Teaching pottery and wood turning, and creating unique ceramic, wood turned and silk gifts & art
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STUDENT REVIEWS JANUARY - JUNE 2022
GLENYS - ONE-DAY 1-2-1 WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
June 2022
From the moment I arrived at Blended Monkey, Louise and Simon both put me at ease with their kind, warm manner and genuine interest in my venture to learn a new craft.
I was well out of my comfort zone, but I found Simon's instruction crystal clear, knowledgeable and reassuring. His expertise and experience as a craftsman and teacher was inspiring and I had a most encouraging and delightful day.
I think they are both doing a wonderful job in helping others expand their creative horizons.
MATT & RILEY - ONE-DAY INTERMEDIATE WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
June 2022
Another very enjoyable day. Having been turning for a short while, Simon helped with improving our tool sharpening and ironed out problems we were having with spindle and bowl turning. Then it was onto making a great box. More new techniques to learn. Many thanks, and who knows, may see you again for the next installment!
ANDREW - HALF-DAY SHARPENING WORKSHOP (WOODTURNING)
June 2022
I have attended two courses which are run by Blended monkey, a 1 day turning instruction in lathe and tool use and 1 half day training on the sharpening of lathe tools. I found both courses of great benefit, well delivered by someone ( Simon )who knows what he's talking about. Both were one to one so felt more personal and beneficial. The venue was easy to find and well equipped with everything required, dinner on the day course was included with drinks coffee biscuits also available. Simon was a very down to earth guy very approachable and easy to talk to and thankfully had all the answers to my questions. If your a beginner like me and just finding your way around a lathe, then I cannot recommend these courses enough.
SARAH - HALF-DAY POTTERY WORKSHOP
June 2022
I had a fantastic morning on my 1-2-1 ceramics session with Louise and I would very much recommend the course!
Such a relaxing atmosphere, with plenty of time to learn about techniques and make a variety of pieces, from which you choose your favourite three to be fired.
Louise's tuition is clear and she's on hand all morning to both chat and give advice, but also allows space for you to immerse yourself in what you're doing. I loved my first experience of the wheel (even my wonky finished pieces made me smile) and now I just want to do more! 😊
KEN & KATE - 1-DAY PAIRS WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
June 2022
We treated ourselves to this as a special anniversary gift to each other. We’d always fancied a go at wood turning.
Simon was so good at teaching us when we’d never done anything like this before. He is a great tutor and gave us a real desire to take this up as a hobby.
The refreshments and lunch were plentiful and the day was way above our expectations!
We came away with 2 projects each which we’re proud of! If you fancy a go then this is the place to learn!
JAMES - 1-DAY WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
June 2022
Although I'm not strictly a raw beginner, I found Simon's guidance and patience hugely helpful in my 'new' journey to 'unlearn' some poor practices and start to grow in this hobby. It is always a joy to work with an expert and the 1-to-1 setting was the best possible way allow a free flow of conversation and for me to get the most out of the day.
Thanks to Louise and Simon for making me feel so welcome at their lovely home and workshops and for the excellent lunch we enjoyed in the impressive garden.
There were also a lot of incidental tips that arose - such as the way Simon has arranged his workspace to accommodate machinery and people and to provide a safe and clean environment with powerful dust extraction and to the way his various tools are stored and easily located. It's made me want to rethink my own space radically.
Overall, a great day that I cannot recommend highly enough.
OLIVER - HALF-DAY 1-2-1 WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
June 2022
This was a really superb gift for Father's Day.
I've not done wood turning before and only fairly basic carpentry skills, though happy to have a go!
Simon is a really good teacher, very good at explaining and demonstrating the process. As a first timer I felt in good hands. We talked through the lathe and the tools we would be using before having a go. The space is clean and tidy very pleasant to work in. I enjoyed the hospitable environment and which helps my learning. I learn well by doing and so it was good to be able to have a go quickly. I'd definitely recommend this training whether as an experience or for someone starting or rekindling them self of a skill.
