Keiris' New Hybrid Tail

[Keiris]

I decided at the beginning of summer that I wanted a sleeker lighter tail as an alternative to my silicone ones. Something that would be easier to get on quickly and be lighter to transport and use in smaller spaces than the ocean. I'm going to chronicle that journey here and try to post a few pics along the way. I was inspired by Seavanna's method (thank you, Seavanna) but more on that later.

I am using Monster Makers clay to sculpt a new fluke, pelvic and heel fins and a dorsal fin too.
The mold will be Shell Shock.

I decided to melt the clay into cookie sheets and place several of them together to start a large surface. I also melted more clay and used it as "mortar" to fill in the grooves between the sheets and went to task smoothing it all out into one large level sheet. This fluke sculpt will be large enough to accommodate a Competitor Monofin for an eventual full silicone tail later but I will scale it down for the hybrid tail.

Here we go!

[PearlieMae]

Oooh! Cool! I look forward to seeing the evolution of this! Good luck!

[Celaeno]

I am super interested in watching your method. :)

[Ashe]

Definitely going to follow this. Good luck!!

[MermaidAine]

Subscribed! Can't wait to see what you come up with!

[Keiris]

Thanks Pearlie, Celaeno, Kalani and Aine! I appreciate it!

[Theobromine]

I can't wait to see how this turns out! Do you have any pictures of your other tails? I don't think I've seen them anywhere and they sound really interesting.

[Keiris]

Ok So this is the clay sculpt for my fluke mold for the hybrid tail and for a future full silicone tail. I haven't decided how I want the bottom edge to be but can decide that later. I have made walls with some old foam core pieces I had laying around and hot glued the edges so stop seepage. Everything is sculpted on a very large sheet of rollable white thin plastic from Home Depot. The next step will be to pour the Shell Shock. I hate that 8 minute window to get it mixed and poured and smoothed evenly but I like the detail it gives in the final mold.

Thanks Theobromine. Hmmm...I didn't realize I never posted pics of those when I joined. Guess I just thought it was old news. I'll see what I have and maybe post a couple pics of the tails in the Show Us Your Tails Thread when I have time.

[Celaeno]

Nice! I love the texture.

[Keiris]

The resin cured well and now it's time to peel, scrape and cajole the clay out. This has been difficult in the past so I am letting it heat up in the hot sub-tropical sun. Once the large pieces of clay are removed, I use some inexpensive cooking oil and a toothbrush to get the rest out of all the little veining and crevices that can't be seen in the pic. Follow that up with a spray on de-greaser and warm soap and water and a little bleach to make sure it's super clean.

[PearlieMae]

I think you can stop right before the bleach. ;)

[Keiris]

Hahaha Pearlie! The bleach is very thinned down with the water and has worked very well cleaning the last bit of any residue remaining in the Shell Shock molds.

Et Voila! Clean fluke mold!!

Next up: Sculpt some fins.

[Keiris]

I have made sculpts for the heel and pelvic fins as well as a large dorsal fin. These are primarily for the full silicone tail I want to do at a later time but I will do lighter cut down versions of these from silicone for the hybrid tail. I think these done full size may be too heavy for the lycra fabric and would pull on the waistline so that's why I will cast them thinner and trim them to be more streamline.

I tore off the foam core walls that I used for the fluke sculpt, re-squared the bottoms of them and hot glued them in place for the walls for these as well.

[Keiris]

Ready to pour the Shell Shock.

[Keiris]

This is the first sheet of silicone I pulled for the fluke. I mixed a little pigment in with it because I knew my tail would be in aqua shades. As you can see, it's a pretty large fluke. Like I said before, I designed it with a Competitor Monofin in mind for a full silicone tail later. I will be cutting this down for a more petite version for this tail.

[RastaMer]

This looks great! Do you have a sketch of your design for us to visualize?

[Keiris]

Thanks RastaMer! And WELCOME to you!! No, I decided not to sketch out this tail before like I have in the past. Since this is my first hybrid tail, I am letting it develop organically. I have in mind a few things I want to do to the lycra before I attach the silicone and until I know how heavy the fluke and fin casts will be, I don't want anything in stone. I am leaning to a traditional fishy more streamline look as I want it lighter than my silicone tails. My favorite colors are teals, aquas, greens and turquoises so I know that's the direction it will be.

