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

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

"Really good for beginners. I made a pen and now I am going to buy a lathe myself."

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

"Hi Otto, So glad you enjoyed it and (finally) got the car sorted out. If you need any advice, please don't hesitate to get in touch. -- Simon"

Robert Hood reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I can fully recommend The Blended Monkey one day 1 to 1 beginners woodturning course. Simon is a really nice bloke, who will quickly put you at ease. He takes time to explain in detail the tools and techniques used, so you can enjoy plenty of hands on experience, in a modern and well equipped workshop. My day was a really worthwhile and enjoyable experience, which has left me wanting to learn more. "

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

"Hi Rob, It was great having you in my workshop for the day. Please get in touch if you need further help with the craft. -- Simon"

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

"Fabulous Louise took on the challenge of a very ambitious project accepting me and my ideas. Being a very long time since I'd touched pottery clay, I was very excited to give it a go. My project brief was to produce a dinner service for 12 including large plates, side plates plus bowls... A 2 day workshop as a Christmas present given to me by my wonderful Darren. Think I might have bitten off more than I can chew and will be a tad longer to complete, whoops!!! However Louise is extremely patient and explained the techniques in a very clear and thorough way. Louise makes you feel at home and encourages you all the way. Just a few more days to go Louise..tee hee!!! "

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

"Thank you for the lovely review Sally! It was a delight having you in the studio and I look forward to part 2 next week where you'll be making the side plates and continuing with your throwing journey :-). "

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

"Couldn’t have asked for more from the day’s experience. I was initially met by both Simon and Louise, who immediately made me feel completely welcome and comfortable. Simon subsequently took me to his workshop, where after a cup of tea, biscuits, and a relaxed catch about anything and everything in life, we began the teaching session. Simon is clearly a very talented craftsman who is passionate about his work. His style of teaching is both thorough yet laid back. He seems keen for you to be able master his techniques for yourself, and will explain the reasons why they’re important to know. However, once taught, he’s just as happy to leave you alone to practice for yourself, something I personally really appreciated. Lunch was great (ploughman’s style). There was loads of choice and if felt like it had been done with a genuine sense of care. At the end of the day I came away with loads of new knowledge, a bowl and honey dipper that I love, and that good vibes feeling you can only get after doing something really enjoyable for a day. A final point that feels worth mentioning is how thoughtful Simon appears to have been to the types of people who might come to these sessions- the tools and lathe he teaches you on are the sort that a serious hobbyist would have (I.e. v high quality, but not the ridiculously priced equipment that a true professional might need - he has those use too!), As such, I left feeling as if I had a rare opportunity to try a craft under expert tuition, on equipment that was both accessible if i chose to take it up as a hobby, yet more professional than my skills would probably ever require. This final point was further demonstrated when Simon informed me that he sends out detailed handouts of all the techniques and equipment used, whilst also offering to be a source of contact if I needed any advice on buying equipment in the future. Thank you Blended Monkey for a great day. "

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

"Hi Owen, Thanks for a wonderful review - so glad you enjoyed your day and do get in touch if you need more assistance. --Simon"

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

"Brilliant experience!!! Having only tried woodturning at home- self taught from Youtube, this was a fantastic day. Simon was really helpful before the course allowing me to explain what i felt comfortable doing and what i wanted to learn. Simon was great at making each step understandable and helping if anything wasn't clear. He was great at giving advice and provided a relaxing and approachable environment. Simon was extremely patient, knowledgeable and an incredible teacher. I cannot recommend this course enough. Looking forward to booking another course with Simon. Great lunch also included! "

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

"Hi Barry, So glad you enjoyed it and looking forward to seeing you again. You'll have to collect your face shield at some point! -- Simon"

Andrew & Sue Southgate reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"We had a fantastic day with Simon learning to do wood turning. He is so knowledgeable and passionate about the subject and a great teacher. He was also very patient with us and genuinely wanted us to take home lovely pieces, even if he did want to keep one of the bowls we made because of the fascinating grain through it! Thanks again for making the day special, we’ll highly recommend to others. "

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

"Hi Andy & Sue, So glad you enjoyed your day - it makes my day too. Are you sure you want to keep the bowl still? I can find a good home.... ;) -- Simon"

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

"This course was excellent. I’m not a complete novice but learnt so much about technique and how to relax whilst turning. Great tuition with extensive knowledge. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking to start wood turning. Many thanks Simon, I thoroughly enjoy my day. Kindest regards"

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

"Hi Tony, So glad you enjoyed the day and got good value from it. Happy turning! -- Simon"

Martin reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"Very enjoyable and interesting course. I highly recommend it. Simon is a very skilled teacher."

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

"Hi Martin (& Jason), Stop it! You'll make me blush :) Thanks for the recommendation - it was a great day and you were both excellent students. -- Simon"

Denise Moxon reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs woodturning workshop

"Pairs Woodturning Half Day Course Friendly and easy to follow tuition. Loved every minute, can't wait to book the next one. Thank you!"

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

"Hi Denise, You’re welcome! Look forward to seeing you again soon. — Simon"

Dave Gee reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"An absolutely awesome experience !! Having always wanted to have a crack on a lathe this was a brillaint xmas present from my partner. Simon and Louise are such lovely people and immediately put you at ease upon arrival. In a beautiful setting and great workshop. Simon was extremely patient, knowledgeable and an incredible teacher. He covered all aspects from setup to completing a project in a very easy to follow way and makes you feel totally confident and comfortable in the environment. We had a delicious farm style lunch in there home kitchen and completed a second project in the afternoon. I could not recommend this enough to anyone and will be returning for a second course in the New Year. Amazing job guys ! Keep up the great work !! "

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

"Hi Dave, Thanks for a lovely review. Really enjoyed the session and look forward to seeing you again soon. — Simon"

Chrissimiddleton@gmail.com reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"This was such a lovely and interesting experience. Louise is a wonderful host and teacher, and both my sister and I were free to create and learn some new technical skills. We came away feeling renewed, inspired and very proud of our creations. We will return!"

