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

6 Nov 22'

Ian and Karen reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"Karen and I really enjoyed the beginner 1 day wood turning course. Simon took us through the tools and equipment we would be using and that knowledge was good to know and used during the course of the day. Simon's tuition was excellent, fun and relaxed, we both turned a bowl and a Christmas decoration to take home which we found satisfying and fun to make. A very satisfying and enjoyable day :-)"

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

"Hi Ian, hi Karen, Thank you so much for a lovely review and so glad you enjoyed your day. Tell all your friends! ;) -- Simon"

1 Nov 22'

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

"Really informative practical hands-on experience"

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

"Hi David, Glad you enjoyed the session. Happy turning! -- Simon"

1 Nov 22'

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

"My partner and I had a great time learning the 2 in 1 crafts, the woodturning was especially eye opening, realising how much skill it takes and what a gentle touch you need. The wheel pottery was brilliant, it was great to finally get on a wheel after a few years doing hand building. Louise and Simon are both great teachers, they took the time to explain the crafts well and you can see the passion they have for their individual crafts. "

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

"We're so pleased that you guys enjoyed your 2 Crafts in 1 Day experience! You made some lovely spindle-turned pieces with Simon in the morning and you both created some fab pottery items in the afternoon - well done with the throwing :-). It was lovely to have you in the woodturning and pottery studios and thank you for the great review!"

31 Oct 22'

Ben Grocott reviewed: Half-day 1-2-1 sharpening (woodturning gouges) workshop for 1 person

"I can't recommend Blended Monkey highly enough, Simon's passion, knowledge and calm teaching style made for the most wonderful day and I left with some real skills that will serve me forever. If you are thinking about trying a Blended Monkey course, don’t delay, you’ll have such an amazing time, the facilities are incredible. I will definitely be back. "

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

"Ben, Thanks so much for a glowing review! Great to have you in the workshop and look forward to seeing you again. — Simon"

31 Oct 22'

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

"Had a great half day honing my technique. Simon was a great teacher with a good “guiding hand”. Would recommend wholeheartedly. Thank you "

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

"Hi Steve, Glad to know the session was helpful. Do get in touch if you need any further help or guidance. — Simon"

30 Oct 22'

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

"I’ve done a half day course with my son on school holidays and we had an amazing time. Louise accommodated our requirements & requests, was very patient throughout and we learned a lot about pottery. She suggested us to do few creations to cover basics and we also had a go with the pottery wheel which we thoroughly enjoyed. We can’t wait to go back and collect our pottery once they are ready after been in the kiln. Thank you Blended Monkey X "

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

"Thank you for your lovely review :-). It was fun having you guys in the studio and I'm glad Seth found the handbuilding and throwing elements equally enjoyable. You both made some lovely pieces and I'll let you know as soon as they are ready. "

29 Oct 22'

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

"Best anniversary present ever! Simon is a fabulous teacher, explaining the tools and techniques and my husband Chris and I enjoyed every minute of the day. We each made a honey dipper and bowl and these now take pride of place at home, despite intending to gift one. "

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

"Hi Rachel (and Chris), Thanks for leaving a review - really appreciated! And so glad you enjoyed the day so much. Do get in touch if you intend to pursue the craft and I'll help in any way I can. -- Simon "

25 Oct 22'

Tina and Stephen reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"Trying pottery making has been on my ‘bucket list’ for years! Our half day session was so much fun and Louise didn’t mind you making a mess or any mistakes, good job as I did! We got to choose 3 of our items we made and can’t wait to see the finished glazed items. We had a fab time and would highly recommend Blended Monkey, thanks for the memory Louise and we might be back or even have a go at the wood turning! ❤️"

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

"It was such fun having you guys in the ceramics studio and I'm so pleased you enjoyed your half-day pairs pottery session. You didn't make a mess, you let your creative juices run wild! ;-). Thank you for the lovely review :-)."