[RastaMer]

That's awesome, I'm really excited for you! Sometimes it is good not to set a clear vision for your finished product in order to allow for natural changes that may occur during the creative process. So far is looks great! I love your fluke. Will it be semi-transparent or will you be painting it more?

[Keiris]

I will definitely be painting it. I don't want the monofin or the cloth fluke to show underneath. PLus I want some shimmer and color variations too. I will most likely scallop the bottom too.

[Mermaid Riia]

The fluke look GOOD! Can't wait to see this finished! Interesting project indeed :) like I said, looks gooood

[Keiris]

Thanks Riiarin! Today I am concentrating on the body of the tail. I am adding some light stripes and some spots to the pre-screened scales on the fabric. I had to stuff the body of the tail to make sure everything lines up the way that I want. Once that is all dry, I will flip it and do the back. I want the sides to be a bit darker so will concentrate more pigment on the sides of the tail and layer as I go so the fabric stays flexible.

The silicone fins have been cast and as I said before, I am keeping them simple and small to not pull on the spandex.

[PearlieMae]

I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE MORE!

[AquaStella]

I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE MORE!

Right?!? I'm salivating over here for more pics, more descriptions. Keep it coming Keiris!!!

[MermaidAine]

Ahhhh can't wait to see more!


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[Keiris]

Thanks Pearlie, AquaStella and Aine!

After the light stripes and spots dried on the body of the tail, I coated the whole thing with a thin layer of silicone like Seavanna tried with her EcoTail (?). I mixed a little PearlEx into it to give it a light shimmer and dusted it with some turquoise, lime and aqua glitter. It does give it a very shiny wet look but I imagine it will dull a bit over time. Since this is primarily for the pool, who cares? If you apply the silicone too thickly, it will become cloudy. You DO have to be conscious of runs which is why I believe Seavanna wanted to use a flat form in the future. I was aware of the possibility and took precautions so there were no runs in the cured tail.

Here I am anchoring the cut down dorsal fins in place before putting more silicone to cure over the seam. For my silicone tails I use fishing line. This time I just went with heavy duty thread knowing it will have silicone over it to help protect it.

[Theobromine]

This is looking great! I really can't wait to see more pictures!

[Mermaid Olivia!]

So sparkly!!!! I love the color!!!

[PearlieMae]

So very cool!

Yeah, the first time silicone stretches, it fractures that glossy coat ever so slightly and loses a little shine. But hey! You'll be in the water! And out of the water, you'll look so amazing, no one will notice a slight lack of gloss ;)

[Keiris]

Just painting some detail on the fins. I also added two small pelvic fins cut down from the original cast. Both fluke halves are cast so attaching them comes next.

[Calizaire]

Wowzers, I love the colors! Looks great!!

[Keiris]

Wowzers, I love the colors! Looks great!!
Thanks Calizaire! I am adding some bright small coppery spots in places 'cause I like the contrast with the teals and hopefully it ties some of my skin color into the tail. I tend to get pretty tan in the summer from swimming at the beach a lot. Adding some purple to it too.

[Merman Lir]

what kind of fabric did you end up using? I'm working on starting a hybrid tail (silicone over painted fabric like yours) for another mer. (silicone is out of our budget but we have gigs to fill)... I have some left over neoprene, but am concerned it will be too bulky. I'm likewise concerned that spandex would be too light/flimsy. ... also what kind of paint do you prefer. (sorry if that's too many questions!)

[Keiris]

Hi Lir! I have seen some BEAUTIFUL painted neoprene tails on here that did not look bulky at all! Hannah uses it exclusively as a base for all of the sequin tails she creates and you can see in ALL of her pictures and videos that she looks slender head to fluke.
As far as paint goes, I use PearlEx pigments and very watered down acrylic paints so the fabric doesn't get stiff or thwart the silicone from curing. You can also mix an additive to acrylic paint to make it more flexible for fabric. I just used very thin layers to build up the color. This is just some sort of lycra/spandex swimsuit material which is why I have kept the paint very thin as well as the silicone overlay. If this combination is successful I may consider selling them as a less expensive "realistic" tail to full silicone. Hope that helps, Chris.

[Mermaid Alaria]

This is amazing to watch unfold! Following...

[Arella]

Looks great!

