i use a great applique technique that i would like to share.
cut the applique with a piece of fusible interfacing and quilt batting. trim the batting by the size of your seam allowance, ie:1/4inch. stitch the facing and fabric together with the fusable side of the toward the right side of the fabric. turn them right side out, stuff with the batting, and press onto your base fabric. then just stitch 'em down and you're done! no tedious turning and pressing. a really nice look in very little time.
have fun!