Cartwright's 22mm Shell Sequins - See ALL The Colors!!

[RNHime]

April 2016 ...Cartwright has released more colors, see them on page 5 of this thread!

I realize that Mermaid Kelda made a fantastic post detailing many of the 12mm shell colors some time ago, but I'd like to create this post where you can quickly see all the 22mm colors, and it seems that the construction is different from the small shells, so I have the feeling their durability may vary. Also I'll be updating this post with more colors so you don't have to look through pages to find more swatches... I hope this is okay. =)

So, the really great thing about these sequins is that they are about 4 times the size of the smaller sequins, and it appears that people have been able make lovely tails using them without completely. losing. their. minds!! It is wonderful that Cartwright is adding more colors. I hope they continue, so that we don't have to go through the hassle of bulk orders for unique colors...


Metallic:
...These shells appear to be metallic foil stamped between two layers of plastic. Very shiny!
I sanded and peeled open a silver scale:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8a6u8c424Tw/VcD60kUcpcI/AAAAAAAAHAc/94r30U4Nj98/s100-p-o/CartwrightMetallic.JPG (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8a6u8c424Tw/VcD60kUcpcI/AAAAAAAAHAc/94r30U4Nj98/w993-h747-no/CartwrightMetallic.JPG)
The foil is very well bonded to the top layer of plastic, I couldn't get them to separate. I'd say any other metallic colors are just going to be two layers of colored plastic with silver foil between them. Color fading should only happen if the plastic layers themselves leach color...

- Gold -
indirect sun
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nh7kjubGLYQ/Vb64lDz9cvI/AAAAAAAAG8s/6NmzYPDp5A4/s100-p-o/Metallic-Gold.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Nh7kjubGLYQ/Vb64lDz9cvI/AAAAAAAAG8s/6NmzYPDp5A4/w1087-h813-no/Metallic-Gold.JPG)

- Silver -
indirect sun
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9WyvbcRjujQ/Vb64V1tTQJI/AAAAAAAAG8s/Gjb_NByiVW4/s100-p-o/Metallic-Silver.JPG (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9WyvbcRjujQ/Vb64V1tTQJI/AAAAAAAAG8s/Gjb_NByiVW4/w1083-h813-no/Metallic-Silver.JPG)



Holographic:
...Holographic film sandwiched between two layers of plastic. Paler colors let the foil's rainbow colors show through more. Gold scale peeled open:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VJAXQ3pmkhg/VcD61ZZKuZI/AAAAAAAAHAs/qtXzWikaj9A/s100-p-o/CartwrightHolo.JPG (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VJAXQ3pmkhg/VcD61ZZKuZI/AAAAAAAAHAs/qtXzWikaj9A/w995-h747-no/CartwrightHolo.JPG)
Color fading should only happen if the plastic layers themselves leach color...

- Gold -
indirect sun / daylight lamp
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8inLEE28_lM/Vb64VxGpN6I/AAAAAAAAG8s/PTYNN7xxLoY/s100-p-o/Holo-Gold%2B%25282%2529.JPG (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8inLEE28_lM/Vb64VxGpN6I/AAAAAAAAG8s/PTYNN7xxLoY/w1084-h813-no/Holo-Gold%2B%25282%2529.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sot0ph2MNMQ/Vb64VwKCQkI/AAAAAAAAG8s/W6TNooZ6pZY/s100-p-o/Holo-Gold.JPG (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sot0ph2MNMQ/Vb64VwKCQkI/AAAAAAAAG8s/W6TNooZ6pZY/w1039-h780-no/Holo-Gold.JPG)

- Silver -
indirect sun / daylight lamp
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p5TYlR_WqNc/Vb64V5iAi9I/AAAAAAAAG8s/pcncOmDh7YY/s100-p-o/Holo-Silver.JPG (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-p5TYlR_WqNc/Vb64V5iAi9I/AAAAAAAAG8s/pcncOmDh7YY/w1042-h780-no/Holo-Silver.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m_If5IQZ8Go/Vb64V4Wl5PI/AAAAAAAAG8s/kDm8Ubp4wUg/s100-p-o/Holo-Silver%2B%25282%2529.JPG (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-m_If5IQZ8Go/Vb64V4Wl5PI/AAAAAAAAG8s/kDm8Ubp4wUg/w1086-h813-no/Holo-Silver%2B%25282%2529.JPG)

- Aquamarine -
indirect sun / daylight lamp
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6WXGBOBkATM/Vb64V_yYXEI/AAAAAAAAG8s/La_lSqBuqFw/s100-p-o/Holo-Aquamarine.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6WXGBOBkATM/Vb64V_yYXEI/AAAAAAAAG8s/La_lSqBuqFw/w1039-h780-no/Holo-Aquamarine.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l4KKSxkiqas/Vb64VwXs7uI/AAAAAAAAG8s/9n1N-hiqwi8/s100-p-o/Holo-Aquamarine%2B%25282%2529.JPG (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l4KKSxkiqas/Vb64VwXs7uI/AAAAAAAAG8s/9n1N-hiqwi8/w1082-h813-no/Holo-Aquamarine%2B%25282%2529.JPG)

- Turquoise -
indirect sun / daylight lamp
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XE9xcdX0RDE/Vb64V-qh7VI/AAAAAAAAG8s/SIWd3VVkJec/s100-p-o/Holo-Turquoise.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XE9xcdX0RDE/Vb64V-qh7VI/AAAAAAAAG8s/SIWd3VVkJec/w1087-h813-no/Holo-Turquoise.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Uco7L2RvjjM/Vb64V0oLFQI/AAAAAAAAG8s/3sH_V27cFO4/s100-p-o/Holo-Turquoise%2B%25282%2529.JPG (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Uco7L2RvjjM/Vb64V0oLFQI/AAAAAAAAG8s/3sH_V27cFO4/w1042-h780-no/Holo-Turquoise%2B%25282%2529.JPG)

- Midori -
indirect sun / daylight lamp
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iCqUrkTZylY/Vb64V3iHV_I/AAAAAAAAG8s/f3rkncoRPVM/s100-p-o/Holo-Midori.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iCqUrkTZylY/Vb64V3iHV_I/AAAAAAAAG8s/f3rkncoRPVM/w1085-h813-no/Holo-Midori.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BRdVRa86MXM/Vb64V7HdEBI/AAAAAAAAG8s/2EU9w6cQ0nk/s100-p-o/Holo-Midori%2B%25282%2529.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BRdVRa86MXM/Vb64V7HdEBI/AAAAAAAAG8s/2EU9w6cQ0nk/w1040-h780-no/Holo-Midori%2B%25282%2529.JPG)

- Lemon-Lime -
indirect sun / daylight lamp
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TNZ-AQnbTe0/Vb64VyAjxZI/AAAAAAAAG8s/KogMk-ocmoc/s100-p-o/Holo-Lemon-Lime.JPG (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TNZ-AQnbTe0/Vb64VyAjxZI/AAAAAAAAG8s/KogMk-ocmoc/w1041-h780-no/Holo-Lemon-Lime.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-28xB-k--w8g/Vb64V2Et_6I/AAAAAAAAG8s/pttXclEo7JM/s100-p-o/Holo-Lemon-Lime%2B%25282%2529.JPG (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-28xB-k--w8g/Vb64V2Et_6I/AAAAAAAAG8s/pttXclEo7JM/w1040-h780-no/Holo-Lemon-Lime%2B%25282%2529.JPG)



Crystal Opaque:
...Definitely opaque! These have a pastel oil-slick finish and it's hard to get a color-accurate photo. A Poseidon scale that I attacked with sand paper:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CBKKeWtOuDU/VcD60qlXq1I/AAAAAAAAHAY/3Z5ie_j9xNw/s100-p-o/CartwrightCrystalOpaque.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CBKKeWtOuDU/VcD60qlXq1I/AAAAAAAAHAY/3Z5ie_j9xNw/w994-h747-no/CartwrightCrystalOpaque.JPG)
These don't peel apart, they are opaque plastic with iridescent film on both sides. Sadly they are the least abrasion-resistant of the bunch, as well. Once that film is gone you just have plain matte plastic.

- Poseidon -
indirect sun / daylight lamp / shade
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g5pbBoUtT44/Vb64V0HVf5I/AAAAAAAAG8s/w_KAwg8vuFE/s100-p-o/Crystal-Opaque-Poseidon.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-g5pbBoUtT44/Vb64V0HVf5I/AAAAAAAAG8s/w_KAwg8vuFE/w1042-h780-no/Crystal-Opaque-Poseidon.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cKohVUOGAI4/Vb64V75gqaI/AAAAAAAAG8s/IaSnTkSQfIM/s100-p-o/Crystal-Opaque-Poseidon%2B%25282%2529.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cKohVUOGAI4/Vb64V75gqaI/AAAAAAAAG8s/IaSnTkSQfIM/w1042-h780-no/Crystal-Opaque-Poseidon%2B%25282%2529.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hx9KAENwrn4/Vb64VxeZD1I/AAAAAAAAG8s/HcfEAD5EVfQ/s100-p-o/Crystal-Opaque-Poseidon%2B%25283%2529.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hx9KAENwrn4/Vb64VxeZD1I/AAAAAAAAG8s/HcfEAD5EVfQ/w1042-h780-no/Crystal-Opaque-Poseidon%2B%25283%2529.JPG)

- Oceanside -
indirect sun / daylight lamp / shade
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RJh1uTCBk9k/Vb64V3JEjLI/AAAAAAAAG8s/Zi8VD0cL6jE/s100-p-o/Crystal-Opaque-Oceanside.JPG (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RJh1uTCBk9k/Vb64V3JEjLI/AAAAAAAAG8s/Zi8VD0cL6jE/w1084-h813-no/Crystal-Opaque-Oceanside.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YR5uM1O4N1o/Vb65OlOZVRI/AAAAAAAAG8s/WKlXISL-O3g/s100-p-o/Crystal-Opaque-Oceanside%2B%25282%2529.JPG (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YR5uM1O4N1o/Vb65OlOZVRI/AAAAAAAAG8s/WKlXISL-O3g/w1041-h780-no/Crystal-Opaque-Oceanside%2B%25282%2529.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XoZrMln5HRk/Vb64V7iYM4I/AAAAAAAAG8s/HHvYwMzDS_w/s100-p-o/Crystal-Opaque-Oceanside%2B%25283%2529.JPG (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XoZrMln5HRk/Vb64V7iYM4I/AAAAAAAAG8s/HHvYwMzDS_w/w1041-h780-no/Crystal-Opaque-Oceanside%2B%25283%2529.JPG)

- Opaque White (formerly White Lightning) -
indirect sun / daylight lamp / shade
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yaQFwPttPG8/VcUEwxXsRvI/AAAAAAAAHGc/EPstMlpQeJ0/s100-p-o/Crystal-Opaque-White-Lightning.JPG (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yaQFwPttPG8/VcUEwxXsRvI/AAAAAAAAHGc/EPstMlpQeJ0/w995-h747-no/Crystal-Opaque-White-Lightning.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4cUe75kBx40/VcUExHoN2FI/AAAAAAAAHGo/ahdUARjNfqU/s100-p-o/Crystal-Opaque-White-Lightning2.JPG (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4cUe75kBx40/VcUExHoN2FI/AAAAAAAAHGo/ahdUARjNfqU/w993-h747-no/Crystal-Opaque-White-Lightning2.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r-UVcHtvuXc/VcUExV7DCuI/AAAAAAAAHGw/mGUwxcyB8Wo/s100-p-o/Crystal-Opaque-White-Lightning3.JPG (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r-UVcHtvuXc/VcUExV7DCuI/AAAAAAAAHGw/mGUwxcyB8Wo/w995-h747-no/Crystal-Opaque-White-Lightning3.JPG)

- Creme Puff -
indirect sun / daylight lamp / shade
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W2f1O6IYIFc/VcUEv7UF99I/AAAAAAAAHGA/-6VmQDRc8Y8/s100-p-o/Crystal-Opaque-Creme-Puff.JPG (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-W2f1O6IYIFc/VcUEv7UF99I/AAAAAAAAHGA/-6VmQDRc8Y8/w995-h747-no/Crystal-Opaque-Creme-Puff.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VyM8wrx_EJE/VcUEwCNsEPI/AAAAAAAAHGM/QILMCMfOJ80/s100-p-o/Crystal-Opaque-Creme-Puff2.JPG (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VyM8wrx_EJE/VcUEwCNsEPI/AAAAAAAAHGM/QILMCMfOJ80/w994-h747-no/Crystal-Opaque-Creme-Puff2.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--OXwgl5Ee3g/VcUEwgb_hMI/AAAAAAAAHGY/iDV8AxWEFzI/s100-p-o/Crystal-Opaque-Creme-Puff3.JPG (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--OXwgl5Ee3g/VcUEwgb_hMI/AAAAAAAAHGY/iDV8AxWEFzI/w995-h747-no/Crystal-Opaque-Creme-Puff3.JPG)


Crystal Iris:
...Iridescent foil in tinted plastic. Notice the colored shadows on the table in my daylight lamp pictures. Held up to light these look transparent blue with iridescent shine. Very, very iridescent! they flash a yellow-green. A Cabana Blue Scale peeled open:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lq0ntWPnRAE/VcD61Vll0BI/AAAAAAAAHAo/zfNGyrwqpb0/s100-p-o/CartwrightCrystalIris.JPG (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Lq0ntWPnRAE/VcD61Vll0BI/AAAAAAAAHAo/zfNGyrwqpb0/s747-no/CartwrightCrystalIris.JPG)
Quite scratch-resistant from what I saw with my sandpaper. Again, these should only fade if the plastic itself leaches color.

