Brushed Aluminum Material in Yafaray

Blender's User Interface

This tutorial is brought to you straight from the makers of blender it's self. After reading this tutorial you should have a general feel for blender's environment and will begin to feel comfortable working in blender. I highly recommend you read this tutorial asap if you are new to blender. You won't be disappointed that you did!

How to model a Pool / Hot tub

This tutorial teaches you how to model a pool / hot tub in blender.

Blender Material Repository

The Blender Material Repository is just what it sounds like. It is an active repository in which you can upload / download blender materials. They are currently undergoing construction and their new site will be up in just a short while with a ton of new features, but until then you can still access their old site from a link on the new.

They currently have over 600 materials from 20 different categories. You can browse and download materials without registering an account with then, but to upload you must have an account. Also included on the site is a suggestion list. This list orders materials based on how many users would like the material to be made, ranging from less then five people, to over fifteen.

Also included on the site is a plugin for blender that lets you browse the repository from inside blender. I was unlucky in trying to use the plugin and received errors, however I am hoping that when the new repository comes online, this error will be fixed.

I rate this site at an 8 out of 10. It is current and frequently updated so that is not an issue. Browsing the repository is extremely easy, and the site's navigation isn't overly complex. While it doesn't have a huge amount of materials, it has enough for you to find one pretty close to what you are looking for, and be able to edit later. I will definitely be frequently visiting this site in anticipation of the newer improved repository's arrival on the net.

Blender for Architecture

Blender for Architecture is a website in which many assets for architecture can be found. All of the files on the website are free and downloadable and range from materials, textures, models, scripts, and tutorials. Users may als upload and share their own assets here if they would like.

Of all of things you can find on this website, it's decently sized HDR collection has got to be the most useful. Containing over 30 different sky maps you are sure to find one that will work for you.

Blender for Architecture's material library is decently sized, and at least has a material from practically every category you can think of. And if you can't find the exact material you are looking for, download one that is close to what you want and fudge with the settings until it looks right.

I give this website an 7 out of 10. While the library is decently sized, not all of the assets are of extremely good quality. Some are fair and others are excellent, but not to say that there aren't a good amount of suitable ones. Another downside to this site is that it doesn't look very recent. The main page was last updated May 1, 2009 and the materials were last updated May 11, 2007.

I would recommend checking out this site if you haven't already, and if you find something you like all the better to you. I would suggest however not to limit yourself to one site, get on google and see what's out there!

Wall modeling tutorial

This video tutorial teaches you how to model walls the right way using bezier curves.

Molding / Trim

This video teaches you how to create molding / trim in blender using bezier curves.