Layer two sheets of freezer paper and iron them together with the shiny side down on both sheets. Yes, this will stick to your ironing board, but peel it up while it is still warm. It will not mess up your ironing board! Trace your applique pattern onto the dull side of a single sheet of freezer paper. Then lay the this sheet on top of the other two, shiny side down. You will have three layers of freezer paper with your traced pattern on top. Cut out your applique patterns to use as templates. They are sturdy, and can be used over and over again---they will adhere to your fabric many times. Place the templates on the wrong side of the fabric , press with a warm iron, then cut out 1/8th to 1/4th inch from the template.
Brush a weak solution of starch on the fabric to be turned, and press it to the freezer paper. When complete turn it over and inspect for wrinkles and press again. Remove the freezer paper template and glue the applique piece to your background.