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

Rhoda reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs woodturning workshop

"We spent a very enjoyable morning attending a beginners' wood-turning workshop. Simon is a great teacher and was very encouraging. Many thanks!"

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

"Thanks, Rhoda. It was great to have you both. Any questions or queries, so get in touch. -- Simon"

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

"We did the 2 in 1 craft day, pottery and wood turning. Never touched a lathe or a potters wheel before and we came out with some high quality stuff. It was a fantastic day. The attention and instruction we got from Louise and Simon was awesome, they really are passionate about what they do. Also, if you like a chat you won't be disappointed, you can't shut them up (which is a good thing). They were always guiding and positive but left you to your own creative talents. The workshops are a lovely environment to learn and be in. The knowledge they leak out to you is so absorbing you can't help but be amazed. I'm sat at home writing this and still recalling some wonderful information that you get from this very friendly couple. You will get some lovely lunch in their kitchen and the encouragement about life skills and well being are always on their mind. Everybody who meets Louise & Simon will think I have the best friends in the world. I encourage you all to book a craft class or two and defo stay at the Crafters Retreat Lodge. The Lodge is a dream. Go and give it a go. All the best Louise & Simon Tony & Kim x "

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

"I really loved my one-to-one pottery lesson with Louise. She and Simon were very welcoming and their home felt a very secluded and calming environment to spend the day. As a complete beginner, I was able to go at my own pace and I found Louise very patient and encouraging. I was really pleased with what I was able to achieve in one day. I’d love to go back again and stay at their crafters retreat, which looked beautiful. Highly recommended."

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

"Liz, I'm delighted that you enjoyed your day with us here at Blended Monkey :-). I know you were a little cautious about throwing on the wheel at first, but WOW - look at what you achieved!!!! You've made some really lovely pieces and I'm just as excited as you to see how they look after they've been glazed. Thank you for your review - very kind. "

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

"I had an amazing time during the pottery workshop! Louise created a wonderful, relaxed atmosphere, and was very supportive as we moved through three different techniques. She explained everything clearly, while leaving me fully in charge of my own creations. We had a nice chat throughout and some lovely teas. I left the session energised and inspired. I would highly recommend this workshop. Thank you, Louise (and Simon)!"

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

"So pleased you enjoyed your ceramics session :-). It's amazing what you can achieve in half a day! You embraced all the different techniques with creativity - I especially like your tall "bobbly" vase. It was a pleasure having you in the studio and thank you very much for your lovely review!"

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

"What a delight of a day, it will be one for the memory bank for sure. Thank you to my Mum and Dad for such a fabulous birthday gift. Louise is talented, patient and very encouraging especially as this was my first time in a potter's studio - my only other time working with clay was at uni but that will change now as today Louise has definitely shared the bug for it! Is it too early to start researching second-hand potter's wheels online...? : ) The day was so smooth, giving me opportunities to try so many different things and it was relaxed and ran beautifully, just sorry it had to end. I can only imagine how much prep and clear-up it created too! Thank you Louise for a wonderful experience."

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

"It was fab spending the day with you in the ceramics studio and I'm really happy that you enjoyed your immersive, creative clay workshop :-). You created some beautiful pieces and took to all the different techniques so well. It was lovely chatting with you too. Thank you for the great review :-)."

Brian Matthews reviewed: Intermediate 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Great course, Simon is very knowledgeable & patient and takes time to explain everything. This was my second course & both were brilliant, will definitely be doing another. Thank you Simon & Louise "

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

"Hi Brian, It was great to see you again and it’s so rewarding to know that the course is of benefit - especially when you return for more! Have fun in your workshop. — Simon"

Jayne & Gary reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery throwing workshop

"I booked this as a birthday present for my boyfriend & he was thrilled. We’d talked about trying something “crafty” as we’re not naturally like that! We had a fantastic time with Louise who is very patient & motivating. She explains and show you first off and then is there to support you and point out how to get better results through the workshop. We found it fun and totally absorbing, even sad when we’d ran out of clay which wasn’t what we expected. Definitely give it a go, we never thought we’d get 3 each to fire & glaze but we did. Some are a bit wonky but it’s lovely to think we will have made them. Can’t wait to pick them up !"

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

"It was lovely to meet you guys and I'm so pleased you enjoyed your birthday throwing workshop :-). You picked up the throwing processes really quickly and should feel very proud of the pieces you made! I prefer a "wonky" pot any day :-). Thanks for the lovely review! "

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

"I have never done pottery before. I bought the 1-2-1 wood turning for my husband, so thought I’d try the 1-2-1 pottery. I always find personal courses better so you can move at your own pace. Louise made me feel at ease, and had a great teaching style as she never touched my work. Just coached. I loved that. There were lots of choices for me and my creativity. I can’t believe I came out with so many useful things. The wheel was a real challenge but such fun. And we stayed at their crafters retreat which is like a little oasis. The whole day with my husband woodturning with Simon, staying at the lodge and the pottery, made it such a special anniversary. And my husband's bowl and honey drizzled were perfect. Everything was perfect."

