I usually suggest starting with something that is very familiar, like writing your name using FMQ. Start with your first name and then add your last name. Then move on to e's and l's. do several e's, then several l's then do e and then l. Then try o's and c's. You can make really pretty flowers if you put an e inside of an l in a circle. Before long you will be making your own designs. I also tell students to not start with stippling, I have found that they tend to get messed up trying to figure out where to go next, also, do your designs on paper with a pencil several times before trying on your machine. Hugs.