Kelly's Silicone Tail!

[Mermaid Clara]

Instead of making a latex tail like I've originally planned, i'm going to save the extra money and make a Dragon Skin silicone tail! I've been looking around on the Smooth-On site for a couple days and found a distributor much closer to me based in San Francisco! The shipping from San Francisco will be much cheaper than from Pennsylvania.
I already have the two scale fiberglass molds and a fluke mold, but I'm going to sculpt a new fluke and make a new mold.
Here are my scale molds and my original fluke mold:
28997
28998
I couldn't find a picture of my big scale mold so i'll post a picture later.
If anyone who has any tips or tricks for making silicone tails please let me know :)

[Sassenach]

Yay! Another tail-making thread I can stalk!(; Can't wait to see your progess!

[Mermaid Clara]

Here is the progress of my new fluke sculpt!
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/16/3763d82ead893a30ef8cb3954dcf31bd.jpg
The dark green outline is the shape of my fluke and the other green outline is the shape of my monofin.


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[Rett]

Very exciting! Are you planning on adding sculpted detail to this fluke? I noticed there isnt any on your first fluke. Im excited to see your progress! :D

[SeaMonkey]

im working up the nerve to try my hand at this

[Mermaid Clara]

Very exciting! Are you planning on adding sculpted detail to this fluke? I noticed there isnt any on your first fluke. Im excited to see your progress! :D
yes i plan on putting more detail into this sculpt! i don't know what to do yet but i'm open to any ideas!

[Rett]

yes i plan on putting more detail into this sculpt! i don't know what to do yet but i'm open to any ideas!
Hmmm, maybe some ribbing and lining? Like on a real fish's tail?
29031

[Mermaid Clara]

Hum... One I finish the base of my fluke sculpt I'll have to experiment!


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[Mermaid Clara]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/17/2420b2b4db749fb980b6ff26ed3b3b01.jpg
Here is what I got done yesterday afternoon and evening!


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[Mermaid Wesley]

Keep it up!


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[Mermaid Clara]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/18/5b69e1d93936c2ce69be4132d7d787e3.jpg
Here is my workspace out in my garage! I just started rewatching Supernatural from the beginning so I have my laptop out there with me along with my dog to keep me company.


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[Sassenach]

I used to LOVE Supernatural!!! But now I hate the writing and feel like it has gone very down hill):

[Rennara]

"You can't really jump the shark if you never come back down."

[Mermaid Clara]

I finished the base of my fluke sculpt, I just need to level and smooth it out. Then I'll start on the details, I plan on having a raised filigree pattern that was designed for me by Rennara.http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/20/c9fa19bd21660b54d21e4fb6ffaf7559.jpg


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[Mermaid Wesley]

It would be very cool to have the overlapped ones at a different height than the others. Did that make sense? So instead of 2 levels there's multiple. Idk, I'm excited to see this!


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[Mermaid Clara]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/23/be8e42abc8c7becacc8aa54c66b89b54.jpg
Made a lot of progress this weekend! It just needs to be evened and smoothed out then I'm going to cover it with some modeling clay and then work on the filigree pattern!


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[Mermaid Clara]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/23/3cfeabd89bf38c6434ab59b5014c613e.jpg
Attempting to redraw the filigree design onto my big fluke pattern while I'm at my friend's house but she has a very playful kitten which is making it difficult!


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[Mermaid Kelda]

Remember that you'll need two casts of your fluke, one for each side, so it could get veeery heavy! You may want to trim it down a little if you're planning on adding more designs on top as well.

[Mermaid Clara]

I'm thinking of changing my color scheme of the tail.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/24/b088e5807c0600f680c82addc3df9d30.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/24/ea363e28c2573bca9dafd075661de7c6.jpg
I'm really liking these colors but I don't know how to use them.


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[Rett]

:jawdrop: Those would be AMAZING on a tail! :jawdrop:

[Ashe]

The colors are so pretty! Maybe look around at other tails and put together an idea of how you want the colors to blend, placement, designs, etc. through that. And the filigree gorgeous :)

[Mermaid Clara]

I found a Etsy seller who sells fluorescent pigments! My plan is to buy the 8 colors they sell, lighten them a bit with a pearlescent white pigment and mix the in between colors for the blending bits. I'm so excited for this!!! ;)
https://www.etsy.com/shop/i3Color?section_id=13928656&ref=shopsection_leftnav_4

[Mermaid Wesley]

Pssst. Pigment all of the silicone white and the colors will pop when you paint it.


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[Mermaid Clara]

Pssst. Pigment all of the silicone white and the colors will pop when you paint it.


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Thanks for the tip Wesley!

[Mermaid Clara]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/02/b96bb5ee33fcdc16e251d8e8f610ff18.jpg
So instead of the filigree design for my fluke, I've decided to do something more realistic and add the ribbing with the fork.
But it's done and now I just have to order some liquid plastic and mold release!


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[Keiris]

Wow that's a lot of texture! Good for you and good luck with the mold, Kelly!

[Mermaid Clara]

While I'm making my sequin tail I'm also going to be making a silicone tail!
So using the "Pearlie May Scale Technique" I made 18 scales this evening. http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/14/5af0434eace60052efabeea1b634e4f1.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/14/2fa3a8714c66af917a848f93f08310b0.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/14/133b99e4fc046a9293d21183f77f24fc.jpg
I'll roll out more clay sheets and make some more after dinner [emoji4]


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[Mermaid Kelda]

Cute design! They look very thick though - do they layer okay?

[Mermaid Clara]

Cute design! They look very thick though - do they layer okay?
they look a bit thick but they actually layer very well.

[Mermaid Clara]

More scales! Going to make as many of these babies until I run out of clay, I have two more packs, so I'm going to have loads of scales!http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/14/81833b749f201829bca1376d434d5bdb.jpg


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[OceanWhisper]

looking good :)

[Mermaid Clara]

so i found a color scheme for my tail that i really like!
its kind of pastel but its really pretty:)

30586

[Mermaid Wesley]

Lovely!


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[Mermaid Clara]

After my math class, I'm going to stop at Home Depot and pick up some heat shrink tubing to fix my monofin strap because it keeps falling off while swimming. Then I need to go pick up some more clay at Michaels so I can make more scales.


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[Mermaid Clara]

So I'm estimating about $800 to get the rest of my supplies. $400 for silicone, $100 for pearl ex pigment, $150 for fiberglass resin and cloth, and an extra $150 for other stuff


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[Mermaid Clara]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/17/c0499796f6ee9e2cf33bd17bc23a8092.jpg
My scales are a bit thick. Are they too thick? Should I remake them thinner?


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[Mermaid Mystery]

i personally think you should but I have limited knowledge of tailmaking

[Mermaid Clara]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/17/c0499796f6ee9e2cf33bd17bc23a8092.jpg
My scales are a bit thick. Are they too thick? Should I remake them thinner?


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I think I am going to remake them thinner. I just bought 4 more pounds of the clay so I can make more. But what I did was roll out the clay on the thickest setting on my machine and then fold it over and make the shell imprint. So I think I'll just roll it out the same way and just not fold it over and leave it the thickness it get rolled out.


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[Mermaid Clara]

ARGGGG!!!!!!!!! I am so mad!!! my 3RD clay roller just broke and i've only had it for like a day or two! stupid, cheap piece of junk!
I just bought 4 lbs of more clay too! I was hoping to get my scales done this weekend so i could make the scale molds ASAP. but now im going to have to buy a higher quality clay roller which will set me back about $60-$100.

[Mermaid Wesley]

I would definitely say make them thinner.

[Mermaid Clara]

WooHoo! I just ordered my trial size of Dragon Skin 10 Medium from http://douglasandsturgess.com/ I bought from them after looking on the smooth-on site for other sellers and found that this one is in San Francisco.
so i'll have to hurry up and make my scales and scales molds, i'm going back to Michales tonight to return the broken clay machine and pick up a rolling pin and then I will be a scale making machine!

