craftgrrl | "Big Country" - mahjong and 80's music inspired art

So... I had this picture mat that I had lying around and last year I decided to paint it red and then drawn mahjong symbols from some mahjong pieces that I had as a bracelet onto the mat. Then I put a layer of blue sparkly nailpolish on top of that.

So... I was looking around our apartment...a nd found this decorated mat and decided to finally make some art for it.

The decorated mat

The watercolor pencil, india ink, and acrylic drawing ink mini painting that I made on 3"x3" handmade craft paper, entitled "Big Country." I titled it that because I was listening to 80's music, depressed after a slew of interviews and job searches that didn't work out, or where they said we'll let you know in two weeks, or it's only comissioned based. How can anyone pay their bills on that. :sighs: I even tried to apply to Target, but haven't heard anything from them. Anyways... I was listening to the band Big Country, and their song "In a Big Country."

Detail of the paper and art.

I had this red paper to put behind the "Big Country" painting... but it was way to bright with the mat, so I took some india ink and added water to it in a plastic container and painted the red paper a washed out greyish black.

The picture placed on the red paper. I attached the mini painting to the red paper with scotch tape rolled on the back... in case whoever has the painting decides to put it in a smaller frame or whatever. It's easily removable.

I had an old resume envelope that I placed the matted art in wrapped in tissue paper. I then used some asian stamps and stamped the outside of the envelope and tied it with rope twine on the outside. I attached a small note to my apartment manager about listening to 80's music and being inspired.

I then gave it to our apartment manager who has been asking for a picture of my art for a long time. :) She was very happy about it. I am glad to have made someone's day. Now if only I can find a job.