[Daylee]

Love the colors and design. It looks stunning!

[Mermaid Alea]

Those fins are so cool looking!

[Keiris]

Thank you, Alaria, Arella, Alea and Daylee!

Today I am attaching both haves of the silicone fluke (unpainted) to the monofin and the body of the tail. I have trimmed the cast down to fit this tail and make it more streamline. Next up...more painting!

[Elodea the Mermaid]

Thank you, Alaria, Arella, Alea and Daylee!

Today I am attaching both haves of the silicone fluke (unpainted) to the monofin and the body of the tail. I have trimmed the cast down to fit this tail and make it more streamline. Next up...more painting!

WOW! Looks like full silicone to me!

[PaolaMF]

FINTASTIC !!!

[Nyx]

It's so preeettttyyyyy <3

[Celaeno]

As far as paint goes, I use PearlEx pigments and very watered down acrylic paints so the fabric doesn't get stiff or thwart the silicone from curing. You can also mix an additive to acrylic paint to make it more flexible for fabric. I just used very thin layers to build up the color. This is just some sort of lycra/spandex swimsuit material which is why I have kept the paint very thin as well as the silicone overlay. If this combination is successful I may consider selling them as a less expensive "realistic" tail to full silicone. Hope that helps, Chris.

This is exactly the method I have been thinking about, wondering how viable it was...it's really cool to see someone putting it into practice.

[Ashe]

It really looks amazing! And the fluke :swoon:

I can't wait to see it in action :)

[Keiris]

what kind of fabric did you end up using? I'm working on starting a hybrid tail (silicone over painted fabric like yours) for another mer. (silicone is out of our budget but we have gigs to fill)... I have some left over neoprene, but am concerned it will be too bulky. I'm likewise concerned that spandex would be too light/flimsy. ... also what kind of paint do you prefer. (sorry if that's too many questions!)
Hi Lir! If you have neoprene already, you should look at Mermaid Nyx's GORGEOUS painted neoprene tail! It is really stunning and one of my personal favorites! It looks very streamline on her and her treatment of the scales is artistic witchcraft. I am sure it was very labor intensive but I bet if you ask her nicely, she would be happy to share how she crafted it.

[Keiris]

Looks like the weekend will be filled with painting silicone layers on both sides of the fluke and fins. I am also rubbing a little PearlEx pigment dry in certain places to bring out a bit more color and iridescence. I may make the stripes more vivid in the future but right now I want to see how this thing swims!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Wow!!!! I loooove the fluke. Mad props.


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[PearlieMae]

Be careful not to go overboard with the dry rubbed pigment...it can act like a release between layers and ruin all your work.

[Merman Lir]

looking really good, Keiris! and thanks for the q and a :)

[Keiris]

Thanks Wesley, Pearlie and Lir!
The fluke is painted, highlighted , and dusted with some extra shimmer. I trimmed the outer, heavy, double silicone veins that frame the fluke off of this sculpt. I'll incorporate those back again on the next full silicone tail with the Competitor monofin. Just wanted this tail lighter and sleeker. I like the severe scalloped edge. It's a nod to the live mermaids from Disneyland that swam in the Lagoon for 2 or 3 years back in the '60's.

Next up, blended waistband.

[Celaeno]

Loving the colors, and that fluke is a work of art!

[Keiris]

in sunlight

[Seraphina Suds]

Gorgeous!! The sunlight really brings out the details and colors.

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[Celaeno]

Wow. I cannot wait for shots of this thing in action.

[PearlieMae]

Sweet! Can't wait to see it in water!

[Dancing Fish]

Wow, pretty!!

[Adalira]

Oh wow, omg omg omg that is sooooo beautiful! I love love love love the colors!!!

[Mermaid Mystery]

this is too pretty omg

[Mermaid Alea]

:swoon::drool: The colors and the markings are wonderful!

[Ashe]

This is amazing! The transition from the scales to the fluke looks really clean... and can we talk about that fluke again?? It's gorgeous!

[Nyx]

It's beautiful!!

[Keiris]

Thank you so much Nyx, Pearlie, Seraphina, Celaeno, Kalani, Alea, Aldalira, Dancing Fish, Pearlie and MermaidoftheLabrinth! It's coming along. Once I get the blended waistband done and a little finishing I will shoot a video of the whole tail.