[WaterDragon]

do you mind if I ask what you paid for shipping?

[Mermaid Clara]

do you mind if I ask what you paid for shipping?
Shipping was almost $12.00

[Mermaid Clara]

Shipping was almost $12.00
in total I payed $44.68

[WaterDragon]

Wow, that's actually not as bad as I was expecting :) thanks.

[Mermaid Clara]

So i'm deciding on my pigments for the flesh tone scales and maybe a blended waist i'm going to get this pigment called "Ivory Lace" from http://www.tkbtrading.com/item.php?item_id=369&category_id=12 and i'm also thinking about buying the "Flamenco Super Pearl" to lighten my pigments http://www.tkbtrading.com/item.php?item_id=266&category_id=12
I'm also going to be buying a crap ton of Pearl Ex pigments in the colors Citrine, Emerald, Flamingo Pink, Grey Lavender, Magenta, Misty Lavender, Pink Gold, Pumpkin Orange, Reflex Violet, Salmon Pink, Sapphire Blue, Scarlet, Shimmer Violet, Sky Blue, True Blue, Turquoise, and Carbon Black from http://www.dickblick.com/products/jacquard-pearl-ex-pigments/
From Etsy i'm going to buy one pound of fine natural mica glitter/powder https://www.etsy.com/listing/191633105/1-pound-of-completely-natural-mica?ref=favs_view_5 and maybe 4 ounces of white pigment https://www.etsy.com/listing/111266434/matte-white-pigment-powder-for-water-4?ref=favs_view_7
once i have the money (after i get my paycheck from work) even though it isn't a lot i'll buy the pigments and then collect birthday money i'll buy the silicone.

[Mermaid Wesley]

For the white pigment I would go with extra bright or maybe another one instead. That one is more glitter than white.


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[Mermaid Wesley]

(I meant the first white not the last one)


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[Mermaid Clara]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/20/5c8eb3143d3f2331ebea6cd9a996ffde.jpg
Stopped at Joann's yesterday and bought 4 yards of power mesh. It was only $6.65/per yard instead of $10.99/per yard.


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[Mermaid Clara]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/20/4cdb57998e670ef5cdea4a57ff7a5e8c.jpg
One sheet of scales done! Many more to come! [emoji4]they look much better and are thinner than the first attempt. The new clay I bought is much softer that the other, it's the same brand and kind but they must have changed the recipe or something.


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[Mermaid Clara]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/22/e808a69af325822dc11d9ce9562cb4ab.jpg
This is my new fluke design! It's going to have more details but it's too small to add the small details, so once my mom gets back from my cousin's wedding in Arizona I'll see if she can help me draw it out on a few pieces of poster paper taped together.


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[Mermaid Clara]

My silicone sample came!http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/22/39ddd70c723fa46f9e23c1368d4d878f.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/22/9f813d1635e81355352198bb1d49be68.jpg


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[Mermaid Clara]

Didn't get much done yesterday, except for making 21 clay scales. So here is a picture of my cat laying down on my dog's rug after we cleaned it.http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/23/433c527a538e6fff094142b66ca039ca.jpg


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[Imogen Finnly]

Thats hilarious. I have 4 black cats and these little weenies crack me up. Your cat has the look of complete entitlement!

formerly jayy

[Mermaid Clara]

Meh.... changing the color scheme again... back to bright or fluorescent rainbow

[Mermaid Clara]

Inspiration pictures
30975309763097730978

[PaolaMF]

amazing !!!

[Mermaid Clara]

Sorry I haven't been very active in the making of this tail. I've been sick and I need to pass my summer math class. I have about 2 more weeks of school left and after that I'll have 3 weeks before the fall semester to work on the tail.


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[Mermaid Clara]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/20/8e0197d9f4fb8c147d239dfb2ade4c13.jpg
I also made a little test scale mold of one of the scales.


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[IllynReaver]

Can't wait to see how this turns out.

[Mermaid Clara]

So 19 days until my 19th birthday so I'm hoping that I'll get some of the pigments, glitter, and other supplies that I'll need to work on my tail.


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[Mermaid Clara]

Bad news and good news!
Bad news: my crappy job at the pizza place has cut my hours from 2 hrs a week to 0 hours a week! I haven't worked any hours in 3-5 weeks! I'm still looking for a new job but so far no luck. I applied to where my friend works and I'll have to call them today or this weekend and reapply to Michael's where my other friend works and call them too.
More bad news: I have $25 to my name, thanks to my hobbies.

Better/good news: I played around with my sample of dragon skin last night and pulled these before I went to bed!
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/21/eb8c1cba1dc339975a082688ed5bbbfa.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/21/242b88ba0e873143d34083f878595c17.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/21/a559f8f95a1a6c51db3bb54bff62714c.jpg


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[Mermaid Wesley]

woo!

[Mermaid Clara]

Is fundraising to help get money to make my tail and start my mermaid party business considered begging? Because that is what my parents think, even though I've told them that plenty of other of mer have done it.


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[Mermaid Clara]

Last night I got a call from the JcPenneys in my local mall! We did a quick phone interview and then I got invited for a group interview this Thursday at 9am! Hopefully I get this job because I really need to make money for the silicone tail. After recalculating I'm going to need about $800 to $1,000 to make the tail. I'm still going with my neon reds, pinks, oranges, yellows, and maybe purples and blues. so basically a neon rainbow tail! I'm going to use my mini scale sheet because i like the smaller scales better and add a smooth blended waist with a few fading scales. I messaged a seller on alibaba.com which are selling neon pigments with a few questions.
But here is my plan: i'm going to buy a butt load of white pigment to add a base color in my silicone for the scale sheets, measure and cut and attach the scales sheets together, then hand paint the tail using the neon pigments. I'm going to try and get my mom draw the rest of the detail onto the poster board fluke tonight, then tomorrow start sculpting the fluke with the WED clay I have so i can save money. Next I'll convince my dad and mom to buy the lexan polycarbonate sheet I need for the monofin and with my dad's jigsaw and his help cut it out to the right shape and size. Since my parents hate fundraising i'll have to save the money i earn from work(if i get the new job) and ask for money from my family to make up the money i need to make this tail.
If you have any ideas or know of any better methods of making tails and getting money please feel free to share! I could use all the help and knowledge I can get.

[Merman Lir]

Last night I got a call from the JcPenneys in my local mall! We did a quick phone interview and then I got invited for a group interview this Thursday at 9am! Hopefully I get this job because I really need to make money for the silicone tail. After recalculating I'm going to need about $800 to $1,000 to make the tail. I'm still going with my neon reds, pinks, oranges, yellows, and maybe purples and blues. so basically a neon rainbow tail! I'm going to use my mini scale sheet because i like the smaller scales better and add a smooth blended waist with a few fading scales. I messaged a seller on alibaba.com which are selling neon pigments with a few questions.
But here is my plan: i'm going to buy a butt load of white pigment to add a base color in my silicone for the scale sheets, measure and cut and attach the scales sheets together, then hand paint the tail using the neon pigments. I'm going to try and get my mom draw the rest of the detail onto the poster board fluke tonight, then tomorrow start sculpting the fluke with the WED clay I have so i can save money. Next I'll convince my dad and mom to buy the lexan polycarbonate sheet I need for the monofin and with my dad's jigsaw and his help cut it out to the right shape and size. Since my parents hate fundraising i'll have to save the money i earn from work(if i get the new job) and ask for money from my family to make up the money i need to make this tail.
If you have any ideas or know of any better methods of making tails and getting money please feel free to share! I could use all the help and knowledge I can get.

