Mermaid Lily's First Silicone Tail

[Lily]

I first decided I wanted to be a mermaid when I was three. It went a little something like this:

Family friend: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Me: A MERMAID!
FF: But you have legs! How is that gonna work?
Me: I'm going to Mermaid School!

Unfortunately, much like Hogwarts, Mermaid School apparently forgot to send my acceptance letter, so I'm now taking matters into my own hands and making a tail! I am so excited! I've just placed an order for my clay today. And it's my birthday, so I've decided that this whole tail will be a very labor-intensive birthday present for myself!

It's taken months of sketching but I've figured out what I want my fluke and fins to look like. Mostly I was inspired by bettas, as they're one of the only fishes that doesn't scare me (I have fish fear, which is kind of ironic in someone who's wanted to be a mermaid since I learned the word). I'm going to hold back the fluke sketches for now since I want it to be a surprise, but here are my ideas for side fins:

http://i.imgur.com/Njew8jR.png

You can ignore the little notes I've scrawled to myself on these, as I have pretty much no firm plans on where to put which fin. I like the idea of having the larger, fanlike ones on my hips, but I don't want my hips to look too big. I'm also thinking of making it a little longer and using it as a below-the-knee dorsal fin. The pointier fins will most likely be side fins at the ankle, but could also look cute at the waist.

While I wait for my wax FX clay, I'm making prototype scales out of Sculpey. It's been a long time since I did any sculptural work (I got my MFA in painting, so most of my work has been 2 dimensional) so this will be good practice. I'm hoping to convert our spare bedroom into a silicone-friendly studio space, as my current painting space is in the garage - too cold and damp to make me feel safe about using silicone in there.

[Atlantisblue]

Good luck with your project :) sounds cool. Happy Birthday!

[Talia]

Happy birthday, and good luck with your tail making!

[QueenZero]

Happy birthday! And yay, new tailmaking thread for me to stalk, hah! The hip fins look great, and you are making me curious about the fluke. :thinks: (Is that an appropriate emoji? It'll have to do.) Looking forward to progress pics!

[Miyu]

Stalking this thread :D Happy birthday! :hug:

[Yulia]

Love those sidefins! This tail-journey is going to be an exciting one to follow! :) Happy birthday!

[Mermaid Aprilia]

The side fins are gorgeous! Good luck with the project and happy birthday :3

[Lily]

I'm starting sculpting the fins today and as I look at my to-scale (har!) drawings I find myself seriously wondering... Just how big is TOO big for a fluke? Right now, mine is almost exactly 30" (76cm) which is well over half my height. That's measuring from where the scales will finish their V down the fluke. From the point where it joins the body at the top, it's closer to 36" (91.5cm) It means I won't have to trim down my monofin very much (Finis Competitor) except for some shaping but I'm concerned about how ungainly it would be on land. I've never seen a silicone tail in person so I don't know if this is a normal size or if I'll be the big-fluked weirdo in the pool...

[Mermaid Enora]

I have a 30" monofin, but I'm also 5'9".
However, I do like having a big fin.

[Mermaid Nerida]

I'm starting sculpting the fins today and as I look at my to-scale (har!) drawings I find myself seriously wondering... Just how big is TOO big for a fluke? Right now, mine is almost exactly 30" (76cm) which is well over half my height. That's measuring from where the scales will finish their V down the fluke. From the point where it joins the body at the top, it's closer to 36" (91.5cm) It means I won't have to trim down my monofin very much (Finis Competitor) except for some shaping but I'm concerned about how ungainly it would be on land. I've never seen a silicone tail in person so I don't know if this is a normal size or if I'll be the big-fluked weirdo in the pool...
That pun is hilarious! And big flukes look super cool! I'm really excited to see how this goes for you!

[Lily]

I like big flukes and I cannot lie
You other merfolk can't deny
That when a mer swims in with an itty bitty waist and a big fin in your face you go
SPLASH
Wanna swim up quick
Cause you notice that fluke was thick
Deep in the sea she's floating
Distractin' dudes who're boating
Oh baby can I splash beside ya
And take your picture
My home pod tried warn me
But them fins you got
Make the sea so stormy!

I've seen 'em splashing
Like a fish on land, I'm thrashing
She's wet! I regret
That I don't have that set

I'm tired of magazines
Saying small fins are the thing
Ask the average mer, she'll say with a grin,
"She gotta pack much fin!"

So Merfolk (yeah) Merfolk (yeah)
Has your tail got the fins?
Well flap it, flap it, flap it, flap it, flap them healthy fins
Baby got fluke!

... I'm not sure if I'm more proud or more ashamed of that...

[PearlieMae]

:yay: :clap: :yay: :clap: :yay: :clap: :yay: :clap:

I'm totally learning that for karaoke night!

[Ilyena]

That is gold :D

[Lily]

:) Thanks! Maybe I missed my calling as the next Weird Al...

Spent the last day sculpting the fan side fins!

http://i.imgur.com/jogeUWC.jpg?2

Used a slightly softer clay than I will be using for the fluke, since I wanted these to be pretty thin. The flat bits you see there are going to be used to attach them to the tail (or cut off altogether, it sort of depends how assembly goes).

[Mermaid Wesley]

Awesome!


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[MermaidRiver]

Love those fins and love the song!


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[Lily]

UGH! I am so frustrated right now! I sculpted the side fins using Prima Plastilina (which is like sculpting with heaven, IMHO) while waiting for my Monster Clay to arrive, which I intended to use for the fluke and scales. It finally gets here and I am beginning to think I got a bad batch! I posted this in the tailmaking questions board but I'll post it here too:

I was so excited to get this clay since everyone here seems to use it, but frankly I am finding it impossible to work with. When I first opened the tubs, I noticed there was a layer of what looked like unmixed wax on the top (translucent, almost like parafin), which I thought was weird. I tried digging some out of the tub with one of my sculpting tools (since I started bleeding after trying to dig a bit out with my nails, not fun) and couldn't get the tool to make more than a dent. So I decided to try softening it in the oven according to the directions on the package. It said that after 45 minutes at 165F, the whole tub should be melted. Tried that. The edges were melted and the top layer was kinda soft but about 1inch down the clay was still completely solid and COLD. So I tried an hour at 200, the maximum temp they recommend. Same issue - melted edges, cold and solid in the middle. I can get it to soften up a little bit with a blow dryer, enough that I can sort of scrape it around with my tools, but actually SCULPTING with this stuff seems pretty much out of the question.

I've worked with some hard clays before but nothing like this. It also feels really weird, grainy and almost dry, which is not what the product description leads me to believe is normal.


Composed entirely of non-toxic, food grade components, Monster Clay® has an ultra smooth formulation that features a low melt temperature and a low tack feel that will not stick to tools or fingers. Monster Clay has high plasticity and has a unique elastic quality much like soft taffy when warm. At average room temperature Monster is firm enough to capture even the finest details and can be re-used and re-melted indefinitely. Monster Clay melts easily to a pourable consistency and is great for making copies of life casts where changes are needed.

It's definitely not melting at low temp, and it IS sticking to my tools and fingers. When warm, it's more like canned frosting than taffy, and has never gotten pourable no matter how much I heat it up.

Has anyone else encountered these problems? Did I get a bad batch or am I doing something wrong?

[Mermaid Leira]

UGH! I am so frustrated right now! I sculpted the side fins using Prima Plastilina (which is like sculpting with heaven, IMHO) while waiting for my Monster Clay to arrive, which I intended to use for the fluke and scales. It finally gets here and I am beginning to think I got a bad batch! I posted this in the tailmaking questions board but I'll post it here too:

I was so excited to get this clay since everyone here seems to use it, but frankly I am finding it impossible to work with. When I first opened the tubs, I noticed there was a layer of what looked like unmixed wax on the top (translucent, almost like parafin), which I thought was weird. I tried digging some out of the tub with one of my sculpting tools (since I started bleeding after trying to dig a bit out with my nails, not fun) and couldn't get the tool to make more than a dent. So I decided to try softening it in the oven according to the directions on the package. It said that after 45 minutes at 165F, the whole tub should be melted. Tried that. The edges were melted and the top layer was kinda soft but about 1inch down the clay was still completely solid and COLD. So I tried an hour at 200, the maximum temp they recommend. Same issue - melted edges, cold and solid in the middle. I can get it to soften up a little bit with a blow dryer, enough that I can sort of scrape it around with my tools, but actually SCULPTING with this stuff seems pretty much out of the question.

I've worked with some hard clays before but nothing like this. It also feels really weird, grainy and almost dry, which is not what the product description leads me to believe is normal.



It's definitely not melting at low temp, and it IS sticking to my tools and fingers. When warm, it's more like canned frosting than taffy, and has never gotten pourable no matter how much I heat it up.

Has anyone else encountered these problems? Did I get a bad batch or am I doing something wrong?


Must be a bad batch, nothing like that usually, feels smooth and melts like chocolate, when heated in the oven it melts quickly in the centre

[Mermaid Wesley]

Nope. Not normal at all. Mine is hard, but it isn't grainy at all. Try microwaving it. It's faster but a little dangerous so keep your hands a away from the clay, poke it with a stick. If you can melt it to liquid it might fix it idk


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[Lily]

I've contacted both MM and the Amazon vendor from whom I bought it, and I'll be getting a refund for the clay. (I would gladly return it but it's stuck pretty hard to my project board and I can't pry it off :( ). I guess I'll go get more of the Prima I used for the small fins... but I'm worried about it melting when I make molds. My mold stuff should be here any day now so I'll be doing a small test to make sure everything works okay.

