Delta and Kareno I like both of those suggestions. I am beginning to think I need white! LOL

Look at this pic. The flowers and the bee extend into the border, making the border part of the pic not just a frame.

From the very little I've read over the years a mat should be a color that kind of averages out the colors in the work. It shouldn't compete with the work. Of course it depends on what you want the boarder to do. I've also heard that green in the new neutral so maybe a tint of the green you have made would answer best for your zinnias.

Green the new neutral, uh? I have been playing with the colors. I think I know what I am going to do now. Thanks to everyone that posted your suggestions. I truly appreciate it.

Cherisews, thank you for explaining that. I will keep that in mind for my next art quilt or the many after! Did you make the one in the picture? Very pretty.

Tracy, the pic I posted is one of my many 'inspiration' pictures I have collected. I did make one like this, but I haven't taken a picture of it yet. It did get rave reviews from family & friends! I had never thought to expand into the border before. It really does make a big difference.

Keep us posted on your progress on your quilt. I love what you've done so far!

Thank you Cheri! Yeah, I am going to try that. I also want to try a 3D one. As soon as I get one done, I will post it in Pictures. I would love to see a pic of your your Busy Bee! Thanks again!

Naturally, you would extend and attach your piece last over the border. Since my flowers are already extended, how do I attach the border? Only thing I can think of at this point is adding the whole piece on to a larger background. It is very little extended and it is at the top. I don't know, maybe it isn't worth extending that small amount. Just one leaf and part of one flower.

Oh, and it is with fusible web. I would have to cut around it. Anyway, any suggestions is appreciated.

i haven't shown the whole piece so I will attach this pic.

Ummmm....here is a closer look.

A friend of mine had said it was a shame to cut off the leaf and part of the flower, but after looking at it, the framing border would have to be half an inch or less and not the green I had planned on.

As one teacher said, "Make visual decisions, visually." So put it up on the design wall and lay out the way you think might look best. Take picture. Then change. Take picture. Which do you like better. It's your choice.