Kelly, I know I am going to sound like an old man here... but your parents are right. The way to get money for your tail is to get a job, go to work every day and earn it. Each time you get paid, take $100 or whatever you can afford and put it in a savings account or an envelope marked "tail" and you will have the money. there are 52 weeks in a year, which means 26 paychecks, or $2600 in the course of a year. sounds like you don't have rent or groceries to buy, so you are in a great place to save money. Some of the younger mers in my area sound like you do, "I want a tail! I want a tail!", but then where's the work? Most people aren't lucky enough to have money just handed to them. Those of us with silicone tails earned our $ and paid for them. That is how the world works.

That all said: when you do get your tail, it will be so beautiful and magical that all the hard work and savings will be worth it!

[Mermaid Clara]

Kelly, I know I am going to sound like an old man here... but your parents are right. The way to get money for your tail is to get a job, go to work every day and earn it. Each time you get paid, take $100 or whatever you can afford and put it in a savings account or an envelope marked "tail" and you will have the money. there are 52 weeks in a year, which means 26 paychecks, or $2600 in the course of a year. sounds like you don't have rent or groceries to buy, so you are in a great place to save money. Some of the younger mers in my area sound like you do, "I want a tail! I want a tail!", but then where's the work? Most people aren't lucky enough to have money just handed to them. Those of us with silicone tails earned our $ and paid for them. That is how the world works.

That all said: when you do get your tail, it will be so beautiful and magical that all the hard work and savings will be worth it!
Thanks for your input Lir. I realized they're right and fundraising won't make this tail as special compared to working for the money which will make it even more special. Even if they do help me out a with money a little bit, i still want to fund this tail myself as much as possible.

[Mermaid Clara]

disapointing news, i got a price caculation for a sampler set of neon pigments from a seller on Alibaba and the price is $60usd including shipping! so i'll have to pass on buying it from Alibaba. I'm going to email the US seller on Etsy and see if they do bigger quantities of pigments.

[Mermaid Kate Silverfin]

Remember, you don't need all that much pigment for silicone! I'd ask Mermaid Wesley about the glow pigments, but I know for the regular ones that I have made one and a half tails so far and probably only used one and a half whole bottles of Pearl Ex, it goes a surprisingly long way!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Hello friends i am here.

The pigments i used come in 1 oz and sample size bags. I have alot of colors and have yet to run out of anything. quality matters, but for my entire tail i probably used about 2 oz of pigment powder. to be safe, if you were using only one color, i would buy 2 oz of pigment, but since youre doing many, you wont need that much at all. for the white base though i would recommend an ounce or 2. white pigments are hard to get opaque, and you want opaque. so 3-4 ounces of white is the most i would buy.
but dont sue me. im doing it differently than you lol

glow pigments are tricky. its hard to get a good effect without making the silicone look like snot. but i still havent used more than my tiny sample bag. one ounce is way plenty.
edit: just saw youre talking about neon. like neon colors right not uv reactive (never done that)? i think the same rules apply. anything more than an ounce in each color is excessive.

[Mermaid Clara]

Hello friends i am here.

The pigments i used come in 1 oz and sample size bags. I have alot of colors and have yet to run out of anything. quality matters, but for my entire tail i probably used about 2 oz of pigment powder. to be safe, if you were using only one color, i would buy 2 oz of pigment, but since youre doing many, you wont need that much at all. for the white base though i would recommend an ounce or 2. white pigments are hard to get opaque, and you want opaque. so 3-4 ounces of white is the most i would buy.
but dont sue me. im doing it differently than you lol

glow pigments are tricky. its hard to get a good effect without making the silicone look like snot. but i still havent used more than my tiny sample bag. one ounce is way plenty.
edit: just saw youre talking about neon. like neon colors right not uv reactive (never done that)? i think the same rules apply. anything more than an ounce in each color is excessive.
Thinking about what both of you said, the sample set was for 11 colors, 2 ounces each.
I would have way more than enough to paint my tail. Because I want it to be bright but not radioactive bright.



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[Mermaid Clara]

Did some quick recalculating of material cost and got an estimated cost of $800 about $200 less than I originally calculated.
My mom was being a cranky pants after dinner and didn't want to finish drawing the ridges on the other side of the fluke pattern. But I measured the poster board fluke cutout against the plywood board I have set up on top of some hobby horses and it hangs off too much so I'll have to move the makeshift sculpting table and lay down my tarp on the garage floor and then put down the poster board fluke and a plastic drop cloth then sculpt on top of that.
I asked my dad if he could cut out the lexan monofin with his jigsaw and he said he would but he said I would have to transport the lexan sheet home in my moms car because he doesn't want it to ruin his leather seats and that she has a bigger trunk anyway.
Oh great, I'm rambling again, did any of this make sense?


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[Mermaid Clara]

Not tail related by look! I forgot I got this last Christmas! It's so bright and super pigmented! Perfect for mermaid makeup if only I can find something to make them waterproof!http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/02/8ea24d7de0df081364397e98dc0bd55c.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/02/97f964a977687bb310ad995eb86b140a.jpg


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[Mermaid Clara]

So I got a new job at JcPenney in the mall nearby, so I'm going to resign from my current job where they stopped giving me hours.
But I saved this from the garage Wednesday night. I took two giant can and emptied the contents then using a can opener I took off the top and the bottom on one then just the top on the other and glued them together with some e6000. I covered them with colored printer paper and found a lid from some expired crisco shortening. After cutting an x shape in the lid I put my coins and some dollars in into it. This will be the mermaid tail supplies saving bank!
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/04/b5a430dd47b0fd4fff8d2f84e6960789.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/04/eb5a9fbb3fc8066bdb61f93fb87e5837.jpg


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[stellar lee]

Well done!!!

[Merman Lir]

atta girl! now just resist the temptation to borrow a dollar now and then to buy bubble gum (or whatever the kids are buying these days... I swear I'm only 35, not 100!)

[Mermaid Clara]

My mom finishing drawing the big details on my poster board fluke! Almost ready to start sculpting!
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/05/f273179f5ef7093ec548a15e19c22054.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/05/c1240582ce866cbd597bba0494bf18ef.jpg



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[Mermaid Clara]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/05/ac9c746e83e1f23c5f0ee6feef543698.jpg
My fluke template ready to be sculpted on!


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[Mermaid Clara]

Set up my sculpting area. I don't have a piece of wood big enough so I'm sculpting on the floor. This is going to kill my back and knees though.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/05/06c70f04c929174d8dfab187c1a77a0e.jpg


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[PearlieMae]

That fluke is ENORMOUS! Are you sure you want to make it THAT big? What are your dimensions?

I sculpt my flukes on top of acrylic poster frames from the craft store. 2' x 3' is plenty for me!

[Mermaid Clara]

That fluke is ENORMOUS! Are you sure you want to make it THAT big? What are your dimensions?

I sculpt my flukes on top of acrylic poster frames from the craft store. 2' x 3' is plenty for me!

I think it's almost 4ft wide and close to 5ft long with the tassels bits. I'm going to try and cut it down by a foot or so.


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[PearlieMae]

Whoa! That's going to weigh a ton! I'd cut it down by a foot, minimum!

[Merman_Shawn]

Kelly, just wondering what type of clay you're using? I noticed a bottle of water next to your sculpt. Just making sure you're using sulphur free clay otherwise your silicone won't cure.

[Mermaid Clara]

Kelly, just wondering what type of clay you're using? I noticed a bottle of water next to your sculpt. Just making sure you're using sulphur free clay otherwise your silicone won't cure.

I'm using WED clay which I'm pretty sure is sulfur free.