25 Oct 22'

Cerise and Jeremy reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"What a great day we had with Louise and Simon as complete woodturning beginners. Simon showed us the different techniques to produce some of the shapes and forms possible on a Lathe. His explanations as to how and why were easy to understand and his enthusiasm for turning was infectious. Under his guidance we both turned a bowl in the afternoon. We left knowing we will be back. Thank you Louise and Simon for making the day so memorable."

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

"Hi Cerise and Jeremy, So glad you had such a fulfilling day - it was great to have you in the workshop and thank you for your kind praise :) We both look forward to seeing you again. -- Simon & Louise"

20 Oct 22'

Mark Johnson reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"This was a fabulous day. Simon is not only an excellent instructor who gave me a very sound foundation in wood turning, but also great company in general. Our conversations throughout the day were as enjoyable as the training itself."

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

"Hi Mark, The feeling was mutual :) Great to hear that you want to visit us again for a ceramics workshop; looking forward to catching up. -- Simon"

18 Oct 22'

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

"Could not have had a better Christmas present. The morning wood turning experience with Simon was just great. Now planning to get turning equipment for this Christmas."

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

"Hi John, Glad the course met your expectations. Any help required with equipment, etc. don’t hesitate to get in touch. — Simon"

18 Oct 22'

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

"Simon was very helpful and knowledgeable. Let me work at my own pace which was great"

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

"Thanks for the review, Martin. Hope you had a decent journey home! As mentioned, reach out if you need any further assistance. Hope to see you soon in Ely, perhaps at the Guild? -- Simon"

17 Oct 22'

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

"Simon, Many thanks for your patience last week teaching me to improve my woodturning skills. I found the whole day most enjoyable Your measured and informative approach to providing knowledge and demonstrating practical skills were impressive. Thank you, too, for modifying your approach and course content to include chisel sharpening. My wife was most impressed with my sycamore bowl! I wish you every success in your ongoing work."

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

"Hi tsw, You're welcome! So glad you enjoyed the day and hope you're now equipped to start making some lovely turned items. As ever, please get in touch if any assistance is required. -- Simon"

16 Oct 22'

Daniel Curtin reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"A really wonderful course. Highly recommended. Simon was exceptionally skilled at demonstrating technical methods. My love for wood work has been rekindled. "

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

"Hi Daniel, So glad you enjoyed the course and really happy that it's rekindled your interest! Please get in touch if you need any further assistance. -- Simon"

16 Oct 22'

Steve Merrell reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"Wood turning half day. A clean, well organised workshop and structure for the session. I learnt a lot in a short time. Simon has a good approach for the beginner but there is also a lot of knowledge available for the more experienced. His enthusiasm shines through and good to meet a teacher/practitioner still learning; the best kind of teacher.. A lovely location for a weekend break with optional activities. Recommended. "

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

"Hi Steve, High praise indeed from a journalist/reviewer! So pleased you had a good experience - it means so much to us. If it tickled your interest, you should return for the full day and make a bowl... :) -- Simon"

9 Oct 22'

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

"We very much enjoyed our day with Simon and Louise. Two very different crafts but we had a chance to get to grips with them both sufficiently to come away feeling that we’d acquired some new skills and would be happy to try either or both crafts again. I would happily recommend this unique course. "

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

"Simon and I are really pleased that you enjoyed your 2 Crafts in 1 Day. It was lovely to meet you both and teach you some basic woodturning and pottery skills. You created some very strong pieces :-). "

9 Oct 22'

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

"Brilliant day out learning new skills at both wood turning and pottery. My son and I did a 'two in one' day during which we made a honey dipper in the wood turning class and several clay vessels and dishes in the pottery class under the expert personal tuition of Simon and then Louise. Both sessions were thoroughly enjoyable and it was very satisfying to actually produce something looking quite good at the end! Highly recommended"

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

"It was a delight having you and Ben in our woodturning and pottery studios. We're very pleased that you enjoyed your 2 Crafts in 1 Day experience. It's immersive and creative and you guys both produced some beautiful pieces."