[Lily]

Awwwwyeeaaaahhhhh, it's like Christmas around here! (And not just because we still haven't taken our lights down...)

http://i.imgur.com/oFkWQbY.jpg?1

Small tests begin tonight. If everything goes well, I'll be making molds of my side fins and starting in the fluke and scale sheet tomorrow.

[Lily]

It's official - waiting for tests to cure is even worse than watching paint dry. It's a nauseating mix of boredom and anxiety.

[Lily]

Spent today making mini scale sheets! I have two designs - one smooth, one textured - and I'm having a hard time deciding between the two. Thoughts? I'm leaning toward the smooth one, as I'm worried the texture will look too busy or not be very visible once it's painted... but the texture is so cute... :gah:

http://i.imgur.com/FbwGAa4.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/s3pIGay.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/5Uwg3Ff.jpg

(Sorry for the watermarks, but I'm paranoid. Wouldn't be the first time a tailmaker lurked the forum looking for ideas.)

[Mermaid Alea]

I personally like the textured scales and I don't think they would look too busy. To help you decide, you can always look at other tails that have textured scales. Finfolk Productions has many tails with textured scales so you can look at those tails to get an idea if you like the texture or not: https://www.facebook.com/FinfolkProductions/photos_stream?ref=page_internal

I like texture because it ads more depth and uniqueness to the scales. To me it doesn't look busy. You could open up a word document and get a photo of a tail with non-textured scales and put it next to a photo of a tail that has textured scales and that could help you compare them to see the difference.

From what I read so far - but I haven't worked in silicone - is that if you tint the silicone, when you paint it you won't have to paint so much because the silicone is tinted. That way you wouldn't be using so many layers of paint and that would help keep the detail of your scales. Just something I remember reading.

[Mermaid Leira]

I like the textured for sure :)

[Mermaid Kelda]

Agreed, the textured ones are so cute!

And what Minx said - tint your silicone! If you airbrush, too, I imagine you'll keep more of the detail.

[Mermaid Ellowyn]

I this both look great, but I agree, I like the textured ones because I like little bits of details in there. I think it adds a little something extra! But either would be a great option.

[Mermaid Momo]

I like the textured scales too

[Prairie Mermaid Jamie]

Texture! Gah, that scale shape is wonderful!:jawdrop:

[Atlantisblue]

I like the textured ones personally.

[Meronica]

Loving your scale shape! Definitely go with the textured ones! They won't look gaudy at all. (:


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[Lily]

Thanks for your input, everyone! I've decided to go with the textured scales, though I'll probably want to make a tail with the smooth ones too someday. Took a few days off to fly down to SF for my sister's baby shower, but now I'm back and hard at work on the scale sheet! It's slow going but I'm making progress.

http://i.imgur.com/neCbGYs.png

Hopefully I'll be able to smooth down those undercuts or else cleaning out the mold will be super tedious...

Speaking of molds, I made the molds of my side fins last week! They still need to be cleaned out but so far everything is looking good. Once I clean the clay out, I'll be starting on my fluke. WOOOHOOO!!!

In other, more somber news, my family dog is really sick. She had surgery last week to remove a bunch of tumors (vet stopped counting at 7) and was practically covered in stitches when I went down therey. She had drainage tubes and a cone of shame and everything. Yesterday she had a seizure and spent the whole day at the vet, who thinks she has a post-surgical infection. She's been part of our family for almost 11 years and we're all very worried. Please keep her in your thoughts.

[Mermaid Neri Elvina]

Hope your dog gets better soon x

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[Lily]

Hope your dog gets better soon x

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Thanks, Neri. My parents had made a vet appointment for Thursday thinking they would probably have to put her down... but between Wednesday night and Thursday morning, she really started to get better! She hasn't had any more seizures and her appetite is coming back. They're probably going to be taking out the stitches and drainage tubes today. Happy Valentines for Phoebelicious!

http://i.imgur.com/6ciWaQr.jpg

So... I got about halfway through my scale sheet and realized it was going to be SUPER thick, at least 1 cm, meaning each 24x24" sheet would take almost a whole gallon of silicone and just the body of the tail (minus the fluke) would weigh like 60 lbs. I'm making new molds off of thinner scales (1mm thick) and starting over. :sigh:

Cleaned out most of the side fin molds yesterday, but there are still little flecks of clay that are being stubborn. I'm thinking warm water, dish soap, and a stiff toothbrush should get the rest out but I'm open to other suggestions.

http://i.imgur.com/FNAXfyu.jpg?1

Also noticed a bunch of small bubbles in the molds. It's hard to see in the pictures but they're those darkest little spots. I'm using Shell Shock Slow but even that is setting up super fast and making it hard to get a thin, even, bubble-free layer. Any hints for thinning and/or retarding the cure time?

http://i.imgur.com/JnM9DTa.jpg?1

[Lily]

Got about 1/4 of my scale sheet done over the weekend. Much thinner now (by about 30% I think) so it should be much lighter and more comfortable. I'm thinking of using fiberglass for the mold for this and fluke because they're just SO LARGE that there's no way I could get them covered in Shell Shock before the pot hardens.

[Mermaid Leira]

fill any bubble holes over with some clay and smooth flat, that way your molds will still be absolutely useable :)

[Mermaid Wesley]

the colder it is the slower shellshock cures. do it in an air conditioned room! lol.

[Lily]

the colder it is the slower shellshock cures. do it in an air conditioned room! lol.

I would, but I live in Portland - houses here don't usually have AC because it's almost never hot! My garage stays pretty cold so that would probably be the best place to try it.

Almost done with my scale sheet! I might have finished tonight but I wanted to make a mini one to use to test the fiberglass and some of my pigments. I've got seriously 20 samples in my cart right now (including 6 or 7 different glitters) because I'm (1) indecisive and (2) love color more than might be healthy. Trying to decide between two color schemes:

* deep teal fading to seaglass and pearl, with hints of coral. To go with my tattoos and my skintone.

http://i.imgur.com/jqe4D1j.jpg

* Dark stormy blue fading to steely slate blue/gray, maybe with some pearl and hints of blush and coral too keep it from getting too dark. Inspired by my favorite mermaid painting.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/12/John_William_Waterhouse_-_Mermaid.JPG

I've been toying with the idea of dyeing my hair red, like it was when I took that first photo, so that might be part of why the Waterhouse colors are so appealing to me right now. I have extremely pale skin, as you can see, so I want a color scheme that will compliment it without making me look like a corpse.

[Lily]

http://i.imgur.com/eFQe2bG.png
Posting my color palette! Samples should be here soon so I can start playing around :)

Did a fiberglass mold of a small scale sheet today. Will update tomorrow with how it went. Hopefully I'll cast my side fins tomorrow as well, and the big scale sheet is on track to be finished early this week.

[Mermaid Kelda]

Love it! ;)

[OceanWhisper]

that color scheme collage is super stunning! good luck :)

[Mermaid Neri Elvina]

Gorgeous colors Lily!

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[Mermaid Leira]

Heeey cute tattoo's I have wings on my back too :)

[Little_Orca]

Lovely work so far, and that dog is adorable!

[Lily]

Aww thanks everyone! I just realized that this color scheme (dark blue, silver, pearl, and coral) is the same color palette I had at my wedding lol. At least I'm consistent!

@Amy - I saw yours in your tailmaking thread. Gorgeous! I love having them on my back because I frequently forget they're there, so when I catch a glimpse of them in the mirror, I fall in love with the image all over again. I'm considering getting another tattoo soon, a mermaid on my side, combining the art styles of Audrey Kawasaki (http://www.audrey-kawasaki.com/) and Chiara Bautista (https://www.facebook.com/chiarabautistaartwork). Might look a little weird with my tail on... or I could paint the tail so it looks like the tattoo continues onto the scales... OOOH IDEAS!!!!

@Little_Orca - I'll pass your compliment on to Phoebe. She's been on a downslide these last few days and it's not looking so good, so she can use all the good thoughts she can get.



My fiberglass mold failed miserably. My wax scales apparently had too many gaps and undercuts, so fiberglass leaked in and got under a fair number of the scales and I can't dig it out! I tried Amy's advice of filling in the holes in the Shell Shock molds with clay, but there were SO MANY of them that, even with careful clay applications, my test cast came out full of icky little bumps. I posted a thread in the Tailmaking Questions board and got some good advice, so tomorrow I'm going to try a fiberglass & body filler combo to see if that works. I only have a few inches left on my big scale sheet, and I really want to be able to mold it ASAP after it's finished. I'm am not a patient mer!

[Trident True]

When you fill in your holes in your mold MAKE sure it 100% flat if there is the slightest bump or lump or its not flat it will show up in your silicone when you pull it from the mold. only fill in the hole, do not have clay outside of the holes perimeter. this is personal experience.

[Lily]

Phoebe passed away yesterday. We're all heartbroken. My big brother found this video of her learning how to play as a wee pup (when we first brought her home, she didn't know how to play fetch)! Don't worry, she learned quickly. We'll miss you, Phoebelicious.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLPGA5mC-HM&feature=youtu.be

[MermaidAmestris]

Oh no! I know it doesn't mean anything, but I'm so sorry to hear about Phoebe! I've had my pit for about 7 months and already can't imagine what I would do without her, so I can't imagine how painful this must be for you. Sending prayers and good waves your way.

