The owner of a beloved craft school will be handing over the reigns at the end of the year.

Wendy’s Workshop, in Richmond Road, Ham, is reaching the end of its 10-year lease in December 2018.

Wendy Butler, 57, said she has enjoyed the past nine years but is getting “a bit long in the tooth” to renew for another 10 years.

She said: “We opened on Valentine’s Day 2009; I used to take my daughter to a pottery class when she was young and I really enjoyed it.

“I also didn’t like my job in the business world, so I thought opening my own workshop would be a nice relaxing thing to do.”

Wendy originally worked in marketing and events for huge corporations like BP and IBM.

Her daughter is now 20 and at university, but she is still very proud of her mum’s business.

Wendy said: “When she’s home we will often sit and watch and telly and do some painting together.”

The workshop is just down the road from picturesque Ham Common, and Wendy took the time to find the perfect location.

She said: “I loved Ham Parade and I really would have liked to have opened there, but it was actually two years before a shop became available.

“I was born and raised in New York, but I have been in England about 22 years.

“When I first moved here I was in East Sheen, then I moved to Kingston.”

One of the best things about running the workshop is the customers and Wendy, who is also an 11+ tutor, enjoys working with children.

Wendy said: “The vast majority of our customers are repeat customers and we do get a lot of children.”

However, she finds adults like to take classes too so they can provide thoughtful handmade gifts for their friends.

Wendy really hopes someone with a passion for arts and crafts will keep the workshop going.

She said: “I’m hoping to be able to sign someone who will able to keep it up, someone who was exactly where I was 10 years ago and and wanting to try something new.”

There are lots of activities planned for the new year, such as crochet, Valentine’s cake decorating, cross-stitching, and embroidery.

These will be updated on the website soon, visit: wendys-workshop.co.uk for more information.