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[Mermaid Clara]

Ok so here is the aftermath of cutting it down. It's now 4 foot by 3 foot 4 inches. I might still cut the tassels down a few inches though.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/05/e73cfe9897ae7d3694fd0cb5c57e2c31.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/05/9b28642bdb68bc507ef91cef3bd135bb.jpg


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[Mermaid Clara]

Ok looks like I'm not going to have to sculpt this on the garage floor! My dad said that he has another piece of plywood that we could clamp the other board to and put on top of the wooden horses(I don't know what they are called but I think that's what he called them) we just have to stop at Home Depot to pick up some 2x4s to make them it sturdier.


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[Merman_Shawn]

I'm using WED clay which I'm pretty sure is sulfur free.

Cool, just making sure.
I'm on a similar path right now making my own tail. I'm just waiting for the clay to arrive next week. I already have my scale board done and I have a gallon of Shell Shock sitting under my desk just waiting to be used.
Good luck with your tail. :)

[Aysun_the_Mermaid]

Saw horse

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[Mermaid Clara]

Woohoo! Now I have a table to sculpt on!http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/2695942764626894704d50798c550997.jpg


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[Mermaid Clara]

Started on the flat spaces in the fluke, this is just a start I will be smoothing it out and making it even before starting the fluke rays.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/0ddde408853c09e859090477e6e9f5c1.jpg


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[Mermaid Clara]

received an email from the company in china who is selling the neon/fluorescent pigments. they want to give me the samples for free but i would have to pay the $48 shipping. It would be an improvement to the original $60 for the sample + shipping. I don't even know how much I have in my bank account right now :p

[PearlieMae]

That's ridiculous. There are plenty of neon pigment sellers in the US on Etsy. Or Amazon. You would be surprised at how little pigment you actually need.

[Yulia]

Neon pigment shipping from us to us
https://www.etsy.com/se-en/search?q=neon+pigment&locationQuery=6252001&ship_to=US

[Mermaid Clara]

Sigh... Still waiting for jcpenney to call me so I can get my training done and actually start working. But my background check needs to come back first. Why does this have to take so long! I just want to make money again!!!!!


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[Aysun_the_Mermaid]

I do not know if this helps, but have you seen the neon pigment that Reynolds offers?

It is a good place for silicone, resin, certain pigments, etc.

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[Mermaid Clara]

So i got fed up with the WED clay and went to hobby lobby and got 9lbs of plastina modeling clay.
Here is my progress so far. I might have to stop for today because it's so hot and humid and the smoke from the grass fires in the foothills is making my area super smokey.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/12/902da6e106b237051adecaa5c6ea5e23.jpg


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[Mermaid Clara]

oh my scales! plastina clay is now my favorite clay!!!!! I cannot express how much easier it is to use compared to WED clay. WED clay dries out and if you keep it too wet it gets super goopy and hard to use and you cant roll it out with a rolling pin very easily. plastina is super soft and easy to roll out. it doesn't dry out and can be reused. i didn't get a lot done today because its smokey and hot and humid and gross.

[Mermaid Alea]

It is good to read that you are enjoying the plastina. After Pearlie Mae did her great sculpting with plastina and seeing others make wonderful sculpts with the clay I made sure to write down to use that clay if I ever decide to make my own silicone tail.

I know what you mean about wetting clay and then it getting all goopy. I have been playing around with some air drying clay but to smoothen it I have to wet it, but then it gets too goopy and sticks to me. It is really frustrating!

[mersheep]

If you are careful, you can melt plasticine in a double boiler and cast it into molds. Sometimes I cheat and use a heat gun. Care according to the prop making books, is that if gotten too hot, the oils in the clay can flash over and cause a fire. The melt point is low, about the temp of scalding water.

While this is not directly related to tail making, It shows my workshop and a doll I am working on where I cast plasticine into silicone molds. Melting the used plasticine back into bricks is also a lot of fun if you have more than one color the result looks like marble if you do not stir it. Best to line the brick mold with something like saran wrap, as the molded clay tends to stick tight.

[PearlieMae]

I haven't tried melting it completely, but sometime I work on the flukes in the sun and it gets really lovely and easy to work with.

[Mermaid Clara]

Back to sculpting this morning!
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/14/f784fbb590a335f00e1fab319c91f48c.jpg
Here is my helper, her name is Bella! She's been my helper for every fluke sculpt. She really likes being in the garage with me.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/14/4d2cc60bd9a636fa6239f542ea02c6d3.jpg


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[Mermaid Clara]

Ok, so I know I've changed my mind about the color scheme a billion times. But I keep coming back to just shades of orange, so that is what I'm going to stick to. But here is the problem: there is hardly any orange pigments that don't have tin oxide in them! While I continue searching high and low for orange pigments here are a few inspiration pictures of orange tailed mermaids.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/15/553d79011a21ab304b3a802ff88322c2.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/15/e65f30b894c423f1ec57893f1fa9719e.jpg


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[Mermaid Kate Silverfin]

Pearl ex makes some lovely oranges, and they are very easy to get in the U.S. (I buy them from the U.S. and ship them to Australia). Very affordable too and they go a long way, you don't even need a whole jar for a tail!

[Mermaid Clara]

Jcpenney called while i was in class today with the training schedule. I might have to skips classes on Thursday but yay I'm going to have an actual job again! Hopefully I'll like this one, I liked my retail job at Party City last Halloween so I hope this will be as much fun!


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[Mermaid Clara]

Progress from yesterday. Might have to get another block of plastina clay.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/19/99401de1b7713ae0c85ab103e2bfe6f4.jpg


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[Mermaid Clara]

Not tail related but I'm working on some sell tops. I'm working on some natural ones before making some that are painted to match the colors in my tail. I started off with a pair of shells I made into a top a while ago, these have few layers of micropearl pearl ex pigment mixed with some waterproof art gel stuff which I mixed with water so it was more like a thin paint which give it a pearlescent look while still natural. Then I sprayed it with this mod podge acrylic sealer so they are glossy and so it's protected more. http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/25/c2da3ec09feb590ff69fcca2fe2fe9c8.jpg
Here are what the shells look like before I sprayed them
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/25/b50dc4dc8d04fa37077e793ceca2ee8b.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/25/202675329f00adc5bb75b91c98556ec0.jpg


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[Mermaid Clara]

Went to Hobby Lobby yesterday and bought two more of the 4.5lb Plastalina clay blocks. I started rolling some out then I got distracted and when I found my little hip fin templates. So here's what I started to do I'm going to redo it and make it thinner but it's a pretty good first attempt! [emoji4]http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/11/891ec8f343def292cb3efdc2e921f1f2.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/11/084722972c63e831916291cb1d18dd5e.jpg


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[Ashe]

Cute fins!

[Mermaid Clara]

Cute fins!

Thank you! [emoji4]


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[Mermaid Clara]

Here is one little hip fin finished!http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/11/b2d582497d7b88543ad1cb7287a1d896.jpg


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[Keiris]

Those are looking really good!

[Mermaid Clara]

Working on the second fin!
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/12/fe1254aaeb40aaef1006ee951c2b28ff.jpg


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[Mermaid Clara]

So I cut up the big blocks of Plastalina clay this afternoon. It makes them more manageable and easier to roll out to the correct thickness.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/30/1e57de6a3fc8691283ee263c15104153.jpg
I'm also 1/4 of the way through of sculpting the fluke!
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/30/554cf581df9f46617045ca5e0124f90f.jpg
I found that the Plastalina clay gets cold easy due to the changing of the season, but I am using a heat gun to warm it up and get it more workable.


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[Mermaid Clara]

My progress on the fluke sculpt this afternoon!http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/01/c728d68c6a33f768882fd181962af055.jpg


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[Mermaid Clara]

More progress made today [emoji4]
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/01/1dd6eddc688ec2143699b377922fd47e.jpg


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[AnnaAbyss]

Pretty!!

[OceanWhisper]

This looks really promising! keep up the fintastic work!
:mermaid kiss:

[Mermaid Clara]

Pretty!!