Thanks Simon and Louise.
JONATHAN - HALF-DAY 1-2-1 WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
June 2022
Thank you Simon. Very clear, calm, and professional instruction and demonstrations. My first time woodturning since I did woodwork at school some 45 years ago - and I loved it. The voucher was a great present, and I am proud to show off what I made.
I will take you up on your offer of further advice as this becomes a hobby in my retirement.
ROB - 2 CRAFTS IN 1 WORKSHOP
June 2022
My wife bought me this as a present and I attended this course yesterday and had to write a review for it straight away. It was amazing, a really relaxing day making things. Half a day of wood turning and half a day of pottery.
The wood turning course was informative and really fun, and I ended up with a finished piece by the end of the morning to take home.
Pottery is something new to me (I hadn't touched clay since my distant school days) but by the end of the day I had managed to create 3 different pots that were worth keeping all thanks to the great and patient tuition.
Looking forward to my next birthday so I can get my wife to buy me another course.
MALCOLM - 1-DAY WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
June 2022
Malcolm had a wonderful day using his birthday gift. The course was very friendly, a well organised and knowledgeable day. Had lovely lunch and enjoyed the experience and knowledge he had from a very welcoming Simon and learnt lots to look forward to on his retirement days ahead to make some more goods. The bowl and honey stick were great. - Wendy
ADRIAN & BEVERLEY - 1-DAY PAIRS 2 CRAFTS IN 1 WORKSHOP
May 2022
A fantastic day, Simon and Louise were excellent. We both felt instantly at home and relaxed and it was a great hands on experience. Lunch was much more than we expected and delicious.
Overall we would thoroughly recommend the day.
ELEANOR - HALF-DAY POTTERY WORKSHOP
May 2022
What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! I was so lucky to have been given a voucher for Blended Monkey for my birthday. I didnt know what to expect at all. Louise is such a kind and calm person, and her pottery studio set in her beautiful garden is just sublime! I can honestly say I've not had such a relaxing and peaceful 3 hours in many many years. Excellent value for money considering all the prep work Louise does, the 1:1 expert tuition, the fact Louise then finishes, fires and glazes 3 pieces for you, and of course the free biscuits!
Therapy when I wasnt expecting to have therapy, and I made some nice pots at the same time :) Highly recommended.
NICHOLAS - 1-DAY WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
May 2022
What a fabulous afternoon.
Wood turning is great fun and very satisfying. So why choose Blended Monkey?
Quite simple. Simon the tutor is superb. You are made to feel welcome from the start. He is very generous with his time, expertise and offer of post session support. He is very patient and understands the difficulty of the novice. You never feel under pressure. I really enjoyed the afternoon. I am planning to take this up as a hobby and would have no reservations about booking further teaching from Simon. Couldn't recommend more highly.
JON - 1-DAY WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
May 2022
Very happy with the day I spent on my first try at woodturning. Simon ran the day at a pace that was just right for me and we talked about all sorts of things that will be helpful when I take the next plunge which will be a lathe of my own. Oh, and tidying my workshop after being put to shame by Simon's immaculate space. Looking forward to my second day of turning with Simon when I hope I'll be able to try some more new things.
SHARON - 1-DAY POTTERY WORKSHOP
May 2022
I've always wanted to give pottery a try - especially the wheel - and this day course was perfect. Louise was a great teacher and very good company.
The morning was spent trying out different techniques - I made a couple of pinch pots, a coil pot plus a slab work vase and wall hanging. It was great to try out pattern rollers as well as pressing different materials into the clay. After a lovely lunch which we were able to eat outside in the beautiful garden, the afternoon was spent trying out the pottery wheel.
Personally I wasn't fussed if I made anything or not, as I was enjoying simply trying to make something and as expected it's a lot harder than it looks! I was pleased with how it went although I kept making the same mistake but was improving each time. I ended up with a couple of things that were half decent for a beginner so that was a bonus. It's hard work using the wheel and the backs of my arms were quite stiff the next day!
