Welcome from Central California.
Shoulder pads? I have some but all I've used them for is making bustles for smaller Victorian Dolls, and putting them in men's shirts that I get for myself. Never heard of a shoulder pad quilt, but why not? We make them from puffy circles, so this one should be warm and comfy. I'd think they would be sewn to a background fabric, maybe a top also since they don't usually have a decorative pattern on them.
Keep us informed as to your progress, this sounds interesting.