Yes, I tried that. I've been drawing it out on paper, but the thong makes it hard to decide where to start or end the curlycue. I've tried traveling too. It just doesn't come out looking the way I want it to. I used some chalk on the Downy quilt I'm using to practice, and I couldn't make it look good. Maybe someone with more experience (or someone who is more artistic) could make it work, but I haven't been able to.