I did one on the same line as what you are doing, only did lots of assorted yellow and gray strips up & down and a large elephant in the right hand corner. Used Elmer's glue stick to stick the elephant down, then satin stitched around the outside. Also did some outlining on the elephant (it was a gray polka dot) with a light gray thread, eye, lines on trunk, a blanket across the back, lines on legs, etc. to secure it in place. Then layered it up with batting and backing, and quilted. It was a gift for a friend and she has been using it for awhile now and loves it. All seems to still be secure and holding up.
Peace, Brenda