mmmmm.... that is interesting. I guess it could be wonderful or it could be a disaster...yes, it would be unconventional. It depends on the quilt. It depends on the design --- is it modern? or traditional? I think you could pull it off with a modern design. Are you good at painting fabric? Sometimes fabric paint is stiff. Fabric dye might be better. Adding an outline or filling in the veins with embroidery would be cool. Can you post a picture of what is done so far?
I guess I thought you were doing leaves. oops