TERESA - HALF-DAY PAIRS POTTERY WORKSHOP
May 2022
We can’t praise Louise and Simon enough for what they do!
We had a couples pottery experience and it was fabulous. Not only did we learn and make lots, we had fun, got messy and had the freedom to explore our own creativity.
Louise is so patient and kind, we had such fun with her and felt like we’d known her years.
We will definitely be back and I would highly recommend Blended Monkey to people of all crafting abilities.
Another bonus was that the premises is easily accessible and there is a toilet within stepping distance making it disabled friendly too!
Thank you Louise - we loved our day!!
NIRGON - HALF-DAY WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
May 2022
Had a wonderful experience with Simon learning to turn wood. Although I've done plenty of woodworking before, it was my first time on a lathe and he made it simple, clear and accessible and really spent a good amount of time on the tools. Workshop is perfectly set up for teaching and in a lovely setting, really would recommend to anyone thinking about having a go to jump right in.
Now looking to find my local turning club and have a few more experiences before purchasing my own machine.
DAVE & SUE - 1-DAY PAIRS 2 CRAFTS IN 1 DAY WORKSHOP
May 2022
This was a Christmas gift from my partner which we actually booked for my birthday weekend - double whammy!!! As we chose the 2 crafts in one day package, that was another double whammy!!!
Both Simon and Louise are friendly, welcoming, knowledgeable about their respective crafts and they made us feel comfortable and put us at our ease from the word go. Any concerns or preconceived ideas were quickly dispelled and soon enough we were creating amazing items in both wood and clay. I am so proud of my honey dibber and I cannot wait to see our pots after glazing and firing. We both had a thoroughly enjoyable day, learned so much, with the tea and biscuits and delicious lunch in the sunny garden being icing on the cake.
We also spent the weekend in the absolutely stunning 'Crafters Retreat' which they run on site as well. A very cosy, peaceful, immaculately presented and fully equipped lodge, with a hot tub under the covered veranda (so weather is not important) and a firepit/Kadai in the garden (a bit more weather dependant). The gardens and the Woodlet also offer secluded spots to relax in or to just breathe in a little calm/zen.
We could not have asked for more nor can we recommend Simon and Louise at Blended Monkey enough. You guys have a brilliant business and your passion and love for your crafts shine brightly. Keep sharing. Thank you for everything.
MIKE & HIS SON - HALF-DAY PAIRS WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
April 2022
I spent a wonderful afternoon in the workshop with my young son, who has special needs.
We were able to attend the workshop in advance of our actual day to make sure he was going to be comfortable with the surroundings, the noise of the lathes, extractors and band saw and what we would be doing - which he was and every day from then on he was so excited about going and how long it would be until we went.
On the day Simon was very attentive to his needs and we both had a great time and my son went away with a newly lathed Harry Potter wand which he very proudly took to school on the Monday to show everyone. Very much enjoyed by us both and would definitely recommend.
DAVID- 1-DAY WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
May 2022
Had a very enjoyable experience. Found lots of things very useful. Would recommend it to anyone who is interested in woodcraft.
TAMARA & ADAM - HALF-DAY PAIRS POTTERY WORKSHOP
May 2022
We had a wonderful time at Louise's pottery studio. She was very welcoming and friendly and we felt very at ease. We were shown three different pottery techniques and enjoyed them all. It felt really relaxed and creative freedom with you pieces was encouraged. Throwing was particularly fun and we had a good laugh. - Tamara
DANIEL - HALF-DAY WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
April 2022
I received a wood turning work shop for a birthday gift. I have always wanted to have a go at wood turning and this was an ideal way to do it. Simon is friendly and patient and very informative, I learned a lot, I would recommend it to any one and the added bonus I came away with a nice piece.
MARTIN - 1-DAY WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
April 2022
I'd like to thank you for the woodturning workshop yesterday. The 1-2-1 tuition was really good. Not too much "technical speak" and the way you taught was very good.
