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

23 Jul 25'

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

"Hi I had a great 1-2-1 beginners course with Simon, he showed me what wood turning is all about and I learnt so much. From safety first to different woodworking working chisels to making delicate object and showing how to finish it off. This was a fantastic experience, thank you to Simon for his learning and patience. "

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

"Hi Steve, So glad you enjoyed the session; I hope it inspires you to continue this lovely craft. — Simon"

6 Jul 25'

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

"Great day out with Louise & Simon. Thoroughly enjoyable and fun whilst learning 2 new skills. The time flew by and would definitely recommend. Also fabulous lunch provided "

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

"We're so pleased you enjoyed your Pairs 2 Crafts in 1 Day experience with us here in the Blended Monkey studios :-). You both rose to the challenges of woodturning and pottery; creating some beautiful work in the process! Thank you for your lovely review. We hope to see you again sometime."

27 Jun 25'

Fiona reviewed: Lino Printing - Decorative Cards & Envelopes - Blended Monkey

"It was a lovely day, leaving me wanting to pursue the art of lino printing. Lovely setting and fantastic refreshments."

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

"Fiona, thank you for your lovely review. We're so pleased you enjoyed your lino printing experience :-)."

16 Jun 25'

Dawn and Julian reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"Julian and I have just finished a one-day pottery course with Louise and cannot speak highly enough of everything. We were able to try all types of pottery, from pinching, to throwing on the wheel and, despite being total beginners, under Louise's guidance and excellent tutoring, we produced items that we are really rather proud of and cannot wait to see after they are fired. We were part of Louise's family for the day and found this just the most welcoming and delightful way to help us to feel engaged and looked after. The location is beautiful and the facilities are just about perfect. We will definitely be coming back for another course and a catch up. Louise is a warm-hearted person who just makes you feel that you can achieve in the time you spend together. The day rushed by because we enjoyed everything that we were able to create and participate in. Thank you, Louise. We recommend this course highly."

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

"It was a real delight teaching you guys in our Blended Monkey ceramics studio. You embraced all the different pottery techniques with creativity and good humour, and you both achieved so much! Thank you for your lovely review ... look forward to maybe seeing you again in the future :-). "

10 Jun 25'

Geoff reviewed: Green Woodworking - Woodcraft Workshop - Blended Monkey

"Easy, relaxed hospitality in a serene garden setting. No pressure and plenty of time to push the world away for a day. My target was to come away having learnt something new; something I could perhaps continue from my own garden. I achieved that and more. I'm even going back for a second bite. Well, the lunch was that good! Simon and Louise - thanks!"

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

"Hi Geoff, So glad you enjoyed the day and took something out of it. Look forward to seeing you again soon. --Simon"

21 May 25'

Jan Rix reviewed: Creative with Clay Workshop - Tile Making & Glazing - Blended Monkey

"What a fabulous, relaxing and creative way to spend last Sunday, making an embossed, decorated glazed tile set. Louise is a wonderful tutor, everything you could need was provided, along with lots of inspiration. Lovely bright venue too. Thank you very much Louise and Simon"

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

"Hi Jan Thank you for your lovely review :-) It was a pleasure having you and your daughter attend my workshop - you both created beautiful tiles. I'm looking forward to seeing them emerge from the kiln in all their glory. Thank you for your kind words. Take care Louise"

21 Apr 25'

susan ruben reviewed: Stone Carving Experience - Working with Geometry & Pattern - Stone Masonry - Blended Monkey

"We had an excellent day learning a new craft. Mark the tutor was supportive, encouraging and helped us achieve a fabulous stone carving. The whole day was well planned and Simon and Louise gave lots of encouragement also as well as providing first class refreshments and lunch. "

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

"Susan, it was a pleasure having you join us for the stone carving experience. We're so pleased you guys enjoyed the day, and thank you very much for your lovely review! You all made such beautiful pieces! "

23 Feb 25'

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

"I bought this course for my husband as a birthday present. He had an absolute ball and has been raving about it ever since. Trust me, he's not a raver!!! So, thank you for making it such a great day, would definitely recommend to anyone. "

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

"Hi Tracey, So glad he enjoyed it and really pleased it has made him want to continue the craft. As promised, please get him to get in touch if he needs further help or would like to try bowl making or sharpening. — Simon"

23 Feb 25'

Jo reviewed: Enamelling Workshop - Jewellery & Decorative Panel - Blended Monkey

"Very much enjoyed the full day enamelling workshop run by Kate Janssens at the Blended Monkey studios. Kate was very generous with her knowledge and wide range of materials. I came away with two sets of lovely earrings (different enamel colour front & back!). Blended Monkey provided constant drinks, snacks and a lovely lunch. They have a wide range of workshops, so well worth checking their other pages!"

