I've made two of these and had problems figuring out the instructions too. I seemed to have more of one size piece than another or then I'd not have the piece I was supposed to have. So, I eventually decided, "Oh well, what the heck!" and put it together to just make the size block it was supposed to have. Honestly, I can't tell any difference. I thought it turned out beautifully. I used all blues, aqua, greens and purples with at least half of the colors having a metallic gold in them. It's gorgeous!