[PearlieMae]

I am so sorry for your loss! :hug:

[Echidna]

That's an adorable little dog!
I feel for you :cry:

Remember, she's just over on the other side of the rainbow where we all will be one day.

[Mermaid Galene]

I'm so sorry for your loss, Lily. It's terribly hard to lose a furchild. She will always be there in your heart and memories.

[Mermaid Leira]

so sorry to hear of your loss, big hugs xoxo

[Atlantisblue]

Sorry to hear about phoebe :(

[Lily]

Thank you, everyone. It's been really hard. Harder than I thought it would be. I feel silly, y'know? I mean, she was a pet. We know when we adopt an animal that it's not going to live as long as we do, but there's always some little part that thinks maybe this one is immortal... or maybe she'll recover and we'll have her a few more years. My big brother (who has always prided himself on being a big strong manly man tough guy) called me this afternoon in tears - the first time he's cried since our grandmother died over 3 years ago. Mmy mom cried when she broke the news to me yesterday, and my dad sounded almost sick with grief when I spoke to him. My sister and her husband are both devastated. We all just loved that dog so much. It's going to be hard going home to visit and not having her come running up to me, stumpy little tail wiggling so hard it shakes her whole back end. (Phoebe took her duty of guest-greeting very seriously). She helped me get through some rough times. When we got her, I was in a really dark place, struggling with an eating disorder and depression that nearly claimed my life several times. She would always snuggle me and lick my nose when I was having a bad day. I used to hang her picture in my hospital room, and she came to visit me while I was in treatment and the whole center fell in love with her. My therapists even advised me that I should try and learn treat myself the way I treat Phoebe - with love, kindness, and understanding. When I left for college, I found one of her toys in my suitcase while I was unpacking. I didn't know if she thought she was coming with me (oh, better pack pink ball!) or if she wanted me to have it to remember her by (Liwl's leaving, better give her pink ball!). She was a great judge of character; she liked most people, but those she didn't like you KNEW were bad news. She approved of my husband the moment she met him, and we joke that she loved him before I did.

I spent a long time today snuggling my cat and telling her how much I love her.

[Mermaid Neri Elvina]

Oh gosh, Lily that's awful news! So sorry, such a sad time for you all, keeping you in my thoughts. xx

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[Merperson Danny]

Thank you, everyone. It's been really hard. Harder than I thought it would be. I feel silly, y'know? I mean, she was a pet. We know when we adopt an animal that it's not going to live as long as we do, but there's always some little part that thinks maybe this one is immortal... or maybe she'll recover and we'll have her a few more years. My big brother (who has always prided himself on being a big strong manly man tough guy) called me this afternoon in tears - the first time he's cried since our grandmother died over 3 years ago. Mmy mom cried when she broke the news to me yesterday, and my dad sounded almost sick with grief when I spoke to him. My sister and her husband are both devastated. We all just loved that dog so much. It's going to be hard going home to visit and not having her come running up to me, stumpy little tail wiggling so hard it shakes her whole back end. (Phoebe took her duty of guest-greeting very seriously). She helped me get through some rough times. When we got her, I was in a really dark place, struggling with an eating disorder and depression that nearly claimed my life several times. She would always snuggle me and lick my nose when I was having a bad day. I used to hang her picture in my hospital room, and she came to visit me while I was in treatment and the whole center fell in love with her. My therapists even advised me that I should try and learn treat myself the way I treat Phoebe - with love, kindness, and understanding. When I left for college, I found one of her toys in my suitcase while I was unpacking. I didn't know if she thought she was coming with me (oh, better pack pink ball!) or if she wanted me to have it to remember her by (Liwl's leaving, better give her pink ball!). She was a great judge of character; she liked most people, but those she didn't like you KNEW were bad news. She approved of my husband the moment she met him, and we joke that she loved him before I did.

I spent a long time today snuggling my cat and telling her how much I love her.
You just made me cry! ಥ_ಥ I've never had a pet die, but I love my dog, Ozzy, so much, I can't even imagine when he's gone. Luckily, he's only three, so it will (hopefully) be years 'til then. But I miss him so much when I'm at my mum's house. I feel for ya. So sorry she's gone, but she's probably happier now <:) She was an adorable little puppy :)

[Lily]

Aw Cadhla, you're so sweet. Give your doggy some extra love from me!

So many things have just SUCKED ASS this week. Phoebe passing, I have strep throat, Shark Week has started, and yesterday I ruined over $100 worth of inventory for my indie yarn business and wound up having to do some last-minute dyeing to make sure I can fill orders. I want to cry, but my throat hurts so much I can't!

The one thing that did go right, though, was my test silicone scales! Pulling them out of the mold was terrifying, I was so worried something would go wrong, but they're PERFECT.

http://i.imgur.com/BtscrEM.png

I didn't put power mesh in the silicone for this one because I wanted to see how strong it would be without any reinforcement. So far so good! I've pulled on it pretty much as hard as I can and had no tearing. There are one or two slightly thin spots right where the scales meet, so it will definitely worth it to reinforce for the full tail, but since I'm going to turn this into a bracer it should be fine.

My pigments arrived this week, so as soon as my airbrush gets here, I'm going to start testing colors. Assuming I feel up to it, of course. Strep blows. Ugh.

[Yulia]

They are so pretty! :D

[Mermaid Neri Elvina]

They look stunning!

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[Merperson Danny]

Looks amazing! Can't wait 'til the tail is finished :D

[Lily]

Sorry for not updating in the last few days. I was going to make my scale sheet mold and fluke this week, and do some test paints on the sample scales, but I'm so goddamn sick I can barely get off the couch. It's not strep (two separate tests came back negative) so it's probably "just" the flu. I never get sick, so this is really knocking me on my ass. Hopefully I'll feel better soon, because I've been staring at my pigments and sketching color ideas and I'M SO FUCKING EXCITED I CAN'T STAND WAITING!!! I've settled on a deep navy, silvery blue green, pearl with a slight silver tint, and spots of warm coral. Probably going to tip the edges of the fins with black glitter and the palest areas with white glitter, maybe some blue or teal glitter for the midtones because who doesn't love glitter, amiright? Sketches coming soon!

Also 90% of my shell top supplies arrived yesterday - just waiting on a few strands of faux pearls, which will probably take a while as they're coming from overseas - and I want my merboobs! Immune system, you need to step up your game already.

[Lily]

Since I haven't been able to do any physical work this week, I thought I'd post my colors! Also: first images of my fluke design!

27985

Debating whether I want to add a dorsal...

Oh, and just to avoid any allegations of "copycatfish," I've been dreaming of a blended waist since I first started designing my tail over a year ago. While I'm not 100% sure of Merbella's method, I will not be trying to make my waist look like hers; my idea is actually fairly different in terms of final look. Also, just in case we use similar methods, I won't be posting any step-by-step pics of the process in case it brushes up against her trade secrets.

[Mermaid Neri Elvina]

Woah! Lily amazing work!

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[Ashton]

Wow! that is really pretty!!

[Lily]

Thanks guys! I'm hoping to paint my bracer this week so I can get some practice with the airbrush and make sure my colors look as good in person as they do in the jar!

Oh, yeah, look, I actually accomplished something in between coughing fits!
http://i.imgur.com/SKxDWYC.jpg?1

This is the seam side of my bracer sample. The seams aren't quite as subtle as I'd like but it was great practice and now I know how to do better on my tail. No pic of the front yet, gonna wait 'til it's painted.

In other news, my parents managed to last almost 10 whole days before adopting another puppy. I was worried how it would go, as my dad had said he wasn't sure he could love another dog after Phoebe passed. However, I think the new puppy is fitting in just fine.

http://i.imgur.com/x3qoXo4.jpg

Her name is Tilly (short for Mathilda) and she's an 8-week-old mini schnauzer. Hopefully I'll be able to get home and meet her while she's still so little!

https://scontent-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/11035701_10155265431170368_964702933004366705_n.jp g?oh=6c8f91112b1641ab0fbf85fa13b56485&oe=55922CD4

[Mermaid Neri Elvina]

Cute puppy!! Those scales look great Lily!

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[Lily]

Sorry I haven't been posting much. I'm still recovering from what my doctor is now saying was walking pneumonia. I'm on an inhaler and some antibiotics but she said it will probably be 1-2 more weeks before I'm really feeling better. Ugh.

I did manage to make a mold of my scale sheet and am slowly cleaning out the clay. I want to have this tail done within a month.

[Ashton]

I hope you are ok! Working while sick sucks. My back wont stop hurting but I still am hunched over my scale molds pulling them!
Now a days, becoming a mermaid is a lot harder than just trading your voice in to a sea witch.

[Mermaid Wesley]

Your design is still gorgeous ugh

[Mermaid Neri Elvina]

Feel better soon! xx

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[Mermaid Sabie]

Your scales are beautiful! And the puppy's a cutie!

[Lily]

Now a days, becoming a mermaid is a lot harder than just trading your voice in to a sea witch.


I actually lost my voice for a solid week with this illness! I would have had no currency if a sea witch had come along with a trade offer!

