INFOGRAPHIC SERIES - Create LEAF Icons

Spring is here and so are the new leaves on the trees. Here are 6 leaf icons to create and several options to create a different look and feel on each leaf. As always, this is a quick, easy and fun way to create all types of leaves. Enjoy!

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Draw a rectangle, fill and no stroke.

Use the DIRECT SELECTION tool to select the top left point and the bottom right of the rectangle.

Pull the Corner Widgets to round the corners. 

Pull the Corner Widgets more to round the corners further and create more of a tapered leaf. 

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Draw a circle a, fill and no stroke.

Duplicate the circle, overlap it half way. Select both circles.

Use the Overlap mode in the Pathfinder.

This creates a symmetrical leaf.

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Create a circle, fill with green, no stroke.

Use the DIRECT SELECTION tool to select the top point of the circle, then move the point up.

Click on the Convert Anchor Point in the Control Bar.

This makes the tip a corner point and forms a tear-drop leaf.

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Draw a line over the leaf.

Select the Width Shape Tool.

Pull the width of one end wider.

Use the Curvature Tool to pull the middle of the stem to curve it.

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Select the stem and choose Object>Expand to outline the stem.

Select the stem and leaf. Use the Minus Front mode in the Pathfinder Panel.

This is the result.

OPTION: Select the stem and leaf a few steps back. Use the Exclude mode in the Pathfinder.

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This is the result of the Overlap mode.

OPTION: Use the leaf created a few steps back from the overlapping circles. 

Use the DIRECT SELECTION tool to select the top point of the circle, then move the point up.

Click on the Convert Anchor Point in the Control Bar to make a point.

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Choose Object>Path>Offset Path. Set the distance in (negative number). Click OK.

Fill the new shape with a different color.

OPTION: Using the previous Rounded Corner Leaf, create a small square.

Use the Direct Selection Tool and delete the upper left point.

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Duplicate the triangle, flip it and copy it to the lower left corner. Align the edges. Select the 3 shapes and click the Unite Mode in the Pathfinder Panel to create one shape.

Use the Direct Selection Tool to select the inner corners of the triangles.

Pull the Corner Widgets to round the inner corners. 

OPTION: Using the previous Rounded Corner Leaf and pull the corners in further.

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Swap the fill color for the stroke color and add a large stroke.

Copy the leaf, RIGHT + CLICK on it, select Transform>Reflect and flip the shape vertically.

You can size the leaves, reduce the size and create contradt.

OPTION: Use previous the tear-drop leaf.

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Draw a rectangle over the leaf, aligning the left edge with the center of the leaf. Fill with a darker color.

Select both shapes. Use the Divide Mode in the Pathfinder panel. UNGROUP the shapes when done.

Select the extra piece of the rectangle leftover from the divide and delete it.