You clearly told me how to do various tasks but also told me why and what could happen if you didn't do it the right way. The workshop was very well lit, clean and comfortable to work in. Lunch was excelIent.
I came away feeling I had a very good day and learnt many things. I shall return for some more courses.
NIGEL - 1-DAY WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
April 2022
The perfect course for me, I came away with all the knowledge necessary for me to develop my wood turning skills.
A really good understanding of the machinery and tools.
Simon explained and demonstrated everything with great clarity which made it easy to understand.
Many thanks Simon definitely a 5 star experience.
MICK & LORRAINE - 1-DAY PAIRS 2 CRAFTS IN 1 WORKSHOP
April 2022
What a lovely experience!
Having recently retired we challenged ourselves to try something different. Our hosts Simon and Louise were brilliant, giving the right balance of guidance and instruction, and freedom to ‘have a go’ on our own!
Both sessions flew by but we were amazed at just what we managed to achieve in the time. We would recommend them to anyone wanting to have a go at either or both crafts.
COLETTE & MARTIN - 1-DAY PAIRS POTTERY WORKSHOP
April 2022
My husband Martin and I had a great full day pottery with Louise. Right from the beginning we felt at ease. The setting is perfect and the activities were pitched just right. Martin particularly liked that Louise joined in the activity, making what we were making.
Everything was relaxed, from the pottery, to the lovely lunch and the freeflowing tea!
Would thoroughly recommend the pairs experience. Even if you are not good at crafts, you will have a lot of fun and may surprise yourself! - Colette
We both had a thoroughly good time. Hosts were very welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable. Lots of fun was had and we look forward to seeing our finished creations! - Martin
KIRSTY & TERRY - 1-DAY PAIRS POTTERY WORKSHOP
April 2022
Fantastic day - great fun trying the different pottery techniques and chatting with Louise, enjoyed every minute, Louise and Simon were lovely hosts and we highly recommend Blended Monkey. - Kirsty
BARRY - 1-DAY WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
April 2022
Very enjoyable and a lot to try and remember, but good guidance given by Simon throughout. The time went too quickly.
Lovely lunch by Louise and pleasant surroundings.
Definitely recommend this course.
NIKKI - HALF-DAY POTTERY WORKSHOP
April 2022
I had such a wonderful morning with Louise learning about the joy of pottery. An experience ive been wanting to do for quite some time. With Louise's guidance i made some 'unique' pieces to collect and treasure. Louise was so warm and welcoming, i felt like we were already firm friends. Thank you so much 💓
VIVIEN - 1-DAY WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
April 2022
The course with Simon was a birthday treat from my husband. The day slipped by quickly as Simon guided me through the course. Simon is a very good humoured and exceptionally knowledgeable teacher who is very patient and encouraging. A thoroughly enjoyable day that has left me pondering whether this craft is something I want to explore further.
Many thanks for the lovely lunch Louise provided
Thoroughly recommend the day.
KEVIN - 1-DAY WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
April 2022
Really enjoyed my first woodturning experience at Blended Monkey.
Simon made it a very enjoyable experience, explained and demonstrated and answered all my questions, more importantly he was very patient.
Thank you Simon and Louise for your hospitality throughout the day.
TREVOR - 1-DAY WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
April 2022
First time wood turning since I was at school 50 years ago, really enjoyed my day, great venue one on one tuition, very pleasant people, Simon really knows his stuff. I am seriously looking at woodturning as a hobby for my retirement, highly recommend this training venue.
PAUL - 1-DAY WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
April 2022
An excellent day with Simon, such a brilliant teacher.
Would reccommend him to anyone wishing to give woodturning a go.
I just need to get my own lathe and tools now.
Simon and Louise were so welcoming to ther home, plenty of coffee, and a superb luch as well.
Thank you Simon and Louise for such and enjoyable day.
