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Metal, magic, and making things from scratch
- binhluong3
- Apr 22
- 3 min read
Gilded Poppy Makery – Boronia
What do you get when you mix silver, stories, and a love for learning? Gilded Poppy Makery. Step inside Shop 8 of the AEC Arcade and you’ll be greeted by laughter, lively conversations, and the hum of creativity in full swing. Founded by the wonderfully imaginative Storm Rise, Gilded Poppy is where beginner crafters and seasoned artists alike come to learn, create, and explore the magic of silversmithing and slow craft.
A life shaped by making
Storm’s creative journey began as a child in New Zealand, where toys were scarce but raw materials were plentiful. With paper, yarn, wood and fabric, she built her own worlds, learning to see possibility in everything around her. That same spark of imagination has guided her through an incredible, unconventional career. “I’ve worked in so many industries, I’ve lost count,” Storm laughs. “But making things has always been my constant.”
Starting with polymer clay brooches as a kid, her love of 3D forms led her to bone and wood carving, wax casting, and eventually silversmithing. She even spent time performing aerial rope in the circus across Europe and Taiwan, before turning her attention back to crafting and teaching. Today, with over 15 years of silversmithing experience and a deep appreciation for slow, sustainable craft, Storm’s passion has become her profession, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Crafting with care and purpose
What makes Gilded Poppy Makery truly unique is Storm’s approach to teaching. Rather than rigid, long-term courses, her classes are flexible and student driven. Whether you want to try your hand at a single project or dive deep into a whole new skillset, Storm tailors each lesson to your goals and interests.
The Makery is designed to welcome everyone, regardless of time, budget, or experience level. “There are no stupid questions,” she says. “And I learn just as much from my students as they do from me.”
The studio’s ethos is rooted in sustainability, slow craft, and community. Storm uses recycled metals and eco-friendly materials wherever possible, and teaches her students to do the same, including how to transform scrap into beautiful new work. Her designs embrace the Japanese principle of wabi-sabi, finding beauty in imperfection and the natural cycle of life.
A warm welcome, every time
Stepping into Gilded Poppy Makery is like walking into the creative lounge room you didn’t know you needed. You’re greeted like an old friend, with music playing, banter flying, and the freedom to explore your ideas without pressure.
"My students say they love my patience,” Storm shares. “If something goes wrong, we laugh, we learn, and then we figure out how to fix it together.” It’s this kind, welcoming environment that keeps people coming back, and forming long-lasting friendships along the way.
Community, creativity and the charm of Boronia
Storm has found a true home in Boronia. “It’s a study in contrasts,” she says. “Driving toward the hills each day is inspiring, and the people here are bold, individualistic, and full of heart.” She describes the neighbouring businesses in the arcade like family, always ready to support each other. “There’s a small-town vibe that’s really rare.” Her students reflect that same diversity and warmth. “We’ve got people from all walks of life coming together, bonding over hammers and metal,” she smiles. “It’s impossible to be bored.”
Making for the sake of your soul
At the core of Gilded Poppy Makery is a belief that everyone is creative, whether they know it yet or not. “If I had a dollar for every person who said, ‘I’m not creative,’ I’d have so many more tools,” Storm jokes. Her goal is to cultivate a thriving, supportive community of curious makers. A space where the stresses of the day melt away, replaced by the joy of learning something new. “Craft can be a lifesaver, sometimes literally,” she says. “It opens your imagination, and that’s what helps you envision change.”
Contact
 | 0499 010 326 |
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 | Shop 8, AEC Arcade, 218 Dorset Road, Boronia, VIC 3155 |