Feeling much better now, though I'm still coughing a fair bit. I got a fancy spray gun and started experimenting with painting this weekend and so far it's looking really good on my samples! Still need to tweak the tank pressure, air flow, and paint flow settings to find what works best for me, but I'm loving the way my pigments are looking on my scale bracer so far. No pics today (just had a date lunch with hubby and am a little tipsy, need to lie down on the couch) but I'll be painting more this week and starting my fluke sculpture! Wheeee!!!!

[Lily]

Just finished up the first coat of paint on my scale bracer! I couldn't properly capture in photos just how amazing and sparkly my pigments are - in direct sunlight, it looks almost bedazzled! It needs a little more of that medium blue, then I'm going to add those pink whale shark-inspired spots along the white-blue transition (like in my mockup), and add a glitter topcoat over the darkest color. Because the world needs more glitter!

Front 3/4. Loving this pearly white! Might add a little bit of interference color over it to give it more depth.
http://i.imgur.com/hWATxO7.jpg?1


Back 3/4-ish. Darkest blue-black at the sides, center of back is medium blue/grey.
http://i.imgur.com/WVLmF9n.jpg?1

Front full-on. Definitely needs more of that medium blue.
http://i.imgur.com/xN6pDUZ.jpg?1

[Mermaid Wesley]

pretty!

[Ashton]

Love the color! Those look wonderful! :cheerleader:

[Mermaid Ruthie]

WOW

[Lily]

Thank you everyone! I finished up the painting today and now it looks even better!

Before adding the spots. I wanted to show you what that medium blue really looks like in some bright sunlight!
http://i.imgur.com/e06J4yw.jpg?1

Spots! I'm not 100% happy with how they came out but they're still super cute!
http://i.imgur.com/GBF28qQ.jpg?1

From the side:
http://i.imgur.com/J2yVne6.jpg?1

The back. It started to get overcast and I lost the light, but that's the same medium blue as the first image.
http://i.imgur.com/KOcxeFc.jpg?1

3/4 front. Love the color transitions:
http://i.imgur.com/jsdPn9z.jpg?1

SO SPARKLY!!!!!!!
http://i.imgur.com/XMHTpic.jpg?1

Now I'm even more excited to construct the full tail!

[PaolaMF]

what kind of paint you use? thanks

beautiful work !!

[Rett]

Im excited to see the outcome! I love the scale mold you have made! Its going to be fantastic! :D

[Lily]

PaolaMF, I'm using powdered mica pigments (same stuff they make eyeshadow out of, tons of them on Etsy!), mixed with silicone and thinned out with paint thinner.

Finally finished my fin sculpts! I redid each of the extra fins at least 4 times trying to get them just right!

The fluke is about 4ft across from tip to tip of the lowest flair.
http://i.imgur.com/GQcZHEE.png

Ankle fins!
http://i.imgur.com/I2L6L8S.png

Hip fins!
http://i.imgur.com/lH5qTUq.png

And the masterpiece, my fluke!
http://i.imgur.com/z8QwfoN.png

Making molds this week. My goal is to have the tail finished by the end of the month!

[Cordelia]

Loving the tattered fin look!!

[Mermaid Neri Elvina]

The fluke looks like a leaf! So pretty!

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[Sassenach]

Wow!!! You're so talented!!! Your tail is going to look amazing, I can't wait to see it!!

[PaolaMF]

I do not understand where is the: thinned out with paint thinner. I do not understand that serving or is that step.

[26494926bdgqifkwb]

Love it!

[Dancing Fish]

WOW, those sculpts are GORGEOUS!

[Mermaid Alea]

Very beautiful sculpting I hope you will be able to finish it by the end of the month as you have planned. :D

[Keiris]

BEAUTIFUL sculpting job!!!

[Merman Arion]

I'm so watching over this thread! This is just amazing! :clap: :clap:

[Theobromine]

Holy crap, those fin sculpts are GORGEOUS. How long did they all take you? Mine is taking me forEVER and I feel like it's way less elegant than yours!

[Vrindavana Starfish]

This is going to be really beautiful. Those bracers look awesome! Love the spots!

[Lily]

Aw shucks, thank everyone! I just put the last coat of mold material on the fluke so if all goes well, I'll begin casting silicone and assembling my tail in just a few days!

@Theobromine: Each of the smaller fin sets took probably 3-4 hours, and the fluke I'd say was around 16 (I watched like 3 seasons of Community while sculpting it!), all spread out over a couple weeks. I was working in Prima Plastilina, which is pretty soft, so that made things go much faster.

[Meronica]

*drooling over those fins*


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[Mermaid Sabie]

Oh wow! Your fluke is so beautiful!


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[Lily]

You guys are so sweet :hug: I'm seriously considering opening up a tailmaking shop since all the response has been so positive. :swoon: (And also because I have a design for a She Creature tail that I'm dying to make but absolutely cannot justify the cost of making a second tail for myself lol)

I've got each of the smaller fin molds cleaned out, and got most of the fluke cleaned today. So far I've only found one area of the mold that failed - looks like there was a pretty big bubble at the very tip of one of the rays, but I think I can fill it in with clay. If not, it won't be too hard to clean up that spot after casting the silicone. Most of my weekend is going to be spent cleaning house and cooking in preparation for a Game of Thrones premiere party on Sunday, but I hope I have time to finish cleaning the molds so I can make my tail!

My big order of pigments arrived yesterday. There's 1/4 lb of crazy sparkly glitter sitting on my counter right now.

Also, made myself a pair of hair pins inspired by one of my favorite versions of The Little Mermaid!

Here's the movie version:
http://i.imgur.com/dX1Z8Te.jpg

Here's the "classic" one I made based on it:
http://i.imgur.com/4udJty1.png

And here's the more ornate one I made to go with the seashell top I'm working on (it's the same color pearl as the first one, it just looks different in the lighting):
http://i.imgur.com/UCmn0Qv.png

These are definitely going to be available for sale because they're SO MUCH FUN TO MAKE. I started a thread for it here if you're interested (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?10673-Would-anyone-be-interested-in-pearl-hair-pins-like-these) :)

[Mermaid Mystery]

that would be so cool! since I think you said you were local that would be fun because then I could just pick it up!


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[Lily]

I actually live in Portland but I'm down in the Bay Area pretty regularly visiting family. I would definitely traffic your tail across state lines. ;) Alternatively, you could road trip up to Portland! It's a gorgeous drive and we have amazing food up here.

[SeaMonkey]

that is BEAUTIFUL

[Mermaid Mystery]

I have friends in Portland and would have no problem driving up there! I love Oregon so much the drive is completely worth it


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[SeaMonkey]

this is pure awesomeness (luv that song anyway)

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Your sculpting is fabulous! May I ask what clay you're using and if you're airbrushing your pieces? (My apologies if you mentioned it earlier and I missed it.)

[Lily]

No worries, I mentioned it a ways back but I'm using Prima Plastilina. And yes I'm going to be airbrushing my tail.

[Theobromine]

I love Prima Plastilina. I used it to sculpt my side fin/tester for my tail project and it's like butter. I had asked my husband for more for Christmas but he got me Monster clay instead, cuz he apparently looked up what other mermaids were using :P You must be a much faster worker than me, though. Mine is taking me foreverrr....

[Lily]

@Theobromine Yes, I love Prima! I started off using Monster and it was awful. I'm not entirely sure if I got a bad batch or what, but I just could not get it to work for me. Prima is like sculpting with tiny bits of heaven. Also it's much easier to clean out of the molds, since some scalding hot water, Dawn, and a toothbrush will take care of 98% of anything left after you scrape out the bulk.

Speaking of which.

I think I had my most awkward mermaid moment ever on Friday. I'd spent Wednesday and Thursday scraping clay out of the fluke and needed to scrub out the last stubborn little bits. Unfortunately, this fin is so big (the total footprint is about 36"x48" [91.5x122cm]) that I can't really get more than a piece of it into the kitchen sink.

So I have to put it in the shower. It barely fits. And I have to get in there with it.

Cut to me in my bikini, wearing yellow rubber gloves and water shoes (because to dissolve the clay, the water has to be hot enough to burn my skin), on my hands and knees in the shower, alternating between a toothbrush and a scrubby brush, scrubbing away at a mermaid fin that's basically my size.

I'm really glad my husband wasn't home to see that, because he would have taken pictures, and then I would have had to murder him.

(Our shower, btw, is MASSIVE. It could comfortably fit probably 5 people, and uncomfortably fit nearly a dozen. It also has 3 shower heads and no door, no door to the bathroom itself either. I think the previous owners might have been a little, um, adventurous.)

I had planned to start casting silicone today but I quickly realized all my molds are warped! I guess the Bondo/fiberglass combo twists as it cools if it's not weighted down, so all the molds have a bit of a curve to them. The fluke was the worst - each little frill was twisting in a different direction! So, back in the shower with everything to heat it up and then weight it down flat to cool. Hopefully they'll cool fast enough that I can at least pour if not demold today.

There is literally a cloud forming in my bedroom from all the steam (because remember, no bathroom door).

[Morticia Mermaid]

Wow. Those sculpts look incredible :) Great work!

[Theobromine]

BAHA Lily that is awesome. Good thing you were able to get the warped molds flattened out! That would be tragic if all that gorgeous sculpting work you did was rendered unusable! :phew:

[PearlieMae]

Just a heads-up for next time...some baby oil on a toothbrush breaks up the clay nicely, then you can clean the oil off with warm water and dish soap.