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

"Thank you for the fab review Jacqueline. It was a pleasure to have you in the ceramics studio ... you're very creative and you made some lovely pieces! Also pleased that Mark enjoyed his woodturning workshop with Simon. Again, some beautiful pieces made - bet you needed that hot tub in our Crafter's Retreat in the evening though! So glad you had a fabulous anniversary too! "

Candy Quarry reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"I came with my sister for the half day pottery workshop. Having never done pottery before we were complete beginners. Louise was an absolutely wonderful teacher. Explaining things so clearly and also supporting if we needed a bit of assistance with anything. Additionally, she is very warm and friendly and made us feel welcome and at home! The workshop is in a beautiful established garden which was the icing on the cake. This course is excellent value for money, we will definitely be returning. Can’t wait to see our fired and glazed finished products which will hold lovely memories for us. Thanks again!!"

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

"It was a delight meeting you guys and well done for creating such beautiful pieces. I'm really pleased you enjoyed your ceramics session ... it means a lot to me. I'll let you know as soon as your creations have been glazed and fired. I'm sure they'll look amazing! Thanks again for the lovely review :-)."

Tim Borodka reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I spent a very enjoyable day with Simon and Louise. As a beginner I learnt a lot but still have more to learn. Planning to go back for further advice. Friendly people. Lovely lunch. I would highly recommend this course."

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

"Hi Tim, So glad you enjoyed the day and look forward to seeing you again soon. — Simon"

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

"I had this course gifted as a birthday present. I've never done pottery, and I had a fabulous time. Louise was amazing. She gave good instruction and was very encouraging. I would definitely book this course if you have considered giving pottery a go. A lovely lunch was included. Beautiful setting with gardens and a lovely old house."

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

"Thank you for the lovely review Janice. It was great meeting you and I'm pleased you enjoyed your pottery experience here at Blended Monkey :-). You took to all the different techniques really well and have created some beautiful pieces to be really proud of. "

Andy reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery throwing workshop

"My son and I had a lovely Fathers day learning how to use the Potters wheel with Louise, and look forward to enjoying the results, our pots! Would definitely recommend Louise and Blended Monkey, perhaps some wood turning with Simon next time 😁"

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

"It was a delight having you guys in the studio and I'm so pleased you both enjoyed your throwing experience on the potter's wheel. You both picked up the techniques pretty quickly and achieved some really lovely results. Thanks for the great review :-). "

Bob Angell reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"What a fantastic day. I have a wood turning lathe that I purchased following a days tuition a few years ago from an amateur turner. I enjoyed that day but my daughter and I attended Blended Monkey as a birthday present and learnt so much. Simon has fantastic enthusiasm for turning and this shows in his teaching. I really cannot thank him enough. Worth every penny of the cost. Brilliant! "

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

"Hi Bob, So glad you enjoyed the day and it’s nice to know your interest has been piqued once more! Any queries, etc. do get in touch. Happy turning! — Simon"

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

"I had a wonderful day with Simon and Louise at Blended Monkey last weekend, with my first foray into woodturning. I've been wanting to try turning for so long and Simon's expert knowledge and easy to follow instructions made the whole day very informative and enjoyable and I got plenty of "hands on" experience and turned my very first bowl. All in all, a great day with some lovely friendly people! P.S. thanks for the hospitality and the lovely lunch too :-)"

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

"Hi Mike, You're welcome! Great to have you here for the day and so glad you enjoyed the experience. -- Simon"

Rachel Angell reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"I booked this 1 Day Pairs Woodturning Course as a Birthday Gift for Dad and we had a fabulous day. Firstly Simon was very accommodating with the dates and all of the information was sent well in advance of the day with a gift certificate that I could wrap for Dad's present. The location is beautiful and Simons enthusiasm is infectious. We had a super day, learnt some new skills and now have a new hobby which we can carry on together. I love the bowl we created, and proudly showed off my handiwork to the rest of the family. Thank you for a wonderful day. "

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

"Hi Rachel (& Bob), So glad you enjoyed the experience. Do get in touch if you need more help or advice. Happy turning! -- Simon"

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

"Simon is a brilliant, friendly tutor and I learnt a lot from him. The set up he's got is perfect for what you're going to do and you'll have plenty of time and support to achieve great results with him. He is also an excellent host, he really welcomes you into his home. All in all a great crafting day. "

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

"Hi Tom, Glad you enjoyed the experience and great to host you here. Any help or advice, please get in touch. -- Simon"

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

"I was gifted the 2 Crafts in 1 Day and I had a brilliant time. Simon was patient and a fantastic teacher. He was able to explain everything really clearly and I was working with the lathe very quickly. Understanding the different tools and techniques was fascinating. After a lovely lunch in the beautiful and quiet gardens it was time to play with clay. A great afternoon getting to grips with slab work, hand raising and the wheel work (I definitely contributed to the tower of shame, but it was such fun). Louise is also a wonderful teacher and it was a pleasure to spend the afternoon with her in the studio. I’d recommend this course in a heartbeat. It’s a fantastic introduction to wood turning and pottery. "

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

"Alison, it was lovely to have you in the woodturning workshop and ceramics studio, and we're so pleased that you enjoyed your 2 Crafts in 1 Day experience with us here at Blended Monkey :-). You took to both crafts with ease and created some lovely pieces. Well done!"