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

"Thank you for your lovely review Jo :-). We're so pleased you enjoyed your enamelling experience - love the orange earrings! And thank you for pointing out our other workshops too - most appreciated :-)."

9 Feb 25'

Julie and Martin Strudwick reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"We have just had the most wonderful enjoyable and relaxing day with Louise on a pairs days pottery course. Louise and Simon were both so welcoming and we thoroughly enjoyed the whole day, though the time flew by so quickly. My favourite things were the hand built items - the pinch pots, coiled pots and slab built pots but I was also excited to be able to try throwing a pot on the potters wheel. Throwing on the wheel was not my forte certainly much harder than I thought it would be but I was pleased to have tried. My husband did so much better at throwing on the wheel than I did! We were kept fuelled with cups of tea and biscuits and a delicious lunch in their lovely warm kitchen. I cannot wait to see our pots when they have been glazed and fired - hope the kiln gods are kind. Looking forward to returning to try something else. "

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

"What a lovely review guys - thank you so much! It was great having you both in the studio for the day and just wonderful that you enjoyed it so much. It's often the way that one person takes to the wheel quicker than the other, but I'd say you really found your niche with the beautiful slab work Julie :-). Thank you again for the lovely review and I'll be in touch when your creations have been glazed and fired."

8 Feb 25'

Andreea & Chris reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"We have done the half day pottery course, trying a little bit of everything and we absolutely LOVED IT!!!! Louise was brilliant and very knowledgeable and took time to go through techniques and teach us different things about clay. Louise is brilliant and her studio is great! We highly recommend a course and we will for sure be coming back for more fun."

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

"Guys, I'm so pleased you enjoyed your experience here in the pottery studio. You both made some beautiful pieces (we won't talk about how quicky Chris took to the wheel - some people are so annoying ;-)) to be super proud of! Looking forward to seeing your pieces when they emerge from the kiln in a few weeks' time. Take care. "

8 Feb 25'

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

"A really enjoyable half day with Simon. In three hours we went from the basics of the equipment and qualities of the book, to trying out the lathe and making my first piece, a lovely wine stopper. Simon was an excellent teacher, giving me a chance to try things out and helping me when necessary. Highly recommended."

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

"Hi Seb, Thanks for a lovely review; do get in touch if you need any further assistance. -- Simon"

29 Jan 25'

Trina McDonald reviewed: Half-day 1-2-1 sharpening (woodturning gouges) workshop for 1 person

"Really enjoyed our afternoon with Simon. Thank you. It was just what my husband needed to renew his enthusiasm, advise us on what equipment we needed and the fact that it is already ordered bears witness to how effective and appropriate Simon's tuition was. We might even find ourselves working in the wood shed together!"

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

"Hi Trina, So glad he enjoyed the session. I’ve sent over my notes; any questions, please do get in touch. — Simon"

27 Jan 25'

Simon Bailes reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Absolutely cracking course. Simon was brilliant in explaining what we were doing and why. He left me to it but stepped in when he could see that I was struggling. The day was well structred and I cam away with an enthusiasm to buy my own lathe and create large amounts of wood shavings. I would thoroughly recommend Simon as a tutor and I will be going back for additional courses."

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

"Hi Simon, So glad you enjoyed the course and I hope the follow-on notes are satisfactory. Do get in touch with any questions or queries and I look forward to seeing you again soon. --Simon"

23 Jan 25'

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

"Solid tuition from Simon who knows what he is talking about with the craft. It was an enjoyable day in the workshop learning some intermediate skills as I'm looking forward to getting back into woodturning"

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

"Hi Bert, Thanks for the review and glad you got a lot from the session. Do get in touch if you need any further help. -- Simon"

21 Jan 25'

Sarah J reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Bought the course for my 14 year old son for Christmas as he enjoys whittling and wanted to know more about woodwork generally. Simon was fantastic, connected with him, established what his interests were and what he knew already and pitched his instructions perfectly. My son was totally absorbed all day, learned a ton of new things, had a brilliant time, and is keen to do more! Great day, great course, can't recommend it enough. Lovely lunch too :-)"

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

"Hi Sarah, So glad your son enjoyed the workshop - promoting crafts to young people is a key part of our business ethic. I hope the notes will help him gather confidence and help him to practice key skills in his future woodworking endeavours. -- Simon"

20 Jan 25'

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

"I would thoroughly recommend the wood turning course with Simon. I had a fantastic experience. Simon is a very good teacher, with a good teaching style. I walked into his workshop a complete novice, and went home with 2 pieces of turned wood, that I am very proud of. I can't recommend this enough!"

