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 video tutorial...

technorati tags: Blender3D, 3D, graphics, Blender tutorials

Video Tutorial: Creating a 3D Ring Band

Hey,

It's been a while but, here's a quick tutorial on creating a ring band. It covers the basics of using the Spin tool and the Mirror modifier. The techniques demonstrated can be used to create dishes, bottles, tires, etc.



Watch the tutorial online
(FLV streaming, Length - 13:43)


Additional Resources:

• The Spin and SpinDupe tools
• The Modifier Stack
• The Mirror Modifier
• The Subsurf Modifier

technorati tags: Blender3D, 3D, graphics, Blender tutorials