I finished it last PM, thanks everyone so much for the advice.
I ended up outlining each popsicle, then doing long rows 1/2" apart along the length and across the ends. They crosshatched in the corners which was nice. If I have more time I'd love to make this again and crosshatch following the advice here.
The "stitch & flip" corners and the multiple piecing to surround each popsicle led to bulkiness and it was hard to keep seams straight. This is one of those times I would say that paper piecing would absolutely make sense.
I washed it and dried it to get it crinkly. Today I babysit twin grandbabies all day (!) and will get started with hanging it in their nursery.
I think I will sew Velcro across the back top, then glue the opposite Velcro to a 1/2" flat 1" wide x 4 ft wide board which will get screwed into the wall. This will allow it to hang super-flat, yet can be removed and washed.
