Feels like we swapped speed for better results, which is a trade-off I can get behind.

Use a marver to avoid the mess and keep your hands safe. Sure, @williams.linda's friend sold one piece, but I've seen glass crack from uneven cooling on paper. Old school methods work for a reason, so don't ditch the marver yet.

Totally get this. Had the same thing happen with a prompt about "an empty room." Sat there for weeks just making up dust in the corner. Those open ended ideas feel deep but they just leave you stuck. Switched to prompts with a clear weird detail, like a door that only appears at midnight, and it just clicks faster. The doing part is way more fun than the staring.

No way, you actually spent weeks just hunting for one little spring? I'd lose my mind digging online forever for a single part. What's your secret to keep people from losing it while you search?

Cold feet is right. I've got a long history of dropping shows, books, my own hobbies, you name it. Gave up on learning guitar after two weeks. Guess I relate to the networks on a deep, sad level. Guess I'm part of the problem. No wonder I get it.