Thanks Anna!


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[Mermaid Clara]

This looks really promising! keep up the fintastic work!
:mermaid kiss:

Thank you OceanWhisper!


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[Mermaid Clara]

I'm procrastinating and I don't feel like getting off the couch. I'm kinda depressed today but I'm trying to shake it off. So I'm going to go work on my fluke sculpt.


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[PearlieMae]

You did make sure it was sulphur-free, yes?

[Mermaid Clara]

You did make sure it was sulphur-free, yes?
Yep! Its all sulphur-free clay! The colorful clay is just Craft Smart clay from Michael's and the clay for my fluke is the Van Aken Plastalina clay.

[Stefani]

that is the material ? it's good for Dragon Skin ?

Instead of making a latex tail like I've originally planned, i'm going to save the extra money and make a Dragon Skin silicone tail! I've been looking around on the Smooth-On site for a couple days and found a distributor much closer to me based in San Francisco! The shipping from San Francisco will be much cheaper than from Pennsylvania.
I already have the two scale fiberglass molds and a fluke mold, but I'm going to sculpt a new fluke and make a new mold.
Here are my scale molds and my original fluke mold:
28997
28998
I couldn't find a picture of my big scale mold so i'll post a picture later.
If anyone who has any tips or tricks for making silicone tails please let me know :)

[Mermaid Clara]

that is the material ? it's good for Dragon Skin ?


Are you talking about the fiberglass? Fiberglass and most resins are safe to use as molds when making dragon skin silicone tails. If dragon skin silicone come in contact with latex or some rubbers it won't cure.


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[Mermaid Clara]

Update!
Here is my progress on my fluke. Almost done with the flat/textured parts. http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/16/1c610d595d15d6c38af1a84c85fcebd7.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/16/97f0ffb165259f9260144451bf4082c8.jpg
I really like the texture sheet I used! I didn't put it all over the flat parts yet, I only tested out on that one area on the side.
I'm so close to being 2/4th of the way done with the fluke sculpt!
I haven't been able to work on it lately because of school and work. And I just woke up sick yesterday so I have to wait until I'm over this little cold before I get back out in the garage and start sculpting again. Dang it! This makes me wish I had started sooner in the summer rather than the end of summer to start sculpting.
Anyway send some healing energy and vibes my way so I can start working on my fluke again!


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[Mermaid Wesley]

beauuutiful

[Mermaid Clara]

beauuutiful

Aww thanks Wesley! You really just made my day and made me feel 100X's better! [emoji4]


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[Mermaid Clara]

Bleh still not feeling good, I'm like so totally tired of being sick and tired already.
In other news! I've decided to go back to individual scales using The Pearlie Mae Method. I already have some clay scales made I just need to make some more then make the molds!


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[Stefani]

.and is safe to use shell shock?.

[Mermaid Clara]

.and is safe to use shell shock?.
yep! Shell Shock is safe, but is kind of too expensive for my tastes. I'm planning on using a casting resin that comes in a 2 gallon set for $88 USD but with shipping will cost about $102 USD.

[Stefani]

wow , if expensive , have told me that the " plaster " contains no sulfur , but for my taste is very fragile. clay where I can get sulfur ? Buy stationery but says nothing on the label is not whether shall sulfur

[Mermaid Clara]

wow , if expensive , have told me that the " plaster " contains no sulfur , but for my taste is very fragile. clay where I can get sulfur ? Buy stationery but says nothing on the label is not whether shall sulfur
The brands Craft Smart and Van Akin clay is sulfur free. Also most of the plastalina kind of clay are sulfur free. I would try and do a small test making something small with the clay you have then make a mold and test the silicone in the mold to see if it cures. If it cures then the clay you have will work.

[Stefani]

Yes! Maybe it's better to test first. I am still undecided on the materials , I have not clear as paint silicone, explaining all the videos are in English and I do not hear that much XD airbrush is often used to paint but not used

[Mermaid Clara]

Taking a short break from sewing to make scales for my silicone tail! I make the impression of the shell in clay and use a circle cutter to cut out the shape. Making two sizes small and medium. I don't like large scales that much.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/06/3db78e3849ea1066c41bbcba1c0e92ca.jpg


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[Mermaid Wesley]

Pretty!


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[Mermaid Clara]

Taking a short break from sewing to make scales for my silicone tail! I make the impression of the shell in clay and use a circle cutter to cut out the shape. Making two sizes small and medium. I don't like large scales that much.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/06/3db78e3849ea1066c41bbcba1c0e92ca.jpg


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Ok so work and school is killing me! I am so tired I haven't even tried to work on this tail or the sequin tail. But I'll take and post a picture when I get home of my progress on making my little individual clay scales and what my little organization for when I make the scale molds. I'm making 3 or 4 of each I might double it and make 7 or 8 of each size. I also pulled something in my lower back at work picking up a hanger off the floor, so I was in a lot of pain and couldn't bend or move my back certain ways.


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[Mermaid Clara]

My pigments should be here on the 23rd! I can't wait to start playing with them!


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[Mermaid Clara]

Excuse my language but fucking hell! I'm changing my scale shape again... I've come to dislike the circle scales with the scallop shell imprint and now I really am hating myself for going even more smaller and using 20mm scale sequins to make the impression in the clay!
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/17/be3fbabd9c941d5e6cfb3432bfff2817.jpg
I'm so angry at myself for doing this! Now I'll have to make twice or quadruple as many scales to cover my body.[emoji35] I really like these scales better though!


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[Mermaid Wesley]

Lol ouch. Love and support from here! Good luck!


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[Hydra1337]

Excuse my language but fucking hell! I'm changing my scale shape again... I've come to dislike the circle scales with the scallop shell imprint and now I really am hating myself for going even more smaller and using 20mm scale sequins to make the impression in the clay!
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/17/be3fbabd9c941d5e6cfb3432bfff2817.jpg
I'm so angry at myself for doing this! Now I'll have to make twice or quadruple as many scales to cover my body.[emoji35] I really like these scales better though!


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Think about it this way...you'll have a ton of bragging rights when the tail is done with how much work you're putting into it. lol

[Mermaid Clara]

First scale in my new design!
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/19/abf814e5ba538e12a046bcd806122fe0.jpg


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[Mermaid Wesley]

Yay!


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[Mermaid Clara]

So my pigments are in the USA! Last night I had a dream about my pigments being delivered to my house and they came in like gallon size syrup jugs. They weren't syrup like but for some reason they arrived like that in my dream. Pretty crazy, right?


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[Mermaid Clara]

Scale making while lounging on the couch and being sleeping and lazy today!
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/20/5542c64d7a355b2127229b3bec962921.jpg


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[Hydra1337]

Looking good! I love the pattern on the scales.

[Mermaid Clara]

My pigment is at my local fedex sorting facility! I'm so excited!


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[Mermaid Clara]

Well... I'm sick again, super sick. Hopefully my pigments come today.


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[Hydra1337]

Well... I'm sick again, super sick. Hopefully my pigments come today.


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Feel better!

[Mermaid Clara]

Feel better!

Thank you Hydra! I took a nap yesterday afternoon and my cold starting to go away. I would feel better if my pigments would get here though.[emoji855]


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[Hydra1337]

I'm glad it started going away. Being sick sucks. Are your pigments out for delivery yet?

[Mermaid Clara]

I'm glad it started going away. Being sick sucks. Are your pigments out for delivery yet?
Nope, they've been here at my local FedEx Destination Facility since Tuesday and FedEx tracking system updated the shipping date for being the 23rd to "no scheduled delivery date available at this time"

[Hydra1337]

It probably just got delayed becaude of Christmas. I wouldn't worry.