Oh, you'll still be in the shower with your giant fluke, but you don't have to scald yourself or expose yourself to your hubby videoing potential YouTube gold! ;)

[Lily]

Pearlie:

http://38.media.tumblr.com/a5ec990da9a24bfe2c508fa3abfd7d99/tumblr_mkby2lpCha1rl6yoyo1_500.gif

Just kidding, that's a great tip, thank you! I'll definitely try that with the next molds.

Poured the first casts of each mold today! Part of me is so excited!

http://img.pandawhale.com/post-60149-little-mermaid-dancing-with-ma-Bb8k.gif

And part of me is super anxious

http://media.giphy.com/media/GWnb2EK27ZMqI/giphy.gif

I just want it all to turn out all right! Also Omg, so much silicone! My fluke alone will wind up using about 1.5 gallons.

[PearlieMae]

Holy crap! My entire tail and fluke was a gallon and a half!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Yeah yeah pearlie your stuff is thin and dainty and beautiful *grumble* I dont even know how to sculpt things as thin as your crap... *grrr*

[Theobromine]

Yeah yeah pearlie your stuff is thin and dainty and beautiful *grumble* I dont even know how to sculpt things as thin as your crap... *grrr*

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

[Lily]

Damn Pearlie, I don't know how you managed that! My tail is definitely going to be on the heavier end of the typical range, probably around 30 lbs... and half of that is going to be the fluke! I better start doing leg day at the gym. Also, I should start going to a gym.

I pulled my casts last night and they're GORGEOUS!!!!!!! The scale sheet worried me the most, as I did two layers of silicone with powermesh in between and I was worried about bubbles. But there are almost none! My side fins are absolutely perfect, and the fluke is pretty great - there are one or two thin spots I want to shore up with more silicone and/or powermesh just to make sure they don't tear with the monofin inside, but overall it looks amazing. I just finished pouring the other halves of the fins and the second layer of the second scale sheet.

I might be able to get away with using 3 scale sheets depending on how I seam it, otherwise I'm going to have to order more silicone. A lot of the scale sheets toward the ankle area will wind up getting cut away, and I'm thinking of making a scale top from the scrap to match my tail... if I could find a flipping strapless bra in my size for under $40. I'm a 32D, which isn't a terribly uncommon size, but you would be amazed at how little selection there is in store. Big Box Stores don't seem to carry them at all, and even the Nordstrom in town doesn't have them listed in stock. I'm hesitant to buy online, because really, if there's one thing you need to try on it's a bra. Gotta make sure the girls look and feel just right.

WHY CAN'T I HAS PRETTY MERBOOBS!?!?

[Theobromine]

If you don't want to waste silicone, you can probably pour just what you need for your pattern, rather than making a whole sheet that you have to trim away like scrap fabric. I'd recommend making your pattern to your measurements on paper first (leaving a couple extra inches all around for a seam allowance) and block that out on the scale sheet (make a mold wall with clay directly onto the scale mold of the shape and size of your pattern).

[Mermaid Wesley]

You're already working with silicone girlie. Pad those seashells ;)


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[Mermaid Wesley]

You're already working with silicone girlie. Pad those seashells ;)


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Edit: I think I misread. Is your problem too much padding? If so: GOD I FEEL YOU.


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[PearlieMae]

I think her problem is she's got big knockers and a tiny chest. 32"???? A THIRTY TWO D??? Jeez! One of my THIGHS is 32" around!

I have the opposite problem. Try finding a decent 38B.

[Mermaid Wesley]

Yeah....... I'm a 30F. Lmao.


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[PearlieMae]

Yeah....... I'm a 30F. Lmao.


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:catfight:

(It's the closest I could find to a bitchslap.)

[Lily]

I think her problem is she's got big knockers and a tiny chest. 32"???? A THIRTY TWO D??? Jeez! One of my THIGHS is 32" around!

I have the opposite problem. Try finding a decent 38B.

Yep, that's definitely the problem, although I do hate bras that have a lot of padding built in. I already have plenty of natural padding, stop trying to make them bigger!

I'm actually more like a 31DD but that is straight up impossible to find. I have a narrow rib cage and my boobs have somehow grown 3 cup sizes in the last 5 years or so. I turned 29 in January - isn't puberty supposed to be over now???

BTW I just found out Aerie is having a 30% off sale on their bras! So I ordered 2 of these babies. (http://www.ae.com/aerie/browse/product.jsp?productId=0796_7214_153&catId=cat1870012) I've never worn an Aerie bra but I figured I wouldn't find a better deal any time soon. And Pearlie, they have 38B :)

[Lily]

Yeah....... I'm a 30F. Lmao.


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HOW DO YOU NOT FALL OVER ALL THE TIME!?

[Mermaid Wesley]

Who says i DONT fall over all the time lol

[Aziara]

Yep, that's definitely the problem, although I do hate bras that have a lot of padding built in. I already have plenty of natural padding, stop trying to make them bigger!


I've always wondered why on earth they make DD and bigger bra cups with push up and padding. I'm like "STAHHP ET! :anger explode: I need no help in this department!"

[Lily]

@Wesley: Lol fair enough! I have a hard enough time with my Ds, so I can I only imagine what Fs must be like.

@Azaria: For realz. I do not need more boob, stop trying to give me more boob!


Hey, hey... Why does Ariel wear seashells?


Because B-shells are too small and D-shells are too big!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Good luck with your bewbs girlie :)


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[Mermaid Abalene]

Hows the tail going? The scales I saw sculpted look AMAZING!!!!!!!! PS: how much did the overall project cost?
:D Thanks! PPS: can't wait to see it finished!!!!

[Jeblily]

I am a 28DD... nonexistant in usa, hello 32b! :sweat drop:

[Mermaid Kelda]

^ if you're a 28DD shouldn't you be wearing a 32C? Or have I got my US/UK conversions wrong...

[Lily]

Pearlsey - I'm closing in at about $2000 to make this tail. :$ It's been much more expensive than I originally thought it would be... Some of it is equipment costs (air compressor and spray gun for painting, for example) but also I've needed much more silicone than I originally planned.

I've got my side fins all assembled and I'm working on getting them painted! I'll start assembling my tail late this week and painting probably next week squeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

The other night I drew out my measurements pattern. I've learned two things from this:

1. I have precisely zero ass. Hips, butt, and upper thigh are all within 2 inches of each other lol. Definitely get this from my mom, who also has a paucity of junk in the trunk.

2. I'm a lot smaller than I think of myself as being. I know I don't see myself the way others do (thanks, body dysmorphia!) but it's very jarring to see an outline of myself on paper and realize THIS is what the reality is, not the messed up vision in my head.

[Ashton]

I think her problem is she's got big knockers and a tiny chest. 32"???? A THIRTY TWO D??? Jeez! One of my THIGHS is 32" around!

I have the opposite problem. Try finding a decent 38B.

Its not always fun having big boobs and a rib cage... I am a 34DD (all real)... I can only find bras at Victoria Secret....

[Maethor]

^ if you're a 28DD shouldn't you be wearing a 32C? Or have I got my US/UK conversions wrong...
Kelda- you're right! 28DD's sister size would be a 32C. I technically should be a 28D so I wear a 32B.

[Elle]

I don't get US/UK band sizing. it confuses me

[Maethor]

I don't get US/UK band sizing. it confuses me
As you go up a band size (so like 28 to 30) you decrease the cup size (D to C). It's not necessarily US/UK sizing. They're the same but the US is just kinda bad at offering all the sizes and informing buyers about their actual size! So since 28D isn't an option for me, the next best thing for me is a 32B! :D Hope that helps!

[Elle]

As you go up a band size (so like 28 to 30) you decrease the cup size (D to C). It's not necessarily US/UK sizing. They're the same but the US is just kinda bad at offering all the sizes and informing buyers about their actual size! So since 28D isn't an option for me, the next best thing for me is a 32B! :D Hope that helps!


No that bit I get, I totally understand increasing the band size and decreasing the cup size. It's the numbering system. because here the sizes are 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, etc. It's like with clothing, we don't have 0, 2 and 4. It confuses me really bad. :)

[Maethor]

No that bit I get, I totally understand increasing the band size and decreasing the cup size. It's the numbering system. because here the sizes are 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, etc. It's like with clothing, we don't have 0, 2 and 4. It confuses me really bad. :)
Oh! Gotcha! Yeah I have no idea why they do that!

[Mermaid Kelda]

Its not always fun having big boobs and a rib cage... I am a 34DD (all real)... I can only find bras at Victoria Secret....
I'm always shocked at how difficult it is to find bras in the US. 34DD is not an unusual size (in fact, it's only one size up from the average) - I'm a 34DD, and I don't consider my breasts all that big. I never fail to find something in Australia that fits me, at the very least a 36D suffices. America needs to get its game together!

(Sorry, Lily, for continuing to hijack your thread...)

[Lily]

It's okay, I actually think it's pretty awesome that this has turned into a thread about boobs and bras. SO MANY WOMEN don't wear the right size - I think the figure is like 60%? Maybe higher. I used to work at Victoria's Secret and they taught us an absolutely incorrect measuring method because it meant that more women would fit into the size range carried by the store. I spent years thinking I was a 34B and wondering why it was so comfortable...

