The quilt is gorgeous! You will be busy - lol. There are several there that I might do as paper pieced. The one question you will need to ask yourself is "where will I tolerate an extra seam". Especially when converting an applique, seams in the background fabric sometimes are unavoidable - unless you do Y seams at intersections. Pick one to do - post a pic - and since there are loads of us that paper piece you will get lots of options and suggestions!
obtw - if I didn't hate applique so much I might be tempted on this one. It will be a masterpiece when done! Take it one block at a time and before you know it will be complete!