Louise. Two novice's on the wheel and we learned a lot in a short time Loved every minute and would definitely recommend it to anyone. Looking forward to picking up the pots in a few weeks. "

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

"It was a pleasure! You seem to have picked up the throwing bug pretty quickly. You made some fab thrown pieces and I'm sure they'll look amazing glazed too. Glad you enjoyed your time here in the Blended Monkey ceramics studio. Thank you for the nice review too :-)."

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

"My wife booked the half day wood turning course for me as a Christmas present. I thoroughly enjoyed my time and Simon's teaching meant I was able to produce something I was proud of. Would definitely recommend for anyone who has an interest or wants to learn a new skill. "

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

"Hi Steve, So glad you enjoyed the experience. If you decide to make it a hobby, do get in touch if you need more guidance - happy to help. — Simon"

Colin Kemp reviewed: Intermediate 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I felt I was not ready for an Intermediate One Day 1 to 1 Woodturning Course when my wife bought it for me, but I am very glad to have attended the course. From the outset, Simon put me at ease as we discussed woodturning in general, as well as my own experience and concerns, in particular. Simon informed me what we could do throughout the day, and we did. Simon has a good training environment and setup in his workshop which assisted me to draw the maximum from the day. He is an extremely capable trainer, with a great deal of woodturning experience and knowledge, who instructed me in a relaxed professional manner. He passed on both guidance and tips, including to stand even closer to the lathe and have the rest even closer to the wood, to good effect. He encouraged me to take away all that I had learned and put it into practice, which I intend to do. I very highly recommend this course to all woodturners who wish to improve their skills and knowledge, whilst drawing on the experience and guidance of a very capable professional and woodturning instructor. I look forward to attending another course run by Simon, in due course. "

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

"Hi Colin, Thanks for a lovely review; I’m so glad you enjoyed the session. Do get in touch if you have any questions or would like to take it further. — Simon"

Tracey Reynolds reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery throwing workshop

"After watching the Great pottery throw down we thought we’d like to have a go but never got round to it. However we found Blended Monkey after my partner, 54, suffered a stroke and thought it would be a great way to have some fun alongside rehabilitation with their expertise with working with stroke survivors. Louise is amazing, welcoming, patient and encouraging. Great tuition as we were complete novices. We had a wonderful afternoon, full of laughter, plenty of tea and biscuits. We won’t win any prizes for our efforts but thoroughly enjoyed having a go. Can’t recommend highly enough and thank Louise for a brilliant time. "

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

"It was fab having you guys in the ceramics studio. I'm really pleased you both enjoyed your session and that you found it fun as well as creative. It's never a chore to have nice people like you guys in the studio :-). Thanks for the lovely review!"

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

"What a fun morning. The beginners half day workshop was brilliant. As a complete novice with no tools or equipment, I was a little apprehensive, but Simon quickly put me at ease and the 3 hours flew by. Tuition was top rate allowing a lot of hands on experience at your own pace. Added bonus of not having to waste time taking notes as they were all sent out by email after the day so you had lots of time to get stuck in. Simon obviously knows his trade and his enthusiasm is infectious. Very friendly and engaging. Now off to get equipped so I can practice and then book up further courses, such as how to sharpen tools. It's incredible how much difference a properly sharpened gouge delivers. Thank you so much. "

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

"Hi Mike, So glad you enjoyed the session and that it has spurred you on to get stuck in to the craft. I look forward to seeing you again soon. — Simon"

Charlotte and Paul reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery throwing workshop

"We thoroughly enjoyed our morning’s throwing lesson. Louise was an outstanding teacher, knowledgeable and talented. This was for my partner’s birthday, and he really loved the experience, and now wants to be a potter! We both managed to produce pieces worth firing, which we weren’t really expecting and my partner was brilliant and made 4 bowls! We are returning to decorate the pieces ourselves so that they are all ours 🥰 Thank you so much Louise "

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

"I'm so pleased you guys enjoyed your throwing experience. Paul seemed to be quite taken with the craft and was totally immersed! Well done to both of you ... and thank you so much for the lovely review! "

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

"Wonderful day with Louise. Great experience would highly recommend, hand building in the morning, lovely lunch then on wheel in the afternoon "

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

"Thank you for your lovely review Zoe. It was fun having you in the studio and although you don't think it, you did make some lovely pieces :-)."

