Armylady - that is fabulous! What a great design! Your points are perfect (Paper piecing????)
FMQ can be really intimidating for a first timer (personally, I can't stand it, and I've been quilting for years!)
Don't feel you have to do FMQ ... I do tons of stitch in the ditch, or just use my walking foot and create designs. I also use templates and use my walking foot with those!!!!
Be sure to practice FMQ lots before you try it on your wall hanging. It's really hard to take those stitches out if you make mistakes!
I'm sure someone on here will be able to chime in with some tips, because the only tips I have is to practice and good luck!