I just got done making a transport bag for it out of one of those water resistant roll up beach mats.

[Mermaid Kate Silverfin]

Wow, it's so gorgeous! I love all the details! Fantastic work!

[Keiris]

So for the blended waist I opted for a full silicone belt of sorts. I didn't want to add more length to the tail and make it harder to pull up so I have decided to create my own version of a blended waist that can be put on as a separate piece and pulled down over the hard edge of the cloth. It will hug the body tighter, blend with my skin and the tail better, and be easy to put on and remove. If I had just painted the waist of the tail it would have been too stiff, not laid as smoothly, and rejected the silicone overlay.

I mixed up a batch of flesh tone silicone to match my sun tan and then an aqua color to match the tail, blended those and let that cure. The scales were painted on with more colored silicone which I manipulated to leave a ridge detail on some of the edges of the scales. I went back to deepen the color and add a little glitter where the teal starts.

This could actually be permanently attached to the tail or left as a separate piece. I know a lot of mermaids have trouble with gapping in their tails because the waist has to be cut so much smaller than the hips so it can be an issue.

[Theobromine]

Keiris, I had an idea almost exactly like that belt you made, but you beat me to the actual construction! I'm very interested to hear how it works out! I am also THOROUGHLY impressed by your fluke; both the sculpt and the color blending. It's gorgeous. And you've gotten this all done so quickly!

[Mermaid Alaria]

This is so freaking amazing Keris! I love it all! That heavily ribbed fluke is giving me tingles. It's so powerful-looking!

[MermaidAine]

That fluke!!! Wow!


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[Ashton]

Love your progress and your fluke!

[Seraphina Suds]

That belt is one of the coolest things I've ever seen!!

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[Mermaid Alea]

You know the cool thing about the belt is you could sell them and they wouldn't take forever to make. I am sure there are mers that have a silicone tail that they got before blended waists were an option and now they might want to have a blended waist. Even a fabric tail could look pretty cool with a blended waist belt. I am sure you could even make it so that the whole belt is skin tone colored so that you can wear it with any tail and it will match.

Anyways, I really hope it works well. I figure it will. :D

[PearlieMae]

I've made a belt like that but I have it so it sandwiches the top of the tail! But I didn't need it once I made my tail with the built in top!

[Dancing Fish]

I'm trying to decide how to tighten my waistline. I like this! I'll probably try a fabric wrap to match my top first...'cause lazy. :)

[Mermaid Alea]

I was recently wondering how in the world you would adjust an individual scale tail if it needed to be tighter. I really love all of the pretty belts you mers create to fix a gapping waistline. :)

[Keiris]

You know the cool thing about the belt is you could sell them and they wouldn't take forever to make. I am sure there are mers that have a silicone tail that they got before blended waists were an option and now they might want to have a blended waist. Even a fabric tail could look pretty cool with a blended waist belt. I am sure you could even make it so that the whole belt is skin tone colored so that you can wear it with any tail and it will match.

Anyways, I really hope it works well. I figure it will. :D
Yes, Alea I have made this with many options in mind. The nice thing is that it is not too thick so blends very well into the skin, you can wear it as high or as low on the tail as you want so you never get the dreaded muffin top.
I am making a couple for mers already.

[Mermaid Alea]

Great! I can't wait to see a picture of you or someone wearing the belt! It is so neat!

[Ashe]

That's one of the best looking transition from scales to skin I've seen!
Also, I haven't seen a full body picture of the tail in a while! Can we get a pic or are you saving that for the big reveal? ;)

[Mermaid Lorelei]

DAMN KEIRIS! HOW DID I MISS THIS!? This is phenomenal and I'm SO FREAKING PROUD OF YOU!

[Keiris]

Thanks so much everyone! I really appreciate it!!
Kalani, I will try to post the full tail as soon as I'm finished. I am debating about adding a couple small heel fins. :)

[Keiris]

DAMN KEIRIS! HOW DID I MISS THIS!? This is phenomenal and I'm SO FREAKING PROUD OF YOU!
Hahaha Lorelei!! Thank you so much, Doll! You Made my night!!!! ;)

[Mermaid Olivia!]

Woah... this looks INCREDIBLE!!!!!! I am in love with that blended waist belt! That is such a cool idea!!! :D

[Trident True]

in sunlight


I Adore these colours, the blending has been done extremely well. Very Tropical. :)

[SeaMansa]

that design, those colors, it looks amazing!!!!

