When I was working on her owl quilt I fused the owls etc. on an appliqué sheet into a unit, but for the branches and grasses, they were built directly on the background. I have a big board so can't really add anymore to others comments about your pressing area. (although... if you had a large wooden dresser drawer, maybe you could pull it out and use the bottom of it, if it doesn't have any hardware on it, just put a towel over it? )