Richard Kenny reviewed: Intermediate 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I enjoyed a great day with Simon and Louise last Thursday. I have done a little wood turning since buying my lathe earlier this year, but this showed how little I know about it and how much there is to learn. Simon's tuition is excellent, both in terms of content and technique. I was especially interested in tool sharpening, and this subject was covered very comprehensively, including both the theory and the practice. Many, many thanks, Simon and Louise."

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

"Hi Richard, Thank you so much for a heart-felt review and really glad we could help you improve your turning. Do get in touch if you have any questions or need any help. -- Simon & Louise"

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

"Brilliant! I learnt absolutely loads and really enjoyed my course. Louise gave a demonstration, and then I got straight in making loads of my own pots, plates and bowls with helpful tips as I went. I really look forward to picking up my finished items soon. Many thanks Louise - I hope to be back again. "

Tracy Drinkwater reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"Absolutely loved my pottery course. Learnt so much and Louise was a fantastic teacher. If you have never tried pottery before I definitely recommend Blended Monkey. I'm Looking forward to more courses in the future. Thank you for a great morning "

Daniel & Anne-Maria reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"I purchased the 1 day pottery experience for my wife's 40th birthday. We had the most amazing time with Louise in her wonderful cosy ceramics studio. My wife has been developing an interest in pottery over the last couple of years with adhoc evening lessons. Being able to spend a full day was an entirely different experience and we were able to cover a range of techniques and produce a bunch of creative end-pieces that we were pretty proud of (even if mine were rather wobbly!). Louise was super friendly and flexible in terms of how structured the day was. Anne-Maria had a personal project she wanted to work on and was given the space to do so, treating the day as part tutorial and part studio time. My favourite part was the potter's wheel - tougher than it looks but super satisfying! A nice farmer's lunch was put on where we met a nice fellow doing the wood turning workshop with Louise's husband (also super friendly). At the end of the day, Louise took our glazing requests and offered to do various touch ups on our pieces that needed to be done once more dry. Really going beyond what we expected from her. We are set to pick up our fully fired work soon and can't wait to see how they turned out! We loved it. A very highly recommended experience. Thank you Louise!"

Gyles Westcott reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"As a complete beginner, this one-day introduction to woodturning was just perfect. Simon is a great teacher - skilled, articulate and patient, with a great instinct for recognising when to step in and offer guidance, and when to step back and let the student learn. He's also great company - my only regret is that the day passed so quickly! I'm thrilled with the pieces I completed on the day, both of which are now in use at home. I now feel confident that I can work on a lathe safely and look forward to booking my next course (probably Simon's half-day sharpening clinic - sharpening his beautiful tools looked almost as much fun as working on the lathe!). Simon is also really generous with his advice, giving practical, sensible advice on tools and equipment, and which items to prioritise when starting out. Louise and Simon were lovely to deal with - friendly and welcoming, but also very professional in the way they run their business. If you're wanting to try something new, or looking for an original gift for someone special, I would thoroughly recommend Blended Monkey."

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

"Hi Gyles, Thank you for such a thoughtful review and for the company on the day. It was a fun day for both of us! If you need any help in the future, please get in touch. -- Simon"

Chris Stevens reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"This course was a lovely surprise for a significant birthday. Was made very welcome by Simon and Louise and their great hospitality. Had never really got the opportunity at school to do much that was practical and creative so was a bit nervous to start with, thinking there was little chance of me creating anything in wood that I'd let another person see. Simon instantly puts you at ease and is patient and an excellent teacher. The day passed quickly, and after a short time of demonstration and practice, you find yourself focusing on the wood, the tools and releasing the object in your mind from what starts as a block of wood. It's like magic and good for the mind and the soul. Very proud of the sycamore bowl I took home. Thank you for a great day, and I hope to try woodturning again."

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

"Hi Chris, So glad you enjoyed the day; you should be very proud of your bowl. Really enjoyed your company - please shout if you need any help in the future. Kind Regards, Simon"

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

"My husband and I really enjoyed our wood turning and pottery sessions. Simon and Louise have a lovely relaxed approach to their sessions, allowing you to learn at your own pace and enjoyment. We are both delighted with our achievements and would highly recommend attending either course. "

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

"Thank you for your lovely review Josie! It was a delight having you in the pottery studio, and Simon enjoyed having Jeff return for his intermediate woodturning workshop too. You made some beautiful pieces that you should be very proud of :-). I'll let you know as soon as your creations appear from the kiln!"

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

"Had this pottery day for my 60th this year. After being addicted to the great british throw down on the tv, but never having the chance to actually have a go, I was so excited to receive the gift. The actual day surpassed my expectations. Louise was great company and a natural born teacher, very patient and encouraging. I can't wait to see how my creations look after the final touches and to have another go. Thank you Louise. "

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

"It was great having you in the studio Andy, and I hope this was a fitting 60th birthday present :-). You took to all the elements easily and you evidently found throwing on the wheel to be a very natural process. Thanks for the lovely review. I'm so pleased you enjoyed your experience :-)."

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"

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"

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!"

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"

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"

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. "