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

8 May 23'

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

"A highly enjoyable and informative day. I was completely new to turning and Simon was a wonderful instructor, patiently walking me through the background of the equipment, points to watch out for and how to approach a project. His guidance on techniques and proper handling of the equipment meant that I was given a strong introduction in how to approach the craft, and the information provided afterwards meant that I now have a fantastic reference point going forwards. Overall, a brilliant day with a great instructor, providing an informative and good, broad coverage of wood turning. I would highly recommend to anyone considering this course."

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

"Hi Tom, Thank you for a very comprehensive review - you were a model student and I wish you well in all your woodturning endeavours. Any queries or assistance required, please don't hesitate to get in touch. -- Simon"

25 Apr 23'

Jools reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery throwing workshop

"A relaxed, fun and informative half day course with Louise. Everything we needed was ready for us with tea and biscuits too! Louise is a great communicator both with useful messages and reminders prior to the workshop day and during the experience. Beautiful location, welcoming atmosphere and all the tuition required to actually produce some pottery! Great workshop, I’m going back for more soon!"

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

"It was great fun having you guys in the studio, and I'm so pleased you enjoyed your throwing experience :-). You both took to the process very quickly and I'm sure you'll be pleased with the fired results! Well done and maybe see you again in the future :-)"

21 Apr 23'

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

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day with Simon and I came away buzzing with enthusiasm for wood turning. I had already tried a few bowls on my own by following YouTube videos but was very aware I needed some more hands on instruction. Simon was brilliant at providing the sort of practical guidance you can't get from just watching someone else turn. He was also really good at explaining the 'why', helping me understand the theory so I could see why cutting in one direction would give a smooth finish, while the other leads to tearing. He sent me away with newly sharpened gouges and lots of practical advice on tools and materials which has already led to some Axminster purchases (you should be on commission Simon!) On top of that he's very easy to get on with - I enjoyed good company, was well supplied with refreshments and a very nice lunch. It was such a shame to go back to work the following day :-) Thank you Simon."

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

"Hi Alex, So glad you enjoyed the day and got so much out of it - it’s always nice to hear that another woodturner has joined the community! As ever, any questions you have, please get in touch and I’ll help if I can. Happy turning! — Simon"

20 Apr 23'

Peter and Sarah reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"This is a great course for complete novices like us and we thoroughly enjoyed the day. Simon taught it really well, first explaining the equipment and how to use it and then we practised doing some bead and cove shapes. In the afternoon we made a bowl from scratch, with help from Simon where needed to keep us from making too many mistakes and making sure we had something nice to take home. A really relaxed atmosphere, no pressure, and nice relaxing lunch too. Would highly recommend. Also, Simon sent us some excellent follow-up notes afterwards that went through everything we had done on the day."

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

"Hi Peter & Sarah, So glad you enjoyed the day and I hope the notes will come in useful. Please get in touch if you have any questions or need any advice. — Simon"

12 Apr 23'

Vicky Gardner reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"A hands on experience and a wonderful opportunity to try lots of different types of pottery making, with the expert assistance of Louise, who is a warm and friendly teacher. Highly recommended!"

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

"It was great fun having you guys in the ceramics studio and I'm so pleased you enjoyed your pottery session :-). You embraced both the handbuilding and the throwing techniques with creativity. Thanks for the lovely review!"

5 Apr 23'

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

"Excellent day learning how to shape wood with an axe and a draw knife before using the pole lathe to produce a French rolling pin. I learnt lots of skills I can use in other areas of woodworking. Lots of tea provided which I run on, and very posh biscuits. "

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

"Hi Marcus, Really glad you enjoyed the course (and the biscuits!). I’m fully expecting to see photos of excellent pastry rolled using your new pin… — Simon"

5 Apr 23'

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

"My son had the best time at his second woodturning workshop with Simon. He got so much out of his first session that he couldn't wait to go back again! In this workshop he made a bowl, which he is super proud of. He loved trying different techniques and using different tools in making his bowl and it has really inspired him to continue with learning woodwork. I highly recommend the workshops at blended monkey for young people and teens, Louise and Simon are brilliant teachers, knowledgeable, friendly and engaging. "

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

"Hi Tracey, Thank you so much for (another!) lovely review. Your son was such a great pupil and very attentive and I do hope this encourages him to take the craft further. -- Simon"