[Mermaid Clara]

It probably just got delayed becaude of Christmas. I wouldn't worry.
The news said that FedEx is super behind on delivering packages because of a storm. I'm just being impatient because I'm excited to start testing and mixing colors.


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[Hydra1337]

Oooh. That works too. Lol

[Mermaid Clara]

Oooh. That works too. Lol

My pigments are out for delivery!


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[Mermaid Clara]

Ok so... My pigments are here, I didn't expect them to send me every single color they made! I took pictures of every pigment but it's 40+ photos so I'll just upload to my Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/gp/133244392@N06/530FXy


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[Mermaid Clara]

Yay! The pigments I tested in the silicone cured! I still have a ton to test but it's too dark so I'll have to test some more maybe tomorrow. All the fluorescent pigments cured so that makes me super happy, the colors are super strong too, so I don't have to use a lot in my silicone.


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[Hydra1337]

Nice! I can't wait to see. :)

EDIT: Now that I'm on the computer I could actually take a look at the pigments. They look gorgeous! Those packets look small to me but I'm assuming a little goes a long way when it comes to using them with silicone.

[Mermaid Wesley]

For testing pigments with minimal waste: mix 4-5 pigments into each test. If it cures, you know they're all good! and if it doesn't then you have to test all of them individually. I tested all six or seven of my pigments at once and found that the thing cured so I didn't have to test anymore! Mark any that don't cure with red or black marker so you don't forget!


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[Luna Dreamtide]

For testing pigments with minimal waste: mix 4-5 pigments into each test. If it cures, you know they're all good! and if it doesn't then you have to test all of them individually. I tested all six or seven of my pigments at once and found that the thing cured so I didn't have to test anymore! Mark any that don't cure with red or black marker so you don't forget!


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Good tip. I'll remember this. :)

[Hydra1337]

For testing pigments with minimal waste: mix 4-5 pigments into each test. If it cures, you know they're all good! and if it doesn't then you have to test all of them individually. I tested all six or seven of my pigments at once and found that the thing cured so I didn't have to test anymore! Mark any that don't cure with red or black marker so you don't forget!


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That's a smart idea.

[Mermaid Clara]

For testing pigments with minimal waste: mix 4-5 pigments into each test. If it cures, you know they're all good! and if it doesn't then you have to test all of them individually. I tested all six or seven of my pigments at once and found that the thing cured so I didn't have to test anymore! Mark any that don't cure with red or black marker so you don't forget!


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Great tip! Thanks Wesley

[Mermaid Clara]

Ordered my polyzap glue today! I already have the Finis Zoomers (I bought them used from eBay, the person never used them so they are practically brand new), so I just need to buy my lexan polycarbonate sheet.


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[Mermaid Clara]

Almost done with my lunch break at work. Called Home Depot and had them put a 48"x36" lexan polycarbonate sheet on hold for me so I can pick it up after I get off of work at 1:30. My dad is going to help me cut it with his jigsaw.


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[Mermaid Clara]

Moved my fluke sculpt inside for now because I need the table to cut the lexan polycarbonate sheet. Plus I'll be able to sculpt more inside and not risk getting sick or frozen from being inside the garage. http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/27/68d7078a207be99af2985b2b6e79a22f.jpg
I might move it on top of the table in the craft room so I won't have to be bending over for long periods of time and extend the table using some cardboard or wood so it will fit on the table. When I was moving the sculpt onto the big pieces of paper I sliced my thumb pretty deep on the poster paper, boy did that hurt! Luckily it didn't hardly bleed or I would have gotten blood all over my clay and stuff. Talk about putting blood sweat and tears into this project! Hahaha. Anyway I'm trying to think of how I can temporarily extend the table inside with out making a huge mess or whatever. I'm thinking of dissembling some cardboard boxes and duct taping them onto the sides of the table and adding some little popsicle stick to make it stronger...
Oh wow, this is a long post! I've just been kinda just writing my random thoughts. Just ignore the silly stuff about the cardboard and popsicle sticks.


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[Mermaid Clara]

My dad started cutting the lexan sheet for me but then made me do the the whole thing. I was doing good until I got up to the curve of the heel part where the zoomers are going and then I guess I curved too much and broke the blade. I was super scared to tell my dad but he wasn't mad and didn't go ape shit. So maybe after work tomorrow I we'll go get some new plastic cutting jigsaw blades.


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[Aysun_the_Mermaid]

Yeah, jigsaw blades can be finicky :)

Even people who use them constantly can still break them.

Also, so many pretty pigments!

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[Hydra1337]

My dad started cutting the lexan sheet for me but then made me do the the whole thing. I was doing good until I got up to the curve of the heel part where the zoomers are going and then I guess I curved too much and broke the blade. I was super scared to tell my dad but he wasn't mad and didn't go ape shit. So maybe after work tomorrow I we'll go get some new plastic cutting jigsaw blades.


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At least he wasn't mad, but like Aysun said even people that use them constantly can break them. On the plus side they are cheap to replace.

[PearlieMae]

They're pretty inexpensive, but you have to be careful of flying blade pieces.

Let the saw do the work...don't push too hard or go too fast.

[Mermaid Clara]

Almost done with the flat/textured parts! http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/31/a3d963d9b549a010c7d4637f5a9e3ddc.jpg


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[Mermaid Clara]

Almost done.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/31/56260efc40b226f6b19dd2d7576f4a0e.jpg
Finished!!!
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/31/d75c721a39c2fc207457da11354c555c.jpg
Time to smooth out the seams and add texture!


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[Sabrina the Selkie]

Nice!

[Adalira]

Awesome!

[Mermaid Clara]

Close up of the texture
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/01/02/ae9ef783be6b5b3631882c9cfeb8f171.jpg


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[Luna Dreamtide]

Close up of the texture
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/01/02/ae9ef783be6b5b3631882c9cfeb8f171.jpg


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Ooh I like it. Kinda looks like stone or coral I think :D

[Sabrina the Selkie]

Nice!

[Hydra1337]

Ooh I like it. Kinda looks like stone or coral I think :D

Agreed. It looks really cool.

[Mermaid Clara]

Ok so I'm back to working on this tail. I'm also making a sequin tail so the silicone tail making is going to be going quite slow paced. I'm also going to be starting a weight loss/healthy eating diet thing, so I'm going to wait until I'm done with this program to assemble the silicone tail.


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[MermaidClaudy]

Can't wait to see it finished !

[Mermaid Clara]

So I'm going with super simple scales. Since I had a huge gallon ziplock bag of these mini teardrop shapes in the sticky back craft foam I decided to use them instead of throwing them away. I'm just peeling the paper off the sticky back and sticking them onto some rectangles of poster paper. I have 17 mini scale sheets made so far, I just need to get some resin to cast them. I'll keep making the scale sheets until I run out of the scales.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160304/846da4104ba7947602e6c025ca353712.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160304/afdee426665cc20ca165531c45e90bfa.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160304/cf01e3b2350ab26f5f9b4ad0cb648b88.jpg


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[Sabrina the Selkie]

Cool!

[Mermaid Clara]

Update:
I'm going to try to make the molds of the scales this month, I just need to wait until I'm paid to order a gallon set of resin. I plan on sculpting more on the fluke tomorrow after church. Due to being busy with work and school and church it's taking a while to get to the point of making the scales and fluke in silicone.