8 Oct 22'

Jessica Mooney reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"We had a fabulous time at our half day woodturning course. Louise and Simon made us so welcome and we loved how hands on the course was. We learned some really fun techniques and Simon was an excellent teacher; really clear, patient and knowledgeable. We will definitely be back to learn more! Could not recommend Blended Monkey highly enough! Thank you again guys, you made Tom's birthday really special ❤️ "

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

"Hi Jessica, So glad you loved the course - you’re welcome back any time! ? —Simon"

4 Oct 22'

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

"As a complete novice I had no idea if I would show any aptitude for wood turning, Simon made me feel comfortable and capable. Simon was extremely patient, answering all of my questions without ever making me feel inadequate or talking down to me. I must have left the day a better wood turner than when I started as I had never touched a lathe previously and left with a couple of pieces. So mission accomplished by Simon. Refreshments and lunch were plentiful and delicious. My biggest bugbear with the course was leaving keen as mustard but with the prospect of having to spend a load of money to set myself up!! What an excellent day, it flew by. "

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

"Hi Phil, So glad you enjoyed your experience and apologies for causing a mini financial crisis! If you need any help with sourcing equipment and tools, don't hesitate to get in touch. -- Simon"

2 Oct 22'

Tanya Mace reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I had a wonderful day making a beautiful bowl & honey dipper with Simon's help. Simon was so patient & understanding ...especially as I was awaiting a retina operation & my eyesight was not 100%.. Lunch was plentiful & delicious mmmmmm,,,,,THANKS Louise :) I really enjoyed the day & would recommend it to everyone regardless of ability ,,,,I look forward to having another class in the future :)"

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

"Hi Tanya, So glad you enjoyed your day and we look forward to seeing you again in the future. — Simon & Louise"

23 Sep 22'

Karen & Peter McDaniel reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"We would highly recommend the wood turning and pottery courses, even for beginners we had a great day with Simon and Louise, their instruction was really clear as well as making the day fun. Great lunch and looking forward to collecting our pottery when ready."

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

"Hi Karen & Peter, Really glad you enjoyed your day - do get in touch if you need any more advice or assistance. -- Simon & Louise"

21 Sep 22'

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

"The beginners half day workshop was excellent. The tuition provided by Simon was first class and felt that I learnt so much in the afternoon, thank you. "

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

"Hi Richard, So glad you enjoyed the session and learned so much. If you do take up the craft, don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need any help or advice. — Simon"

17 Sep 22'

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

"Thank you very much for the super informative and well paced tuition that you gave me on the 1-1 woodturning course. Your enthusiasm was contagious and it was great to learn from your own experiences with this challenging activity; a real pastime in the true sense of the word! I can’t wait to get my garage cleared out (a mammoth task that may take me some time yet!) and fully set up with wood lathe and supporting tools needed to take on this new hobby. "

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

"Hi Simon, So glad to hear that the day has inspired you to clear out your garage and pursue the craft. Good luck and do get in touch if you need any further assistance. — Simon"

15 Sep 22'

Dennis Lines reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I attended Simon's one day wood turning course and found the whole day very informative and enjoyable. Simon is an excellent and patient tutor. Also, many thanks to Simon's wife for a fantastic lunch. I thoroughly recommend this course and I am eager to start my new hobby. Many thanks "

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

"Hi Dennis, So glad you enjoyed your day and found the information and experience worthwhile. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you need any further help or guidance. -- Simon"

14 Sep 22'

Sarah Maitland reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"My son and I had such a wonderful day on the beginners woodturning course. Simon was very kind and patient with us and his teaching is fresh and enjoyable. I love the bowl I crafted and will be able to use it and be reminded of our day and I’ll never look at any woodwork again without thinking about how it is made! "

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

"Sarah, Thank you for such a lovely review and so glad you both enjoyed your day. — Simon"