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

"A most enjoyable experience. I was made to feel welcome and comfortable throughout the whole experience. This is not something I have ever done before, but thoroughly enjoyed the time spent learning what to do and how to use the different tools, and then making my own little gift to take home with me, which has pride of place on my Welsh dresser, along with the test piece used to learn how to work with the tools."

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

"Hi Debbie, Really glad you enjoyed your experience; do get in touch if you'd like to learn more or try pottery - it was great to have you here. -- Simon"

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

"I enjoyed it a lot, it was so much fun making a bowl with Simon and I’m excited for my next woodturning session. William - Aged 10."

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

"Hi Will, Thanks for the nice review - so glad you enjoyed your session. That bowl is lovely - well done! —Simon"

SImon & Helena Hart reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our 1/2 day instruction and the actual making of our labour's, both our first time at making Pottery. Louise made it simple, instructive and fun (as well as Coffee, Tea and Biscuits). We are both very pleased with the results, we would highly recommend for all."

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

"It was a joy having you guys in the Blended Monkey pottery studio. You both rose to the challenge and created some lovely pieces! Thank you so much for your lovely review too :-). And we're glad you enjoyed staying in our Crafter's Retreat cabin too."

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

"A fantastic morning, learning the basics of wood turning. I was bought it as a gift (I had no idea before I arrived). It brought back fond memories of turning at school (that ages me🤣) Simon made the mornings lesson something I will never forget, he is so understanding, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about turning and all things to do with turning! He took me through all the safety of the machines & tools I would be using. He got me turning quite quickly on a pice of wood to practice different techniques needed for each turning tool and after some mistakes I went on to turn a mushroom out of a piece of pine. He also got me to sand it smooth, seal it and polish it. I loved the class so much I have been looking at getting my own wood turning lathe. I would recommend this course to anyone (you don’t need to be big and strong to be able to turn just have comfy foot ware and be able to stand in one place for a while). Overall a fantastic morning (he even provided me with great gluten free biscuits🤗)"

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

"Hi Paul, It was great fun teaching you - you're a very able student and will make a fine turner. Do shout if you need any further advice or help. -- Simon"

Lynn & Paul reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"Excellent course, never laughed so much at my pathetic attempts on the wheel ! I’m clearly not destined to be a potter, my husband on the other hand was heading for a full dinner service set! Great host, clear explanations, knowledgeable tutor. Highly recommend this course."

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

"I'm so pleased you guys enjoyed your pottery session - it was a good laugh too :-). You both made some lovely pieces and I'm looking forward to seeing them glazed and fired. Thank you for your lovely review!"

Gill reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs woodturning workshop

"We spent an excellent morning woodturning with Simon who has so much knowledge to share. He's an experienced teacher and we both came away with finished items - impressive! We wholeheartedly recommend his workshop to anyone interested in woodturning - fun and informative."

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

"Hi Gill (& Tony), Thanks for a lovely review and so glad you enjoyed your experience; do get in touch if you need more help or advice. -- Simon"

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

"Readers - do not hesitate! Louise is a wonderful tutor, (complete with a relaxing background audio playlist!) willing and able to share her ceramics skills in a clean and welcoming atmosphere. A few pottery failures (too tall, too wide, too thin... oops!) going into the recycling tub, but with lessons learned, six classy pieces achieved from my own hands with Louise's guidance and encouragement. A fine lunch included, shared with Simon and his trainee allowed for free conversation and shared experiences. The peaceful concentration achieved throughout the day helped make this course one of the best learning/doing days of my life - using a sensual material that transforms from lump to artwork before your very eyes. Slab, coil, and finally to the wheel - where subtle skills are learned to centre, spread, and raise the clay to form stable sides of dish or pot. Thank you Louise for your friendly tutoring, light touch, and plenty of tea! A brilliant day - can't wait to see my pieces fired and glazed, each to my choice of colours."