- Bali Breeze -
indirect sun / daylight lamp / shade
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6-6YnzBCjp8/Vb64V4_a1zI/AAAAAAAAG8s/DPpSxi6Cf5I/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Bali-Breeze.JPG (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6-6YnzBCjp8/Vb64V4_a1zI/AAAAAAAAG8s/DPpSxi6Cf5I/w1038-h780-no/Crystal-Iris-Bali-Breeze.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WccbCHcB6-A/Vb64V8k1YSI/AAAAAAAAG8s/jyf6EydmwmE/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Bali-Breeze%2B%25282%2529.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WccbCHcB6-A/Vb64V8k1YSI/AAAAAAAAG8s/jyf6EydmwmE/w1039-h780-no/Crystal-Iris-Bali-Breeze%2B%25282%2529.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g_Ar6riGWRs/Vb64V3y3gQI/AAAAAAAAG8s/xb7igPfkOw0/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Bali-Breeze%2B%25283%2529.JPG (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-g_Ar6riGWRs/Vb64V3y3gQI/AAAAAAAAG8s/xb7igPfkOw0/w1038-h780-no/Crystal-Iris-Bali-Breeze%2B%25283%2529.JPG)

- Cabana Blue -
indirect sun / daylight lamp / shade
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OVrIw-ePgmI/Vb64Vy84KMI/AAAAAAAAG8s/pbiZ6bzpi_A/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Cabana-Blue.JPG (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OVrIw-ePgmI/Vb64Vy84KMI/AAAAAAAAG8s/pbiZ6bzpi_A/w1039-h780-no/Crystal-Iris-Cabana-Blue.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VnP0ql2TP6M/Vb64V0zp1-I/AAAAAAAAG8s/UtBBf9l_gys/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Cabana-Blue%2B%25282%2529.JPG (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VnP0ql2TP6M/Vb64V0zp1-I/AAAAAAAAG8s/UtBBf9l_gys/w1039-h780-no/Crystal-Iris-Cabana-Blue%2B%25282%2529.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MLrhn6VHusI/Vb64V-IsTNI/AAAAAAAAG8s/rfqGPLvJfxI/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Cabana-Blue%2B%25283%2529.JPG (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MLrhn6VHusI/Vb64V-IsTNI/AAAAAAAAG8s/rfqGPLvJfxI/w1038-h780-no/Crystal-Iris-Cabana-Blue%2B%25283%2529.JPG)

- Tidal Teal -
indirect sun / daylight lamp / shade
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jTifw7LVK6I/Vb64V6TdSCI/AAAAAAAAG8s/fA6qRSbuwWw/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Tidal-Teal.JPG (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jTifw7LVK6I/Vb64V6TdSCI/AAAAAAAAG8s/fA6qRSbuwWw/w1038-h780-no/Crystal-Iris-Tidal-Teal.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NavSJYxQOkA/Vb64V-3eixI/AAAAAAAAG8s/nIDo82m9uME/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Tidal-Teal%2B%25282%2529.JPG (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NavSJYxQOkA/Vb64V-3eixI/AAAAAAAAG8s/nIDo82m9uME/w1038-h780-no/Crystal-Iris-Tidal-Teal%2B%25282%2529.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VxnqrU4Jw5c/Vb64V3ia4-I/AAAAAAAAG8s/-zfNlF3_MxE/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Tidal-Teal%2B%25283%2529.JPG (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VxnqrU4Jw5c/Vb64V3ia4-I/AAAAAAAAG8s/-zfNlF3_MxE/w1038-h780-no/Crystal-Iris-Tidal-Teal%2B%25283%2529.JPG)

- Seaspray -
indirect sun / daylight lamp / shade
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-id8KGval-KA/Vb64V90iDTI/AAAAAAAAG8s/xD9Ep9G1Gyw/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Seaspray.JPG (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-id8KGval-KA/Vb64V90iDTI/AAAAAAAAG8s/xD9Ep9G1Gyw/w1038-h780-no/Crystal-Iris-Seaspray.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-11UkaqMqJLI/Vb65AGvwVdI/AAAAAAAAG8s/9Dx-U9_0S-8/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Seaspray%2B%25282%2529.JPG (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-11UkaqMqJLI/Vb65AGvwVdI/AAAAAAAAG8s/9Dx-U9_0S-8/w1038-h780-no/Crystal-Iris-Seaspray%2B%25282%2529.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kvjSXdLAyeM/Vb64VwaWQ_I/AAAAAAAAG8s/8eM9djiQ--Y/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Seaspray%2B%25283%2529.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kvjSXdLAyeM/Vb64VwaWQ_I/AAAAAAAAG8s/8eM9djiQ--Y/w1039-h780-no/Crystal-Iris-Seaspray%2B%25283%2529.JPG)

- Clear AB -
indirect sun / daylight lamp / shade / on black
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8I2zs_krcqw/VcUEqCcxAqI/AAAAAAAAHFI/Q4tqtb7JegI/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Clear-AB.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8I2zs_krcqw/VcUEqCcxAqI/AAAAAAAAHFI/Q4tqtb7JegI/w996-h747-no/Crystal-Iris-Clear-AB.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CH2doTGWY-U/VcUEqodxouI/AAAAAAAAHD8/XaFAMh7zY_k/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Clear-AB2.JPG (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CH2doTGWY-U/VcUEqodxouI/AAAAAAAAHD8/XaFAMh7zY_k/w993-h747-no/Crystal-Iris-Clear-AB2.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vC73MMaALhg/VcUEqizPkzI/AAAAAAAAHEE/etfH9z66O1U/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Clear-AB3.JPG (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vC73MMaALhg/VcUEqizPkzI/AAAAAAAAHEE/etfH9z66O1U/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Clear-AB3.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RePsjJbwSog/VcUEq_-F_XI/AAAAAAAAHEI/w024jiIimnc/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Clear-AB4.JPG (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RePsjJbwSog/VcUEq_-F_XI/AAAAAAAAHEI/w024jiIimnc/w746-h747-no/Crystal-Iris-Clear-AB4.JPG)

- Volcano -
indirect sun / daylight lamp / shade / on black
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GkXBhc9dTXk/VcUEuFY_4SI/AAAAAAAAHFU/GUxBF80GJiI/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Volcano.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GkXBhc9dTXk/VcUEuFY_4SI/AAAAAAAAHFU/GUxBF80GJiI/w996-h747-no/Crystal-Iris-Volcano.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T_sAxN6CGTM/VcUEuZwLgyI/AAAAAAAAHFg/xsnw9Xhjt1c/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Volcano2.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-T_sAxN6CGTM/VcUEuZwLgyI/AAAAAAAAHFg/xsnw9Xhjt1c/w996-h747-no/Crystal-Iris-Volcano2.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JHlkOHC2-Go/VcUEup5LKJI/AAAAAAAAHFs/ipotIwl-cNM/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Volcano3.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JHlkOHC2-Go/VcUEup5LKJI/AAAAAAAAHFs/ipotIwl-cNM/w996-h747-no/Crystal-Iris-Volcano3.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WRPorZGpSCY/VcUEu1AAYGI/AAAAAAAAHFo/mvTul8ZLq0k/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Volcano4.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WRPorZGpSCY/VcUEu1AAYGI/AAAAAAAAHFo/mvTul8ZLq0k/w749-h747-no/Crystal-Iris-Volcano4.JPG)

- Sunglow -
indirect sun / daylight lamp / shade / on black
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_7sRnqGd0mo/VcUEsnM2wPI/AAAAAAAAHEw/YpLbXjTGiWw/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Sunglow.JPG (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_7sRnqGd0mo/VcUEsnM2wPI/AAAAAAAAHEw/YpLbXjTGiWw/w995-h747-no/Crystal-Iris-Sunglow.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WxvsmGcDDVE/VcUEs__4DYI/AAAAAAAAHFM/akU55h16MEk/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Sunglow2.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WxvsmGcDDVE/VcUEs__4DYI/AAAAAAAAHFM/akU55h16MEk/w994-h747-no/Crystal-Iris-Sunglow2.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MNSGUcIinz4/VcUEtbTbdhI/AAAAAAAAHE0/h9d3DOoBpJQ/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Sunglow3.JPG (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MNSGUcIinz4/VcUEtbTbdhI/AAAAAAAAHE0/h9d3DOoBpJQ/w997-h747-no/Crystal-Iris-Sunglow3.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8INb7H_bbVs/VcUEtdnw9EI/AAAAAAAAHE8/hsN0dIQa9f4/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Sunglow4.JPG (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8INb7H_bbVs/VcUEtdnw9EI/AAAAAAAAHE8/hsN0dIQa9f4/w746-h747-no/Crystal-Iris-Sunglow4.JPG)

- Primrose -
indirect sun / daylight lamp / shade / on black
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3MkWA-PWFE4/VcUErdqWDYI/AAAAAAAAHEU/swaVQGXzY1w/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Primrose.JPG (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3MkWA-PWFE4/VcUErdqWDYI/AAAAAAAAHEU/swaVQGXzY1w/w995-h747-no/Crystal-Iris-Primrose.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xT-T-NgeAeo/VcUEr21yTzI/AAAAAAAAHEc/HvMxFNMjj4U/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Primrose2.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xT-T-NgeAeo/VcUEr21yTzI/AAAAAAAAHEc/HvMxFNMjj4U/w996-h747-no/Crystal-Iris-Primrose2.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gh6nF1RTwQE/VcUEsHmGBeI/AAAAAAAAHFA/ONnNP1vFsM4/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Primrose3.JPG (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Gh6nF1RTwQE/VcUEsHmGBeI/AAAAAAAAHFA/ONnNP1vFsM4/w994-h747-no/Crystal-Iris-Primrose3.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bWYDA2-hf6A/VcUEsWmC14I/AAAAAAAAHEk/7lKUAByyNNk/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Primrose4.JPG (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bWYDA2-hf6A/VcUEsWmC14I/AAAAAAAAHEk/7lKUAByyNNk/w749-h747-no/Crystal-Iris-Primrose4.JPG)

- Wild Orchid -
indirect sun / daylight lamp / shade / on black
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RHyF4EITisU/VcUEvNE3dNI/AAAAAAAAHFw/8eO7K1qJHDo/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Wild-Orchid.JPG (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RHyF4EITisU/VcUEvNE3dNI/AAAAAAAAHFw/8eO7K1qJHDo/w994-h747-no/Crystal-Iris-Wild-Orchid.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pH1pnjSNPAo/VcUEvo8y-6I/AAAAAAAAHGE/Oe0EWQQw_bA/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Wild-Orchid2.JPG (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pH1pnjSNPAo/VcUEvo8y-6I/AAAAAAAAHGE/Oe0EWQQw_bA/w995-h747-no/Crystal-Iris-Wild-Orchid2.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--44wHjREoy4/VcUEy9Vq0vI/AAAAAAAAHHY/NEpaNSWVn4c/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Wild-Orchid3.JPG (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--44wHjREoy4/VcUEy9Vq0vI/AAAAAAAAHHY/NEpaNSWVn4c/w995-h747-no/Crystal-Iris-Wild-Orchid3.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QdnuzqS-ZfM/VcUEzMFFYAI/AAAAAAAAHHU/XsvMhpjHCIs/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Wild-Orchid4.JPG (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QdnuzqS-ZfM/VcUEzMFFYAI/AAAAAAAAHHU/XsvMhpjHCIs/s747-no/Crystal-Iris-Wild-Orchid4.JPG)

- Skyline -
indirect sun / daylight lamp / shade / on black
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qCtmgkyrJSU/VcUExj3G_qI/AAAAAAAAHG0/l6_6zPvgHik/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Skyline.JPG (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qCtmgkyrJSU/VcUExj3G_qI/AAAAAAAAHG0/l6_6zPvgHik/w995-h747-no/Crystal-Iris-Skyline.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EmN9OL8IJCU/VcUEx-UZsmI/AAAAAAAAHHA/06Cd4ESkNHw/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Skyline2.JPG (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EmN9OL8IJCU/VcUEx-UZsmI/AAAAAAAAHHA/06Cd4ESkNHw/w994-h747-no/Crystal-Iris-Skyline2.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l-OWfcq6Lk4/VcUEyYOsdQI/AAAAAAAAHHM/MvQlQpmQ8NY/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Skyline3.JPG (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-l-OWfcq6Lk4/VcUEyYOsdQI/AAAAAAAAHHM/MvQlQpmQ8NY/w995-h747-no/Crystal-Iris-Skyline3.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3HorY2pdCPE/VcUEyfhYg6I/AAAAAAAAHHE/vFjfJj0ONGQ/s100-p-o/Crystal-Iris-Skyline4.JPG (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3HorY2pdCPE/VcUEyfhYg6I/AAAAAAAAHHE/vFjfJj0ONGQ/s747-no/Crystal-Iris-Skyline4.JPG)



Where to buy: http://www.ccartwright.com/sunshop/index.php?l=product_list&c=119

I will be updating this post with more information once I get a chance to beat on a few of these... details on construction/durability, etc.