2 Apr 23'

Nick from Cambridgeshire reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Hello. I have recently completed the 1 day lathe wood turning course with Simon at Blended Money. The day was excellent, with lots of practical advice, hands on activity and in the end I left with a fabulous bowl which I'm very proud of. Everything was provided, including all raw materials, use of excellent equipment, plentiful drinks and lunch. Simon could not have been more welcoming and knowledgeable. As a result, I have since purchased my own lathe and feel confident to start practicing my skills. Also, I plan to go back this year for an outdoor green wood wood turning course as well, as it looked so much fun and nice to learn a heritage craft. If you are like me and never turned a piece of wood before, I strongly recommend this course with Simon at Blended Monkey. The prices are fair, you will have a great day, and in the end you can safely continue turning."

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

"Hi Nick, Thank you for such a glowing review! :) I'm so glad you have taken the next step on your turning journey and would welcome you back to have a go at the green woodturning too. Any questions in the meantime, don't hesitate to get in touch. -- Simon"

31 Mar 23'

Ellie reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs woodturning workshop

"Brilliant half day session with Simon for me and my mum - learnt all the basics include how to make coves and beads and left with our test pieces and one completed spindle-based piece by the end. "

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

"Hi Ellie, Glad you enjoyed the session. Do get in touch if you have any questions or want to take the craft further. — Simon"

27 Mar 23'

Pam and Jonathan reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"A great course for two novice woodturners. Simon’s teaching style was perfect for adult learners. Theoretical aspects were covered and sat well alongside the practical work. Demonstration of techniques was excellent so we were confident to get stuck in and have a go. Feedback and intervention was timely and appropriate. The atmosphere was very relaxed and we never felt pressured or hurried and the well equipped workshop made an excellent environment for learning. A lovely lunch and plenty of refreshments throughout the day. We were pleased to each go home with two lovely turned pieces and are confident that with plenty of practice and the help of Simon’s notes they’ll be the first of many."

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

"Hi Pam & Jonathan, Thanks for a lovely review and I do hope you continue the craft; any questions, please get in touch - only too happy to help. -- Simon"

24 Mar 23'

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

"This course was actually on my birthday and myself and my husband did it together x It was so much fun, we learnt lots and nothing was too much trouble for Louise and Simon. Lunch was yummy, lots of cups of tea and we have lots of goodies to show for our wonderful day. Staying in their ‘Crafters retreat, was just magical too…..We can not recommend them highly enough x All round 5*****"

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

"It was really good fun having you guys in the woodturning workshop and ceramics studio for your 2 Crafts in 1 Day experience, and Simon and I are pleased you enjoyed your respective crafty workshops :-). We hope you had a fabulous birthday Leigh x"

19 Mar 23'

Natasha and Alex. reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"Alex and I (my 12 years old) booked this class upon recommendation and we were not disappointed. We had a wonderful day together. It was Alex’s first time and she really enjoyed it. She felt so comfortable and free to explore her creative side with the great support of Louise. Whilst she found the wheel hard she still enjoyed herself. For me I love pottery and I wanted to get back into it because it had been so long. From the outset Louise was friendly, and she created such a wonderful environment to play around with the clay. It’s clear she is extremely talented and knowledgable and she displays this through a warm, calm and down to earth nature. I am already looking forward to going back to learn more. "

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

"I'm so pleased you guys enjoyed your ceramics experience here at Blended Monkey. You both created some fab pieces and should be very proud of yourselves! Throwing takes a little practice, but it's great that Alex stuck with it and gave it a good go :-). I'm sure your pieces will look amazing when they emerge from the kiln and maybe we'll see you again in the future :-)"

17 Mar 23'

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

"I was gifted the one-day 1-2-1 pottery class for Christmas after being glued to watching The Great Pottery Throwdown. My expectations for the day were high, and I'm happy to say they were exceeded! Louise was a lovely, patient, and friendly instructor... and laid on a great lunch too! I got to try slab building and throwing. Louise created with me, demonstrating skills and techniques that were easy to follow. The day flew by and was such fun. I'm very excited to see what my fired creations look like. I would highly recommend this workshop to anyone who wants to give a pottery a try. You'll be in great hands with Louise."

