I use a chopstick for pushing out corners, but you can also use a wooden pencil (the eraser end) or the end of a paintbrush. Also, a small paintbrush is good for cleaning lint away from the needle and bobbin area.
A piece of foam board makes a great (smaller) design wall. I covered one side with black flannel and one side with white flannel using spray adhesive. I put light blocks on the black side and dark blocks on the light side. You can also cut it down to about 15-16" square to lay out the pieces for an individual block.