[RNHime]

Eek, those pictures were way smaller when I wrote my post! I meant for them to be small and clickable to see larger... Is there some trick to resizing using the forum's BBCode! I'm googling but none of the tags I'm finding work...

So sorry. =(

[Mermaid Wesley]

This is awesome. I need to make a sequin tail out of these o.o I'm thinking pink and white :D


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[RNHime]

This is awesome. I need to make a sequin tail out of these o.o I'm thinking pink and white :D


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Seriously awesome! It makes sequin tails much more attainable when they are a leetle bit bigger... it would be cool if Cartwright could produce the same color in a 30mm-range size, too. I know 48mm can be ordered through Vector but those are a little too big for a complete tail, imo. I'd love bigger scales on the belly, though. It would be cool to see 22, 35, and 40-something mm available in each color. Think of the realism~!!

Kinda hoping this thread could generate some excitement/help people plan, and show Cartwright how interested we all are in these. Besides all the messages we've sent them, I'm sure... Where there is demand hopefully there will be supply!

[AniaR]

Bigger scales break off our sequin tail super easy

[Mermaid Kelda]

The pictures aren't showing up for me at all!

[RNHime]

Bigger scales break off our sequin tail super easy
I've heard that the huge scale tails are known for snapping their scales. I imagine that such a large sequin can only handle so much stress. In your opinion are the breaks caused from needle punches (if they are machine-sewn on), stress from movement/neoprene flexing when they cannot, or are they just plain weak?

My thought would be to just use large scales in select places, where they wouldn't be subjected to a lot of bending, ie. keeping them away from knees... Thanks for your input!! ♥

It is my completely inexperienced guess that 22mm should be fairly safe from snapping if you sew them carefully, and maybe something like 33mm could be workable, too. I know 30mm paillettes (plain flat circle shapes) are available, but I haven't seen any pictures of them used in a tail.

[RNHime]

The pictures aren't showing up for me at all!
My apologies, Kelda! I'm trying to figure out what is going on with these photos. One way or another I will get thumbnails on my post, with a click-to-view-larger style. Currently I can see the photos on my laptop, but not on my phone. I've refreshed several times. Honestly I've never had this much trouble using images from my Google albums on a forum! =/

[Celaeno]

I've heard that the huge scale tails are known for snapping their scales. I imagine that such a large sequin can only handle so much stress. In your opinion are the breaks caused from needle punches (if they are machine-sewn on), stress from movement/neoprene flexing when they cannot, or are they just plain weak?

My thought would be to just use large scales in select places, where they wouldn't be subjected to a lot of bending, ie. keeping them away from knees... Thanks for your input!! ♥

It is my completely inexperienced guess that 22mm should be fairly safe from snapping if you sew them carefully, and maybe something like 33mm could be workable, too. I know 30mm paillettes (plain flat circle shapes) are available, but I haven't seen any pictures of them used in a tail.

Do you think it would be possible to coat a tail that uses larger sequins in dragonskin to protect the scales/prevent snapping? Or would the sequins just cut through the silicone?

[RNHime]

Do you think it would be possible to coat a tail that uses larger sequins in dragonskin to protect the scales/prevent snapping? Or would the sequins just cut through the silicone?

Hmm, I have zero experience using silicone but I wonder how hard it would be to get them to cure properly? Sounds like it could easily turn into a mess. More than likely the scales would snap within their silicon "pocket", since they would not bond together. they could also fill with water. Unless I'm not understanding you properly? Still, reinforcement may be a good idea. I could see filling the concave/underside with some sort of sturdy plastic-loving epoxy. Of course that would probably leave the area you sew through as the weak point! Gah! Interesting, though...

[Celaeno]

Hmm, maybe E6000 on the back side of the sequin as reinforcement?

[Sherielle]

The sequins would cut through the silicone

[RNHime]

Hmm, maybe E6000 on the back side of the sequin as reinforcement?

I do A LOT with E6000, I jokingly say that if you can't repair it with E6000 you can't repair it at all. I know that would definitely stick. But knowing the viscosity of E6000, I know it could also be a huge mess/challenging. I know there are 2-part epoxies that you mix and use, I wonder if any would be thin enough to pour into the back of a scale?

...For that matter is anyone using the backs of giant plastic scales as silicone scale molds?? :O_o: Easy!

I would love to see the larger scales come with 3 holes along the top rather than what they have: just one loop for sewing. =( I think 3 standard holes would make for much easier sewing (hand or machine) and take a lot of stress out of the scales that are punched by a sewing machine needle. The small scales have two holes in a vertical placement, but I think the larger should have horizontal holes... you know?

[RNHime]

Okay, anyone viewing this thread, I've updated the photos for the Metallic and Holo gold and silver sequins. What you should be seeing are small thumbnails that link to the larger image. Could someone please tell me if that is working for them? It works on my laptop (Firefox) and on my phone (Chrome - only the fixed photos, still not seeing the original giant pictures). I just want to make sure I'm actually fixing this before I go and redo all the rest of the photos... x_x' Thank-you all!!

[Celaeno]

They appear to be working just as you described. :)

[RNHime]

Thanks for the input, Celaeno!

Okay, I just updated all the photos. If anyone notices a picture that isn't working, please point it out to me. I did a quick runthrough but my eyes are a little boggled and I really need to go eat, lol. Extremely tedious work! ...Now I'm kind of glad I didn't have to share ALL the new colors in one shot, lol.

[PearlieMae]

The sequins would cut through silicone, but I've used E6000 on 22mm flat scales, and they hold quite well.

Squeeze the tube so a little blob of glue comes out;

Scrape it off with your sequin (covering the hole);

Press it into place, drag it down a tiny bit, then push it back into place so a little glue overlaps the top of the sequin. If the glue covers the hole on both sides, it really grips the sequin.

31931

These have been attached since 2008, and I have to really yank on them to get them to come off...

31932

[Celaeno]

Awesome, thanks Pearlie! The diagram helps. I'm a visual learner. ;)

[AniaR]

I've heard that the huge scale tails are known for snapping their scales. I imagine that such a large sequin can only handle so much stress. In your opinion are the breaks caused from needle punches (if they are machine-sewn on), stress from movement/neoprene flexing when they cannot, or are they just plain weak?

They're like potato chips lol they just shatter. Mermaid mutiny has slowly been replacing with the mid sized one. I find when you go to the smallest ones that they just dont sit right but the mid ones look great

[RNHime]

The sequins would cut through silicone, but I've used E6000 on 22mm flat scales, and they hold quite well.

Squeeze the tube so a little blob of glue comes out;

Scrape it off with your sequin (covering the hole);

Press it into place, drag it down a tiny bit, then push it back into place so a little glue overlaps the top of the sequin. If the glue covers the hole on both sides, it really grips the sequin.


These have been attached since 2008, and I have to really yank on them to get them to come off...

Beauteous work, PearlieMae! Thank you for sharing this. May I ask what type of fabric you were gluing to, and is that a dry-use only tail?

I'm on the fence about sewing vs gluing. There seems to be a widely accepted view that sewing is always more secure than gluing, but I know how well E6000 can hold if done properly (for years, even when exposed to moisture - I did decoden phone cases that held up against my sweaty hands! When a few rhinestones finally started coming off it's because the bond between the foil back and the stone broke down, the E6000 is still holding the foil backing on the case... So: E6000 > Swarovski, lol!!). I'm wondering if it mainly depends on the fabric you're gluing to and what kind of (ab)use the tail is putting up with. I get the appeal of sewing each one individually but I also think a bunch of needle holes would gradually weaken most fabrics, not to mention create holes in your large sequins, weakening them as well. Whereas if glue breaks off you can probably reglue another scale down without too much issue. I definitely am all for doing it the right the first time so there is less repair work down the road, but I do have to wonder if large scales are actually better glued than punctured and sewn...

[RNHime]

They're like potato chips lol they just shatter. Mermaid mutiny has slowly been replacing with the mid sized one. I find when you go to the smallest ones that they just dont sit right but the mid ones look great

Oh my gosh, Raina, you've got me cracking up! Over sequins that are cracking up! Hehe! "Friends don't let friends make tails with potato chips..."

I'm guessing the giant scales she had were from Vector? I wonder if they are not made as well as Cartwright's or if they are just plain too huge. Like all scales would reach critical mass and explode after 40mm or so, lol...

[Mermaid Galene]

I wonder if Cartwright's will be adding even more colors. I made my first neoprene/sequin tail last year with their large round paillette sequins. I'm planning to make a new sequined tail late this fall, but I will want to use Cobalt blue and true purple. So far they only have those in the rounds.

[PearlieMae]

Beauteous work, PearlieMae! Thank you for sharing this. May I ask what type of fabric you were gluing to, and is that a dry-use only tail?

I'm on the fence about sewing vs gluing. There seems to be a widely accepted view that sewing is always more secure than gluing, but I know how well E6000 can hold if done properly (for years, even when exposed to moisture - I did decoden phone cases that held up against my sweaty hands! When a few rhinestones finally started coming off it's because the bond between the foil back and the stone broke down, the E6000 is still holding the foil backing on the case... So: E6000 > Swarovski, lol!!). I'm wondering if it mainly depends on the fabric you're gluing to and what kind of (ab)use the tail is putting up with. I get the appeal of sewing each one individually but I also think a bunch of needle holes would gradually weaken most fabrics, not to mention create holes in your large sequins, weakening them as well. Whereas if glue breaks off you can probably reglue another scale down without too much issue. I definitely am all for doing it the right the first time so there is less repair work down the road, but I do have to wonder if large scales are actually better glued than punctured and sewn...

It was a dry use tail, but I have been swimming in it. The base is a 4-way stretch heavy spandex with a holographic finish...it looks like snakeskin, and the holo was clear.

When I sew on sequins, I sew knits with a ballpoint needle, and I hand sew, knot, and cut the thread between every sequin. But that's because I'm crazy.

[RNHime]

I wonder if Cartwright's will be adding even more colors. I made my first neoprene/sequin tail last year with their large round paillette sequins. I'm planning to make a new sequined tail late this fall, but I will want to use Cobalt blue and true purple. So far they only have those in the rounds.

Fantastic question which I happen to have the answer to. I sent a message to Cartwright asking if they would be adding more colors shortly, because if so I'd hold off on ordering more. Their reply:

Hi,
Yes, this is all of the new 22mm shells we will have until late fall or early spring 2016.

Thank you,
Angie
Cartwright’s


So there you go! If anyone wants to start a tail now, you'd better pick from what you see currently. Hopefully we could see more colors this fall, especially if they see the interest... Maybe a poll could be started of which colors are the most sought-after?? I wonder if Cartwright would take that into account when they choose which new colors to manufacture...

I will go ahead and order samples of the current new colors, and add photos when they arrive. Probably next week based on my last order's turn-around. =)

Also, I had to look up your round scale tail, Galene! Very nice!

[Celaeno]

If they made their iridescent black shell sequins in 22mm, I would be all over that!

I'm interested to see how Caspiana's sequin tail holds up, she used E6000 to affix all her sequins to her neoprene tail, rather than sew them.

[mermaidgraceofthesea]

THANK YOU!!! I've been looking EVERYWHERE for this, you are a goddess. If you wouldn't mind, could you put the Midori, Sea Spray and Tidal Teal next to each other/make a scale pattern? I'm still not sure if they would look good together. If not, that's totally fine :)

[RNHime]

If they made their iridescent black shell sequins in 22mm, I would be all over that!

I'm interested to see how Caspiana's sequin tail holds up, she used E6000 to affix all her sequins to her neoprene tail, rather than sew them.
No kidding, their iridescent colors are gorgeous...

I'm very curious to see how it lasts, too! She was able to complete it pretty quickly, and I believe she used the smaller sequins.


THANK YOU!!! I've been looking EVERYWHERE for this, you are a goddess. If you wouldn't mind, could you put the Midori, Sea Spray and Tidal Teal next to each other/make a scale pattern? I'm still not sure if they would look good together. If not, that's totally fine :)

You're welcome! I was actually going to track down your thread asking about colors for an Ariel tail, and tell you this was here! I'd be happy to do some scale patterns but it will have to wait until tonight or tomorrow. I'll find something that I can pin them onto because they are pretty slide-y just attempting to stack them on the table, thus why my photos only show three arranged as scales! =P

Anyone else have requests for scale patterns/color comparison?

