I like either the first or third

Am I missing something here? What are you appliquing? I think if we saw what your making we could make a more informed choice.

For silhoutte I might use the grey, as the black would be harsh. What are the sihouttes going to be of? This might help if we knew what they were. Go with your gut and it will be OK no matter what.

I like the black solid with the printed background. I think it is extremely hard to make a selection from a picture. I'm sure it will be lovely whatever you choose.

A marbled gray, I'm not sure how that would look for a face. The solid black is traditional but that doesn't have to be where you go with this. Best thing to do would be to try each one and then choose. Hopefully you would have enough of the fabric to do that. If you have a photographer friend they might be able to help shooting some pictures that could produce each effect. Then that might make it easier to visualize what would be best. Only other thing I'd do is fold each preview fabric as close to the size of a head as possible and pin each to the background fabric. Put it on a design wall or hang from a hanger with clothes pins and stand way back and see what appeals to you. Note, I've been told I can agonize too much about some things like choosing fabric. Go with your own "gut" reaction and no matter what the people receiving it will love it!

I like the idea of a dresden plate using all four fabrics. I love the background and the solids pull out the colors.

I like the brown first, then the green second. They both seem to become a part of the background fabric you've chosen instead of just "floating" on it. You have quite a decision to make. Your friends are very lucky to have someone who cares about them so much!

I like that fabric for the background and I would go with the purple.

I like the third one...looks best with the fabric according to the picture..

Well, the decision is made! Thanks so much for all of your input!. I'm sorry I didn't post a picture of the silhouette first, but this is the one that I ended up going with. To make it pop a little more, I am going to use a blanket stitch to finish off the edges (plus it gives me something to do with my hands while we travel for the 4th of July!), and it does look a little odd- that's because I haven't attached the other leg for the woman or squared it up yet! Thanks again! I'll be back to figure out the borders and quilting![ATTACH=CONFIG]422322[/ATTACH]