Maybe you could try printing on fabric? I saw a quilt that had a figure printed on fabric in the door of a house and it looked great. Would that be an option perhaps? I can't fault your methods of dealing with frustration--You hit that right on the money--isn't chocolate a great cure all! Wish it would have an effect on high blood pressure. Boy would I be healthy then!!
Good luck on your design process. You have a very creative mind. I am good at following patterns, but very seldom branch out on my own. Can't wait to see it, cause I know you are clever enough to work this through and come up with something.