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[Mermaid Clara]

Also:
I'm back to work trying to finish sculpting this fluke. I moved her into the spare bedroom so I don't get a cold working out out in the garage. This beautiful fluke is massive! The biggest fluke I've ever designed and sculpted. Time to put back my hair and get to work!!! I might need to set up an extension cord and a painting light so I can work at night.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160316/0ea5c7b985faa5aa37b319f13aa896e5.jpg


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[Mermaid Clara]

Progress!
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160317/f0473c7d0d4f9263637e81a36b385349.jpg


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[Mermaid Clara]

I got frustrated at how ugly my fluke was turning out so I tore the whole thing apart and started over. Anyway here is my progress I've made restarting the fluke.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160318/cd518c29dd050d6e532c3660de92a92f.jpg


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[Mermaid Clara]

Update! So I went to an art gallery yesterday with my mom, a lady who has art there really liked us and told us that around July they have a gallery for young artists, my mom said I should enter my silicone tail when I get it finished. But I'll really have to bust my butt and finish sculpting my fluke and save money for the silicone and resin. I think I convinced my dad to help me out and pay half of the cost for a gallon of resin. So I'm one step closer to getting the molds made! I'll start with the scales because I have half of a tester set of dragon skin 10 leftover and I can crank out as many scales I can with that until I need to order the full size of dragon skin 10.


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[Mermaid Danielle]

Update! So I went to an art gallery yesterday with my mom, a lady who has art there really liked us and told us that around July they have a gallery for young artists, my mom said I should enter my silicone tail when I get it finished. But I'll really have to bust my butt and finish sculpting my fluke and save money for the silicone and resin. I think I convinced my dad to help me out and pay half of the cost for a gallon of resin. So I'm one step closer to getting the molds made! I'll start with the scales because I have half of a tester set of dragon skin 10 leftover and I can crank out as many scales I can with that until I need to order the full size of dragon skin 10.


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Best of luck to you!

[Hydra1337]

That's really cool. I hope you finish it in time.

[Mermaid Clara]

I ordered a gallon of resin to make my scale molds. I also ordered some matte white pigment to color the silicone and some pigment samples, one was skin tone and the other was a set of bright rainbow colors to test to see if it doesn't inhibit the curing of the silicone. The resin should be here the first week of April and the pigments around next week possibly.


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[Hydra1337]

I can't wait to see the samples. :)

[Mermaid Clara]

Yassssss!!!!! My tail design by Hydra1337
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160326/a52f5985b97ae74fd9a298c079f1dcc3.jpg
She took what I have been trying to get out of my brain for years and got it down onto the computer. I tried to explain the best I could and with a few example pictures she totally nailed it!


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[Hydra1337]

I'm glad you like it. Yours was really fun to make. :3

[Mermaid Clara]

Here is a picture of the sample set of pigments I bought.
Lovely Colors Collection:
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160326/2781cca101168f7b44e154ab21014a9a.jpg
Ivory Lace:
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160326/0aa81b0e45fdbcf15a90abd9327c6894.jpg


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[PearlieMae]

Oooh! So pretty! I love seeing all the pretty colors!

Be sure to test them!

[Hydra1337]

I love the samples. They really pop.

[Mermaid Clara]

I'm so happy my best friend Emily said she would like to be a mermaid with me! So I'm thinking of making us hybrid spandex-silicone tails! I'm so excited and happy that she would be willing to try mermaiding and thinks it's cool! I would use black holographic fish scale spandex:
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160329/95e0c959a0c61555e3c873a6adcfd59b.jpg
And paint purple(her favorite color) scale tipping and use blue for me
For the fluke imbed black reflective spandex in silicone(need to experiment) possible add purple and blue paint to the fluke as well.
I'm possible going to make one for myself first before making a second one for Emily. But squeeeeee!!!!!! I'm so excited!


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[Mermaid Clara]

Thinking about making a new scale sheet... The last two large and small ones warped so I'm debating whether or not I'm crazy enough to make two more


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[Mermaid Clara]

Pigment samples came today! Just waiting on the resin . In the mean time I'll be sculpting my fluke!
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160330/b15a1b627e2301daaa7fc8e9df05cd8a.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160330/e1a8d86cb4ba34829e9e44b3b749e18f.jpg


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[Hydra1337]

Nice! I'm glad they came in.

What do you think caused your scale sheets to warp?

[Mermaid Clara]

Nice! I'm glad they came in.

What do you think caused your scale sheets to warp?

Not sure but it was possibly too cold or didn't work fast enough with fiberglass resin.

[Mermaid Keena]

Pretty colors!! Where did you get the pigments from?

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[Mermaid Clara]

Pretty colors!! Where did you get the pigments from?

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howtomakecosmetics.com
I don't know if they are compatible with the silicone yet I still need to make my tests.

[Hydra1337]

Bummer.

[Mermaid Keena]

Thanks! Cant wait to see how they turn out for you! Fingers crossed!!

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[Mermaid Clara]

Resin came today while I was hanging out with my bff Emily. I'm almost ready to start making my molds I just need to finish preparing my scale sheets.


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[Mermaid Clara]

Well... F-word!!! I can't decide on what kind of tail I want to make! I keep making things harder and complicated. I've been wanting to do something super easy and simple like a spandex/silicone hybrid tail, but on the other hand I really want to make a individual scale full silicone tail.
In other news, I got my spandex samples from spandex world in the mail today. Pictures don't do the hologram justice!
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160405/edf195d56d0ddf14c5e53d7a0fe958bf.jpg


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[Mermaid Clara]

Admin, please change thread title to "Kelly's Silicone Experiments"


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[WaterDragon]

why don't you start with the hybrid tail and work on the individual scales one the side? that way you would have a tail you made that you can show off and swim in while working on the tail that will take longer.

[Mermaid Clara]

Sigh... I guess I going back to plan A, the original plan, where I just do scale sheets. However I need to make a new scale sheet due to my original sheets being uneven. I feel like this will be much easier and faster than individual scales. I'll probably make multiple scale sizes on one full length sheet.
Here is my to do list for this tail:
•make scale sheet
•make/finish fluke
•order more resin
•make molds
•test pigments in silicone
•order silicone
•cast fluke and scales in silicone
•paint the silicone
•put the tail together
•scream with happiness



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[hellocourtney]

Maybe take the time to figure out what you want out of a tail and the pros and cons of each method?

If you think you want all three eventually maybe investigate how much time each will take, what materials you already have and what you would need to purchase and what this will cost you then choose the method that will give you the best tail in the shortest time (if that's what you're looking for)

I totally get the indecisiveness, if you look at my thread you can see that I've changed my design SO MANY TIMES (I also think I've won tail material bingo with incorporating fabric, neoprene, dragonskin and tin cure into my tail, lol) but it seems like you're trying to rush in a whole bunch of different directions all at once.

But your design and the colours you've chosen are absolutely beautiful and it's going to be great regardless ☺

Also while scale tipping holographic fabric and sealing it with silicone is relatively easy in theory, it's really time consuming 😉

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[Mermaid Clara]

Maybe take the time to figure out what you want out of a tail and the pros and cons of each method?

If you think you want all three eventually maybe investigate how much time each will take, what materials you already have and what you would need to purchase and what this will cost you then choose the method that will give you the best tail in the shortest time (if that's what you're looking for)

I totally get the indecisiveness, if you look at my thread you can see that I've changed my design SO MANY TIMES (I also think I've won tail material bingo with incorporating fabric, neoprene, dragonskin and tin cure into my tail, lol) but it seems like you're trying to rush in a whole bunch of different directions all at once.
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Yeah, I'm trying to not rush things, but I'm like totally rushing things. I'm really trying to take into consideration all the stuff that goes into making each kind of tail. I want something quick and easy because I'm impatient, but I don't want to do anything quick and easy because I really want to take my time and get this done and a slow pace so it doesn't end up looking like a scam artist made it. I'm most likely just going to go with my second plan of doing the individual scales, because it's what I really like the most and isn't going to give me seams which I really hate seams on tails. I just really need to take a breath and stop trying to rush things.