[Mermaid Stardust]

This is AMAZING. How did I miss this thread? Its sooooo pretty. Well done!

[Keiris]

Thank you Sea Mage, Olivia, Trident True and Sienna Star!

[Keiris]

So here's a video of the Hybrid Tail. It's been a fun project. I have yet to swim in it but hope to soon! I may add a couple small heel fins later but until then...

[Keiris]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ok2cGkaXFY8&amp;index=40&amp;list=PL2E29311C58CA5F 54

[Mermaid Olivia!]

So much sparkly!!!!! :swoon: The body of the tail doesn't look like fabric at all... it looks like an actual silicone tail! Can't wait to see pics/videos of you swimming in it!

[Joy&RaptorsUnrestrained!]

Wow Keiris, you've done a masterful job on this tail... I can't wait to see how it looks on you, in the water.

[Mermaid Alea]

:swoon:I just fell in love with sparkles all over again! Your tail is soooo amazingly beautiful! Like all of my favorite colors are in this tail and they are blended so beautifully together...You really have created a masterpiece!

May I ask how much it cost you to make?

[Azurin Luna]

Woo! Sparkles anywhere you look :D
Love the colors of the tail and how the fluke looks, really pretty :D

[Merman Arion]

I LOVE IT!!
Great job Keiris! :clap: :hail:

[Mermaid Stardust]

OMG!!!! ITS INCREDIBLE!!!
BLING BLING [emoji184]
I cant wait to see you swim in it. It truly is a beautiful masterpiece. Best tail I've seen yet!! Well done. Claps hands frantically [emoji7] [emoji122] [emoji122] [emoji122]

[PearlieMae]

IT'S SO PRETTY!!!!!!!!

You really raised the bar, Keiris! Bravo!

:cheerleader:

Let's see it in action!

[Merman Arion]

Let's see it in action!

I second that statement :cheerleader:

[Mermaid Julianne]

I completely agree with everyone! The sparkles and the details are amazing. It's truly an incredible hybrid tail !

[Freshwater_Nim]

Now that. Is. Awesome. Fullstop.

[Seraphina Suds]

Oh my gosh, I'm in love! Is it very heavy?

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[Mermaid Galene]

Wow, Keiris! The color saturation and sparkle of this tail is just amazing!

[Merman Lir]

super! now model it for us! we want to see it swimming

[Mermaid Alaria]

I'm still just in total awe at that smooth finish! It's unlike anything I've seen yet. Stunning and so lifelike, almost like an amazing fantastic amphibious creature!!! wait...

[stellar lee]

That is absolutely stunning. This tail has me reconsidering the use of silicone!

[Celaeno]

I love how it glistens! Totally giving me courage to go forward with my hybrid plans. :D

[Mermaid Enora]

Great job on the tail!
Cant wait to see some pics of it in the water

[MermaidAine]

:jawdrop: Omigoshness Keiris that is freakin STUNNING!!!! All of the sparkle and shine! I am going to have to go back through and read everything and see if I think I can figure out how to make one of these to hold me over until I have enough money for my PearlieMae tail! Although I know I will never be able to make it as pretty as yours!

[AquaStella]

THAT was amazing!!! Keiris, that is such a gorgeous tail... the iridescent glow?!? It's like the slightest of layers giving it such great depth of character. Beautiful! And you made it so quickly. I am abundantly impressed!!! Please go for a swim in it ASAP.

[WaterDragon]

The colors are amazing!!!!

[MermaidAine]

So what kind of silicone did you use, and did you just brush it onto the body?

[OceanWhisper]

How didn't I see this thread! You've done a fantastic job- the shaping/colors/shimmer/iridescence/see-through qualities of it is CRAZY!! wow :drool:

[Mermaid Lorelei]

I'm so proud of you Keiris! I just wanna hug you right now!

[Keiris]

I'm so proud of you Keiris! I just wanna hug you right now!
I'll take that!!! Lorelei, I owe you a great debt. If it wasn't for your help and encouragement years ago when we were creating our first silicone tails, I would have just gotten discouraged and given up back then. THANK YOU! ! ! You have always been generous with your time and talent. I am just THRILLED that you finally have your dream tail and can't wait to see you swim in it! Hopefully, one day...in person! :mermaid kiss:(they really need to add a male version of that gif)

[Froth]

it looks GORGEOUS!
did you use an airbrush to apply the silicone to the body? was the body made of spandex orrr...?