If anyone is looking for more info on proper measuring, purchasing, sister sizes, etc, check out the sidebar on http://reddit.com/r/abrathatfits. The rest of reddit is a cesspool, but that's a really good group!

Every woman (mer or biped) should have comfy boobs.

[Ashton]

I agree, I wish there was a more universal size chart.

[Sassenach]

If anyone is ever in doubt of their bra size, use this calculator (http://www.brasizecalculator.tk/)! It's great, it gives you UK sizes (ie, I am a 30DD) as well as sister sizes and American sizes (if you're broke and lazy like me and don't buy bras from anywhere other than Target lol)

[Lily]

Finished paining my side fins!

http://i.imgur.com/DeqzbBx.png

http://i.imgur.com/D5qVEjt.png

The pink is a bit more peach in person, and so pretty!

My second silicone order is taking FOREVER to get here, so tail assembly might not start 'til next week. Grr... :anger explode:

[Maethor]

THEY'RE SO PRETTY OMG

[CowgirlMermaid]

Looks so pretty!!! :jawdrop::swoon:

[ShyMer]

Lovely colors!

[Theobromine]

Oh WOW that looks amazing! It looks very professional! Did you use an airbrush or was that painted by hand?

[Lily]

Airbrush. It took a lot of practice but I'm finally getting the hang of it!

[SiaTheMermaid]

Wow, your fins look fantastic (fintastic?), I love the colours!

[Sassenach]

!!! I cannot express my love for their beauty!!

[Aysun_the_Mermaid]

I am so in love with your stunning tail

[Lily]

Aw, you guys are just so sweet!

29199

My silicone is out for delivery today, so I should get the last bits cast and be ready to construct everything soon, though I probably won't get a chance to this weekend since my mother-in-law is in town. On the one hand, that means hubby and I get to take her to all the fun places and delicious restaurants in town. On the other hand, no time to work on my tail. First world mermaid problems...

[MermaidBrandie]

I just read through this entire thread and I'm in love with everything you've sculpted/cast. KEEP GOING!!

[Mermaid Alea]

I was at school when I saw the fins and I think my jaw dropped! Those colors are wonderful!

[Mermaid Neri Elvina]

*screams* I LOVE THEM!!

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[Lily]

Posted this in tailmaking questions but gonna go ahead and post it here as well.

I'm reaching the point where I can start assembling my tail and I'm having a hell of a time with glue. I'm using a Finis Competitor monofin (made of fiberglass), and I'm going to be making a sheath for it out of powermesh. Then I'll glue the sheath to the monofin, leaving lengthwise strips unglued that will become drainage channels. Then I'm going to brush my fluke fin halves with silicone and press them into the fin/mesh. The silicone should wrap around the unglued mesh, effectively sticking it to the fin, and I'll use a ruler or something to keep the drainage channels from sealing closed.

The problem I'm having is glue! I tested a patch using e6000 and the silicone wouldn't cure on top of it. Gorilla Glue didn't dry properly on top of the fiberglass and cracked the second I flexed the fin. I got Dap auto/marine silicone sealant but it doesn't stick to anything at all. I've been reading up on the "lace method," which I guess is pretty similar to what I'm trying, but no one seems to mention what kind of glue they use. I know PearlieMae has had success with Poly Zap, but I can't seem to find it locally and I don't think it's approved for fiberglass.

I've contacted 3M, Loctite, and Smooth-On, who've all said they don't have a product specifically recommended for this (waterproof, chlorine-proof for pool swimming, bonds fiberglass and fabric, won't inhibit silicone). Actually, one Smooth-On rep said their silpoxy would work, and another said it wouldn't so... :headwall:

Has anyone out there had success with what I'm trying? Even if those companies don't recommend a product, have you found one that works? At this point I've been testing glues for 3 days and am sort of losing my mind. :crying:

[Mermaid Wesley]

Polyzap i had to order online, but I asked my dad and he said any sort of epoxy should work.

[MermaidBrandie]

I would try silpoxy it would be the only thing that comes to my mind, although I haven't tried it.

I'm working with a rubber mono fin so i don't quite have these issues to worry about.


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[Lily]

Wesley, could you ask him about Loctite Marine epoxy and if he's familiar with it? It looks like the best bet - totally water-safe, fiberglass and fabric bonding, longer set-time so it's easier to work with in large applications - but Loctite themselves told me they didn't make a product I could use. Unfortunately the people at Home Depot don't seem to be of much help :(

[Mermaid Wesley]

He's not an expert, but he said that any epoxy would work. He's just glued lots of things in his life lol


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[Keiris]

No that bit I get, I totally understand increasing the band size and decreasing the cup size. It's the numbering system. because here the sizes are 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, etc. It's like with clothing, we don't have 0, 2 and 4. It confuses me really bad. :)
I DEFINITELY think that I wandered into the wrong thread...

[Lily]

I DEFINITELY think that I wandered into the wrong thread...

One day I am going to sneak in while you're sleeping and put you in an adorable shell bra and one of my flower clips. When you wake up, you will be a pretty mermaid princess!!!

Not unlike this:
http://ak-hdl.buzzfed.com/static/2014-04/enhanced/webdr07/8/11/enhanced-4593-1396970018-11.jpg

[Rett]

One day I am going to sneak in while you're sleeping and put you in an adorable shell bra and one of my flower clips. When you wake up, you will be a pretty mermaid princess!!!

Not unlike this:
http://ak-hdl.buzzfed.com/static/2014-04/enhanced/webdr07/8/11/enhanced-4593-1396970018-11.jpg
I think we will all request pictures ;)

[SIF]

Posted this in tailmaking questions but gonna go ahead and post it here as well.

I'm reaching the point where I can start assembling my tail and I'm having a hell of a time with glue. I'm using a Finis Competitor monofin (made of fiberglass), and I'm going to be making a sheath for it out of powermesh. Then I'll glue the sheath to the monofin, leaving lengthwise strips unglued that will become drainage channels. Then I'm going to brush my fluke fin halves with silicone and press them into the fin/mesh. The silicone should wrap around the unglued mesh, effectively sticking it to the fin, and I'll use a ruler or something to keep the drainage channels from sealing closed.

The problem I'm having is glue! I tested a patch using e6000 and the silicone wouldn't cure on top of it. Gorilla Glue didn't dry properly on top of the fiberglass and cracked the second I flexed the fin. I got Dap auto/marine silicone sealant but it doesn't stick to anything at all. I've been reading up on the "lace method," which I guess is pretty similar to what I'm trying, but no one seems to mention what kind of glue they use. I know PearlieMae has had success with Poly Zap, but I can't seem to find it locally and I don't think it's approved for fiberglass.

I've contacted 3M, Loctite, and Smooth-On, who've all said they don't have a product specifically recommended for this (waterproof, chlorine-proof for pool swimming, bonds fiberglass and fabric, won't inhibit silicone). Actually, one Smooth-On rep said their silpoxy would work, and another said it wouldn't so... :headwall:

Has anyone out there had success with what I'm trying? Even if those companies don't recommend a product, have you found one that works? At this point I've been testing glues for 3 days and am sort of losing my mind. :crying:

I'm actually having this problem with mine for months. Jessica Mer said to try the Silpoxy and sorta seamed to be swearing by it, so I'd try that. It's not cheap, but she makes great tails so...

[Keiris]

One day I am going to sneak in while you're sleeping and put you in an adorable shell bra and one of my flower clips. When you wake up, you will be a pretty mermaid princess!!!

Not unlike this:
http://ak-hdl.buzzfed.com/static/2014-04/enhanced/webdr07/8/11/enhanced-4593-1396970018-11.jpg
Hahahahaha Lily! My favorite color is Aquamarine...will it make me look fat? :p

Rising, I always hoped my photo debut would be glamorous!

[Little_Orca]

Beautiful work. I am enjoying watching the process unfold.

[Lily]

"Good news, everyone!" she says as SARCASTICALLY AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE.

I'm sick again. This time it's an infection in one of my tonsils. I woke up Sunday morning with a horrible pain in the right side of my throat, check it out in the mirror and see this huge, hideous red lump growing on my tonsil like some sort of alien invader. Urgent care doc says it's a blood blister (wtf? that happens?) and not to worry. It was worse yesterday, bigger and more painful with bonus pus, so I called 5 different ENTs until I found one who could give me an appointment that day. He takes one look at it and basically says, "Here, take the most aggressive antibiotics I can give you and then also these steroids because dam." I told him my tonsils have been all screwy since I had mono as a late teen, when my sweet little dainty lady tonsils suddenly turned all craggy and enormous. Apparently that's pretty common for girls who get it around the age I did. I get tonsil stones and moderate sore throats all the time, and he says I qualify for a tonsillectomy if I want it. Been looking into it and everything I've read says the pain is horrible when you have it done as an adult, but no one seems to regret it so... definitely something to consider.

I'm not a wuss when it comes to pain (I've had several people's fair share of it already!) but throat pain is not the same as tattoos or kidney stones or broken bones, or even other surgeries. But pain passes and I'd never have another fucking tonsil stone ever again.

All this to say that I hope this doesn't delay work on my tail. The pain is bad but, after feeling extremely weak and cold all day Sunday, the rest of me has basically gone back to normal. I forgot I had one more piece to pour to make my blended waist, but that should cure by this afternoon and I can start assembly! I also found an epoxy that will work - Wesley, please thank your dad on my behalf for his advice! The epoxy takes a full 24 hours to cure but at least it sticks to everything involved and didn't inhibit the silicone.

