Well, as some of you already know- this year, which started so well has turned into one of the biggest challenges of my life so far.

Halfway through Feb, after my annual physical, I found out I had breast cancer.

Luckily for me, I have an awesome GP here in Melbourne. She sent me off for a mammogram since it had been a couple of years (er...6 yrs) since my last one.
Because I'm one of those 'lucky' ladies with fairly dense tissue, I'd had issues with false positives in the past, so I shelled out for a fancy-schmancy mammogram, and they found it.

After that, it was a three week whirlwind of appointments, biopsies, scans, specialists, and then on March 7th, I was wheeled into surgery for a wide excision lumpectomy.
My surgeon was amazing - she did a beautiful job.
Three weeks later, I started radiation treatment, which consumed almost a month with daily appointments during the week, and the side effects of skin changes, 'sun' burn and fatigue.
All the way through the treatment, I kept up a few classes for my amazing students- who have been my rock through this whole thing, and honestly- being in the workshop was healing for me, in and of itself.

Now, I'm out the other side, and navigating the effects of the long term medication that comes with this sort of breast cancer, which is a whole other challenge! Remembering to be kind to myself as I rediscover what my body does and doesn't feel up to is a daily practice that I realise I should have been doing so much more than I had.
That's ok- It's never too late to start, so I'm starting now.

It really does feel like a total Life Reset!
I'm starting with a clean slate, and every day after this is what I make of it.
Sitting down, planning classes the rest of this year, has seemed fresh and new, with an added layer of gratitude for being able to do this at all! I'm loving the wonder of seeing everything that was familiar as bright, fresh and exciting!

So- here we are, starting each day as new, intriguing and full of possibilities. I invite you all to jump in with me, eyes wide and looking for the magic in the little things in life.

And my beautiful sisters out there- please go for that mammogram!
With love to you all,

Storm

This year started off with a bang! I took a trip over the pond to the USA, and got to meet some amazing women and men- fellow creatives, who share my passion for this art form.

Delaware, Pennsylvania and Washington whirled past in a couple of weeks and then the absolute joy of visiting the town I lived in for 11 years, and staying with dear friends and family of my heart... what a trip!

​I've realised that I left a good portion of my heart in the USA with the people that I was lucky enough to surround myself with for that decade, and 3 weeks wasn't nearly enough time- especially after almost 6 years apart, so I'm already planning the 2025 trip back there again, and I can't wait. For those I couldn't catch up with- I'm so sorry! Time just wasn't on my side. I'll do better next time.

There have been bubbles of gratitude tickling up from my heart, knowing that this art- that I love so completely, allows me to head back and spend time with my USA peeps, and connects our amazing community across the globe!

What a phenomenal thing to be a part of.

It makes me even more grateful for the wonderful students and friends that I have here in Melbourne too. Thank you all so much for being such an important part of my path.

Right! Classes to add and dreams of classes-to-come to put to paper, and then I'll see you over a cuppa and a good hammer at Gilded Poppy Makery!

Here we are my friends, back into the swing of it, as the year starts fresh and full of potential!

With any new business- it takes a couple of years to hit your stride, and I was in the slightly disconcerting space of doing what I'd been doing for years (so no new surprises there) but in a different country, with a completely different cultural demographic to work with. I have to tell you that in the beginning, it felt almost as strange as driving on the other side of the road! 

So- I'm diving into my third year in Australia, and finally feel like I'm getting my 'sea legs'.
Now I'm  able to relax and really love the whole process from start to finish without the scamble to get classes created, up and out there- make sure the shop is laid out optimally for everyones comfort, and ensure a flow in the space that makes everyone feel instantly warm, comfortable and at ease.
It's a magical feeling, and just makes the best job in the world even better!
The bonus of this all gelling, is that it allows space for incredible new things to manifest- and boy; do I have a good one for you!

During my time in the USA, I was lucky enough to meet one of Americas top metalsmith teachers (and take some classes with her!) the incomparable Kieu Pham Grey. 
Check out her website here https://kieuphamgray.com/ 
Kieu travels all over the USA teaching, and she also travels to other countries with her METAL IMMERSION EXCURSION, and we are going to be the luck recipients of her fabulous classes in September this year!
For the first time ever, Metal Immersion Excursion is hopping the pond, and coming Down Under to Gilded Poppy Makery here in Melbourne- and I'm beside myself!
Kieu will also be bringing some of her fab students with her to check out the Metal smithing scene in Melbourne, so those of you lucky enough to grab a spot will be getting some exclusive classes with Kieu, as well as the opportunity to mingle in class with our fellow American metalsmiths.
Keep a close eye on this blog, as well as on my FB and Instagram, as I will be releasing dates and details really soon.

What a fabulous year we have ahead of us, and I'm beyond happy to share it with you all.
Happy hammering, and see you at the workshop soon,

Storm