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

"Hi Paul, Thank you so much for the recommendation; our business is built on it. If you'd like to try some of our other woodcraft/craft workshops please get in touch. -- Simon"

17 Jan 25'

Shelly Cole reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"What an amazing day! I learned so much, Simon let me go at my own pace and explained everything in a way that was easy to understand. Great communication before and after. Plus a fabulous lunch jointly shared with the pottery class which was lovely. I would highly recommend this workshop! A most enjoyable experience making a beautiful bowl and mushroom made by my own hand (with lots of help)."

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

"Hi Shelly, So pleased you enjoyed your day - do get in touch if you need further assistance or would like to try more woodcraft. --Simon"

16 Jan 25'

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

"This was a great experience, given as a gift for an 11 year old with an interest in woodworking. They loved how hands on it was and are very proud of the items they made. They learned a lot from the expertise shared by Simon, who is an excellent host and tutor. Thankyou for making this a special day."

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

"Hi Laura, Thank you for a lovely review and I'm so glad that they enjoyed the day and hope that it spurs them on to continue having an interest in the craft. Please get in touch if you need any further help or advice. -- Simon"

12 Jan 25'

Barbara Taylor reviewed: Beginners Silk Painting Workshop - Silk Art - Blended Monkey

"A very enjoyable course in a relaxed environment. Louise and Simon provided plenty of encouragement and help on the day. I was very pleased with the resulting silk painting and might have another try at home."

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

"It was lovely to meet you Barbara and I'm so pleased you enjoyed your silk painting experience. Thank you for the nice review too! "

2 Jan 25'

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

"I really enjoyed my second course with Louise and thoroughly recommend having this one to one experience. I was able to choose what I wanted to make and concentrated on making thrown pots. My arthritic hands did not interrupt the creativity and Louise was able to find alternative ways of holding the clay which assisted with the making. Cant wait to book an other course."

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

"It was lovely to have you back in the studio Helena. You achieved a lot in the time we had and it was good to see the progression. I think we can go for a bigger bowl next time! Thank you for the lovely review. Very kind of you. See you later in the year."

31 Dec 24'

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

"I bought this experience for my granddaughter's 13th birthday and we both had a wonderful time. Right from the start we were made welcome with drinks and snacks ( Saffron loved the homemade cookies!!) We were both a bit nervous initially about using the potters wheel but after after a clear demonstration ( and with useful written instructions and lots of encouagement) we got stuck in and had a whale of a time . It was a really fun relaxing afternoon , and we didn't want it to end as we were having so much fun , and making so much mess !! Surprisingly we made some rather good pots ( particuarly Saffron who of course is now aspiring to have her own potters wheel !) Cant wait to see the pots fired and glazed in our chosen colours . Thank you Louise , "

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

"So pleased you both enjoyed your throwing session (and the cookies!) :-) Saffron did seem to take to the wheel quite naturally, but you both achieved a lot during your half-day session. Well done! Thank you for the lovely review too!"

13 Dec 24'

Nick Webb reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs woodturning workshop

"Thankyou Simon for your instruction it was a very enjoyable morning learnt a lot of new things and made an item to keep . We would thoroughly recommend Blended Monkey"

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

"Hi Nick, You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed the experience; do get in touch if you need any help in the future. --Simon"

28 Nov 24'

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

"A fantastic experience from start to finish. Day was full of learning and laughter and was so impressed with what I was able to make during the day. Would recommend to anyone. Looking forward to doing one of the other courses at Blended Monkey"

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

"Hi Tom, I had a great day too - so glad you enjoyed it. Hope you got the notes okay and look forward to seeing you again soon. -- Simon"

25 Nov 24'

Andy and Cathy reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Was exactly what we wanted.Simon informative and patient. The bowls we made are lovely and a great reminder."

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

"Hi Andy & Cathy, Thanks for taking the time to leave a review and I’m glad you enjoyed the day. — Simon"

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