Also, I've just had to sink nearly $50 into sample packs in order to try ALL the 22mm colors... Which kind of stinks but I'm the sort of person that wants to see everything in person... If anyone want to see colors in person, I might be able to make up mini sampler packs. Say 3-5 of each color that someone is interested in; obviously I only have a small amount on hand. I couldn't do this for free (I'd have to bag & label them in addition to postage), but it would be cheaper than getting the samplers direct from Cartwright. I would even be able to offer this to International mers, by taping them to a card and mailing them via First Class envelope!! I believe Cartwright's International shipping starts at $15, so... yeah. =)

[Mermaid Wesley]

I have a sample bag of these btw. If you sew them, you can't use the loop, it will easily bend and break off. I'll try to get pics later to explain. It might be only good for sewing machines


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[RNHime]

I have a sample bag of these btw. If you sew them, you can't use the loop, it will easily bend and break off. I'll try to get pics later to explain. It might be only good for sewing machines


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I understand what you're saying and agree completely! The loops are pretty wimpy. I'd prefer their holes to be in the "body" of the shell, like the 12x14mm shells are... So I can see why you'd almost have to machine sew these across the top if you wanted sewn sequins. The loop might be more useful for the E6000 glue method that PearlieMae described. Love the size and shape but I do wish they had better holes...

[Mermaid Wesley]

31957
this is what i mean. I broke the loop off with one pretty gentle twist. they would fall off a tail very easily if sewn through the loop. i would be interested to see how well glue holds up but i think machine sewing might be best, or hand sewing through the shell itself.

[Mermaid Kate Silverfin]

Maybe you could use an awl (a metal tool for making non-damaging holes in fabric) to make your own holes in the shell? They tend to be sharp, so I would expect that it would pierce sequins fairly easily. Hope this helps, I would love to make a sequin tail one day, but not sure I have the patience for sewing it!

[PearlieMae]

Maybe you could use an awl (a metal tool for making non-damaging holes in fabric) to make your own holes in the shell? They tend to be sharp, so I would expect that it would pierce sequins fairly easily. Hope this helps, I would love to make a sequin tail one day, but not sure I have the patience for sewing it!

I'd use a heat tool, like a woodburning tool with the pointed tip. Melting a hole would be less likely to fracture the plastic than trying to poke a hole.

31961

Then, I would sew three stitches through the new hole, as shown (left, center and right), and knot it under the sequin, ideally cutting the thread between each scale so you can keep the stretch of your fabric. Also, if you were to lose one, an entire row wouldn't come undone. The three stitches secure the sequin in place and keep it lying flat, but allows the fabric beneath to stretch and move without stressing the sequins.

31962

Not having too many sequins attached to each other keeps the thread from breaking when you stretch the tail putting it on...I wouldn't sew more than three in a row without knotting and cutting the thread.

Yes, it is incredibly tedious and laborious work, but it will look amazing and last you more than one or two seasons...when you think about making your dream tail, are you willing to do what it takes to have what you want?


:meditation:

[RNHime]

this is what i mean. I broke the loop off with one pretty gentle twist. they would fall off a tail very easily if sewn through the loop. i would be interested to see how well glue holds up but i think machine sewing might be best, or hand sewing through the shell itself.
Thank you for the photo! I noticed how easily one loop bent backwards, just in regular handling. I think the loops could only be used in sewing if you were also sewing through the body of the shell. They are way too weak on their own. Makes me wonder why they are even made that way...

With a machine it would be easy enough to zip straight across the shell, in hand sewing I think it would best to have them pre-punched with extra holes...


Maybe you could use an awl (a metal tool for making non-damaging holes in fabric) to make your own holes in the shell? They tend to be sharp, so I would expect that it would pierce sequins fairly easily. Hope this helps, I would love to make a sequin tail one day, but not sure I have the patience for sewing it!

I was thinking about how to make extra holes. An awl would probably do it, or perhaps a leather punch (google it!) with a very tiny hole setting. The punch would reduce hand fatigue and probably be safer than an awl. Just a question of if it would punch through the plastic or shatter it... If anyone owns a leather punch perhaps we could send a few scales to them for testing.

Better yet, Cartwright could change their design, lol. Punching more holes may be "easy" but when you need thousands for a tail that is a lot of time spent. =(

Again, this just makes me wonder if gluing is actually the better method in this case. If the glue could grab the loop as well as the top (okay, calling it the "top" is bothering me. On an actual scallop shell this would be called the hinge line or ears of the shell), ears to keep the sequin from wiggling much it should be pretty secure. Thoughts?

[RNHime]

I'd use a heat tool, like a woodburning tool with the pointed tip. Melting a hole would be less likely to fracture the plastic than trying to poke a hole.


Then, I would sew three stitches through the new hole, as shown (left, center and right), and knot it under the sequin, ideally cutting the thread between each scale so you can keep the stretch of your fabric. Also, if you were to lose one, an entire row wouldn't come undone. The three stitches secure the sequin in place and keep it lying flat, but allows the fabric beneath to stretch and move without stressing the sequins.


Not having too many sequins attached to each other keeps the thread from breaking when you stretch the tail putting it on...I wouldn't sew more than three in a row without knotting and cutting the thread.

Yes, it is incredibly tedious and laborious work, but it will look amazing and last you more than one or two seasons...when you think about making your dream tail, are you willing to do what it takes to have what you want?


:meditation:

Pearlie, thank you for the photos! I was still composing my reply when you posted this.

I love the idea of creating holes with heat because in my opinion this should seal the layers of sequin, rather than creating fracture-prone punctures with a metal tool. I didn't know if there was a tool that could do this, though. That's why I suggested the leather punch.

Really I think we should just beg Cartwright to update their sequin mold. If they are easy to use people will buy more!! Profit!

Also, I agree 100% with having them anchored individually, sewn or glued. Seems like sequin tails can last a LONG time if they are done right and maintained properly. =D

[PearlieMae]

They aren't going to retool their molds for us...we are a tiny segment of their market, and if sequins break off, hey! They get to sell more sequins!

:D

[RNHime]

They aren't going to retool their molds for us...we are a tiny segment of their market, and if sequins break off, hey! They get to sell more sequins!

:D

Lol, I guess that would be the other way of seeing it. Even if we are a small part of the market I can't see these wimpy loops being good for any sewn project intended to last. One trip through the washer would bust them off, or if they were rubbed against eachother during normal wear... Seems like most people will need extra holes unless they are gluing.

You can order sequins in bulk from overseas manufacturers that are the same shape/mold as Cartwright's 12x14mm shell sequins, all the way up to something like an 18mm size. Those have two holes already. I wonder if Cartwright would make them available? The molds exist somewhere, obviously.

I really like the shape and scallop-edge of their 22mm ones, though. I wasn't so sure on the shape until I layered them into a scale pattern - lovely! Maybe your woodburning tool project would be something for a cold winter's day when my hands are chilly. ...Or maybe I'll just glue them, haha. I'll have to sequin something with E6000 for testing purposes. =)

[RNHime]

(For mermaidgraceofthesea)

Here is a color mix using Holo and Crystal Iris shells. If you're trying to create a green tail these actually match better up close; when seen from a few feet away Seaspray looks much more blue-toned. Tidal Teal has a stronger golden flash than Seaspray does, but it has a teal-blue base as well. If you're trying to make a really green tail I'd recommend Midori, Lemon-Lime, Tidal Teal and even some Gold scales here and there! Either way this is a nice color combination. =)

indirect sun / shade
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I686fRCHCM4/VcC70EBhE_I/AAAAAAAAG_Q/ibhKFvU-Cc8/s100-p-o/Midori-Seaspray-TidalTeal.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-I686fRCHCM4/VcC70EBhE_I/AAAAAAAAG_Q/ibhKFvU-Cc8/s780-no/Midori-Seaspray-TidalTeal.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7dB6xlONdX0/VcC7z3FQaBI/AAAAAAAAG_M/pi20CTNT7Hs/s100-p-o/Midori-Seaspray-TidalTeal2.JPG (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7dB6xlONdX0/VcC7z3FQaBI/AAAAAAAAG_M/pi20CTNT7Hs/s780-no/Midori-Seaspray-TidalTeal2.JPG)
indirect sun
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RHmuRuBnaMk/VcC7z97MqII/AAAAAAAAG_I/o5-QtQVvQhQ/s100-p-o/Midori-Seaspray-TidalTeal3.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RHmuRuBnaMk/VcC7z97MqII/AAAAAAAAG_I/o5-QtQVvQhQ/w586-h780-no/Midori-Seaspray-TidalTeal3.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xt7AImbu350/VcC70xcKAsI/AAAAAAAAG_Y/S6DIkvQ57Ms/s100-p-o/Midori-Seaspray-TidalTeal4.JPG (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xt7AImbu350/VcC70xcKAsI/AAAAAAAAG_Y/S6DIkvQ57Ms/w585-h780-no/Midori-Seaspray-TidalTeal4.JPG)

The pattern is as follows:
Top row, side-by-side: M SS TT

Scale pattern:
M SS TT TT
. TT SS M
TT SS TT M
. M SS TT
SS TT M SS
. M SS TT
TT M SS TT

I had to jot the order down so I don't confuse the Iris shells when putting them away, hopefully it helps people see the color difference as well!
Also, the scale pattern covers a roughly 2x4 inch area, using just 25 sequins!

[Mermaid Galene]

I think I'm going to stick with the round paillettes. I just machine sewed straight across the top 1/4 inch of the circle in a zig zag pattern. There are thus multiple connection points from sequin to fabric. I've had two broken sequins, but that's because I absentmindedly tried to roll the tail tightly after a gig, and that snapped them. (Now I fold it VERY loosely into thirds to carry it.) I have had no problems at all with damaged sequins whilst sitting or swimming in it.

[RNHime]

I think I'm going to stick with the round paillettes. I just machine sewed straight across the top 1/4 inch of the circle in a zig zag pattern. There are thus multiple connection point from sequin to fabric. I've had two broken sequins, but that's because I absentmindedly tried to roll the tail tightly after a gig, and that snapped them. (Now I fold it VERY loosely into thirds to carry it.) I have had no problems at all with damaged sequins whilst sitting or swimming in it.

I think the flat paillettes are a good option - they stock sooo many colors, and they have them in both 20mm and 30mm! (Not to mention 20mm circle are about half the price of 22mm shells!) Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

[Celaeno]

Oooh, those scales do look lovely all together, don't they!

[RNHime]

They are seriously gorgeous all in a group! ;_; ~♥
I'd love to make more scale patterns but I've got other things to be working on, so if anyone else has color combo requests leave them here. I'll get to them when I can. Oh, and Cartwright shipped my order of the remaining colors, so you can include new colors in your requests, too! I'm sure they'll arrive soon. =)

Just wanted to say I spent some time roughing scales up and I have added pictures to the color references, detailing how these little beauties are made...

[Celaeno]

If you get a minute, I'd love to see the pattern you already had set up with some gold thrown in. I'm thinking about covering my plastic water-resistant ukulele in scales so I have a mermaid ukulele to play in the water...

[Ciriun]

Could you possibly arrange examples of all four of your current Crystal Iris colors from bluest to greenest? They look so similar, it'd be great to have a comparison shot of all of them.

And Celaeno, a mermaid ukelele sounds awesome! You should go for it and share tons of pictures!

[RNHime]

If you get a minute, I'd love to see the pattern you already had set up with some gold thrown in. I'm thinking about covering my plastic water-resistant ukulele in scales so I have a mermaid ukulele to play in the water...
Sounds like a great project! Do you prefer metallic gold, holographic gold, or some of each?


Could you possibly arrange examples of all four of your current Crystal Iris colors from bluest to greenest? They look so similar, it'd be great to have a comparison shot of all of them.

And Celaeno, a mermaid ukelele sounds awesome! You should go for it and share tons of pictures!

That is something I wanted to do, so I definitely will! The blue-green Crystal Iris colors are very similar - frustratingly so! I mean, they are different, but barely. Depending on the light they'll all look shiny yellow-green. @_@ But I will do my best! I will do side-by-side rows of color and an intermixed scale pattern, I think. I will say they are definitely fish-like and very classically mermaid-y in color, but also a total letdown if you wanted a true blue or true green tail. And all have a warm/yellow-golden flash. No good for icy tails. =P

I'm thinking I'd like to dismantle more of the Crystal Iris colors and see if the layers of plastic are any different or if it's just a trick of the foil inside. Held up to sunlight they all look basically identical. I'm also going to double check that a pale background doesn't make a difference (once they are in a dense scale pattern in doesn't seem to matter - they turn quite opaque).

Would anyone like written color descriptions in the main post along with the photos I've taken? Obviously colors vary from screen to screen, and what one person calls teal another might call turquoise, but I have a good grasp of color. I'd be able to say X is lighter than X, X is greener than X, etc. I was going to do it when I first posted but the great photo fiasco stole my ambition that day. =P

[Celaeno]

Both kinds of gold, if you please. :D

[RNHime]

Alright, finally some pictures of these pesky blue/green Crystal Iris colors!

