I make sure that I use them, for example, themes like Christmas, holidays, together and that colors don't clash. Other than that, anything goes, you would be surprised how lovely they turn out. I use muslin for the foundation or any thin material I have or find at thrift stores . I made one just sewing strips onto strips with no backing until I had miles of 2 1/2 strips and then cut to desired length and sewed strips to strips til I had the desired width.