[MermaidBrandie]

Oh I'm sorry! My friend had his tonsils out as an adult and even though it hurt like hell he didn't regret it at all. Def do it if you think it'll help. We threw him a surprise ice creme party. ^.^

And YAY epoxy that works! What was it, if you don't mind my asking?


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[Lily]

Loctite Marine Epoxy. It didn't stick to the fabric super well in my test but I figure it should be fine if I make it just a little bit thicker and sort of smush the fabric into it.

I'm glad your friend doesn't regret it. The doc said he would give me some good pain meds and my mom is willing to fly up for a couple weeks to help take care of me, so I'm not super worried... just apprehensive, I guess. I had surgery last year on my wrist (second surgery to repair something that broke because of the first surgery!) and couldn't have asked for a better outcome, so it was totally worth all the fear I had leading up to it. Also I was so doped up on painkillers I barely remember the first 3 days after surgery. If we could just duplicate that beautiful druggy haze, I'll be just fine!

[MermaidBrandie]

Lol! Druggy hazes are the best. I had a septoplasty a year ago and was nervous because I'd never had surgery before (and the surgery is pretty brutal on the inside of your face) but thanks to pain meds I was fine. I only took the really strong ones for a day though, they make me nausous.


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[Keiris]

uuuugh...feel better Lily!!

[Lily]

Thanks, Keiris. The antibiotics and steroids are already making a big difference.

[Lily]

https://igcdn-videos-c-12-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t50.2886-16/11198076_462382620583572_2060957617_n.mp4

It's the little things...

[Mermaid Neri Elvina]

https://igcdn-videos-c-12-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t50.2886-16/11198076_462382620583572_2060957617_n.mp4

It's the little things...
What is that?

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[Lily]

I turn my silicone mixing containers upside down to let the last remnants of silicone dribble out and cure (rather than forming a hard-to-remove puck at the bottom). This time, the silicone clung to the sides as it cured and left a perfect hollow cast of the container behind, like a big squishy bubble! I spent waaaay too much time poking it before it finally popped.

[Mermaid Wesley]

*O* yus

[Mermaid Clara]

https://igcdn-videos-c-12-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t50.2886-16/11198076_462382620583572_2060957617_n.mp4

It's the little things...
This makes my day! I can't stop watching it, oh the joy of being easily entertained :)

[MermaidBrandie]

I agree. What is that?


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[Lily]

@CoyoteWalker - It's a hollow bloop of silicone that dried inside the mixing container. Normally they don't come out in one piece like that and I had way too much fun poking at it. 'Til I broke it. :(

Update time!

Put together my fluke today! I had several very very scary minutes while I was wrestling with these massive heavy fins and getting silicone all over everything and I was convinced I'd ruined the whole fluke... but in the end I think it turned out just fine. There is probably a less messy and terrifying way to put these things together but damned if I know what it is!

Here is the fluke! I swear, one day, long long ago, I had a dining room table...

http://i.imgur.com/viqDaiP.png

Those straws are holding open drainage channels.

Also working on getting my scale sheets all assembled, and I think I'll be able to start FINALLY constructing my tail tomorrow! Which means PAINT NEXT WEEK! I won't wind up making my end-of-April goal but I'll be damn close, and that's all right with me.

http://i.imgur.com/8twtX9C.png

Please ignore the stray cat hairs that found their way onto the scales in that picture. It doesn't seem to matter how many times I wash them, cat hair just shows right back up. I had no idea the silicone would be so incredibly staticy! If I don't tie my hair back while working with the cured sheets, my hair sticks to them super hard and it actually hurts to pull away. WHAT SORCERY IS THIS??

[MermaidBrandie]

Soooooooooo pretty!!


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[Mermaid Clara]

Oh my goodness! Your scales and fluke are so pretty!


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[Maethor]

That is sp beautiful wow I'm in love!

[Vrindavana Starfish]

That fluke is amazing!

[Sherielle]

I simply adore that fluke!!!!!

[26494926bdgqifkwb]

That's so gorgeous! I'm now super jealous!

[Mermaid Neri Elvina]

That fluke... *_*

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[Mermaid Rillia]

I'm slightly confused on the straw drainage. Are you leaving them in the fluke or taking them out after it sets?

[Maethor]

I'm slightly confused on the straw drainage. Are you leaving them in the fluke or taking them out after it sets?
She'll remove them after they set. The holes allow water to drain so it doesn't fill up the fluke and weigh down the whole tail. :D

[26494926bdgqifkwb]

How much silicone did you use for the fluke? Mine is about the same size (longer but narrower) so I guess it would be good to know how much I'll have to dump into it. Haha :)

[Lily]

How much silicone did you use for the fluke? Mine is about the same size (longer but narrower) so I guess it would be good to know how much I'll have to dump into it. Haha :)

A LOT. Each half used about 3 quarts, plus I used more adding some power mesh over the thin spots after pulling the molds.

To test the volume for your fluke, pour water 1 cup at a time into your mold until it's full - or as full as you can get it without water getting all over the place! You can also pour your silicone in layers (since it will stick to itself) if the first pour doesn't quite fill it all the way.

[26494926bdgqifkwb]

Thanks :) that is super helpful. I have 2 gallons per tail. I hope that's enough.

[PearlieMae]

Beautiful work!

[Shelley]

oooOOoooo So lovely

[Fifi Tigg]

That is one beautiful tail :swoon:

[Lily]

http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2010/005/c/2/la_in_love_by_orenji__chan.gif I GOT MY SEAMS DONE THIS WEEK!!!!! Tried on my tail today after fixing up a couple spots this morning and it fits really well! It's a bit loose just behind my knees, and overall I wished it fit a smidge tighter; this is probably my fault as I screwed up the seams a few times and had to redo them, so that might have made things a little too loose. But it looks really good and should suction to me well in the water! Next time I'll cut about 1/2-1" off all my measurements just to be sure of a really tight fit, but since this is my first tail I don't mind having a little bit of room as I get claustrophobic. It was also not nearly as difficult to get in and out of as I thought it would be. The blended waist looks really good too, even if it was a total bitch to seam! No pics today but I'll snap some tomorrow when I start attaching the fluke to the body of the tail.

I already can't wait to make the next one. I have tons of sketches for a She Creature-inspired tail and another one that's more of a "classic" fishy mermaid. I've learned SO MUCH constructing this first tail (for starters, I need to build these tails in a no-kitties-allowed room, because OMG there is cat fur all over it!) and I can feel myself improving every day.

[MermaidBrandie]

IM SO EXCITED TO SEE PICTURES OMG


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[Azurin Luna]

That is one very nice fluke :D I wish I had the courage to make my tail, but allas, no courage or funds :(
I'll just keep cheering for all those that do make their own tails :D

[WaterDragon]

I'm looking forward to the pictures.

[Mermaid Syaira]

it looks amazing!! can't wait to see more pics

[Meronica]

Love the scale shape and DAT FLUKE. Can't wait to see the finished pics!


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[PaolaMF]

Amazing !!

[Lily]

TADA!!!

On my dining room table, attaching the body to the fluke. Had to do some patching here because of a screw-up during seaming, but it looks pretty good!
http://i.imgur.com/jEyPBxi.png

In my driveway, getting prepped for paint!
http://i.imgur.com/Cjob990.png

Of course the minute I got it cleaned, it started raining. Thanks, Portland... It keeps raining on and off so I guess paint will have to wait 'til tomorrow.

Also, consider this the official announcement: I am hereby opening up for orders!

I'm starting with 3 slots and a base price of $2000. (That will go up once I build up a portfolio and refine my tailmaking process, so if you want a full silicone tail at a discount, now's the time!) I'll be charging a little bit for extra fins just to cover the cost of silicone, just $50 a set, and dorsals will be $125. I also have two designs in my sketchbook for fluke and fin motifs so there will be NO CUSTOM SCULPTING FEES if you want either of those. I'm not posting these sketches pubicly but will PM them to you if you're interested. Each fin set has a design for a coordinating fluke, a dorsal, and 2 different side fins. The first set is inspired by She-Creature

https://monsterlegacy.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/shecreature3.jpg

and the second is a more classic, "fishy" design inspired by this Waterhouse painting.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/12/John_William_Waterhouse_-_Mermaid.JPG

If you'd like to design your own fins, we will discuss custom fees based on your design!

All tails will be made with 100% dragonskin silicone and skin-safe, cosmetic grade pigments, and will feature a Finis Competitor monofin in the fluke for extra power in the water.

This may seem a bit premature as I haven't painted or swim-tested my own tail yet, but I'm cleaning up a studio space and I'm way too excited and may start hyperventilating any moment now. http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/189/f/7/_excited__by_cookiemagik-d2orqd4.gif

[Maethor]

It's stunning! I can't wait to see more of your creations! Are you doing a clear silicone waist? It looks great!

[MermaidBrandie]

I cant wait for you to paint this!!


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[Aysun_the_Mermaid]

"Naked" tails are so interesting to look at.

[Mermaid Wesley]

How exciting!

[MermaidBrandie]

Right? Lol seeing people wear them is cool.


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[AnnaAbyss]

Wow that's awesome! :swoon:

[OceanWhisper]

Right? Lol seeing people wear them is cool.