Gillian Lewis reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"My husband treated me to this 1 to 1 full day course as a surprise 70th birthday present as I had previously expressed an interest in having a go at wood turning. The day was perfect with Simon's expert tuition being delivered with great patience and humour. With his help, I had a go at several techniques using a variety of tools and I managed to complete a honey drizzler and a beautiful bowl which I will treasure with great pride. My husband sat and watched and was able to take lots of photos. We were given hot drinks throughout the day and also had a fabulous lunch in Simon and Louise's farmhouse kitchen. A most memorable day in every way."

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

"Hi Gill, Thanks so much for a lovely review and so glad you both enjoyed the day. If you need any further advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. — Simon"

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

"I want to thank Simon for a truly immersive woodturning experience and sharing his knowledge and expertise. I enjoyed the whole day immensely and his enthusiasm has re-energized my love of all things wood. The workshop is based in an ideal beautiful setting with other courses and accommodation available. I would also like to thank Louise for my very tasty lunch. Thankyou again"

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

"Hi Carol, So glad you got so much from the day and really pleased I've rekindled your enthusiasm - that's why I do it! :) Happy turning! -- Simon"

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

"Wow! What a great course. Arrived as a complete novice and left feeling that I had learnt A LOT. I even got to complete and take home two great little projects. Simon is a great teacher and I don't hesitate to recommend this course. You will love it!"

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

"Hi John, Thank you for your kind praise! I hope some of the knowledge sinks in 😊; if not, you have my notes. So glad you enjoyed the day though. — Simon"

John Chappell reviewed: Pole lathe turning 1-2-1 or pairs

"Had a lovely day, sharpening tools and working on the lathe. Although I have some experience I found the day very useful and informative. Thanks Simon and Louise "

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

"Hi John, Thanks for your frank review - always appreciated. Hope you get more from your turning with super-sharp tools now! -- Simon"

David reviewed: Pole lathe turning 1-2-1 or pairs

"Really great day woodturning. The course was laid out really well, taking a 'raw' split log all the way through the stages of the process to create a fully finished item. Lot's of useful instruction, both on the theory and the practical nature of each step along with some great guidance on how to improve. Really beautiful setting to learn in too, plus Simon and Louise were super friendly. I'd definitely recommend to anybody interested in either learning woodturning for themselves or as a great one-off experience day."

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

"Hi David, Thanks for your candid review and so glad you enjoyed the day - we were lucky with the weather too! — Simon"

Alex Gilbert reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I had a fantastic day with Simon and left feeling full of confidence, enthusiasm and with a beautiful sycamore bowl that I had made. The day was a perfect mix of explanation, demonstration and lots of hands on experience. Simon creates a relaxed atmosphere so that it didn't feel like so much a lesson but more an enjoyable day chatting and learning. We got through an enormous amount and he made sure that we covered particular areas that I was interested in. The day included a lovely lunch in the garden and both Simon and Louise made me feel very much at home and welcome. Thank you!"

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

"Hi Alex, So glad it was an enjoyable experience for you. Do get in touch if you need any further advice or information. — Simon"

Chris reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs woodturning workshop

"We had a fascinating afternoon learning and nearly mastering (!) the basics of woodturning. Simon was so patient and unhurried, it was a real pleasure. Highly recommended!"

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

"Hi Chris, Thanks for taking the time to review your experience and for your positive comments - it's really great to know that you appreciated the course. Do get in touch if you need further assistance or advice. -- Simon"

Russ Barker reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I thoroughly enjoyed my 1-2-1 woodturning workshop learning all about woodturning as well as the equipment required, tools needed, wood (and grain). As a total novice who only had seen YouTube videos of woodturning, I ended up "proficient" enough to take home 2 pieces of my work that currently sit proudly on display for all to see! Simon was patient whilst explaining and demonstrating the techniques and tips needed. He is very easy to chat to, and quick to allay any fears or answer any questions. It doesn't seem to stop at the end of the day either - the post-course information notes (and some great photos) were gratefully received afterwards. Something for me to read up on, so I don't forget before the next time I am in front of a lathe...."

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

"Hi Russ, So glad you enjoyed the day - do get in touch if you need any guidance, especially purchasing kit. I can't promise I know it all, but I'll try to help if I can. -- Simon"