Paul
TINA & JACKIE - 1-DAY PAIRS 2 CRAFTS IN 1 DAY EXPERIENCE
April 2022
This was a fun packed day, being taught wood turning and pottery in one day. Louise and Simon were very knowledgeable and patient with a sense of fun throughout the day. No hesitation in recommending them. - Jackie
STEVE & ANN - HALF-DAY PAIRS WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
April 2022
We attended a half day turning course in April 2022.
Simon is very patient and takes his time to explain the reason why things should be done in a certain way and doesn't rush you.
Very enjoyable afternoon along with the coffee and biscuits.
I would recommend a visit to Simon if you're curious about what's involved in wood turning or as we did, just wanted a bit of fun and something different. Steve
DEBBIE - 1-DAY WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
March 2022
This was something I have always wanted to try and it totally lived up to my expectation. Simon is an excellent teacher and i was amazed at what i managed to achieve in such a short time. Very enjoyable day.
EDD - 1-DAY WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
March 2022
Really great day with Simon, he made the day relaxing, educational, informative and inspirational, great facilities I have total workshop envy now!
JOSEPH - 1-DAY WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
March 2022
My parents got me this experience day for my birthday and I absolutely loved it would highly recommend it.
JEFF - 1-DAY WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
March 2022
Very interesting and informative day spent with Simon learning some of the basics of wood turning. I'm completely new to this but after only one day I think I'm already hooked- thanks to Simon for being very patient! It's great to be able to focus entirely on one thing- the piece of wood spinning round in front of you so is excellent mindfulness training!! I even managed to produce a couple of pieces to take home! Highly recommended- I'll be back!!!!! - Jeff
This was a gift for my hubby, something new to try. He really enjoyed the day, finding Simon very patient and supportive throughout and was very pleased with the pieces he came away with. He was amazed at how therapeutic he found it too. Lovely lunch provided by Louise. He said he would highly recommend the experience to anyone. - Josie
CHRIS - 1-DAY WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
March 2022
I was given by my wife as a Christmas present, a one day course in wood turning from Blended Monkey. It is always difficult for her to know what to get me and, with my abilities to be practical she thought it would be a good idea. Well she wasn't wrong, I loved it! I had no preconceived ideas about how the process worked other than I knew roughly what was made on a lathe, this in mind I couldn't wait for the day to arrive.
Once I had booked a day for the course, I was kept well informed about what would happen on the day and assured that COVID guidelines were in place, should I have concerns. I was warmly welcomed by hosts Louise and Simon on my arrival and taken to the wood turning room and offered a drink with biscuits, the first of many through the day.
Simon then went onto talk about health and safety and the equipment we would be using and told me not to worry about remembering everything, as detailed notes would be emailed to me the next day, The notes incidentally were very in-depth and repeated in print, the whole day which is and will be a great help going forward. We started on the basics and by the end of the morning I had produced a honey drizzler which, I don't mind saying without being big headed, was amazing for a first attempt.
Lunch followed and here, I have to say a big thank you to Louise who, after being made aware of my dietary preferences beforehand, this being plant based, served up a lovey platter of sweet and savory offerings.
Onto the afternoon and Simon went on to explain the next project which was a bowl made out of cherry wood. Again The process was explained and by the end I had produced a lovely bowl which again, I am really proud of and looks beautiful.
I am hopefully going to retire in a couple of years and am seriously thinking about investing in the equipment to give me a great and totally enjoyable pastime when the great day finally arrives.
To finish, I would thoroughly recommend this course with Blended Monkey, you will not be disappointed.
Many thanks to you both. :-)
ANTONELLA & NICK - HALF-DAY PAIRS POTTERY WORKSHOP
March 2022
We had such a great time!
I have booked the pottery class as a birthday gift and it was brilliant. We had such an amazing time learning and chatting. Louise is a fantastic and knowledgeable teacher and made us feel so welcomed and relaxed throughout the day :)
She took us lovely photos too which we will treasure forever as well as the ceramics that we made.
I cannot recommend this experience enough!!! Thank you!