Along the top I arranged them Cabana Blue -> Bali Breeze -> Seaspray -> Tidal Teal...
indirect sun / shade
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SdE9hhijVR0/VcO76iNXnsI/AAAAAAAAHCw/MZUm1WCPZ9U/s100-p-o/CabanaBlueBaliBreezeSeasprayTidalTeal.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SdE9hhijVR0/VcO76iNXnsI/AAAAAAAAHCw/MZUm1WCPZ9U/w996-h747-no/CabanaBlueBaliBreezeSeasprayTidalTeal.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jMR0LTnWyAA/VcO76tVm0uI/AAAAAAAAHCo/PsKC_Jmel1Q/s100-p-o/CabanaBlueBaliBreezeSeasprayTidalTeal2.JPG
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jMR0LTnWyAA/VcO76tVm0uI/AAAAAAAAHCo/PsKC_Jmel1Q/w996-h747-no/CabanaBlueBaliBreezeSeasprayTidalTeal2.JPG)
Top scale pattern:
CB BB SS TT
. CB BB SS TT
CB BB SS TT

Smaller scale patterns:
CB SS ---- BB TT
. CB SS ---- BB TT
CB SS ---- BB TT

The lower groups were made because I realized that while CB & BB are more "blue", and SS & TT are more "green", they actually each have another way to match - by iridescence. CB & SS have a more green flash, and BB & TT have a very gold flash. This shows more in the shaded pictures. So, depending on what you're going for with your tail, you might want a mix of "blue" and "green" if, say, you're looking to use golden scales as well, or you love turquoise... I think BB is more blue than SS, but because it flashes golden it can look greener in some lighting.

...These things get COMPLICATED!


I also made a mixed scale pattern:
indirect sun / shade
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kzai9Lnt_30/VcO77dLcRzI/AAAAAAAAHC4/tEI3EFdjyqE/s100-p-o/CBBBSSTT.JPG (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Kzai9Lnt_30/VcO77dLcRzI/AAAAAAAAHC4/tEI3EFdjyqE/w994-h747-no/CBBBSSTT.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/sTw3FTF4UCCHmxK_RDc5ASa-IbLyw90LT3oy8ITRovY=s100-p-o (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UPQkTz6kp7g/VcO776NbluI/AAAAAAAAHDA/eqePsBIOY6A/w995-h747-no/CBBBSSTT2.JPG)

Scale pattern:
SS CB SS BB
. BB CB TT
CB TT SS CB
. SS BB BB
TT CB TT SS

I also slipped a paper underneath the lower rows of this mix:
indirect sun / shade
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wx21gTadC4o/VcO78ArO_gI/AAAAAAAAHDE/IS5NT9z5iRY/s100-p-o/CBBBSSTT3.JPG (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wx21gTadC4o/VcO78ArO_gI/AAAAAAAAHDE/IS5NT9z5iRY/w995-h747-no/CBBBSSTT3.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SnPQmAiu-jo/VcO8kCLiUiI/AAAAAAAAHDM/ZxmmPx3widM/s100-p-o/CBBBSSTT4.JPG (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SnPQmAiu-jo/VcO8kCLiUiI/AAAAAAAAHDM/ZxmmPx3widM/w995-h747-no/CBBBSSTT4.JPG)
...It helps Cabana Blue stand out as being the bluest of them all! And made my camera capture the photos a bit brighter, lol.


(Also, Calaeno, I'm not ignoring your mix request - I had this one done before I had your reply on which types of gold to use! After seeing how gold BB & TT flash I want to do a mix of them together with gold. Do you still want a mix of golds with Midori, Seaspray and Tidal Teal? If so, that's no problem. =) I'll create your color mix first.)

[Mermaid Wesley]

Nice!


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[PearlieMae]

YOU'RE MAKING MY BRAINS HURT!

[Celaeno]

Yes, Midori/Seaspray/Tidal Teal with gold would be great. Do you have Sunglow?

[Celaeno]

So many factors, it's like alchemy!

[RNHime]

PearlieMae - Lol, I'm sorry! It makes me feel a bit frazzled, too. "These two match great! ..No, these are better. ...But then these..." lol.

Celaeno - There are SO many possible variations! I will have Sunglow soon, looks like my Cartwright's order has sat in the same place for two days. =P I'm expecting the rest of the sequins to show up tomorrow or Saturday. I can't wait to see the new colors, and do more mixes!

[PearlieMae]

There's a lot to be said for the sacred art of random-ness.

Just sayin' ;)

[RNHime]

For Celaeno!

Metallic & holo Gold, the green Holo Midori, and the Crystal Iris colors Seaspray and Tidal Teal.

indirect sun / shade
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kkYtlJ0a-iw/VcVDh-rLnqI/AAAAAAAAHIM/ZO_BSU2eYV8/s100-p-o/Golds-Midori-Seaspray-Tidal-Teal.JPG (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kkYtlJ0a-iw/VcVDh-rLnqI/AAAAAAAAHIM/ZO_BSU2eYV8/w994-h747-no/Golds-Midori-Seaspray-Tidal-Teal.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7B-kRSwE358/VcVDiOmjOvI/AAAAAAAAHIQ/eqMKBxu9C8I/s100-p-o/Golds-Midori-Seaspray-Tidal-Teal2.JPG (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7B-kRSwE358/VcVDiOmjOvI/AAAAAAAAHIQ/eqMKBxu9C8I/w995-h747-no/Golds-Midori-Seaspray-Tidal-Teal2.JPG)

Scale pattern:
TT Gm SS M
. M SS TT
SS TT Gh SS
. TT TT M
Gm SS M TT
. TT SS Gm
Gh M TT SS

This is such a fun, colorful mix! The two Golds look really nice together. It would also look great if you swapped out the holo Midori for Turquoise. =)

[RNHime]

There's a lot to be said for the sacred art of random-ness.

Just sayin' ;)

I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to come across as saying what should go with what. The blue-green colors are awesome intermixed. I just wanted to point out the various ways they could be matched up.

In other news, my second order arrived today! I'll have the rest of the colors up soon. They are fantastic! =)

[Celaeno]

For Celaeno!

Metallic & holo Gold, the green Holo Midori, and the Crystal Iris colors Seaspray and Tidal Teal.

indirect sun / shade
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kkYtlJ0a-iw/VcVDh-rLnqI/AAAAAAAAHIM/ZO_BSU2eYV8/s100-p-o/Golds-Midori-Seaspray-Tidal-Teal.JPG (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kkYtlJ0a-iw/VcVDh-rLnqI/AAAAAAAAHIM/ZO_BSU2eYV8/w994-h747-no/Golds-Midori-Seaspray-Tidal-Teal.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7B-kRSwE358/VcVDiOmjOvI/AAAAAAAAHIQ/eqMKBxu9C8I/s100-p-o/Golds-Midori-Seaspray-Tidal-Teal2.JPG (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7B-kRSwE358/VcVDiOmjOvI/AAAAAAAAHIQ/eqMKBxu9C8I/w995-h747-no/Golds-Midori-Seaspray-Tidal-Teal2.JPG)

Scale pattern:
TT Gm SS M
. M SS TT
SS TT Gh SS
. TT TT M
Gm SS M TT
. TT SS Gm
Gh M TT SS

This is such a fun, colorful mix! The two Golds look really nice together. It would also look great if you swapped out the holo Midori for Turquoise. =)

Awesome! It looked as good as it did in my head. Sequins ordered! Thank you! XD

[Celaeno]

After I cover the ukulele, I might have to make a sequin tail for myself with these colors. So pretty!

[Celaeno]

Just checked the first post again, all the new colors are gorgeous too! Gah! I'm imagining you diving into a big pile of shell sequins like Scrooge McDuck.

[RNHime]

Just checked the first post again, all the new colors are gorgeous too! Gah! I'm imagining you diving into a big pile of shell sequins like Scrooge McDuck.

Lol, YES!

I'm so happy I was able to help you! Definitely share some pictures of whatever you create! =D

[Mermaid Sam]

Wow. I was planning on making a sequin tail eventually but this thread makes me want to order the sequins now! Thanks everyone for all the input on how to make the best sequin tail. I will definitely keep this page as a reference!

[Mermaid Clara]

Wow! I really like these bigger sequins, maybe I'll use them in my next sequin tail after I finish my tail with little sequins. [emoji4]


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[RNHime]

Wow. I was planning on making a sequin tail eventually but this thread makes me want to order the sequins now! Thanks everyone for all the input on how to make the best sequin tail. I will definitely keep this page as a reference!I'm glad I could be helpful to you!



Wow! I really like these bigger sequins, maybe I'll use them in my next sequin tail after I finish my tail with little sequins. [emoji4]


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Ah, you're one of the brave people who ordered their colors in bulk! Nice to see you working on your tail again. How big did your sequins end up being when you ordered them? I know somewhere on the first page you said you were planning to get 20mm.

[RNHime]

I almost wasn't going to post these photos because I did this pattern late at night with bad lighting, and the photo quality isn't very good. But then I would have wasted my time, so... here, sub-par photos! Also, I was mystified by the off-color spots that were showing up in the center of many scales, until I finally realized that it was the pin heads showing through. x_x' Some Crystal Iris colors are more opaque, others more transparent... these are obviously some of the most transparent colors.

daylight lamp / shade
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cszbMld1rwI/VcyoV63EkYI/AAAAAAAAHQU/XY1MJScxrZU/s100-p-o/ClearAB-Skyline-Wild-Orchid.JPG (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cszbMld1rwI/VcyoV63EkYI/AAAAAAAAHQU/XY1MJScxrZU/w1040-h780-no/ClearAB-Skyline-Wild-Orchid.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zP-uAm59qXQ/Vcyobmt3c2I/AAAAAAAAHQc/dg1_tAsx61o/s100-p-o/ClearAB-Skyline-Wild-Orchid2.JPG (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zP-uAm59qXQ/Vcyobmt3c2I/AAAAAAAAHQc/dg1_tAsx61o/w1040-h780-no/ClearAB-Skyline-Wild-Orchid2.JPG)

Scale pattern:
Cab SL WO Cab
. Cab SL WO
(repeat x2)

These colors are awesome together over white, very ethereal and delicate like dragonfly wings. In my batch of the new color photos I posted pictures of the Crystal Iris colors over black, to show how they change on a dark background. I'm considering doing a color mix with these sequins over black because they would look completely different! Just another thing to keep in mind if you don't see the exact color you want available at Cartwright's - a different background will change the Crystal Iris shades!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Hm I'm curious. Are you sure that the plastic is tinted? I think that it's not on the smaller ones and it's a thin film that comes off. If they're tinted all the way through that would make them more durable than the smaller sequins


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[Mermaid Wesley]

Nevermind! Went and tested it myself. The plastic on the crystal iris shells will de-color, but it is very hard to scratch off because of the ridges on the shell. It should only be a problem on butts heels and knees after lots of use. (I scraped one with my teeth and didn't get too much off) also the tint layer on the crystal iris shells seems to be on the backside which is good, because that's the side that won't be scratching against pool walls.


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[RNHime]

Nevermind! Went and tested it myself. The plastic on the crystal iris shells will de-color, but it is very hard to scratch off because of the ridges on the shell. It should only be a problem on butts heels and knees after lots of use. (I scraped one with my teeth and didn't get too much off) also the tiny on the crystal iris shells seems to be on the backside which is good, because that's the side that won't be scratching against pool walls.


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Yep, if you look at my first post you can see a picture of one of the scales opened up. Colored plastic, iridescent film in between! These 22mm shells are a two-layer plastic sandwich. Also, I have a bag of Cartwright's 12x14mm Crystal shells, they are made with just one layer of colored plastic.

I still have to do water testing for chlorine resistance and such. When you say the plastic will de-color, have you had this happen? On 12mm or 22mm scales? May I ask what colors and what kind of water you experienced this with? Thanks!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Not in water, by scratching off. All of the clear plastic will go clear because there's a layer of tint on the outside. Like the holographic scales will eventually end up silver. I've seen it much more on the 12mm ones, but the 22s seem to hold onto the color better.

It isn't a layer that you can see, but it does scratch and rub off.
Edit: I just did it at home with one of the 22 blue crystal irises. If you split the layers and scratch (hard) on the colored plastic layer it'll start to go clear. It's possible that they've updated the way they make their sequins since I got mine but I doubt it. I just left or I would post a pic.

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[RNHime]

Not in water, by scratching off. All of the clear plastic will go clear because there's a layer of tint on the outside. Like the holographic scales will eventually end up silver. I've seen it much more on the 12mm ones, but the 22s seem to hold onto the color better.

It isn't a layer that you can see, but it does scratch and rub off.
Edit: I just did it at home with one of the 22 blue crystal irises. If you split the layers and scratch (hard) on the colored plastic layer it'll start to go clear. It's possible that they've updated the way they make their sequins since I got mine but I doubt it. I just left or I would post a pic.

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Gotcha.

I just used more sandpaper on my Cabana Blue sequin, and I see what you mean - I could see clear spots. That is really weird! I'm going to have to do more testing on the holo ones later, because the Gold one I roughed up mostly looks like it is falling apart and covered in tiny white scratches, more than turning clear.

[Mermaid Kelda]

I just left or I would post a pic.
In my thread I go through all the sequin types (only on the 12mm, but I assume the larger ones would be made similarly) and open them up/scratch them with a pin. Just in case anyone wants to see pictures :)

Also, if you get the time, could I see a mix of the crystal opaques oceanside, white lightning, and creme puff, and the crystal irises clear ab, wild orchid, and skyline? In any pattern you think looks nice. I'm planning on doing a fae-theme. If you could do them on a white background that'd be fantastic too!