[Keiris]

Wow! Thank you SO MUCH for the excitement and the kind words, you guys! I really appreciate it and I VALUE each of you and your opinions. I wish that every single one of you were here to swim with me in this! I will try to get a few pics or video in it soon. (After I double up on my workout :p).

To answer a few questions;

Alea, I am unsure of the total cost of this as I had all the materials except the fabric tail I used as a base. I will have to do a calculation.

Aine, I used Dragonskin 10 Medium silicone, Monster Clay, and Shell Shock.

Seraphina, this tail is MUCH lighter than a full silicone tail. That was the main reason I created it. I wanted something more streamline for pool swimming that was easy to pack and get in and out of.

[Keiris]

it looks GORGEOUS!
did you use an airbrush to apply the silicone to the body? was the body made of spandex orrr...?
Hi Froth and thank you! No, I didn't use an airbrush at all on this tail. It is all painted by hand. The body of the tail is a lycra/spandex swimsuit type material and I applied the silicone on top of itwith my hands.

[Mermaid Mystery]

what monofin is in the tail? I think I'm going to bug myself about not fixing up my fabric tail forever now.

[Luna Dreamtide]

Been lurking on this thread for awhile since I have hybrid tail ideas in the works also. But I just wanted to add what a stunning job you've done Keiris! A true work of art and the blended waist belt is a brilliantly innovative idea.

[MermaidSaph]

Wow! The sparkles are AMAZING! It looked sort of like you had a giant blue-green-purple fish laying on the floor! Good job! :clap:

[Mermaid Lorelei]

I'll take that!!! Lorelei, I owe you a great debt. If it wasn't for your help and encouragement years ago when we were creating our first silicone tails, I would have just gotten discouraged and given up back then. THANK YOU! ! ! You have always been generous with your time and talent. I am just THRILLED that you finally have your dream tail and can't wait to see you swim in it! Hopefully, one day...in person! :mermaid kiss:(they really need to add a male version of that gif)

Awwww, you are so sweet! I'm so glad I was able to help you back then and see what you have been able to accomplish since! You've definitely grown!
And who knows, I may be in Florida sometime soon!

[Mermaid Aika]

I'm a little late to the party but, wow! That tail is amazing Keiris!:swoon:

[Keiris]

what monofin is in the tail? I think I'm going to bug myself about not fixing up my fabric tail forever now.
Hi! This has the standard monofin that came with the tail. Since this was an experimental hybrid tail, in order to save time sewing a full body I tried Seavanna's method as I said at the beginning of my thread. So, definitely not the propulsion I get with my Competitor. I didn't need all that in a pool that's only 7 feet deep. :)

[Elodea the Mermaid]

This tail is a triumph. If you decide to sell them, I am super interested!! I love my silicone tail, but it is a monster!

[Keiris]

Leina, Anna, and Aika, Thanks so much! I'm glad you like it! The blended waistband was a challenge to get the right skin shade but I am happy with how it turned out and hope to create a few more for mers in the future.

Lorelei, Florida will ALWAYS welcome a FIERCE mermaid like you! Swim on down! xoxo

[Keiris]

This tail is a triumph. If you decide to sell them, I am super interested!! I love my silicone tail, but it is a monster!
Thanks Elodea! I feel your pain! :lol: That's why I wanted something sleeker too. Yes I am planning on selling these and would love to make one for you! I want to test drive this thing first and make sure it is viable and not just pretty to look at first. I will keep you posted.

[KayNS]

Fantastic tail! This is becoming a strong consideration for if/when I upgrade from my fabric tail. It seems like a viable sort of option for a smooth surface dolphin/whale like tail too. Although your fluke is SO gorgeous and truly fish-like! It reminds me of the spiny dorsal fin on the rock bass I use to catch as a child.

[Keiris]

Awwww thanks KayNS! I wanted something really fishy. You are really "hooked" on that whale/dolphin thing, aren't ya?! hahaha! Yes, it would be excellent for that kind of finish!

