Applique. can be done several ways. The method I use is done with fusible webbing, like Heat n Bond. Yes, you can use flannel. A few years ago, I did a baby quilt, appliqued in all flannel using fusible webbing. After I fused the pieces down, I went over the figures with matching thread using a blanket stitch. The previous host of About Quilting.com had posted patterns for a circus theme quilt, consisting of the tent, clowns, zebra, elephan, seal and giraffe. I gave it to a couple for their first baby. You could still add a large giraffe over the whole quilt in brown and it would be very cute. Don't let flannel scare you!