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

"Thank you for your lovely review Mike! I'm so pleased you enjoyed your ceramics session here at Blended Monkey. It was fab having you in the studio, and nice to see a student get so absorbed with slab building :-). Quite often, the wheel is the star of the show as that's what everyone pictures when they think of pottery, but you soon grasped that you can get very creative with slab building - as you have shown brilliantly with your pieces! See you soon :-). "

15 Mar 23'

Steve reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"I had a really enjoyable day learning the art of woodturning at Blended Monkey. Simon is a very friendly and knowledgeable tutor. I worked on three items which I was able to take away with me at the end of the day. The lunch and hospitality were excellent. Overall, I would thoroughly recommend the experience."

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

"Hi Steve, Thanks for providing a review and so glad you enjoyed your day. -- Simon"

13 Mar 23'

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

"I spent a day with Louise doing pottery . It was an absolutely fabulous day, so easy to talk to and so informative . It’s really important to feel at ease, and that’s exactly how Louise made me feel, Thank you for a wonderful day . Highly recommend this to beginners like myself. I enjoyed it so much I’m going on the Denny Abbey group pottery day . Tracey Y"

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

"I'm really pleased you enjoyed your ceramics session Tracey. It was lovely to see you again and you should feel very proud of your creations :-). You were great company and we managed to put the world to rights too ;-)."

8 Mar 23'

C Boorman reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery throwing workshop

"Had a pottery day with the lovely Louise she was so patient with my friend and I …I haven’t laughed so much in ages and would highly recommend this to anyone wanting a fun day or to anyone wanting to have a good to see if you’re any good! Safe to say I just don’t have what it takes but absolutely loved it and we are booking a second go! "

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

"It was such fun having you guys in the studio :-). I'm so pleased you enjoyed your ceramics experience! Throwing isn't everybody's thing, but you still made some lovely pieces :-)."

8 Mar 23'

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

"Upon arrival at Louise and Simon's home, I was greeted and put at ease immediately. Once in the workshop, coffee and biscuits were supplied by Louise. Simon and I spent a few minutes chatting about my experience in wood turning (which was none), he then explained the about wood grain (longitudinal and end), different tools and their uses and the safety aspects - personal protective equipment is provided. Simon then started the session with a demonstration, over to me this ended up by turning a length of square wood into a length of a wooden dowel, which eventually evolved to beads and curves. Simon is an excellent tutor knowing to provide advice and using his knowledge to step in and make minor adjustments then stepping back and leaving me to continue, then on to the first project the turning of a small wooden bird (a two piece penguin). After lunch that was a ploughman's style, on to the second project the turning of a bowl. Simon started this session explaining where to stand and the presentation of the tools to the wood. The end result was very pleasing. The day finished almost on time. Thank you very much Simon for your patience and time, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with you, wishing you both every success with Blended Monkey"

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

"Hi Peter, Thank you for such a heartwarming review. I wish you all the best in your woodturning endeavours. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need more help or advice. — Simon"

7 Mar 23'

Shaun Jacobs reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"What a wonderful experience! A warm welcome from Louise & Simon before heading off into the workshop. Simon is an excellent tutor who knows his stuff & was able to teach with ease. The morning session was over in a flash followed by a lovely lunch. The afternoon session was over just as quick & surprised myself with the items I had made. The tooling & tuition notes were an added bonus. I will definitely be back for another course. Now off to find my local woodturners club."

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

"Hi Shaun, So glad you enjoyed the day and I hope the notes are useful. Might even see you at a local club sometime, whether that’s woodturning or archery 😉 — Simon"

7 Mar 23'

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

"My friend and I thoroughly enjoyed a wonderful day. Both instructors were extremely good at their crafts and extremely capable tutors. 1 to 2 tuition meant we covered alot of different techniques. The location and hospitality was fabulous. I highly recommend the course. "

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

"We thoroughly enjoyed having you guys here in the woodturning and pottery studios, and we're really pleased you both had fun and are happy to recommend the course :-). Thank you for your lovely review Kim :-). "

3 Mar 23'

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

""Louise and Simon were absolutely brilliant. They are so friendly and welcoming . They are so passionate about what they do and are really good at teaching. A friend of mine booked us both on this full day experience. It was truly a remarkable experience. First, we did woodturning with Simon and then stopped for lunch which was lovely and then after lunch we went to the pottery studio with Louise where we made several items . We were very very well looked after all day and were offered several teas, coffees and biscuits. We will definitely be back and I highly recommend it to anyone. It’s a perfect gift for anyone of any age. X""

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

"Jass, it was a real delight having you and Kim in the pottery & woodturning studios here at Blended Monkey :-). You're both very creative and we'd definitely welcome you back with open arms :-). Thanks for your fab review!"

