How and where do I start to make a quilt using the tumbling blocks? Is there a pattern that I need to use? Any help would be appreciated.

You need to first decide if you want to do the traditional TB that has the set in Y seam or the "not your grandmothers" tumbling block that does not have a set in Y seam. Here is one from Quilters Cache that does not have a set in seam and is PP http://www.quilterscache.com/T/TumblingBlocksBlock.html

Patterns are available all over the internet. When I made mine I did the traditional set in seam and used the pattern from the book Quilts! Quilts!! Quilts!!!

Then you need to decide what colors you want and should choose a light medium and a dark in that color scheme, or you could go with all different colors but just stick to a light a medium and a dark. The contrast gives the TB that wonderful 3D look.

The pattern from Quilters Cache is probably the easiest.
feline fanatic is right, to get a good effect, you need definite light, mediums and darks to pull it off :D:D:D

Or you can go here and get this pattern and ruler. It makes a great TB without Y seams. http://www.kayewood.com/item/Stackin...lt_Pattern/259

check out paperpieces.com= they offer all kinds of templates in various sizes but also AND MORE IMPORTANTLY they offer free design paper- like graph paper--but with all different shapes- including a tumbling block- you can print off the free papers and then color with colored pencils to design your quilt.
i love playing with blocks!

If you enjoy "hand work" you can do english paper piecing, using diamond shapes. I haven't done one, but it's somewhere on that long list of "to do's"

Oh, my, I LOVE that three dimensional look!! I could just pick it up and pile it upside down on others like it to make a huge block.

There's a book called Geometric Gems that has a beautiful wallhanging in it. It reminds me of Japanize Lanturns.

We used one batik for the insides of the blocks.

Lanny

Wow, that geometric gems is absolutely amazing. That's one pattern I love but have never had the nerve to start.
I may have to actually buy a book.

I love the Geometric Gems! I made a tumbling blocks baby quilt using a book from Singer on Quilting. I no longer have the book but I have seen it advertised for sale in the classified here. It was my first book on quilting. Sorry the picture is sideways.