Currently, only Gimp 2.7+ is supported (will take me a few days to get the 2.6 version out, too busy at the moment).

Changes from v1:
Bug fixes
Changed plugin dialog
Added multiple strokes with offset, rotation, scale
Formula Viewer helper app updated

For feedback, bug reports etc. for this version, use the comments section below.

Cheers!

Grab it in the downloads

Known Bugs:

The script misfires sometimes –  the source does not get copied to the duplicated layers (it remains as floating selection). Not sure if this is my fault or a bug in Gimp.

This is a quick tutorial on creating interweaving effect with paths generated by Vector Path and SpiroGraph plug-ins.

You’ll need a rotating brush to follow along, here is mine –  spirograph_brushes , or you can make your own, whatever…

Here is an example of the effect we’re after:

The below steps are there to just demonstrate an idea, you do not need to follow precisely.

Basic concept

Step 1

Create a new image, open Filters > Bytes-and-Pixels.com > Vector Path. Select “Reverse Path” option in the plug-in dialog.

You will have generated two paths.

Step 2

Stroke each path with an animated brush on a separate layer.  In Gimp 2.8 brush doesn’t follow path correctly by default ( stroke is skewed).

The workaround for this is to set brush dynamics to “Dynamics Off” and select the “Emulate Brush Dynamics” option in the “Stroke Path” dialog.

This should make the brush follow the path correctly.

Now, you would have 2 layers with the path stroked from the opposite ends.

Layer 1:

Layer 2:

Step 3

Duplicate layer 2 and hide the original (for backup, in case you make a mistake and want to go back).

Now, delete parts of the superimposed layer to create interweaving effect.

Extending the idea

Building on this concept, another example.
Here is a path that has a spiral-like (i.e. telephone wire) progression in one direction.

To build more complex patterns, I like to make the base stroke more symmetrical. By following the steps outlined above,

my stroke now looks like this.

Next, I will  merge the two layers and call it Layer 1, duplicate it twice (duplicated copies flipped vertically). I will also move them on Y axis until I see pattern I like.
Place one of the duplicates below and one above Layer 1, like a sandwich

Delete parts of the top layer again, to create interweaving effect.

You can repeat these steps as many times as needed and produce really complex designs. I will stop here though…

With the SpiroGraph plug-in, process is the same.
Run the plug-in with Reverse option selected. Stroke the paths on separate layers. Delete parts of the top layer.

To add more complexity, merge the result, create another path, stroke it on a new layer, duplicate that layer, place one copy above and below the original.

Delete parts of the top layer.

Again you can go as complex as you want. Just keep track of all the layers and give them descriptive names. It can get messy!

You need a copy of a layer above and below each other layer you want it to interweave with. Then delete parts of those copies depending on “depth” you are in. Hope this makes sense.

Let me illustrate.

Here are the XCF Files I used for this demo.

If you have any questions or feedback, I’d be glad to hear from you. Use the comments below.

Cheers!

/p

SpiroGraph Update Details:

1. Added “Reverse Path” option to the dialog.
   This allows to create a duplicate path with opposite direction. Useful for certain effects – like interweave (see this tutorial )

Vector Path Update Details:

1.  Added “Reverse Path” option to the dialog.
2. Added “Vector path Segments” script.
   It generates a given number of segments instead of a single path and strokes them on separate layers. This allows for easy animation.
3. Updated Formula Viewer – added presets feature, bug fixes.

Known Bugs:

1. Vector Path Segments  - in Gimp 2.8, stroke doesn’t seem to follow path correctly when performed procedurally, brush size seems to have no effect on the stroke (This does not happen when path is stroked manually)

Grab it in the Downloads section.

Enjoy.

If you have questions or feedback, drop them in comments below.

This is a vector path generator script, includes several modes:

• Random
• Random Linear
• Random Smooth
• Perpendicular
• Formula

“Formula” mode is really what this script is all about – allows user to specify mathematical expression for X and Y coordinates. This ought to be fun for those math freaks among you. I also include a “helper” application which allows to preview your curve interactively.

More info in a few days…

If you have any questions or feedback regarding this plugin, post them in comments below.

EDIT: 2012 May 15

Here are few examples of what you can do with the paths:

Also, if you do some 3D work, this script can come handy for creating ornamental patterns for flooring tiles etc., examples below.

EDIT: 2012 May 17

One very creative person (link) made a very beautiful lace texture using a combination of SpiroGraph and other plug-ins. Here are two examples:

All plugins are updated to the API changes in GIMP 2.7+.
I coded them in GIMP 2.7.3 Portable.
If some of you can confirm whether everything works smoothly in other versions, 2.8 RC1 etc., I would really appreciate it. Just post a comment or drop me an email.

All plugins listed below have new version (1.2) that works with Gimp 2.7/2.8?,
there are no changes in plugin functionality.

• Simple Web Button 1 v1.2
• Glossy Button 1 v1.2
• Glossy Button 2 v1.2
• Word Art v1.2

Cheers!