3 Mar 23'

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

"Louise and Simon were absolutely brilliant. They are so friendly and welcoming . They are so passionate about what they do and are really good at teaching. A friend of mine booked us both on this full day experience. It was truly a remarkable experience. First, we did woodturning with Simon and then stopped for lunch which was lovely and then after lunch we went to the pottery studio with Louise where we made several items . We were very very well looked after all day and were offered several teas, coffees and biscuits. We will definitely be back and I highly recommend it to anyone. It’s a perfect gift for anyone of any age. X"

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

"Jass, thank you for your lovely review! I've responded to the one you left on the "pairs" course :-)"

1 Mar 23'

Antony Dodworth reviewed: Half-day 1-2-1 sharpening (woodturning gouges) workshop for 1 person

"I had done some wood chisel sharpening in my school days some 40 years ago, this course interested me as it was carving gouges and lathe tools, Simon made you feel at ease, he had a "let’s give it a go" attitude and said that he could correct most things that are not perfect, so I sharpened about 8 tools in the afternoon. Time flies when you’re having fun, I will go back and do his wood turning course in the future. Antony"

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

"Hi Antony, It was great having you visit my workshop; I look forward to meeting you again soon. -- Simon"

27 Feb 23'

Jayne & Norman reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"I recieved a half day pottery class for 2 as a gift. Really wasn't sure what to expect as my artistic skills are limited! Louise greeted us with enthusiasm and a hot cup of coffee - after just a few minutes of coaching we were faced with a slab of clay to experiment with. We were like ducks to water... Had a thouroughly enjoyable afternoon, managed to create a pot or two which I am proud to call my own! Looking forward to returning to collect our pieces when they have been through the kiln. Would recommend this as a fabulous way to spend an afternoon - and maybe even start a new hobby! Jayne & Norman"

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

"I'm so pleased you enjoyed your belated Christmas gift of a pairs pottery experience here at Blended Monkey :-). It was lovely having you guys in the studio - always nice to have a laugh too! Fab to see you both let the creativity flow, and you've created some brilliant pieces (not mentioning the dark rabbit scenario Norman ;-)). I'll see you soon when your creations have been fired and glazed. Thanks again for the lovely review :-). "

26 Feb 23'

Tracey young reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I came and did a Woodturning course with Simon for the day . I was a little bit apprehensive at first as I didn’t know or didn’t think that I would be able to do it. But Simon is a fantastic instructor and explained everything slowly to me . I was so proud of myself I thoroughly enjoyed it and I would highly recommend anyone to do this . When someone has the time and patience to explain things and has a passion In what they do .. It makes you want to be a part of it . Everybody in my family was highly impressed with what I achieved and made that day and so was I . Thank you Simon ."

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

"Hi Tracey, So glad you enjoyed the day and felt the experience was worthwhile. If you need any further assistance, please don't hesitate to get in touch. -- Simon"

22 Feb 23'

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

"This is a great workshop for anybody who wants to try out pottery. Louise was very welcoming and after a cup of coffee we felt very relaxed and ready to go. We started getting used to the clay by making pinch pots and then Louise patiently guided us through the process of making vases using the slab method. Louise had a variety of materials and suggestion which we used to create different decorative effects. We had great fun trying these out and adding our own ideas. And then we tried the wheel. We knew that throwing clay is a difficult art to master but wanted to give it a go. Louise gave us very good instructions, so we managed to see a lump of clay taking on some shape. I admit that my daughter was more successful than me, but it was great to try it. It was a great experience and we enjoyed it a lot. Louise is such a great and supportive teacher. I am sure we will be back. "

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

"Thank you for your lovely review Michelle :-). It was a delight having you and your daughter in the pottery studio - I've shown several students the rabbit vase; such a lovely piece! You both managed the wheel really well, despite your trepidation ;-) and it would be a pleasure to have you both back in the studios in the future. "