by Meemaw
In the March issue, we created a spinning globe which had text or an image on it. This time we're going to use a different GIMP filter to create another globe, or sphere, with two different effects.
The first effect will be a "photo sphere." The first time I did this was with pictures of my grandchildren. This time I am using sections of my favorite wallpapers created by many of our PCLinuxOS family members. I edited sixteen images, all 450 x 450 px, set into an 1800 x 1800 px grid.
Create a new image, 1800 x 1800 px. Grab three guides from top and side and place them 450 px apart to make a grid. Copy and paste your images into your grid. It should look similar to the following;
![](./images/page09/4x4Grid.jpg)
Now, Click on Filters > Map > Map Object. The following window will appear. Choose Map to Sphere and check Transparent background, and Create new image (unless you want the sphere to appear over your grid).
![](./images/page09/MapObject1.png)
Click on the Orientation tab and choose the following rotations:
![](./images/page09/MapObject2.png)
The result:
![](./images/page09/PhotoSphere2.png)
You'll see different parts of the sphere if you change your rotation settings.
Our other variation is a spiral. Create a line of black stripes.
![](./images/page09/Stripes.png)
Select the black, then click Select > Grow and grow the selection by 15 px. Create a new layer and choose the Gradient tool, then fill the selection (in the new layer) with a brushed aluminum gradient. Then move it to the bottom and merge the layers. Click Colors > Color to Alpha and choose white. Choose a pattern to fill the black (I used a water pattern) and use Bucket fill.
![](./images/page09/Stripes2.png)
Now choose the rotate tool, and rotate your stripes -10 degrees.
![](./images/page09/Stripes3.png)
Crop it down so you have stripes clear to the edge all around.
![](./images/page09/Stripes4.png)
Save your work.
Now click on Filters > Map > Map Object, and choose the same settings as before.
![](./images/page09/RingSphere1.png)
With a bit of planning, you can make the stripe continuous. If you don't rotate your stripes, it comes out nice anyway.
![](./images/page09/RingSphere2.png)
Let your mind wander. The possibilities are endless!
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