JENNY & HOWARD - 1-DAY PAIRS 2 CRAFTS IN 1 DAY EXPERIENCE
February 2022
Absolutely fantastic day!
We were given a very warm welcome right from the start by Simon and Louise in in their beautiful home and garden, having morning tea and biscuits while we had our introduction in the wood turning workshop. Simon gave very clear guidance, and really useful demonstrations and explanations. We had plenty of time on the lathes and before lunch we had learned useful basic skills and finished a simple turning project.
After a very nice lunch, we then moved to the pottery workshop, where Louise was very inspirational helping us to design and create pinch pots and a slab-formed vase. She was lovely to spend time with and learn from. We then finished the day on the wheel learning to throw pots. One of us seemed to be a natural at this, the other less so (but she’s very keen to come back and try it again!). Again, excellent demonstrations - and patience when the student takes “throwing” slightly too literally… We are really looking forward to seeing our creations when they’ve been fired and sent out to us.
Overall an amazing day, very enjoyable and we learned loads. We very highly recommend this course and we will definitely be back for more!
BECKIE - HALF-DAY POTTERY WORKSHOP
February 2022
I had a fantastic afternoon with Louise. She explained the processes and techniques so well and was very patient. She gave me loads of helpful tips and encouragement. Also she was so friendly and chatty. It was a lovely relaxed atmosphere to learn in and so enjoyable. I would thoroughly recommend this experience. I'm really looking forward to seeing my finished pieces. Thank you!
NIGEL & HUGO - 1-DAY PAIRS WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
February 2022
Thank you for this course which my son, Hugo, and I greatly enjoyed. Simon's love of what he teaches really shone through and that inspired us both! He seemed to strike just the right balance between active guidance and periods of letting us have a go on our own. Simon's perfectionism was admirable, and his encouragement to us that we aim for shapes that pleased the eye and hand as far as possible was a valuable challenge. He imparted loads of very valuable advice during the day about various aspects of wood turning, tools, equipment etc and even sharpened some of my own chisels for me!
The next day we received extremely helpful online copies of his illustrated teaching notes and information about equipment etc.
Finally, thank you for the refreshments during the day and the delicious lunch. All in all, a great day!
HAYLEY - 1-DAY WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
February 2022
I had an amazing day and although I am not the best at being a student, I was made to feel relaxed from the moment I met Simon and Louise. The day then got going and didn’t stop.
It was the escapism I needed for a day and I learnt lots too. Now I just need to remember it and practice!! Thanks again for your patience and for the much needed caffeine and lunch.
LEE - 1-DAY POTTERY WORKSHOP
February 2022
I had a great day.
My wife bought me a one day pottery experience with Louise as I've always fancied having a go especially at throwing a pot or two. I'm so glad she did.
I learnt so much but had one of the most relaxed days I've had in a long while due to the environment, the hospitality and the training style. Which clearly worked as Louise had me throwing cylinders/pots shortly after lunch!
Can't wait to see what comes out of the kiln.
If you have an interest and like me, have never used a potters wheel or touched a bit of clay since I was at school (some 40 years ago) then you won't go wrong by spending a day in the studio with Louise. Highly recommended!
SIMONE & HOLLY - 1-DAY PAIRS 2 CRAFTS IN 1 DAY EXPERIENCE
February 2022
My son and I enjoyed our days woodturning so much last year we returned with the girls for pottery and woodturning, again, not disappointed enjoying a superb days experience, can't recommend enough Lovely lunch too. Thanks Blended Monkey.
PAUL - 1-DAY WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
January 2022
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed my woodturning workshop with you last month. It took me a while to pluck up the courage to book the session as I often find new experiences difficult to cope with. Having a 1-2-1 session with you Simon really took the fear out of the whole situation as I didn’t have to worry about a group of strangers. As you know from our chat at lunchtime, my Asperger’s means that I struggle grasping some of the social skills needed within a group.
