Who We Are
OUR STORY
Simon and Louise (that's us, we're husband and wife) founded Blended Monkey in 2012 from our home in Upwell, a village on the Norfolk/Cambridgeshire border.
What started as a side hustle selling pieces at markets has evolved into our full-time job providing woodturning, pottery, and bespoke "2-in-1" craft experiences to people like you.​​​​
OUR ETHOS
We're committed to helping you find tranquility through craft.
In addition to our general experiences, we use our crafts to help people suffering with depression, anxiety, brain trauma or strokes - we have already provided relief to hundreds of people dealing with mental/physical health conditions, and we can't wait to do the same for you.
MEET THE DUO
Ceramicist & Artist
Louise Taggart
After studying Art & Design in Falmouth, I dipped in and out of ceramics and silk painting until setting up my studio in 2010. Now, I teach others how to create beautiful clay pieces and I craft collections that pay homage to The Fens and the Cornish sea.
Woodturner & Green Woodworker
Simon Taggart
I spent the first half of my working life in the IT industry, but I caught the woodturning bug when my wife treated me to a course. Fast forward many years, and I'm a full-time woodturner and tutor, helping my students make stylish, functional products they can be proud of.
ONE-OF-A-KIND GIFTS
We're all about shunning cheaply made mass-market products. Our wood, clay, and silk pieces are made entirely by hand to ensure they're as unique as your loved ones who receive them.
BESPOKE COURSES
Beyond our products, we offer woodturning experiences and pottery courses in our cottage garden studios. We have all the materials, tools, and expertise you need to immerse yourself in some well-earned creative therapy.
Whether you're a complete beginner or a well-established crafter looking to hone their skills, we're the tutors for you.
CHARITY SUPPORT
We're proud, active supporters and fundraisers for Mind, the national mental health charity, with all profits from our seasonal Artisan Fayres going straight to them.
As we continue to focus our efforts on the creative therapy side of our business, we've enjoyed working with this pivotal organisation to raise awareness and improve rehabilitation.