I just saw this thread! What a great job you did on your beautiful little friend. I am so sorry for your loss.
I am glad that the technique worked for you, and I love doing this technique as condolence quilts too.
Personally, I like the heart on the front, since it is in red, it really pulls together the corner blocks (which BTW the border is fantastic!). I liked the suggestion of makeing the hair bow red too.