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HAHAHAHAHAHA

[OceanWhisper]

Also Lily, IT'S AMAZING! I LOVE THAT FLUKE GVFIYFVKJHV:KJB I think want to get a tail from you one day!

[WaterDragon]

Wow!!!! that is going to look beyond amazing once painted :jawdrop:

[Merman Arion]

Shouldn't you wait to test your own tail in the water before announcing you're opening business? :thinks:

You should make sure first that it's 100% safe and ready for play :)

[PaolaMF]

Magic !!

[Lily]

Shouldn't you wait to test your own tail in the water before announcing you're opening business? :thinks:

You should make sure first that it's 100% safe and ready for play :)

I might be putting the cart before the horse a bit, yeah... but it's a very excited and confident horse. I would never expect anyone to just hand me money before the prototype has been tested (and if they did and something went wrong I'd hand it right back), but if all goes well, I wanted to give a heads up to anyone who might be considering purchasing a tail.

Almost time to put the second coat of paint on the front of the tail. Looking good so far! It's super overcast today (but at least it's not actually raining) so it will be tough to get good pictures, but the next few days are supposed to be super sunny and warm so YAY!

[Lily]

I WAS WRONG! THE SUN CAME OUT! PICTURES!!!!!!!!!!

http://i.imgur.com/ev2HEyF.png

http://i.imgur.com/nYhlp2Y.png

http://i.imgur.com/jRfoXDM.png

Still need to add the spots on the front, and then paint the back, then do a glittery topcoat because of course there's going to be a glittery topcoat. My heart is pounding with the thought that this baby could be done this weekend! http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/053/8/3/8380a8602d32a93ec0f7f835210fb802-d2wo0l1.gif (This needs to be added a smiley SO BAD!)

[MermaidBrandie]

Oooh pretty!!


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[Maethor]

SO BEAUTIFUL

[Yulia]

Looks fantastic! Can't wait to see it on you! :D

[Meronica]

Okay I might just sound like I'm kissing your dorsal but you are SOOO talented. That paint job is better than a lot of the ones I've seen on "professionally made" tails.

I'm loving the fluke shape. If I had the money right now I'd be first on your waiting list. I'll be admiring your work until I can acquire the sand dollars. [emoji7]


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[Keiris]

Lily that tail looks outstanding! Congrats and can't wait to see you in it!:D

[Mermaid Olivia!]

Awesome!!!! I love the color combo of the black/silver and copper!!!!

[WaterDragon]

If I had the money I would jump on getting a tail from you.
that Fluke reminds me of one I designed for two tails a few years back and it would be perfect (your design is way better then the sketch I did).

and that paint job is just jaw dropping.

[Azurin Luna]

I love how it looks already! Can't wait to see it finished :D

[Fifi Tigg]

:jawdrop: Wow!

[Merman Arion]

HOLY CRAP!! :jawdrop:

This is amazing! DAT FLUKE!!! :swoon:

[Mermaid Riia]

Ummmm.... HOLY H...!! That's some top notch work! <3 Amazing fluke and paintjob!
You sure this is your first tail ;)

[Nyx]

HOLY COW THAT IS BEAAAUTIFUUL.

[OceanWhisper]

:jawdrop: :jawdrop: :jawdrop: OMG

[Ariel-Starfish]

Woah! This is MERMAZING!!

[Theobromine]

BOCCE BALLS!!

[Theobromine]

I....I love everything about that. That is indeed amazing and looks so professional, it definitely doesn't look like a first-time tail. Wow.

I can't remember if you already answered this, but what kind of airbrush do you have? I am suddenly realizing I neeeeed an airbrush.

[Seraphina Suds]

Oh wow, it's so beautiful!! @3@ I can't wait to see it on! I'm interested to see how the fluke acts in water/the tail up pose. Also that paint job reminds me of fire (embers and smoke, smouldering and such)

[Lily]

Oh wow, thank you SO MUCH everyone. The last couple days have been absolute shit for me and all your comments are really helping me feel better! http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2014/045/5/f/happy_love_heart_smiley_emoticon_by_weapons_expert _cool-d76fkv9.gif

@Theobromine I'm using a paint spray gun like they use for auto detailing. Mine is from Central Pneumatic but I'd probably recommend you get a slightly better brand like Husky as this one clogs ALL THE TIME. Just look for gravity feed HVLP and make sure you can take the WHOLE THING apart to clean, and you should be good to go. (Also, serious LOLs at "BOCCE BALLS!" Was that a Splash reference? Please tell me that was a Splash reference...)

[Theobromine]

Hee, that was indeed a Splash reference :) And thanks for the airbrush advice, I'll look into that! Do you mind my asking how much yours cost?

[Lily]

The spray guns themselves are pretty cheap. Mine was about $20 and you can find Huskies for around $40. The biggest expense is the compressor, though. You can't use a little airbrush one because they don't provide enough pressure; you'll need 2.5 horsepower at least. I got a cheap for a little over $200 but good ones are closer to $350.

[Mermaid Sirenia]

Oh my goodness this tail is PERFECT

[MermaidBrandie]

Were the little holes in you fluke part of the mold or did you do those after? And how? If you dobt mind me asking. :)


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[Lily]

Were the little holes in you fluke part of the mold or did you do those after? And how? If you dobt mind me asking. :)


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You mean the drainage holes? They were not part of the mold, I just propped them open when sealing the fluke so that the water would have a place to escape. I imagine you could do something with a 2-part mold and some plugs if you didn't want to have a monofin sandwiched between them... Dammit, now you've got me planning things.

[MermaidBrandie]

Lmao sorry! I thought I saw tatter holes. XP


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[Lily]

I thought about doing tatter holes but couldn't figure out how to make it work without casting the silicone SUPER thin. Maybe someday!

Just finished putting the spots on the front and doing the glitter topcoat. SO SPARKLY.

Spots! I was nervous about trying them freehand and was all ready to make some stencils, but they turned out very cute. Like little pink freckles :)
http://i.imgur.com/JCHG6I9.png

GLITTER OMG OMG OMG! This is the bag of loose glitter, which is about 1/4 lb. It's a semi-clear iridescent that shines like diamonds!
http://i.imgur.com/gD0pwgc.png

Glittery fluke! It shows up best in the darker areas but adds a lot of shimmer to the whole tail.
http://i.imgur.com/Es7hMSZ.png

[Vrindavana Starfish]

Omg that tail is incredible! You are so talented! I can't wait to see more of your work. :)

[Mermaid Clara]

I thought about doing tatter holes but couldn't figure out how to make it work without casting the silicone SUPER thin. Maybe someday!

Just finished putting the spots on the front and doing the glitter topcoat. SO SPARKLY.

Spots! I was nervous about trying them freehand and was all ready to make some stencils, but they turned out very cute. Like little pink freckles :)
http://i.imgur.com/JCHG6I9.png

GLITTER OMG OMG OMG! This is the bag of loose glitter, which is about 1/4 lb. It's a semi-clear iridescent that shines like diamonds!
http://i.imgur.com/gD0pwgc.png

Glittery fluke! It shows up best in the darker areas but adds a lot of shimmer to the whole tail.
http://i.imgur.com/Es7hMSZ.png
I love glitter! your tail looks amazing!

[Mermaid Alea]

Wow super amazing job!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Nice!


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[Lily]

Big day today! I got the back all painted (two coats of color plus spots) and just finished attaching my extra fins. Tomorrow the back gets its glitter topcoat and then this baby is DONE! My pool has short open swims tomorrow and Sunday so I might be able to get my first swim in this weekend! Otherwise Monday night for sure - they don't open the deep end on weekends and I really want to get some good video in deeper water.

[MermaidBrandie]

IM SO F*CKING EXCITED FOR THIS.


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[Maethor]

IM SO F*CKING EXCITED FOR THIS.


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SAME

[MermaidBrandie]

SAME

LETS BE SCREAMINGLY EXCITED WITH EACH OTHER!

XP lol couldn't resist.


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[Lily]

LETS BE SCREAMINGLY EXCITED WITH EACH OTHER!

XP lol couldn't resist.


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CAN I SCREAM TOO CUZ I'M FLIPPING OUT OVER HERE! I KEEP GOING OUT TO THE GARAGE TO STARE AT / PET IT!!

[Meronica]

*camping out in this thread till we get the video*

So excited for this. [emoji7]


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[Mermaid Freyja]

Wow. Amazing work!! Loving the colors, too. It's a similar color scheme as the dream tail I designed for myself last year, just a different placement, and my spots are a different color (I love spots!). Looking forward to hopefully seeing your amazing work of art in action, and I hope to be a customer soon :)

[Maethor]

CAN I SCREAM TOO CUZ I'M FLIPPING OUT OVER HERE! I KEEP GOING OUT TO THE GARAGE TO STARE AT / PET IT!!
GIRL I DON'T BLAME YOU AT ALL
I CAN HARDLY WAIT FOR MY TAIL TO BE DONE IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS
I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW YOU'RE STILL FUNCTIONING

[MermaidBrandie]

GIRL I DON'T BLAME YOU AT ALL
I CAN HARDLY WAIT FOR MY TAIL TO BE DONE IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS
I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW YOU'RE STILL FUNCTIONING

SCREAMING IS A THING NOW!! THIS IS THE BEST!


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[Lily]

http://cdn3.teen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/week-in-review-emma-stone-gifs-ed-sheeran-ellabeereads.gif