[MermaidBrandie]

Uuuuuunnnnnnnggggg i hated sewing sequins but I desperately want a sequin tail....


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[Mermaid Wesley]

I reeeeally want one. It will happen soon. Well. It will happen eventually.


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[Celaeno]

32380

Loosely laid out sequins on my daughter's ukulele(not the one I will be using). Went with Midori, Turquoise, Lemon Lime, Aquamarine, and Sunglow. Gonna order more colors, though. The Aquamarine is too silvery for my taste, and I need to order both of the golds.

[MermaidSandie]

I'm loving your colour choice for the sequins, Celaeno! It's going to be a beautiful ukulele!!


and RNHime, thank you for making this thread! Totally bookmarking it for later :D

[mermaidopal]

So the holographic ones hold up better than the 12 mm holographic, right? It's a shame the crystal opaque are the least resistant, they're beautiful.

[AquaStella]

Thank you so much RNHime for creating this thread. If you don't mind and when you have a moment, doing a copper/orangey composition of sequins, please and thank you. I'm contemplating... heavy on the Volcano, a bit of Primrose and definitely a variety of both golds. Thanks so much for doing some great green combinations. While my first love would be to have a green-blue sequin tail, I keep floating back to a "coppery patina" tail.

[RNHime]

So, I let this thread die for nearly 2 months and I'd like to apologize for that. No, I didn't fall of the face of the earth and my participation in your forum wasn't a passing phase... Without going into the personal details, we live with my grandparents; moved in this spring to be able to help them out. Grandfather went in for an outpatient procedure about 1 1/2 months ago, and it's been anything but a simple "rest for a month and get better". He actually went back under the knife, thought they had really fixed the issue this time... and nope! We're nearly back to square one. (It's not anything life threatening, no worries there.) So that's why I've been missing. He's basically unable to work at this point, which was totally unexpected. I've got a full plate and am currently trying to start my own small business to work from home.

I'm still very interested in doing this and as I get time I will continue to make scale patterns. I'm actually very pokey at doing them, and I'm picky about having good sunlight to photograph them, haha. (Mermaid Kelda & AquaStella, your requests have been noted!)

mermaidopal, I do think the larger holo sequins look a bit more sturdy than the 12mm, but my friends have closed their pool for the seaon so I missed my window of water-testing opportunity. v_v' It is a shame about the crystal opaque, I wonder if coating them in Krlyon fusion or something similar would help protect them??

Thanks, everyone!

[RNHime]

(For Mermaid Kelda!) Also, my apologies for the sequins looking wonky. One of the first rows I did had a bent sequin in it, it made everything lay crooked and I didn't nitce how truly mad it was until I was on the second to last row... Word to the wise, just discard those few out-of-shape sequins you come across!

The colors are:
Crystal Opaque in Oceanside (O), White Lightning (WL), Creme Puff (CP)
Crystal Iris in Clear AB (Cab), Skyline (SL) & Wild Orchid (WO)

I tried to go for a horizontal stripe pattern, where the WL & CP opaques faded into WO iris, and the O faded into SL. Oceanside and Skyline don't match up all that well. The former is very aqua and the latter is very... not aqua, haha. If they are well-mixed it might not matter but in a full-sized tail it might be more noticeable, especially if you have a defined pattern going. It also depends a lot on the lighting.

indirect sun
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5R9R_46EXos/Vi_QJx0QX1I/AAAAAAAAIFE/IIqu22d-ZFw/s100-p-o/Crystal-Opaque-Iris-Fae-Mix.JPG (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5R9R_46EXos/Vi_QJx0QX1I/AAAAAAAAIFE/IIqu22d-ZFw/w957-h718-no/Crystal-Opaque-Iris-Fae-Mix.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lc4Vw3Rzy9o/Vi_QKG8NmGI/AAAAAAAAIFI/DZ4uTcXlkYc/s100-p-o/Crystal-Opaque-Iris-Fae-Mix2.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Lc4Vw3Rzy9o/Vi_QKG8NmGI/AAAAAAAAIFI/DZ4uTcXlkYc/w956-h718-no/Crystal-Opaque-Iris-Fae-Mix2.JPG)

flash / shade
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fHSU4qG2wxY/Vi_QKRJhbqI/AAAAAAAAIFM/BljwkxeHybE/s100-p-o/Crystal-Opaque-Iris-Fae-Mix3.JPG (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fHSU4qG2wxY/Vi_QKRJhbqI/AAAAAAAAIFM/BljwkxeHybE/w1000-h751-no/Crystal-Opaque-Iris-Fae-Mix3.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/7kSzj9MTAS55lE7Mo-DmxlkrnbT3ziRqFIwGmRtv0FAfv756yPw=s100-p-o (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Sxu6iEEfm_8/Vi_QLqI0r8I/AAAAAAAAIFU/ASvRqJutgfk/w957-h718-no/Crystal-Opaque-Iris-Fae-Mix4.JPG)

Scale pattern:
CP CP Cab WO
. WL WO WO
WL WL Cab WO
. CP SL SL
O O O SL
.O SL Cab
O CP WO Cab
. WL WO SL
WL WL Cab WO

[RNHime]

(For AquaStella!) With so much green-to gold shine going on, these sequins definitely lend themselves to a coppery look. I took a bit of artist's liberty and threw a few Tidal Teal in there because it brings out the green shine in Volcano! These colors also make me think dragon! when I see them!

The colors:
Metallic Gold (Gm), Holographic Gold (Gh)
Crystal Iris in Volcano (V), Primrose (P), and Tidal Teal (TT)

indirect sun
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nFq0NYd1KhU/Vi_QNBePPMI/AAAAAAAAIFk/wnJrEauABt8/s100-p-o/Copper-Patina-Mix.JPG (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nFq0NYd1KhU/Vi_QNBePPMI/AAAAAAAAIFk/wnJrEauABt8/w957-h718-no/Copper-Patina-Mix.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xFVGSn1RThM/Vi_QNr8a1hI/AAAAAAAAIFo/ta07Lhw5oIE/s100-p-o/Copper-Patina-Mix2.JPG (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xFVGSn1RThM/Vi_QNr8a1hI/AAAAAAAAIFo/ta07Lhw5oIE/w957-h718-no/Copper-Patina-Mix2.JPG)

flash / shade
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GzIs534xOp8/Vi_QPCmW1GI/AAAAAAAAIF0/59z5Hds5Sas/s100-p-o/Copper-Patina-Mix4.JPG (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GzIs534xOp8/Vi_QPCmW1GI/AAAAAAAAIF0/59z5Hds5Sas/w958-h718-no/Copper-Patina-Mix4.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v9MtBxTHcF8/Vi_QNz8JaNI/AAAAAAAAIFs/kFC0YHfJH7Y/s100-p-o/Copper-Patina-Mix3.JPG (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v9MtBxTHcF8/Vi_QNz8JaNI/AAAAAAAAIFs/kFC0YHfJH7Y/w1001-h751-no/Copper-Patina-Mix3.JPG)

Scale pattern:
. TT Gm P
V Gh V V
. V P V
Gm V V TT
. P Gh Gm
V TT V Gh
. Gm V P
V V V V

I tried adding a little Sunglow to this mix, but it pushed it right over into yellow-gold tail territory. The Primrose is neat but I would probably keep it very sparse or leave it out altogether. A few Clear AB scales could also look good!

[Mermaid Galene]

Wow, those are gorgeous!

[Mermaid Kelda]

Thank you very much! That's super helpful :)

[MermaidBrandie]

(For Mermaid Kelda!) Also, my apologies for the sequins looking wonky. One of the first rows I did had a bent sequin in it, it made everything lay crooked and I didn't nitce how truly mad it was until I was on the second to last row... Word to the wise, just discard those few out-of-shape sequins you come across!

The colors are:
Crystal Opaque in Oceanside (O), White Lightning (WL), Creme Puff (CP)
Crystal Iris in Clear AB (Cab), Skyline (SL) & Wild Orchid (WO)

I tried to go for a horizontal stripe pattern, where the WL & CP opaques faded into WO iris, and the O faded into SL. Oceanside and Skyline don't match up all that well. The former is very aqua and the latter is very... not aqua, haha. If they are well-mixed it might not matter but in a full-sized tail it might be more noticeable, especially if you have a defined pattern going. It also depends a lot on the lighting.

indirect sun
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5R9R_46EXos/Vi_QJx0QX1I/AAAAAAAAIFE/IIqu22d-ZFw/s100-p-o/Crystal-Opaque-Iris-Fae-Mix.JPG (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5R9R_46EXos/Vi_QJx0QX1I/AAAAAAAAIFE/IIqu22d-ZFw/w957-h718-no/Crystal-Opaque-Iris-Fae-Mix.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lc4Vw3Rzy9o/Vi_QKG8NmGI/AAAAAAAAIFI/DZ4uTcXlkYc/s100-p-o/Crystal-Opaque-Iris-Fae-Mix2.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Lc4Vw3Rzy9o/Vi_QKG8NmGI/AAAAAAAAIFI/DZ4uTcXlkYc/w956-h718-no/Crystal-Opaque-Iris-Fae-Mix2.JPG)

flash / shade
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fHSU4qG2wxY/Vi_QKRJhbqI/AAAAAAAAIFM/BljwkxeHybE/s100-p-o/Crystal-Opaque-Iris-Fae-Mix3.JPG (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fHSU4qG2wxY/Vi_QKRJhbqI/AAAAAAAAIFM/BljwkxeHybE/w1000-h751-no/Crystal-Opaque-Iris-Fae-Mix3.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/7kSzj9MTAS55lE7Mo-DmxlkrnbT3ziRqFIwGmRtv0FAfv756yPw=s100-p-o (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Sxu6iEEfm_8/Vi_QLqI0r8I/AAAAAAAAIFU/ASvRqJutgfk/w957-h718-no/Crystal-Opaque-Iris-Fae-Mix4.JPG)

Scale pattern:
CP CP Cab WO
. WL WO WO
WL WL Cab WO
. CP SL SL
O O O SL
.O SL Cab
O CP WO Cab
. WL WO SL
WL WL Cab WO
This. This would make a georgous tail.

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[Mermaid Kelda]

That's the plan :D

[Mermaid Alea]

Yep. I am thinking it again. I need to make a sequin tail. That warm yellow/green shine that those sequins have is actually exactly what I have been wanting on a tail!

I am not much of a fan of the holographic greens. Would you say tidal teal comes the closest to being a good almost green? Actually does the holographic lemon lime look good with any of the blue crystal iris shells?

[MermaidBrandie]

When you have the time may I see Tidal Teal, Sea Spray, Bali Blue and Cabana blue fading into Clear AB and primrose? Thank you.

[RNHime]

Wow, those are gorgeous!
*much nodding* They came up with great combos!

Thank you very much! That's super helpful :)
You're welcome! Can't wait to see what you might do. =D

This. This would make a georgous tail.

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I agree, I love those colors, especially in the shade.

[RNHime]

Yep. I am thinking it again. I need to make a sequin tail. That warm yellow/green shine that those sequins have is actually exactly what I have been wanting on a tail!

I am not much of a fan of the holographic greens. Would you say tidal teal comes the closest to being a good almost green? Actually does the holographic lemon lime look good with any of the blue crystal iris shells?

Ooo, that's great!
I do think Tidal Teal is the greenest crystal iris. The holo sequins are much less obnoxious when you see them worked into a scale pattern. Would you like me to do up a mix with Lemon Lime holo interspersed?


When you have the time may I see Tidal Teal, Sea Spray, Bali Blue and Cabana blue fading into Clear AB and primrose? Thank you.

Sure, that sounds like a fun one!

[Mermaid Alea]

Would you like me to do up a mix with Lemon Lime holo interspersed?


Yes please! :eek: Could you do one with Lemon Lime, Tidal Teal, and Wild Orchid?

[RNHime]

Yes please! :eek: Could you do one with Lemon Lime, Tidal Teal, and Wild Orchid?

Sure, though it might be next week before I can do up anymore custom mixes for people. Would you prefer them to be in a pretty equal ratio to each other?

[RNHime]

I've updated the main post because Cartwright redid their shop not too long ago, causing the original "Where to Buy" link to be a broken URL. The shop has changed but the available 22mm colors remain the same. I noticed that "White Lightning" is now listed as "Opaque White". I will probably keep calling it WL in my posts, though, because that is what my sequin package says! =D

I did this mix the other day to show the difference between the two opaque white options we currently have. Besides White obviously being white plastic and Creme being off-white plastic, they have a different iridescence as well. They play together gorgeously but you might pick one over the other based on what colors you're trying to capture.