Terry Mitchell & Moira Mathers reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"Absolutely brilliant day! Thoroughly enjoyed it. Louise and Simon are a fantastic couple who are passionate about what they do. Highly recommend a pottery day!"

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

"Well it was lovely having you guys in the studio! You and Moira are lovely people and much more creative than you think! Thank you for the lovely review x"

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

"Great morning learning woodworking practices. I realise I have a lot to learn and feel inspired to explore classes nearer to me. I would love to come back for a whole day’s tuition but am delighted with the oak salt spoon we made today. Thank you Simon."

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

"Hi Roz, So glad you enjoyed the session and, even though we had some hiccups 😀, you made a lovely piece in the end. I look forward to seeing you again, perhaps with your own tools (?) and we can do a sharpening session followed by a bowl. — Simon"

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

"This course is well worth the price. A relaxed, insightful experience learning the art of wood turning. Simon was very welcoming and it was really interesting learning from a well experienced wood turner. I would definitely recommend this course starting as a beginner to fast track yourself to creating some great pieces. Thank you Simon. "

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

"Hi Ed, Thank you so much for your review and recommendation - means a lot! Any questions you have, please don't hesitate to get in touch. --Simon"

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

"Very enjoyable, and very informative. It gave me really good experience and a great understanding of wood, as wood was a relatively new material for me, I normally work with 3d printers. Simon, my instructor, was very friendly, much more knowledgeable than what is taught in this course, so any questions I had, Simon could answer, and was open for ideas to make the outcome as best as possible. I received this course as a gift, and before the course I was was concerned if I would be strong enough to mill the wood using the lathe. Turns out it doesn't require any strength, and it was harder to be gentle than it is to mill it, which surprised me. Also, you don't have to be a geek like me to apply any of the techniques, to get you started, there are 2-3 simple rules, if you apply them, you can make things. Although at the start, watching Simon, made it look almost too easy :D but my hands got used to making curves after an hour I think. Most of the course is doing practical work, which made it a joy. Thanks to Blended Monkey team, it was a memorable experience, which probably will just be the start of my woodworking hobby :) Hope to see you again. Kindest Regards, Egemen"

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

"Hey Egemen, So glad you enjoyed the day and got something out of it. If you need any more information, etc. don’t hesitate to get in touch. — Simon"

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

"Fantastic! Simon made me feel at ease. He has a wealth of knowledge. I gained a lot from the 1:1 session and looking forward to the next! Definitely recommend. "

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

"Hi there, Thanks for the review and look forward to seeing you again soon! 😊 — Simon"

Janine Collier reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery throwing workshop

"Absolutely fantastic! Really friendly, relaxed, enjoyable course. I’ve done one before and this was by far the best! Thank you :-)"

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

"Hi Janine, Really pleased you enjoyed the throwing workshop - and so pleased you found it to be the best you've attended - thank you for that! :-)"

Heather Robinson reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I had a Fab day yesterday, Simon and Louise were very welcoming. I enjoyed my wood turning experience, Simon was very patient and has given me the confidence to try using my lathe again. Plenty of tea and biscuits and a yummy lunch made the day even better. Thank you for all the knowledge you passed on, much appreciated. "

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

"Hi Heather, So glad you enjoyed the day. Do get in touch if you need further advice or would like to attend my sharpening course. Simon"

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

"This course was a lovely experience that I received as a gift for my 60th. The morning was spent woodturning with Simon, who explained everything really well and I came away with a completed honey dabber. Lunch was amazing and it was then time for an afternoon of pottery with Louise. Everything was explained and taught really well and during the afternoon I learnt pinching, slab building and throwing on the wheel. I look forward to collecting my pots and vases once fired and glazed. Overall a really lovely day."

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

"I had a fantastic day with Simon! The tuition was outstanding and I was shown all I needed to get started. Simon then allowed me to execute a test piece, helping me as and when it was needed. He then demonstrated the honey dipper, after which I made a dipper of my own. After a lovely buffet lunch, Simon got me started with turning a bowl, then allowed me to proceed with help from time to time. At the end of the day I had two pieces of work to take home. "