Depending on size, either make a quilt using quilt as you go (I have a no-hand sew demo with pictures that I can PM you) or, what I also do with the small pieces is cut up orphan blocks or paper piece post cards. I make them 4x6, and experiment with surface design techniques on them. I take the fabric and batting behind it and do thread sketching. Very fun and a small space to experiment. Here are 2 samples. The shell is mine. The other is from Ansley Mackay.