I wanted to thank you again for having the patience and for taking the time to understand my requirements. I feel I really got to grips with the spindle turning, but I need a little more practice where the bowls are concerned 😊.
I also wanted to thank you both so very much for allowing me to stay in your wonderful cabin! I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve avoided booking an event or a workshop because I can’t find a quiet self-contained let in the vicinity where I can check in without having to go to a reception desk or deal with strangers. I can’t handle hotels. There are just too many people and too many unknown possible situations. Being able to park privately and then let myself in to your retreat took the anxiety out of the situation. I love to read and so having that wonderful covered decking area meant it didn’t matter what the weather did, I could still have my own space in the fresh air. What can I say? I hope you’ll be able to let me stay there when I return for my next woodturning session.
I’ll be in touch soon. I have some annual leave booked and I’d like to arrange something regularly with you if possible as I found the whole experience to be very relaxing.
Yours thankfully.
Paul.
DAVID & LUKE - 1-DAY PAIRS 2 CRAFTS IN 1 DAY EXPERIENCE
February 2022
My son and I enjoyed our days woodturning so much last year we returned with the girls for pottery and woodturning, again, not disappointed enjoying a superb days experience, can't recommend enough Lovely lunch too. Thanks Blended Monkey.
KEVAN - 1-DAY WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
February 2022
It was a great woodturning course that encompassed everything and more. Simon is a patient teacher and thoroughly understands his craft in detail. The day was very relaxed with coffee and lunch provided by Louise.
I made a honey wand a bowl out of a really nice piece of wood. I enjoyed learning about the finishing products and process.
The next day I turned 2 bowls at home thanks to Simons tuition. I would highly recommend Simon (Blended Monkey) to anyone wishing to get off to a god start in Woodturning. I’ll be back!!
JEFF - 1-DAY WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
February 2022
I've been trying my hand at wood turning (with a small amount of prior knowledge) through lock down! Simon's course was just what I wanted. He took me though all the basic principles and then slowly taught me the basic cuts for spindle work and for bowl turning with lots of hands on practice and careful guidance. I came away exhausted but very satisfied. More importantly I came away with a MUCH better understanding of what I was trying to do and how to do it safely.
A great day.
I learnt so much and had a lovely lunch to boot!
Thank you Simon and Louise.
JO & NIAMH - 1-DAY PAIRS 2 CRAFTS IN 1 DAY EXPERIENCE
February 2022
Both Simon (woodturning) and Louise (clay work) were wonderful!
They made us feel very welcome and were great at getting two complete beginners (mother and daughter) to feel confident in using the tools and equipment available. It didn't matter when we went wrong, it was just used as a learning moment and they then helped us to rectify any issues that we wanted rectifying. They both had a very calm and approachable manner. The day was delivered in an upbeat, positive and friendly way. Although the course had said lunch was included, we both assumed a quick sandwich, how wrong we were. Simon and Louise invited us into their kitchen and presented us with a wonderful farmhouse lunch which we ate with them whilst chatting. As well as new skills, we took home our turned wood and are excited about receiving 3 pieces of our pottery work once they are fired and glazed.
We couldn't recommend this day more highly! what an amazing way to spend quality time with each other and learn some great, new skills.
HANNAH - 1-DAY POTTERY WORKSHOP
February 2022
I had a really enjoyable day learning and making lots of pottery pieces. Louise is a great teacher and a lovely lady. Lunch was so good! :-) All in all a brilliant day had, thank you x
SEBASTIAN - HALF-DAY WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
January 2022
There are already so many nice words for this course and Simon and I can only agree and confirm.
It was a very nice 3 hours course I had with Simon and because we had a nice Chat about the world.
We had to make it even a bit longer so I can take my own Honey spoon home with me ( That I am now showing proud to any visiter coming for brunch).
Simon is a great teacher, with passion for what he is doing that makes sure to give each person the best learning exciting fitting there individual needs.
I can recommend this course to anyone that want to get to the next level with his Woodturning skills or if you just want to find out if woodturning is something for you.
