In part two we look at how to expand pattern brushes to add shapes to corners and the ends of paths.
If you are using a circle then we don't have to worry about corners. But if we want to draw a square of rectangle then we need to specify how the corner should look. In this example, we are going to design an art deco frame. First, let’s start by creating the pattern along the edge. I have created three half circles.
As in part one, choose the objects and then open the brushes panel by navigating to Window > Brushes. Then right click New Brush placed on top of the flyout menu.
Once we have done this draw a rectangle and then click on the pattern. Straight away you have a frame.
Now I am going to add a corner to the frame. I have drawn a motif that I want to appear in the corner of the frame. In the brushes panel you will see there are several boxes. The first box is the one that sets the corners. To add the shape you have drawn, choose it and then hold Alt as you drag it into the box. Watch the video below to see this in action.
If you drag it in and a new brush is created then you have not pressed ALT. You will see the pattern brush options appear again and you can update any existing occurrences of the pattern brush. After I have added the corners the frame looks like this:
Double click on the pattern brush in the Brushes palette. You will see further options appear. You will see that you can specify a shape for internal corners and the beginning and end of paths. To create these you do exactly the same as adding the corner shape but drag the shape into the boxes to the right. I have added a simple shape that should appear at the end of open paths by dragging it into the boxes on the right. I've added the same shape for the start and beginning but you can specify different ones if you wish.
Now if you draw an open path and click on your brush you will get the shape appearing at the end of the path.
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