In this tutorial we will learn how to create a Christmas Bell using the 3D modeling and a couple of other coloring techniques which will make our illustration look professional. This tutorial is especially suitable for proficient users but I’m pretty sure that our beginner designers will find a lot of useful information here. Find out more at the jump.
3D Modeling of the Christmas BellStep 1Take the Pen Tool (P) and create two curved paths which match inner and outer surface of the bell.
Step 2Let’s create a vertical line with the Pen Tool (P). Apply a trapezoidal profile and the Round Cap in the Stroke panel.
This object corresponds to the shape of a bell handle. Select the handle and then go to the Objec t> Expand Appearance. Take the Scissors Tool (C) and cut the form in points A and B; delete the left part of the form.
It is desirable that the points A, B and C lay on the same vertical line. You can align them with the Align panel.
Step 3Group all created object; go to the Object > 3D >Revolve… and set the parameters indicated on the figure below.
3D model of the bell is ready.
Step 4Now, based on the form of our model we will create some regular vector objects with the Pen Tool (P) and the Ellipse Tool (L).
Create a form of a clapper.
Select a bar of the clapper and go to the Object > Path > Outline Stroke.
Step 5Let’s hide a part of the bar that should not be seen. Copy the brown ellipse and paste it to the front (Command / Ctrl + C, Command / Ctrl + F)
Place the new ellipse above all the objects; then select it and all the clapper objects. Go to the Object > Clipping Mask > Make or use the Command / Ctrl + 7 shortcut.
Coloring of Christmas BellStep 6Fill the form of the handle with the linear gradient which consists of different shades of brown. Light-brown sliders in the left part of the gradient correspond to reflection of the light from the surface where our handle is situated. Light-brown slider in the right part of the gradient corresponds to the part of the handle which is illuminated by the direct rays from the lights sources. Note: We will work in RGB color mode.
Step 7Let’s create some form of highlight on the upper part of the handle with the Pen Tool (P). Fill this form with the linear gradient which consists of two shades of brown; then apply the Screen blending mode in the Transparency panel to it.
I always adjust colors after using blending mode and hide edges ( Command/Ctrl+H) in order to reach the right effect. I use the HSB color mode in the Color panel to mix the colors.
Step 8Fill the side surface of our bell with the linear gradient which has some shades of dark-yellow color.
Create a new form with the Pen Tool (P) and fill it with the linear gradient which consists of some shades of brown.
Step 9Create an ellipse and fill it with elliptic gradient which consists of two identical yellow sliders. Set 0% opacity for the right slider in the Gradient panel.
Draw a curved segment with the Pen Tool (P); then apply the triangular profile in the Stroke panel.
Keep the path selected and go to the Object > Path > Outline Stroke. Fill the received object with the linear gradient and then apply the Screen blending mode to it.
Step 10Create a curved segment. Apply a triangular profile to it in the Stroke panel; then reduce the opacity and apply the Screen blending mode to it in the Transparency panel.
Step 11And now let’s create Art Brush with soft edges. Create two circles with the brown fill. Set 0% opacity for the lower bigger circle.
Go to the Object > Blend > Blend Options… and set the number of steps in the dialog box. Now go to the Object > Blend > Make
Drag the created blend object to the Brushes panel and save a new brush as Art Brush
Select the Stretch between Guides and place our guides as it is indicated on the figure above. Create two paths and apply the created brush to them.
Step 12Let’s go on creating the light effects on the metal surface of our Christmas bell. Draw a circle with the radial gradient fill from yellow to black. Apply the Screen blending mode to it.
Create a form of a highlight. Fill this object with the linear gradient and apply the Screen blending mode to it.
Create an ellipse as it is indicated on the figure below.
Select this ellipse and the circle created in this step; then go to the Object > Clipping Mask > Make.
Step 13Copy the form of the side surface of our bell and paste it to the front. Place this form above all objects.
Select this form and the objects of the side surface of the bell; then use the Command / Ctrl + 7 shortcuts to create the Clipping path.
Step 14Let’s work on the creation of the inner surface of the bell and its rim. We will create these objects with the help of a couple of ellipses filled with the radiant gradients. Let’s look at this process on the figures below.