Depending on how large you are going with it...if large for a center focus I think I would iron on steam a seam or similar to fabric of choice.. If diff. colors trace each piece on the paper side of steam a seam or similar. Then iron each piece to the color of choice....VERY VERY carefully cut each section out and place as you would a puzzle..iron down and if a quilt, zig zag or satin stitch around each raw edge.... I am currently doing Snoopy Flying Ace for my son who will be deployed again to Afganisan in Jan or Feb. Snoopy is in the center and each corner has a different "shadow" of fighting men in the air, on the ground or planes and tanks....Everything else is kept as background so not too busy of fabric for that. For quilting I plan on clouds and shadow quilting around designs. Good luck and if you take your time you will be fine.....don't get too discouraged as he will love it no mater what you may think when finished....Bet you will love it to!