Quilled World Map

If ever there was a project to prove that quilling can be taken up by anyone with the desire to give it a try, this ambitious world map created by Amber Rousse of Sweden would be a prime example.

Amber told me she became interested in quilling while growing up in Minnesota, but completed just one project. That was the end of it until she happened upon quilling again in a craft book and remembered how much she had enjoyed it. Amber practiced a bit and experimented with different papers to determine which types worked best.

She used the most basic tools... cardstock strips were cut with scissors, a nail served as a makeshift rolling tool, and a pen tip shaped the mountain peaks. Amber began by quilling land areas and filled in the water around them; large swirls represent ocean currents. After six months or so, Amber had completed a unique piece of wall art.

It came as no surprise to me that she's a professional photo retoucher, a career that began as another labor-intensive hobby in her teen years. Obviously Amber has a great deal of hand control and enjoys working for hours to perfect every strand of hair. She says she's blessed with "patience in monotony" that allows her to focus on fine details.

Thanks to fellow quiller Karren for introducing me to Amber's blog.

If you're interested in learning to quill, you'll find lots of basic instructions and ideas here.