[KayNS]

Awwww thanks KayNS! I wanted something really fishy. You are really "hooked" on that whale/dolphin thing, aren't ya?! hahaha! Yes, it would be excellent for that kind of finish!

I'm divided, I love the colourful fishy fins that I see, but I also love the idea of a smooth fin. Your hybrid is stunning and captures a lot of what I like. (Including GLITTER!) The sparkly burlesque side of me is also loving all the sequin tails I'm seeing. Luckily I've just started with my very first tail, so I have a while to decide what my next one will be. :)

[Merenneito Nerissa]

Holy Fish that is beautiful! It's like christmas in a tail!

[Keiris]

Holy Fish that is beautiful! It's like christmas in a tail!
Why thank you, Nerissa! That would save me a lot of time putting up my tree this year. Maybe I'll just stuff it and prop it up in a corner with a spot light on it! :p

[PearlieMae]

Why thank you, Nerissa! That would save me a lot of time putting up my tree this year. Maybe I'll just stuff it and prop it up in a corner with a spot light on it! :p

Why not? It's what I do with mine! ;)

[Celaeno]

Why not? It's what I do with mine! ;)

Now I'm picturing giant kelp festooned with shells and mini-tails in a living room corner...

[Ciriun]

Great, I have been lurking on this thread for ages trying to think of something clever and useful to contribute, and now all I can think of is how much I need a mermaid fluke shaped menorah. Thank you Nerissa, Keiris, PearlieMae, and Celaeno, you've all ruined my chance to sound significant.
:shame:

Oh, and thank you Keiris for basically revolutionizing tailmaking. I hope that you and others who follow in you and Seavanna's footsteps aren't all completely swamped with orders by the time I'm up for buying an advanced tail. Because when I am, this is the style I want.

[stellar lee]

really looking forward to seeing how well this swims!

[Dancing Fish]

Beautiful!! This turned out so much nicer than the painted spandex tail I made for my kid...I'll have to up my game. Challenge accepted!! :)

[PearlieMae]

Fluke shaped menorah, eh? Hmmmmmm :thinks:

[lynsea]

Ok honestly, this tail is one of my favorites I have ever seen and that includes ALL the full silicone tails made by the professionals. Your's just has so much depth and detail in the coloring even though it is quite subtle.

[Meronica]

Last time I checked in on this thread you had just posted pictures of the fluke. Oh wow, it came out lovely!

Once you test it out and see if it's reasonably durable, I would definitely consider ordering my next tail from you.


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[Ciriun]

Fluke shaped menorah, eh? Hmmmmmm :thinks:

I think it could be neat, and would be happy to take this discussion to its own thread if you're interested. I've even sketched a very crude concept.

We can call it a Mernorah!

[PearlieMae]

:lol:

[Keiris]

I think it could be neat, and would be happy to take this discussion to its own thread if you're interested. I've even sketched a very crude concept.

We can call it a Mernorah!
Ciriun, I love it! The "Mernorah." That is absolute GOLD!!! hahaha I can actually picture that design in my mind. I don't have any skills at metallurgy but it most certainly could be cast from resin or polyclay! That might be an amusing project!

I would be honored to create a hybrid tail for you whenever you are ready!

[Keiris]

Ok honestly, this tail is one of my favorites I have ever seen and that includes ALL the full silicone tails made by the professionals. Your's just has so much depth and detail in the coloring even though it is quite subtle.
Lynsea, that is such a HUUUUUUUGE compliment! I am very flattered. Thank you.

[Ciriun]

Ciriun, I love it! The "Mernorah." That is absolute GOLD!!! hahaha I can actually picture that design in my mind. I don't have any skills at metallurgy but it most certainly could be cast from resin or polyclay! That might be an amusing project!

I would be honored to create a hybrid tail for you whenever you are ready!

Aww, thank you! I'd be honored for the chance to buy one. But as I've only just had my first fabric tail swim it'll be awhile before I'm ready for anything more expensive/restrictive/care intensive.

Also, here is my Mernorah topic for anyone interested! http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?11703-Mernorahs-Mermaid-Menorahs-%28And-other-mermaid-themed-holiday-stuff!%29

[creole merman]

Gorgeous tail and the waist belt is a great idea.

[Keiris]

Gorgeous tail and the waist belt is a great idea.

Thanks Creole Merman! I hope to take it for it's maiden voyage Thursday. I'll try to post some pics of it in the water after.

