How a Change in Focus, has Become a New Skill

Rediscovering Creativity Through Miniatures

In September, I reached a point where I felt my creative momentum slowing down. The projects I had been working on no longer sparked excitement, and I found myself in a creative slump. I realized I needed to step back and focus on finding my inspiration again. During this time, I reflected on what truly brought me joy in my artistic journey. I decided that sometimes, the best way to reignite creativity is to try something completely new. So, I picked up polymer clay and began experimenting with creating miniature items, and just like that, a whole new world opened up to me.

Starting with Polymer Clay: A Fresh Focus

When I first began working with polymer clay, I didn’t have grand expectations. I thought I’d make a few silly items and call it a day. However, something surprising happened. I quickly fell in love with the process of creating tiny, intricate objects. What started as a casual experiment quickly became a full-blown obsession. The delicate details of miniature creations—the tiny donuts, soft pretzels, and even a fairy shelf—captured my imagination in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

The fairy shelf project was where it all began. At first, I just wanted to add a few fun items to a small display, but before I knew it, I had created over a dozen miniatures. The process of shaping, painting, and assembling these tiny objects filled me with joy and gave me the spark I had been looking for.

The Growth of a New Passion

Completing the fairy shelf last month was an incredibly satisfying experience. The joy I felt in creating something so small but full of personality was indescribable. It made me realize how powerful it can be to step out of your comfort zone and explore new mediums. Since finishing the fairy shelf, my passion for miniatures has only grown. I’ve since made a dozen miniature donuts, a soft pretzel, and I’m now working on a special project for December to honor my late grandmother.

The Lessons Learned and a New Approach to Creativity

The act of creating miniatures has taught me several valuable lessons. First, it reminded me that creativity doesn’t always need to be grand or perfect. Sometimes, the smallest projects can lead to the biggest bursts of inspiration. Second, I learned that it’s okay to step away from your usual work and try something new. Trying polymer clay was a leap into the unknown, but it brought a refreshing change of pace and allowed me to tap into a new source of inspiration.

If you’re feeling stuck in your creative process, I encourage you to give something new a try—whether it’s experimenting with a new medium or simply stepping outside of your usual routine. Creativity thrives when you give yourself permission to explore without the pressure of perfection.

Moving Forward: Miniatures and Beyond

As I continue to explore the world of miniatures, I’m excited to see where it leads me. I have many more miniature projects planned, and I’m constantly inspired by the idea of telling stories through small, detailed creations. Whether it’s creating more mini desserts, tiny accessories, or detailed scenes, I’m excited to keep pushing myself creatively.

And most importantly, I’ve learned that creativity isn’t a linear path. There are ups and downs, but as long as you keep moving forward—no matter how small the step—you’ll find your way back to that spark of inspiration.

A Tribute to My Grandma: 12 Days of Miniature Pies

As a child, one of my favorite memories was the holiday dinners spent with my extended family. Every year, my grandma would bake over a dozen different types of pies for dessert—if you can name the pie, she likely made it. Her pies were delicious, and for years, when my cousins and I were young, we would eagerly fight over who got to take home our favorite slices as leftovers. My cousin Tiff and I had one pie we were particularly passionate about: the chocolate cream pie. Every year, we would go head-to-head, determined to get the last few slices.

Then one year, my grandma did something that was both heartwarming and slightly insane. She started baking an additional pie for each of her grandchildren so that we all got our favorite at the end of the night. It was her way of making sure no one went without.

If you were to ask me to describe my grandma, “warm and loving” wouldn’t be the first words that would come to mind. She was often seen as jaded, sometimes angry, and seemed perpetually overwhelmed by chaotic life events. But every holiday, without fail, she chose to show her love through the food she prepared—particularly the pies. As I look back on these memories, it’s clear to me that my grandma’s way of showing love was through action. She nurtured and cared for her family by feeding us, by sharing her homemade pies, and by ensuring we felt special.

It’s this combination of food, family, and love that has inspired my December project—a series of 12 miniature pies, each created from polymer clay. This project is a tribute to my grandma and the many holiday dinners we shared. Over the next month, I’ll be crafting individual slices of pie, capturing both the sweetness of those memories and the art of food-making that she instilled in me.

Looking Ahead: A Year of Miniatures and Art

As I reflect on the past year, I feel incredibly grateful for how far I’ve come in my creative journey. The past few months have ignited a passion for miniature art, and I’m excited to continue exploring this new medium throughout the next year. The 12 Days of Pies project has reminded me how powerful art can be in honoring memories and traditions. Creating these miniatures brings me closer to my grandmother, and I can only hope that the love and care I put into each pie slice will honor her memory.

In 2025, I have big plans—both for my art and my business. Here’s what I’m aiming for:

1. Continuing Miniature Creations: I want to expand my collection of miniature projects, from food to scenes and beyond. Miniature art has opened a new world for me, and I’m excited to keep growing in this area.
2. Monthly Paintings: Alongside my miniature work, I will continue to create one painting every month. This helps me keep a balanced creative practice, and it gives me the opportunity to try new techniques and styles.
3. Opening a Shop: I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be opening a shop page on my website. I can’t wait to offer some of my creations for sale in 2025.
4. Completing My Pattern Portfolio: By the third quarter of 2025, I’m determined to complete my pattern portfolio. This is a huge goal, but I’m excited to push myself to finish it. This year has brought me closer to making this dream a reality.

I know I have big goals ahead, but 2024 has been a year of growth and progress, and I’m confident that I’m on the right path. Looking forward to 2025, I’m filled with excitement and optimism for what’s to come. I can’t wait to continue sharing this creative journey with you, and I’m grateful to have you along for the ride.

Thank you for supporting me in 2024, and I look forward to what we can create together in 2025!

A Heartfelt Reminder: Art, Love, and Family

In closing, I want to remind you that creativity isn’t just about creating beautiful things—it’s about connecting with the moments that matter most. My grandmother’s pies were her love language, and through my art, I hope to share a piece of that love with you. Whether it’s through miniature pies, monthly paintings, or patterns, my goal is always to put meaning into my creations, just as she did with every pie she baked.

❤ Kelly