How to "pinch" Illustrator text like an hourglass...

[S***@adobeforums.com]

I am trying to "pinch" Illustrator text like an hourglass, but that style of effect is not available within Illustrator 10.

I have tried to convert text to outline and link to a straight line path, but I can't seem to pinch in the middle because selected anchor points distort shape.

Do you have a suggestion for me? Is there a plugin that I need to install to do this more quickly and effectively?

Thanks, Steve

[S***@adobeforums.com]

You can use live text with Object> Envelope Distort> Make with Warp and select Bulge. In the options give the bend a negative value. You could also do it with Envelope distort. steve