If they are very fragile you might be able to preserve them by backing them with a soft interfacing (like that used to embroider t-shirts). Since you said your friend likes to decorate for the seasons, perhaps you could make several wall hangings, use theme fabric to boarder the rectangular pieces, maybe with a block design then a boarder. I love the idea of neutrals , maybe neutral colored seasonal fabrics. Please show us what you end up doing.