[Mermaid Clara]

Ok so I have some free time tonight after work and studying to work on making my clay scales. I have one mini sheet of scales done and I'm going to make a mold in a bit.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160406/cd52ba6eabc612eeb24984c0fa3079bd.jpg


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[Mermaid Clara]

Update!
I made two molds of my scales!
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160408/5738b063073bb482658fc2cb90a84aa5.jpg
That is just one of them all nice and clean.
I used this little scallop shell, I was using a bigger one but I didn't like the look of the larger scales so I scraped the large clay scales and moved onto the little scallop shell which I'm in love with the scales it makes!
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160408/50de393a5bd0504939df28276cc61172.jpg
I'm able to fit about 24 clay scales onto the little poster paper rectangles I cut out. http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160408/1b168c558f9533f1a7f2be434a63ebf5.jpg
I might get more done today and this weekend, but I'm not sure because my uncle is coming to visit from Wisconsin tonight and staying with us for the weekend. Anyway I'm pretty happy with my scales I made and I can't wait until I can cast them in silicone!!!!


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[Mermaid Clara]

Update! I tested the sample pigments that I ordered and they all are compatible with dragon skin silicone and look amazing! Pictures of the test to come this evening!
Edit: I also got paid so I can buy one set of my silicone that I'll need!

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[Hydra1337]

Nice! I'm looking forward to the pictures.

[Mermaid Clara]

Bad news, I failed my math test and I'm completely sure that my dad is going to take away everything I own and kill me. So I probably won't be working on anything tail or mermaid related for at least a month or two.


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[HamptonsMermaid]

Hang in there! Use your tail as motivation to study. I use the Hours Tracker app to keep track of my work (currently designing a website) and the time I put into my mermaid tail. I have to put in hours of work before I let myself put in mermaid time ;)

[Mermaid Clara]

My dad didn't murder me, he didn't even yell at me. I still have all my possessions too and he let me go hang out with my friend Emily.


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[Mermaid Summerlilly]

Yay! Sucks about the math test though, but you can always get your mark back up! Anxious for progress reports! :phew:

[Mermaid Clara]

So here is the test of the pigments I made. The skin color pigment I ordered matches perfectly! It's perfect for very fair skin that has pink undertones.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160413/59e0d13f2e2906f29d5e9fc5133a66d6.jpg
Also I'm working on the blended waist! It looks pretty wide but I'm not totally sure how far I want it to come up yet.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160413/1e39d003d4fa81693723a050400147b9.jpg


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[Mermaid Clara]

Going to try and make some test scales this morning before helping out at church, if I can find the base pigment I ordered. We cleaned up the house because my uncle came to visit last weekend and I cannot find anything now!


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[Mermaid Clara]

Update!
I found the white pigment! I mixed too much silicone so I had to use both of my scale molds, but whatever double the testing scales!
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160414/6abce7a588489ca49dd6e059b522c7f4.jpg

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[Sabrina the Selkie]

Nice!

[Mermaid Clara]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160416/cf588ecc2bb3bd74ae8deca4d19e3c8c.jpg
I bought a second tub of plastic pearl beads! I don't like them in the tub so I put them in this jar. But I also bought some more lion paw scallop shells, so they should be here today. But I'm going to make a couple shell tops this weekend.


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[Hydra1337]

Cool. How did your test scales come out?

[Mermaid Clara]

Cool. How did your test scales come out?

Pretty good! I just colored them white so I can put color on top. I'm going to be making color reference scales this weekend.

[Hydra1337]

Ooh okay. Coolio.

[Mermaid Clara]

Since it's like 87° outside my clay is nice and soft and easy to work with! I'm going to get to work on my fluke sculpt, in a few minuets. I'll post my progress pictures throughout the rest of the day.


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[Mermaid Clara]

Here is my progress, I'll be doing more in a bit I just need to take a break. It's super hot outside but I have a little fan to keep me cool.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160417/8797df73b6a38d10eee82967cdde73ae.jpg
One bad thing though, there is a mud wasp nest on the garage door frame right by my work station.


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[Mermaid Wesley]

Keep it up!


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[Mermaid Clara]

I'm back bitches! This tail will be completed! I'm going to make some more scales and still do the individual scales. I'm going to have regular scales that are smooth and then have a few random scallop shell scales.


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[Mermaid Clara]

Ok so I'm taking a bit of a turn and rethinking my colors. I'm using these pictures as inspiration.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160507/85e7e7895835261f7571c7b8cdeaaf47.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160507/8a3ace6cb9c8b230de464d8dcf62ee23.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160507/b9d5d9eff1d8d6a8b051c71cf532719f.jpg



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[Mermaid Clara]

Never mind about changing the colors to blue and green, I'm going to just go with a bright reds, oranges, and yellows, with a white belly or something. Since I keep going changing my mind on the colors I'm just going to keep to my original plan and stick with the warm/hot color scheme


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[HamptonsMermaid]

Nice. It's always tempting to go with blues and greens bc I think most of us Mers are drawn to ocean colors (all my favorite things are those colors) but in the water they tend to disappear. Contrasting warm colors pop better against the blue backdrop of a pool or reef in photos.

Plus there's always something to be said about following that first instinct!

[Mermaid Clara]

mkay, I'm going to get back to sculpting on my fluke very soon! It might take a bit longer than expected because its been very hot weather, like high 90s and low 100s these past couple days and my sculpting table is outside in the garage, so i might have to bring it into the spare bedroom and work on the floor. but luckily the clay will be easy to work with in the warm weather! my plan is to start with a base layer of clay and add the rays and details on top of that, plus i have my bff Emily to help me and give me her opinion on the sculpt. I also tested out my Lexan polycarbonate monofin i made, it has so much propulsion and its the perfect stiffness and flexibility.

[Hydra1337]

Nice. Do you have pics of the monofin?

[Mermaid Clara]

Nice. Do you have pics of the monofin?
not currently, I'll post a picture when i get home.

[Hydra1337]

Cool. I'm looking forward to it.

[Mermaid Clara]

Nice. Do you have pics of the monofin?

Here she is! http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160605/8693e3a11cf0e611be9ef125dd1bbd8d.jpg


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[Sabrina the Selkie]

Pretty!

[Hydra1337]

Nice job. The feet are called zoomers, right?

[Mermaid Clara]

Nice job. The feet are called zoomers, right?
Yep! I found mine on ebay for like $20.

[Hydra1337]

Cool.

[Luna Dreamtide]

Great job. That looks fantastic :)

[Mermaid Clara]

M'kay... I almost have enough money to buy a full thing of Dragon Skin 10 silicone! I'm working on my scales and fluke right now. As for the fluke, I might just have to move inside because of the 100°+ heat and work on it. Just got to figure out if I can get my work table inside, Dad probably won't let me, so I might just have to work in the early mornings or when it cools down in the evenings. I'm hoping to get my tail done by October in time for the Renaissance fair! So that gives me about 3 1/2 months(my math/counting is most definitely wrong though). Giving myself a goal will make me work harder and put more time into my tail. I just have to try and not have any more... I don't know what to call it... I guess its unmotivated sitting on the couch doing nothing due to having a spike in my depression or something, but I'm trying my hardest to work though them and get this tail done!


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[Mermaid Wesley]

Rah rah rah!


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[Mermaid Clara]

So I found the clay sheets I rolled out that got miss placed! I made a few scales just to get back into the swing of things!
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160719/7b013836254d498d4d28adc7c67126cd.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160719/79de3f02ed71a7b01ae596f40384b654.jpg
They are not perfect but I'm happy with them flaws and all(which just makes it look more unique to me)


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[Hydra1337]

I'm so glad you found the clay sheets! And I love how the scales have turned out. I personally love the individual flaws as well. It gives the scales character. :)

[Mermaid Clara]

Making more scales!
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160723/5cad418f6359b5925ee1ba0f877df94c.jpg


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[merwandering]

I haven't read much but I was scrolling through and my molds look almost the same as yours, the way the scales are laid out, and it made me so excited to see your tail come together!