It's not a silly question. When I start my blocks I use a glue stick to lightly glue down the main strip face up. After that the next strip is sewn on right sides together (RST) then flip and press. Repeat this process on both sides of first strip, using different width strips to add interest. For my foundation I use any cotton (perhaps something too thin to use in a quilt) fabric I have on hand sewing to the wrong side which is usually lighter, I don't care to mess with paper and like the heavier block. If you use the same solid color for main strip that gives a different look.
Here is a link to pix of string blocks, I hope I've helped a little. Good luck!
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&g...BuPnyAGCvoG4DQ