INFOGRAPHIC SERIES - Create a Log

Summer is here, you go camping, create a camp fire or just need to make a log for decoration. Here is how you do it! 

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Create a rectangle, fill it with brown, no stroke.

Use the Direct Selection Tool to select the end 2 points and pull the corner widgets into the max amount. 

Draw several black lines for the bark, They do not need to be spaced equally apart. Group the lines. 

Apply a Tweak Effect to the lines. Effect>Distort & Transform>Tweak.

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Apply a Roughen Effect to the lines as well. ​Effect>Distort & Transform> Roughen.

Use the Width Shape Tool to change the width of the lines to give them variation. 

Change the color of the lines to be a slight contrast to the background color. 

Cut the lines, select the log, choose the Draw Inside Mode at the bottom of the Tool Bar. Paste the lines into the shape, then choose the Draw Normal mode at the bottom of the Tool Bar. 

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Draw a circle on the end. Add a stroke the same color as the lines. 

In the Stroke Panel set the stroke to be inside the shape. 

Use the Spiral Tool to draw a spiral for the end of the log. This one is 10 segments. 

Place the spiral in the end of the log. 

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Use the Width Shape Tool to widen the spiral at the outside end and narrow it in at the center end.

Draw 2 circles and move them  so they over lap 50%. Use the Pathfinder Panel and choose the Intersect Mode. 

Put an outline around the "eye".

Use the Curvature Tool to warp the shape to make it look like a knot. ​Place the knots on the log.

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Draw a line for a branch. 

Add a Roughen Effect to the branch. 

Create a leaf by creating 2 circles, overlap them 50% then use the Pathfinder Intersect Mode. 

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Place the leaves on the branch. 

Select the log, end and spiral and add a Roughen Effect to them as well. 

You now have a rustic log!