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Wednesday, January 14, 2009

How to Create a Layered Snowflake Pattern in Blender

Hey there, time for the first video tutorial of the new year!

This one is about creating a layered snowflake pattern. The Blender 2.4x video tutorial covers:

  • Creating the snowflake pattern using simple poly-modeling techniques along with Blender's Mirror modifier and Spin tool
  • Arranging the snowflakes using the Scatter and Drop script along with some manual tweaking
  • Setting up render layers for compositing
  • Using Blender's nodes to composite the render layers with added FX
  • Adding colorful stars to the composited layers
  • Adding a background image to the snowflake pattern
If you've never used Blender's Composite Nodes before, this tutorial will be a good place to get your feet wet with the basics!

Resource File (ZIP file) Includes:

  • two Blender 2.4x blend files for the basic setup
  • the Scatter and Drop script (created by Roland Hess) along with a link to instructions on how to install python scripts. Normally, I would provide a link to a python script like this, but I couldn't find a working link to the file so I just included it in the download.
  • some additional sample renders of similar snowflake patterns
  • a copy of the background image used in the tutorial
I hope you enjoy it!

Check out the Blender video tutorial.
Check out the video tutorial...

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

nice tut!!

ps: where may I find that dark theme?

Anonymous said...

Very good tutorial, as always, teaching Blender functions as well as the how-to... of the subject.

Worth following for move object centres and the power of RGB curves alone. Thank you.

Kernon Dillon said...

Thanks!

@anonymous
I use a modified theme called Dark that was in a build downloaded from graphicall.org. I can't remember which download, though.

I exported a copy of it. You can download it here:
http://www.blendernewbies.com/themes/Dark_theme_(modified).py

Also, you can find some more themes at:
http://www.graphicall.org/themes/

And, you can check out the "Pimp Your Blender" video tutorial to learn how to create/modify your own:
http://blendernewbies.blogspot.com/2007/12/video-tutorial-pimp-your-blender-learn.html

Anonymous said...

Hi! I would like to say I really appreciate your effort to post tutorials for newbies. I only know basics of blender but I rarely put it into practice. I realize that to accomplish my goals (ie. build environments for 3D virtual worlds) practice is key (modeling, texture, node composites, render, lighting, etc) SO MUCH! @-@ without your site I will have nothing to start with! So thanks again! :D

Kernon Dillon said...

Thanks! I like your artwork. I wish I could draw well, it makes doing 3d so much easier. I've been trying to spend some time each week developing my drawing skills.

PBRN said...

It is a very good tutorial and I am a fan design texture in blender! I appreciate this work very useful!

Anonymous said...

Thanks Kernon for sharing your py: unfortunately I'm getting an Internal Server Error

Kernon Dillon said...

Try right-clicking on it and saving it. If that doesn't work, I can put it in a zip file.

Kernon Dillon said...

@pbrn
Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Thanks vor the tutorial ! Nice work as always!

Unfortunately I can't download the theme, either.

Kernon Dillon said...

Here's a zip file of the theme.

http://www.blendernewbies.com/themes/Dark_theme_(modified).zip

Arn Sweatman said...

This was fantastic, Kernon! Initially I thought "snowflakes?!?", but you covered so many aspects of Blender so well. I especially liked your section on nodes.

Looking forward to more.

G=

Kernon Dillon said...

Thanks! I try to uncover Blender's features within the context of creating something, so there's usually (hopefully) more to learn than just the main topic of the tutorial.

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