If you are using a small point and shoot camera, you need to back up at least 4 feet away and then use the zoom to get closer. Those little cameras can't focus well (or at all) closer than that. When shooting something small like you were, the instinct is to get close but the mechanics of the camera won't allow it. Just take your shots at full zoom and you will be much happier with the results.

Yes, I do know photography although usually I am taking pictures of horses running by at 40mph at the track rather than close-ups.