White shines primarily purple, with flashes of pink and blue-green.
Creme shines primarily aqua, with flashes of blue-green and orange.

indoor light / shade
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cB6oYOGweNQ/VjF1iPmxa8I/AAAAAAAAIJI/dnI33zNRvdM/s100-p-o/Crystal-Opaque-White-Lightning-Creme-Puff.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cB6oYOGweNQ/VjF1iPmxa8I/AAAAAAAAIJI/dnI33zNRvdM/w1076-h718-no/Crystal-Opaque-White-Lightning-Creme-Puff.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KmElGCvhlA4/VjF1iN1LTEI/AAAAAAAAIJE/8dZovPq-kYA/s100-p-o/Crystal-Opaque-White-Lightning-Creme-Puff%2B%25282%2529.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KmElGCvhlA4/VjF1iN1LTEI/AAAAAAAAIJE/8dZovPq-kYA/w1076-h718-no/Crystal-Opaque-White-Lightning-Creme-Puff%2B%25282%2529.JPG)

Scale pattern:
. WL -- CP
WL WL CP CP
. WL WL CP
WL WL CP CP
. WL CP CP
WL WL CP CP

[AquaStella]

(For AquaStella!) With so much green-to gold shine going on, these sequins definitely lend themselves to a coppery look. I took a bit of artist's liberty and threw a few Tidal Teal in there because it brings out the green shine in Volcano! These colors also make me think dragon! when I see them!

The colors:
Metallic Gold (Gm), Holographic Gold (Gh)
Crystal Iris in Volcano (V), Primrose (P), and Tidal Teal (TT)

indirect sun
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nFq0NYd1KhU/Vi_QNBePPMI/AAAAAAAAIFk/wnJrEauABt8/s100-p-o/Copper-Patina-Mix.JPG (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nFq0NYd1KhU/Vi_QNBePPMI/AAAAAAAAIFk/wnJrEauABt8/w957-h718-no/Copper-Patina-Mix.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xFVGSn1RThM/Vi_QNr8a1hI/AAAAAAAAIFo/ta07Lhw5oIE/s100-p-o/Copper-Patina-Mix2.JPG (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xFVGSn1RThM/Vi_QNr8a1hI/AAAAAAAAIFo/ta07Lhw5oIE/w957-h718-no/Copper-Patina-Mix2.JPG)

flash / shade
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GzIs534xOp8/Vi_QPCmW1GI/AAAAAAAAIF0/59z5Hds5Sas/s100-p-o/Copper-Patina-Mix4.JPG (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GzIs534xOp8/Vi_QPCmW1GI/AAAAAAAAIF0/59z5Hds5Sas/w958-h718-no/Copper-Patina-Mix4.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v9MtBxTHcF8/Vi_QNz8JaNI/AAAAAAAAIFs/kFC0YHfJH7Y/s100-p-o/Copper-Patina-Mix3.JPG (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v9MtBxTHcF8/Vi_QNz8JaNI/AAAAAAAAIFs/kFC0YHfJH7Y/w1001-h751-no/Copper-Patina-Mix3.JPG)

Scale pattern:
. TT Gm P
V Gh V V
. V P V
Gm V V TT
. P Gh Gm
V TT V Gh
. Gm V P
V V V V

I tried adding a little Sunglow to this mix, but it pushed it right over into yellow-gold tail territory. The Primrose is neat but I would probably keep it very sparse or leave it out altogether. A few Clear AB scales could also look good!



Thank you for the "artistic liberty," you have a great eye. This was even more interesting and complex than I had imagined in my mind. And for that reason, I like it much more. Thank you for doing this for me... Now to persuade my cohort in crime to sew "her" up for me. :cool:

[MermaidBrandie]

I ordered samples of the colors I wanted. Shown here are tidal teal, seaspray, cabana blue, and Bali breeze on the bottom right. With wild orchid, clear ab, and primrose above.

33871
Indoor lighting

33872
Direct sunlight

33873
Outdoor shade

It should be noted that i had issues with the primrose/clear ab/orchid cracking while the blue did not have that issue. this could've been a fluke though.

Also for those more visually minded, this is a size ref.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/02/ccdd42eadd99cb17ea8205f1f630b7d5.jpg
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[Mermaid Alea]

Sooo beautiful! That size reference photo definitely helps!

[MermaidBrandie]

Sooo beautiful! That size reference photo definitely helps!
I thought it would!

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[RNHime]

I ordered samples of the colors I wanted. Shown here are tidal teal, seaspray, cabana blue, and Bali breeze on the bottom right. With wild orchid, clear ab, and primrose above.
---

It should be noted that i had issues with the primrose/clear ab/orchid cracking while the blue did not have that issue. this could've been a fluke though.

Also for those more visually minded, this is a size ref.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/02/ccdd42eadd99cb17ea8205f1f630b7d5.jpg
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Ooo, nice mixes! And thanks for the size reference!!

[RNHime]

Gah, I've had this mix down for over a week! Kept forgetting to take pictures when the sun was out. Many apologies, Mermaid Alea! This mix ended up being so nice-looking, too... I was so excited to have it done, then I totally dropped the ball. DX

indirect sun / shade
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l77mPkt0VKE/VkItzl17CII/AAAAAAAAIMI/45h3fgZEM38/s100-p-o/Lemon-Lime-Tidal-Teal-Wild-Orchid.JPG (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-l77mPkt0VKE/VkItzl17CII/AAAAAAAAIMI/45h3fgZEM38/w913-h685-no/Lemon-Lime-Tidal-Teal-Wild-Orchid.JPG) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1BtVtlwyMyM/VkItzjkFHBI/AAAAAAAAIMM/W3I5LpthaCs/s100-p-o/Lemon-Lime-Tidal-Teal-Wild-Orchid2.JPG (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1BtVtlwyMyM/VkItzjkFHBI/AAAAAAAAIMM/W3I5LpthaCs/w913-h685-no/Lemon-Lime-Tidal-Teal-Wild-Orchid2.JPG)

Scale Pattern:
. TT WO LL
LL WO TT TT
. WO LL WO
LL TT TT TT
. TT WO LL
TT LL TT WO

Really pretty together, the Crystal Iris colors show off their blue-toned transparency in strong lighting, which is a neat look with the holographic green scales. Thanks for suggesting this mix, it's not something I would have thought to do! =)

[Mermaid Alea]

No worries! That is soooo beautiful! :swoon: Of course it wouldn't look so beautiful without your awesome mixing skills! ;)

I definitely like the holographic lemon lime now that I see it mixed with other scales. Maybe to occupy myself over the winter I can make a sequin tail...

Thank you soo much!

[RNHime]

Hello, everyone!

This thread has been quiet during my winter season, but I have been checking in on mermaid things now and then. I just noticed last week that Cartwright has listed more colors. Not sure when they did, but for the sake of keeping this thread up to date, here they are! I'd like to say that all the images are taken right from the shop, as I don't own them... yet.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SRmAvGxmM88/Vy_3jLrBV6I/AAAAAAAAJzQ/fqLjbXuYvOUOQa3-pgM19RTg1zDKtTKfACCo/s576/pixlr_20160508211245001.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MIvnCBcbvFQ/Vy_3jNZBuFI/AAAAAAAAJzQ/_3vZibGs78AlQdbGq0hEdJ07L9yvFb2ZwCCo/s576/pixlr_20160508212509657.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T4GAg0P92Fo/Vy_3jLlTGPI/AAAAAAAAJzQ/QIorAwP1AIAos6mDv0NEQojXzLojl_IpwCCo/s576/pixlr_20160508214057436.jpg

What does everyone think of these new choices? More pinks, yellows, reds... Sort of sad to see more Crystal Opaques. They are gorgeous, but that pretty coating comes right off... Personally I'm very curious about the Satin colors. If they are made from a solid punched opaque plastic they may be the most durable color available yet, but who knows.

I've seen a few new sequin tail threads using Cartwright sequins, but I don't think any were with the new colors... correct me if I'm wrong! Also, if anyone else has updates on how their Cartwright 22mm sequin tails are holding up please feel free to share. :rainbow:

[Kait]

Gorgeous, those reds are so vibrant! Such a shame the Crystal Opaque rubs off :(

[Mermaid Alea]

I wish they would have added at least one crystal iris green (like the mermaid green they have in the small shell sequins), but I do really like the Aztec Gold!

I got a pack of the Tidal Teal for Christmas. When I saw them for the first time I couldn't stop staring at them!

[RNHime]

Okay, so I forgot that Cartwright has a FB page... I checked that, these new 22mm colors arrived April 22nd. Not that long ago!

Also, a note on Moonshine. In their photo it looks a little like an AB or Iris scale, however I have some of their Moonshine sequins in the smaller shape, and they are clear sequins with a super-shiny finish. They don't shine like a rainbow, they don't show up white or silver. They are clear. To me it looks like something you'd use on a wedding dress! Very pretty in it's own way, but might not be what you're expecting based on the photos.



Gorgeous, those reds are so vibrant! Such a shame the Crystal Opaque rubs off http://mernetwork.com/index/images/smilies/frown.png
Yup... I would say they could be an okay choice for a very pretty dry-use tail, but even then I'd be afraid of them getting scratched. I wouldn't bother putting them anywhere they might be rubbed. (Butt, heels, etc.) For that reason, I probably won't bother purchasing any more Crystal Opaques to see in person. If they don't hold up they are a waste, IMO. If anyone buys them and would like to share higher quality photos in this thread that would be great!


I wish they would have added at least one crystal iris green (like the mermaid green they have in the small shell sequins), but I do really like the Aztec Gold!

I got a pack of the Tidal Teal for Christmas. When I saw them for the first time I couldn't stop staring at them!

Aztec Gold looks so vibrant! I'm not really into gold but I totally get the draw of yellows, reds, and oranges on tails. They POP in the water! I think Aztec Gold would be a stunning accent with basically all the currently available 22mm colors.

Seaspray looks great with Tidal Teal if you're wanting another green scale option, it's also very green-toned but the iridescence is slightly different.


I really wish they had brought in even more holos, and iris colors, rather than the opaque colors. I would say more satins, too, but I'll have to test them, first!

[MermaidBrandie]

I'm so sad they didn't bring in more green options. :(

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[RNHime]

I'm so sad they didn't bring in more green options. :(

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using TapatalkI would have been happy to see more aqua colors, and blues like we see in the 12mm colors.

Of course, I also want more purples, pinks, and black options... It would have been a miracle for them to supply everything we feel is missing.

Considering I asked back in August when there would be more colors, and the response was fall/spring... And it obviously took until spring for them to expand just with these... I have a sinking feeling that it would take a looong time to get the sequin colors I want through Cartwright. =(

I don't deny that these colors are pretty; they are! But only a few feel like "me".

...anyone know if Kariel is still selling sequins? I checked her site and only saw tail of art listing, along with experience bookings.

[MermaidBrandie]

I 100% support the more black and purples as well!

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[RNHime]

I 100% support the more black and purples as well!

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Yes! Really, more shades of each color. I like lots of blending and variation in scale colors! Sequin tails are a huge labor of love, true works of art, and IMO you should get exactly what you need for the desired effect, otherwise what is the point of spending hours on making one?

I love the size and dimensional quality of these 22mm sequins, but at this rate I'm not sure that I would be fully satisfied trying to design a tail for myself using their limited colors. Not to mention they also need to be modified if you want to sew them on by hand, because those single-hole loops are so flimsy. I accidentally bend them back all the time while handling them, and they'll snap right off after that. I want to make a sequin tail, but the durability and upkeep has to be reasonable.

[MermaidBrandie]

Yea, they need two holes punched for sure. Honestly if they had ALL the colors the smaller sequins have, like ALL AND THEN SOME, I wouldn't mind cutting and punching them at all. I really kinda want to make a sequin tail with silicone fluke and fins but ONLY if I can get the colors perfect.

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[RNHime]

Yea, they need two holes punched for sure. Honestly if they had ALL the colors the smaller sequins have, like ALL AND THEN SOME, I wouldn't mind cutting and punching them at all. I really kinda want to make a sequin tail with silicone fluke and fins but ONLY if I can get the colors perfect.

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Yes. I saw the post in the other Cartwright color reference thread about them being punchable with a 1/16 hole hand punch, and it's like "okay, that's doable" but when you figure on needing 4,000-5,000 of these for a tail that's easily 10,000 holes PUNCHED BY HAND!

I momentarily toyed with the idea that these could be painted and sealed somehow, to create your missing colors, but that's just too much. If you were hand coloring these and hand punching them, at this point you may as well learn to work with silicone and pour your own custom scales... surely the time, sanity and money spent would equal out to be about the same...

But I don't want or need a full silicone tail. =( I'm like you, dreaming of a sequin tail with silicone fins...

I spent some time playing with Cartwright's 12mm Scale sequins, too. I really like some of their holo colors that are only available in that size range currently, and figured that if I could work with ready-to-go scales it might be worth dealing with the smaller size (*gulp*). After all, they have two holes! However they are made differently, I discovered... I was rubbing the purple ("Tanzanite") between my fingers after flexing it a bunch (and being happy to see no signs of cracking - they are more resilient than the 22mm) when I noticed it was getting paler... I kept rubbing and the color came right off. Seriously!

It's so disappointing to have such a lack of quality sequins. I get that they can't be indestructible, but at this point I don't see how I can make my dream tail and have it last long enough to make it worth it. Either you can't get the color you want, or the color isn't going to last, or it's not the right size/shape to work with. :mad:

[MermaidBrandie]

I know right? Ugh.

I currently don't have room to work on a tail project so big, and since I messed them on their Facebook page and asked if they would have green scales with the new colors and they said yes I'm willing to wait and see if they just haven't finished updating the colors.

