Applique is an 'add to' process, adding components as design elements, scattered with intention to build your story. But with the mask method, you can add to your layout by hiding some of it or framing parts of it.  I call this a mask because it is applied to a background as an element as opposed plain reverse applique where you cutaway from a layer that has already been made part of your base. In concept and in story, this is different in regards to intention. Try to think about the technique you choose and the steps involved as part of the action in your little play. Give it equal weight in your story choices. Your process can be integrated into the meaning of what you do.  I will be talking more about this later.

You can further secure the edges of you ragged appliques with a tiny overcast stitch, almost invisible,  but I usually wait to see how it performs first.   As you handle the cloth, to embellish and quilt, you will begin to notice how it will wear.   Noticing, feeling,  make time for these things as you go.