Using the Blend Tool and Then Make a Closed Path

[paul knight]

Hi,

I have a shape I'd like to build - i've created two open paths with the pen tool (each a different color), and then used the blend tool to create a smooth gradient between them.

I would like it so I can now close off the this object and then use either the pathfinder or shape builder tools to cut a chunk out of it.

The problem i have is when I close the path at the bottom of the shape, it removes the blend gradient.  When I expand the blend with Object > blend > expand,  it removes the gradient as well.

How do I achieve the blend that goes smoothly from one path to another, and then make the resulting object a path or shape that I can use with the shape builder or pathfinder tools?

PROBLEM IS ILLUSTRATED BELOW

[SJRiegel]

Have you considered using the Transparency Pallet to achieve this?

Color the circle black, and use Make Mask to create your cutout.

[paul knight]

Hi SJ,

Thanks, I'll have a look at that.  I'm also thinking I could make the initial horn shape, make it a closed path, remove the stroke and try to achieve the gradient using the gradient mesh tool (I've never used this tool, but am researching it now).  Then i can just punch out the circular shape at the bottom?

Paul.

[SJRiegel]

Based on some quick experimentation, it seems like you would have to punch the curve from the bottom before adding gradient mesh.

(When I tried pathfinder on the Mesh object, nothing happened)

[paul knight]

OK thanks.  I'm on my ipad at the moment, so just going through some video tutorials, but that's good to know.