I like #3. Is the whistle blinged on both sides? If so, try it flipped over with the flat side down.

I tried that Annie but it doesn't look right. Without seeing it straight on it's hard to tell it's a whistle. Oh wait - you mean totally upside down? No it is not blinged on the underneath side.

Wondering how it would look if the whistle was on its side and the notches for the chain were spaced further apart, closer to the corners?

I'd keep playing around with it until it seems right.

Also wondering what a colored background would look like?

carolb that backing is fabric which I might be able to change, Let me see if I have something to test out. Are you thinking a specific color? Maybe black would make more of a statement?

I rather like it without the chain - looks more like an objet d'art.

I like number 3.

i would love to hear the backstory to this gift😊

Number 3 looks perfect to me!

Very hard to get a pic without reflection in the glass. This is a t-shirt wrapped around the backing - I would buy some black fabric if you think a dark background is the better option. I think notching the backing board and having most of the chain out of sight looks best - highlights the whistle which is the point.

@eld6161 - whistle blower. Sometimes the big guys have to pay big - it takes time. I was going to stencil the corporate logo in the bottom righthand corner but I think it's better without.

Looks perfect - I like the idea of a bit darker background. Great gift!

Yes to the black. Maybe velvet?

Another vote for #3. My opinion on the background is white looks more modern, black more dramatic. So maybe choose depending on what your recipient would prefer.

Super cute! #3 with black background...

Yes, the third with the black background looks great.

Hadn't even thought about black - I was wondering if they have a color scheme in their home that might provide inspiration. Actually, I pictured turquoise, which I like with gold.

And the sideways pic must've been posted while I was commenting. IMO, it doesn't look as good that way after all.

Now I wonder if the chain could be arranged in a swirl and tacked down invisibly?

I would include the chain, either as you have it in #3 or possibly draped off to one side, but I think you would have to tack it in a couple of places to keep it from just being a puddle. Your #3 works well. If you are happy with it, I would just go with that and not overthink or overwork it.

With your explanation of whistle blower, i think I prefer just the whistle alone with no chain. with chain it looks like a pendant rather than what it means.

I like the first one, no chain, and white background.

I like the third one. The chain adds some context and lets you know it is a whistle. It is a clean look and the V shape adds a sense of composition. It would be nice to look at from across the room, where as just the whistle feels like a blob in the space.

I like that 2nd pic in the OP - it wasn't there originally, was it? The chain adds some movement and interest.

“Cogitating” is one of my favorite words!!

It looks great! That is a unique and thoughtful gift.

Perfect.

This is such a unique one of a kind gift. I especially like how humble you are in realizing where it will be placed in their home. Although, they might surprise you.

People sometimes put too much importance on gifts to the point of being insulted that THE gift is not prominently displayed!

Awesome!!!!!!

“Cogitating” .....new word for me! 😂

I would raise the whistle just a bit more in the frame. The whistle is important and not the chain.

@chispa - too late! It's all fixed in place. But I did play around with placement and decided keeping the whistle away from the middle was a better balance.

@eld6161- that's very sweet to say. These are dear friends who are experiencing a dramatic life change only family and close friends would know about so I'm pretty sure they will keep placement low key so as not to prompt questions.

I think your friends will be floored by your thoughtfulness. I know I would be.