Sneak Peek: Behind the Scenes of My Latest Art Project.

Breaking Through Creative Block: How a Tiny Clay Snail Reignited My Inspiration

Like most creatives, my inspiration and creative flow is a rollercoaster. One moment, I’m effortlessly creating project after project, completely immersed in the process. Then suddenly, the well runs dry, and coming up with even a single idea feels impossible. It’s frustrating, discouraging, and at times, even paralyzing.

I’ve learned that creative block isn’t just a lack of ideas—it’s often rooted in something deeper. It can stem from self-doubt, burnout, perfectionism, or simply feeling stuck in a routine. For me, it tends to hit after I pour my energy into a big project, only to step back and feel unsatisfied with the outcome. That’s exactly what happened after completing my first collection of surface patterns.

When Self-Doubt Creeps In

After months of work, I expected to feel proud of my finished collection. Instead, I felt uncertain about my style and my direction as an artist. Questions like “Is this good enough?”, “Is this really me?”, and “What if I’m on the wrong path?” started circling in my head.

This mindset made it nearly impossible to start something new. Every pattern I tried to create felt forced, and my usual creative spark was nowhere to be found. I knew I had two choices: keep pushing against the block or shift my focus to something completely different.

Switching Mediums: A Tiny Snail That Changed Everything

Instead of forcing myself to design more patterns, I decided to play. I pulled out my polymer clay and made a tiny snail—nothing complicated, just something fun and stress-free. The pressure to be good at it didn’t exist. It was simply about enjoying the process, and that made all the difference.

When I finished, I realized something important: sometimes, creativity needs space to breathe. Shifting gears to a different medium can be the reset button you need.

A Miniature Fairy Shelf and a New Creative Spark

After making the snail, I felt like he needed a home. That’s when I stumbled upon Y Street Studio on YouTube and her incredible miniature fairy shelf series. Inspired by her project, I decided to make my own version—a little bookshelf instead of a wall hanging.

I gathered materials: a paint stirrer for the shelves, elderberry branches for supports, and a hot glue gun (which resulted in at least one burned finger, as expected). Once assembled, it already had a whimsical, woodland feel, but it needed more character.

I added moss, bark-like textures (which I had to reinforce with Mod Podge to keep from crumbling), and tiny red polymer clay mushrooms. The finished piece was cuter than I expected, and suddenly, my creativity was flowing again.

The Joy of Filling the Shelves

Now that I had a bookshelf, I needed tiny things to fill it. A close friend suggested making a miniature skull, which came out a bit more stormtrooper than it did skull, I reworked it and got a look I was pleased with. A TikTok user suggested adding an acorn bookend, which I’m excited to create next. And, of course, I’ll be making tiny books to line the shelves.

This project is still a work in progress, but that’s what makes it fun. It’s a reminder that creativity doesn’t have to be structured or rushed. Sometimes, the best ideas come when you give yourself permission to explore without an end goal in mind.

What I Learned from This Creative Block

This experience reinforced something I’ve learned before but often forget: creative ruts aren’t a dead-end—they’re a detour. They force you to step back, reassess, and sometimes, take an entirely different approach.

So, if you’re feeling stuck, here are a few things that helped me:

• Switch mediums – Try something different from your usual work. Painting, sculpting, sewing, photography—anything that lets you create without pressure.
• Make something “just for fun” – Let go of expectations and create purely for enjoyment.
• Find inspiration outside your field – Watch a crafting video, read a book, visit a museum, or take a walk outside. Sometimes, inspiration comes from unexpected places.
• Engage with a creative community – Commenting on other artists’ work or taking on a creative challenge can help break the cycle of self-doubt.
• Give yourself time – Sometimes, creative blocks are your brain’s way of saying it needs a break. That’s okay.

Where This Project Goes Next

I’m still adding to my fairy bookshelf, and I love that it’s an ongoing project. If you want to see the updates (and how my acorn bookend turns out), be sure to follow me on Instagram and TikTok.

And if you’ve ever experienced a creative block, I’d love to hear how you overcame it! Drop a comment below—your advice might help another artist who’s feeling stuck.

Until next time, happy creating!

❤ Kelly