Don't overthink it...

has been my mantra for turning my scrappy mini tree blocks into  finished projects. Oh, not that they're finished just yet, but I thought I'd share a peek at my process.

 

Auditioning scraps to complement my finished scrappy mini tree block made earlier.

 
I start by laying my finished mini tree block onto my portable design board (which is poster board covered in flannel ;o).  Next, I arrange various strips and scrappy bits around the block.  Mostly, this part allows me to "audition" fabrics, to get an idea of what I have that may work and the sizes on hand.  Once I have an general idea (remember: Don't overthink it...), I piece batting scraps together larger than the finished size needed for my project, and stitch my mini tree block to it.

"Block" building - scrap by scrap.

Then it's simply a matter of adding scraps of this and that around the block.  Sometimes it involves piecing several scraps together first and then stitching them down onto the batting, so that tiny pieces can be utilized.  I have to admit that I like this freestyle form of doing patchwork - very much like fitting pieces together in a puzzle (only you have way more choices of where a piece might fit ;o).  I'm also experimenting with doing some quilting as I go along, but will do more quilting once I complete the patchwork.  Stay tuned for more on this work in progress. :o)