What about black paw prints wandering through the trees?

I think that black quilting on the white background will be very unforgiving. It's only going to look good if you are a very good quilter. The silver idea sounds chic as well as much friendlier to work with. I would just stitch in the ditch on the trees.

Do you embroider? You could embroider something in the opposing squares? I would definitely quilt using white thread or silver if you have the skill?

If it's a quilting design suggestion you're looking forward to - maybe something scroll... There are so many sharp lines in the pattern - some curves would be nice in the quilting.

Looks really nice. I personally like feathers and wreathes.

I agree wholeheartedly with this.

There is a pine tree quilt in the book Quilts! Quilts!! Quilts!! that is set very much like yours. They have a lovely scroll-work design quilted in the solid squares. For more inspiration try looking at these designs from the Stencil Company

http://quiltingstencils.com/blocks.aspx

Beautiful!! How about winding pathways through the black forest? :D:D:D