Fingers crossed, though I don't hold out too much hope.

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[RNHime]

I know right? Ugh.

I currently don't have room to work on a tail project so big, and since I messed them on their Facebook page and asked if they would have green scales with the new colors and they said yes I'm willing to wait and see if they just haven't finished updating the colors.

Fingers crossed, though I don't hold out too much hope.

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I guess we'll what happens first: I give up hope completely or they add more colors. Ha.

I've been trying to come up with another solution that isn't too much work. Are there any other materials that have been used to make individual scales with a 3D effect? I think the slight curve of shell sequins is very important to having them lay correctly, and why just punching circles out of flat plastic probably wouldn't work. I'm not at all familiar with resin, but that's something I know you can pour into molds... Something tells me they would end up being very heavy or very brittle scales, though. And I have no idea if it's safe in pool-water. =(

[MermaidBrandie]

You could 3D print scales and then cast them in thin flexible resin...but yea idk how well they would hold up. :(


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[RNHime]

You could 3D print scales and then cast them in thin flexible resin...but yea idk how well they would hold up. :(


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3D printing has definitely come to mind, too! Anyway, I don't want to totally derail this thread, but I'm still brainstorming and will definitely be making a thread with my ideas for a hybrid tail system. There are so many "must-haves" in order for me to be happy with a tail, and I'll be thrilled if I can come up with something other than shoddy sequins or (gorgeous, but not practical for me) all-silicone. ;)

[Calizaire]

I've used the satin (pearl and copper) ones in the 12 mm size and they are wonderfully durable! I'd say more so than any of the other types.
36847
36848

[MermaidBrandie]

Oh my gawd those are stunning tops.

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[Calizaire]

Oh my gawd those are stunning tops.

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Thank you!! The bottom one is actually a corset I made for a Christmas Boat Parade, (thought having my midriff covered would keep me a bit warmer). It's not fully closed in from in this pic. Yeah, I'm sorta nuts about the 12mm shell sequins, haha!
36849

[MermaidBrandie]

OH MY GAWWWWWD IT GOT BETTER.

Ok sorry. Must not derail thread.
Its good to know the satin ones are sturdy. I love the look or chrystal iris but feel the stains are more realistic in a way


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[RNHime]

Calizaire, that is beautiful work!

I had the feeling that satins would be pretty durable. Are they a pearly plastic that has been made into a sequin shape or do they have a coating over matte plastic?

It seems like if sequin manufacturers would just used pretty pearlized or shimmery/glittery plastic rather than coating plastic in flimsy films (crystal opaques!) or sandwiching films in tinted plastic we could make some nice things that actually last in water... I also agree that the satins do offer a different type of realism. If they made the right colors available I think satins would make an incredible koi tail.

[MermaidBrandie]

Calizaire, that is beautiful work!

I had the feeling that satins would be pretty durable. Are they a pearly plastic that has been made into a sequin shape or do they have a coating over matte plastic?

It seems like if sequin manufacturers would just used pretty pearlized or shimmery/glittery plastic rather than coating plastic in flimsy films (crystal opaques!) or sandwiching films in tinted plastic we could make some nice things that actually last in water... I also agree that the satins do offer a different type of realism. If they made the right colors available I think satins would make an incredible koi tail.
^^^^^ a koi tail in the satins would look magical

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[Calizaire]

Calizaire, that is beautiful work!

I had the feeling that satins would be pretty durable. Are they a pearly plastic that has been made into a sequin shape or do they have a coating over matte plastic?

It seems like if sequin manufacturers would just used pretty pearlized or shimmery/glittery plastic rather than coating plastic in flimsy films (crystal opaques!) or sandwiching films in tinted plastic we could make some nice things that actually last in water... I also agree that the satins do offer a different type of realism. If they made the right colors available I think satins would make an incredible koi tail.

Thank you! I make and sell sequin tops; each one has about a thousand 12 mm sequins so I've played with literally 16 or 17 thousand sequins and have figured out which kinds are good for which projects.
The pearl satin ones are a pearly plastic that has been made into a shell shape; no coating.
The copper satin ones are very matte but are also a solid piece of plastic with no coating.
I agree they would be gorgeous for a koi tail!

[Serena Sydney]

This helped a lot. Thank you

[Serena Sydney]

Question how much would I need for a tail?

[RNHime]

Glad to be of help!


Question how much would I need for a tail?

It depends on how big the tail is and if you want to sequin the fluke or not. For just the body of the tail (fluke minimally embellished or not at all) a lot of people have reported using around 5,000 of these 22mm sequins. Obviously that number could be higher or lower depending on your design, how closely spaced your sequins are, whether or not you're doing a sequined top to match, etc.

[Hydra1337]

So I just discovered black 22mm Shell sequins will be available in August. I emailed them and they got back to me pretty quickly.

[MermaidKaelyn]

Hi friends! I'm so glad that I found this thread before ordering, I learned a lot! I've been working on an idea for a goldfish tail that would be made of the crystal opaque colors (tangy tangerine and sunsational) but my tails need to be pretty durable for land and swimming events. I'm SO SAD to see that the crystal opaque sequins are weak sauce...
Has anyone worked with them recently or is there an update on their durability? I'm in LOVE with these colors. Please and thank you!

[MermaidBrandie]

So I just discovered black 22mm Shell sequins will be available in August. I emailed them and they got back to me pretty quickly.
This is exciting.


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[Mermaid Aria]

Does anyone happen to have turquoise and aquamarine holo, aztec gold, and sunglow? I'm thinking of doing a blue and orange-yellow tail but I wanna make sure they don't clash first.

[Mermaid Tami]

My primrose faded really really bad!


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[MermaidBrandie]

Because of the chlorine?

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[Mermaid Tami]

Bigger scales break off our sequin tail super easy

I agree, I wish I would have gone with the 12mm


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[Mermaid Tami]

I do A LOT with E6000, I jokingly say that if you can't repair it with E6000 you can't repair it at all. I know that would definitely stick. But knowing the viscosity of E6000, I know it could also be a huge mess/challenging. I know there are 2-part epoxies that you mix and use, I wonder if any would be thin enough to pour into the back of a scale?

...For that matter is anyone using the backs of giant plastic scales as silicone scale molds?? :O_o: Easy!

I would love to see the larger scales come with 3 holes along the top rather than what they have: just one loop for sewing. =( I think 3 standard holes would make for much easier sewing (hand or machine) and take a lot of stress out of the scales that are punched by a sewing machine needle. The small scales have two holes in a vertical placement, but I think the larger should have horizontal holes... you know?

I used 22mm and actually heated a needle and poked new holes in all of them, very time consuming but it worked.


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[Mermaid Tami]

Beauteous work, PearlieMae! Thank you for sharing this. May I ask what type of fabric you were gluing to, and is that a dry-use only tail?

I'm on the fence about sewing vs gluing. There seems to be a widely accepted view that sewing is always more secure than gluing, but I know how well E6000 can hold if done properly (for years, even when exposed to moisture - I did decoden phone cases that held up against my sweaty hands! When a few rhinestones finally started coming off it's because the bond between the foil back and the stone broke down, the E6000 is still holding the foil backing on the case... So: E6000 > Swarovski, lol!!). I'm wondering if it mainly depends on the fabric you're gluing to and what kind of (ab)use the tail is putting up with. I get the appeal of sewing each one individually but I also think a bunch of needle holes would gradually weaken most fabrics, not to mention create holes in your large sequins, weakening them as well. Whereas if glue breaks off you can probably reglue another scale down without too much issue. I definitely am all for doing it the right the first time so there is less repair work down the road, but I do have to wonder if large scales are actually better glued than punctured and sewn...

I made my tail of neoprene and hand stitched each sequin. I used some on the very small 12mm some of the 12x13 or 14? Not sure. And also the 22mm. The 22 mm I added new holes because I didn't trust the little tab. If I were to do it over I would use the 12x14 or whatever it was. The waist band is done in the size I'd recommend.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161014/87c5292d6205330554db4bfc9a699cd6.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161014/cb545a34e3c107ade4ea4fe2c747c381.jpg


The pink primrose faded sooooooo bad after a couple of uses after being in the sun.

[Mermaid Tami]

Because of the chlorine?

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Just being in the sun for events. The Poseidon held up really well.


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[Mermaid Tami]

I really wish they would make a bright purple!


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[Mermaid Aria]

I really wish they would make a bright purple!


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Same! Its my favorite color!

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[WaterDragon]

My primrose faded really really bad!


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Do you have any pictures of the fading?

[LouLouBelle]

Tami ~ your tail is stunning. I'd be gutted if I'd put that amount of work in and then it faded so quickly.

Is there any way you could paint the colour back on? Maybe using a clear resin with added colour? (I'm not sure myself!!)


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[Mermaid Tami]

Thank you! I've kinda decided to move on from it, I have a Tail of Art by Mermaid Kariel on order. I'm just making needed repairs to this one till it comes in.


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[LouLouBelle]

Thank you! I've kinda decided to move on from it, I have a Tail of Art by Mermaid Kariel on order. I'm just making needed repairs to this one till it comes in.


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Wow! Congrats! Her tails are absolutely gorgeous - can't wait to see it when you get it!


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[RNHime]

Does anyone happen to have turquoise and aquamarine holo, aztec gold, and sunglow? I'm thinking of doing a blue and orange-yellow tail but I wanna make sure they don't clash first.

I have all but the Aztec Gold. Sunglow shows a lot of yellow, orange and green. I think Aztec gold would definitely work!

[RNHime]

I've come to the decision to let my pile of 22mm sequins go (along with the other assorted Cartwright's samples I bought!).

It's sort of funny, I originally ordered from them trying to find sequins to embellish a vest. I grabbed the "mermaid ones" on a whim because I was considering a sequin tail in the future. Well, none of them were right with my vest fabric, but this thread took off and I had a ton of fun doing color mixes and providing pictures. But I've come to realize that a sequin mermaid tail is NOT in my personal future, and I don't have the time to continue doing scale mixes and such here. =(

I'll probably post my whole lot of 22mm sequins in the Marketplace forum when I have time. I don't know if this thread is still an important resource to this forum, but I'm happy to see it continue on for anyone who needs it. If someone else has interest in "taking over", or even if people can just continue to post their own findings and photos, that's fine with me.

[Mermaid Tami]

Thanks! I'll post pictures of the fading sequins when I get a chance.


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[MermaidCelesteFL]

I'm actually prepping to finally make my own sequin Blue Tang tail (because I don't want to wear out my finfun, and because I like shiny things). Just got my monofin, and I have the site to get the neoprene, but I could do with some suggestions on colors to mix to get a good effect. I'm only sequinning the body, and I'll be painting fluke and fins. I'm thinking of going with the 12 MM sequins. What colors, and how many should I get?

[Mermaid Clara]

I'm actually prepping to finally make my own sequin Blue Tang tail

Omg I was just thinking about how cool it would be to sequin a Blue Tang tail! I was also thinking about doing a clownfish and a koi/goldfish sequin tail.


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[Meemerdd]

Hello, everyone!

This thread has been quiet during my winter season, but I have been checking in on mermaid things now and then. I just noticed last week that Cartwright has listed more colors. Not sure when they did, but for the sake of keeping this thread up to date, here they are! I'd like to say that all the images are taken right from the shop, as I don't own them... yet.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SRmAvGxmM88/Vy_3jLrBV6I/AAAAAAAAJzQ/fqLjbXuYvOUOQa3-pgM19RTg1zDKtTKfACCo/s576/pixlr_20160508211245001.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MIvnCBcbvFQ/Vy_3jNZBuFI/AAAAAAAAJzQ/_3vZibGs78AlQdbGq0hEdJ07L9yvFb2ZwCCo/s576/pixlr_20160508212509657.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T4GAg0P92Fo/Vy_3jLlTGPI/AAAAAAAAJzQ/QIorAwP1AIAos6mDv0NEQojXzLojl_IpwCCo/s576/pixlr_20160508214057436.jpg

What does everyone think of these new choices? More pinks, yellows, reds... Sort of sad to see more Crystal Opaques. They are gorgeous, but that pretty coating comes right off... Personally I'm very curious about the Satin colors. If they are made from a solid punched opaque plastic they may be the most durable color available yet, but who knows.

I've seen a few new sequin tail threads using Cartwright sequins, but I don't think any were with the new colors... correct me if I'm wrong! Also, if anyone else has updates on how their Cartwright 22mm sequin tails are holding up please feel free to share. :rainbow:


Lol, trying to find sequins for the main body of my tail before I order things is quite the ordeal. On top of the size debate, I don't know what colors to do anymore.

I was thinking clownfish at first, but now I want to use those new metallics, Aztec gold, red and pink look amazing and I can just imagine mixing them together. (Maybe I can do that for the orange section, then mix a few different "blacks and a few different "whites" for the others. I think I would have to add a true orange to make that work...))

[Mermaid Momo]

Does anyone have a photo of the 22mm sequins on a tail?

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[Ocoree]

My sequin tail project isn't finished yet, but this vid features a tail using the 22mm sequins - https://youtu.be/W6MR93g5G0U

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