BRUCE & PETE - 1-DAY PAIRS WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
January 2022
Many thanks to Simon for an excellent day's wood turning.
It was an extremely friendly, professional and comfortable atmosphere in his workshop.
I would recommend this course to anybody looking for an introduction to wood turning.
Also many thanks to Louise for a delicious lunch.
HOLLIE & SHANE - 1-DAY PAIRS 2 CRAFTS IN 1 DAY EXPERIENCE
January 2022
My husband and I had a wonderful day at Blended Monkey. Learning new skills from Simon and Louise who are so knowledge and very patient. Thank you both.
LACHLAN & QUENTIN - 1-DAY PAIRS WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
January 2022
Bought a pairs woodturning course for my Dad and I for Christmas, it was well worth it! Simon is an enthusiastic, friendly and knowledgeable teacher and we both enjoyed the experience immensely. Thanks also to Louise for preparing a lovely lunch and catering to my dietary requirements. Highly recommended!
INGA & LUKE - 1-DAY PAIRS WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
January 2022
We had a great day with the super knowledgeable Simon! From absolutely zero knowledge regarding the craft of woodworking we left feeling inspired and looking for our nearest club as we clutched our newly carved bowls and honey twizzles!
A lovely day nattering, learning and getting thoroughly covered in wood shavings. Thoroughly recommended as Simon puts you right at ease.
AMY & MARTIN - 1-DAY PAIRS 2 CRAFTS IN 1 DAY EXPERIENCE
January 2022
We booked the 2 crafts in 1 day for a couple and had a brilliant day!
We carried out woodturning in the morning and pottery in the afternoon… Louise and Simon showed a huge passion for their craft which was contagious. They guided us through the basics giving us lots of interesting information to help but then stood back and allowed us to get into our own groove and enjoy experimenting with the woodturning and pottery.
Well run and thorough... a lovely relaxing day was had!
MAUREEN - 1-DAY POTTERY WORKSHOP
January 2022
I had a full day Pottery Workshop Experience as a gift from my children. I have had a few goes of some pottery many years ago but had always wanted to have a go on a potter's wheel.
Louise introduced a pinch pot, a coil pot and a slab pot in the morning and there were pictures and other people's work to give me ideas. However Louise encouraged me to be as creative as I wished and really helped me explore my ideas. I made a hanging wall decoration in the afternoon and then made a few pots on the wheel.
Louise's instructions were so clear and she gave good advice as I progressed through the stages. The day was brilliant and the time seemed to go so fast. I joined a couple doing the woodturning workshop for lunch which was a lovely spread, and it was a very relaxed atmosphere.
The day is very good value. Apart from the six hours of one to one tuition and a lovely lunch, Louise had obviously spent a good deal of time preparing all the clay to be used in advanced and once the day was over would be sanding the pieces when dry, then glazing and firing them. I loved it so much that I hope to return and do some more pottery. A really great day.
COLIN - 1-DAY WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
January 2022
This was purchased as a Christmas gift for me from my Wife! Simon and Louise greeted me and made me feel very welcome! Thoroughly enjoyable day!
Simon is very professional and patient, I made some fabulous pieces and had a lovely lunch.
I will be returning for further courses with Simon! I would highly recommend.
ROB - 1-DAY WOODTURNING WORKSHOP
January 2022
I really enjoyed learning the basics of woodturning with Simon!
Great instruction and friendly chat with it. I was very proud of the pieces I made on the day with Simon's help.
Woodturning is very satisfying, with a real zen quality about it once you get in the zone. It is definitely something that would be hard to learn from a book or videos as it was all about feel, and small changes to angles. However, with an expert helping guide me by showing me the exact movements the tools needed it felt like I made really good progress in just one day. (I'm sure I'm no woodturning prodigy; Simon is just nice).
Lunch was great - way better than expected. I'd imagined something basic so I was delighted by a delicious spread.
Overall a great day, highly recommended.