Cursed Amulet: The snail - cursed but maybe not quite (an amulet and a backstory on its not-so-cursed self)

Mediums:

• Aluminum foil structure

• Foam clay

• Acrylic paint

• Toothpicks

A custom amulet just for me: the snail - cursed but maybe not quite

I wanted to make a custom amulet for this theme that best represents me - something I find comfort and a sort of protection in. My immediate first thought at a representation of comfort was a snail. While this may not seem like a very traditional or spooky amulet, it somehow fits me perfectly.

Snails may seem like "cursed" creatures. They are incredibly slow. It takes them what seems like an eternity to make any progress. Their little spiral shells offer them some protection, but even a small rock or unsuspecting human can crush and destroy the snail and its home in an instant. However, I see these curses as some of their most admirable qualities. I am in awe of a snail's ability to calmly move through life. Always methodically moving, slowly and calmly, carrying their spiral homes with them through it all.

I often find snails around the outside of my house, usually after a rain or on a particularly cool day. I get so excited when I spot one, no matter how many I've seen. I first started finding these little beacons of joy a few years ago on one of the worst mental health days I'd had in a long time. Despite the turmoil in my brain, I immediately lit up with happiness as I watched the slow little creature scoot along the driveway, leaving a trail of mucus behind it, paving a path of where it had been. I realized that seeing this snail and experiencing this small spark of joy had fully taken me out of one of my many "thought spirals" I'm hit with, brought on by various neurodivergences I have a hefty collection of - and to anyone else who has experience with spiraling, you know that's not an easy feat.

As I pondered the idea that this snail had brought me some joy and calm at a time when it felt impossible, I realized that the snail was showing me I needed to slow down and breathe. I needed to find a sense of calm and joy in the wonder of the world around me. And just like me, snails carry their spirals with them. But unlike me, they are not burdened or stopped by their spirals, they are protected by them and move with them through life. They may move slowly, but they still move forward.

Sometimes now when I'm in the middle of a spiral or just a general bad mood, I go looking for snails. Even the act of looking can help me feel more calm, and remember that while I may carry my spirals with me always, I can still move forward, as slowly as I need to. My spirals may always be a part of me, and may feel like a curse much of the time, but on the best of days, they are also home to some pretty amazing bursts of creativity, problem solving, and compassion that I am so grateful to have.

13 Days 13 Shorts 2026: By Any Mediums Necessary

My goal for this year's 13 Days 13 Shorts is not to choose one medium and stick to it for all prompts as I usually do. Instead I will follow where the spark of creating takes me with each prompt, utilizing various mediums as they inspire me and invoke any sense of joy. I'm dubbing this year - 13 Days 13 Shorts: By Any Mediums Necessary.

Note: if you want to learn more about my motivation for this year's festival, check out my first post from Day 1 - I Put A Spell on You (spellbook) :)