Is she going to do it needle turned applique by hand? That will be pretty difficult for a beginner but if she's determined, she can do it. I would suggest doing a needle turned pillow first. If she is going to do it with a fusible and machine applique, than that will be easier. Sometimes it's better for a beginner to jump into a difficult project because they are not intimidated. As long as it doesn't get her discouraged with the whole quilting thing and she gives up.