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1. Create a path

First, create a path like the image shown below with the Pen Tool, go to menu Effect > 3D > Revolve

3D Revolve Options

The 3D Revolve Options window should pop up and look like the image below. Click on More Options if the lower portion window is not showing. You can leave most of the setting as default, but add an additional light spot by click the New Light icon and drag it to the lower left corner as shown. Enter 35 for Blend Steps, maximum Blend Steps is 256, higher Blend Steps results better rendering quality but also increases file size and memory.

2. Create the flower symbol

Now use the Ellipse Tool, create a flower like the image below. I have a very simply flower illustration here, but you can create anything as you like. Drag the flower to the Symbols Library Pallate to create a new symbol. If your Symbols Pallate is not showing, press Ctrl+Shift+F11 or go to Windows > Symbols to show Symbols.

3. Create Map Art

With the vase object selected, in Appearance Pallate, double click on the 3D Revolve effect icon(f) to change the 3D Revolve Options.

When the 3D Revolve Options window pop ups, click on Map Art button.

Map Art options

Check Preview option so you can preview the result. At the top where it says, Surface, use the arrow buttons to locate the surface that you want to Map Art. Notice there is a red wireframe on your object which show you the surface you've selected. In this case, it is 4 of 5. From the Symbol drop down, select the symbol that you've created in the previous step. You can position and resize the symbol in way as you want. You can also create multi-surface Map Art by selecting the Surface then the Symbol. Click OK when you are happy with the result.

Final

That's it! With just 3 simple steps, I just created a nice 3D Vase with Illustrator 3D Revolve Tool.

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