[AquaStella]

How was your Thursday swim Keiris? Been dying to hear/sea how your new FABULOUS tail was?

[Keiris]

How was your Thursday swim Keiris? Been dying to hear/sea how your new FABULOUS tail was?

Ugh, It got rained out AquaStella. :( We have a hurricane approaching and it's supposed to affect our weather this weekend through Monday. I have to postpone it till we get some sunshine. SOON hopefully!!!

[Keiris]

FINALLY got to take this thing for a swim today! LOVE how easily it comes on and off. The blended waist belt I created is a success! No gapping. I designed this in my favorite colors; aquas, greens, teals. The drawback is that it blends with the pool water more than I want so I am going to have a shoot at the beach in it next week. I may pump up the stripes a bit too. :)

I will say that I am so spoiled swimming with a Competitor. I haven't ever used a smaller monofin like this. It does slow you down comparatively but then again, I designed this for pool swimming. Not the ocean. Pics to come soon.

[OceanWhisper]

Yay Keiris! Do we get to see a video in the near future? :rollover:

[Keiris]

I'll see what I can do OceanWhisper. I don't have an underwater camera but might shoot a little video with my iphone in the clear pool water.

[Mermaid Enora]

my tail blends in with pool water too for underwater shoots. :)

[Keiris]

my tail blends in with pool water too for underwater shoots. :)
Yes, Enora, we must have a love for the same color palette. I think I will make my next tail in something totally opposite colorwise.

[Mermaid Enora]

Yes, Enora, we must have a love for the same color palette. I think I will make my next tail in something totally opposite colorwise.
I've thought of doing a coral colored tail if I make another for that very reason.
And yes turquoise is my favorite color of all time!

[OceanWhisper]

I've thought of doing a coral colored tail if I make another for that very reason.
And yes turquoise is my favorite color of all time!
Ooooh coral tail!! *.*

[Sammi Ray]

Oh lordy lodry lordy. That is beaut! Absolutely stunning. Well done pal. Its marvelous!

[Keiris]

Thank you so much Pebbles! Beach shoot this week!

[Keiris]

Here's a quick pick of the tail in the water. I need to re-shoot the video.

[Merman Arion]

32941

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG

https://media1.giphy.com/media/K4JMrHKPYXtcs/200.gif

https://media4.giphy.com/media/bNcEA55tYKQfu/200.gif

https://media4.giphy.com/media/The53xOy3TWRa/200.gif

I can't...

https://media4.giphy.com/media/oubM1tKqnLW5G/200.gif

https://media.giphy.com/media/4OowbIsmYHbpu/giphy.gif

https://media4.giphy.com/media/XptVjMzBCEjyU/200.gif

https://media4.giphy.com/media/Z5ULYTFVaL2Ok/200.gif

https://media3.giphy.com/media/Vu8nIaC6rSVi/200.gif

[Mermaid Stardust]

OMG!!! Your beautiful tail....(ooo & ahhh)
And never cut your hair

[OceanRose]

Keiris you could not be any hotter!
It looks like it fits perfectly WELL DONE OMG OMG OMG!!!!

[Merenneito Nerissa]

Arion said it all :DDD

[anceos]

Clearly, you've done an amazing job... I love it... ;)

[Mermaid Kelda]

You fluke is just so fantastic. You look stunning!

[Mermaid Enora]

So awesome!!!

[Ashton]

I absolutely love it!

[Keiris]

OMG ARION!!!! HAHHAHAHA!!! I don't know what to say!!! LOL You are the K I N G of the Gifs!!! So funny. :blush::blush: Thank you!

WOW!! Nerissa, Ocean Rose, Sienna Star, Kelda, Anceos, Enora your kind words were great to wake up to! Thank you all! I am pumping up the stripes a little more for some added contrast with the pool water and adding a couple small heel fins. I'll try to re-do the video of it so it's a little clearer. Hopefully, I can do a small shoot at the beach next week, fins crossed.

[Theobromine]

Keiris, that tail is fantastic and you look amazing in it! Excellent craftsmanship, seriously, and some very creative ideas.

Also, this is my impression of Arion:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLnWf1sQkjY

[Merman Lir]

Here's a quick pick of the tail in the water. I need to re-shoot the video.

you look amazing!

[Celaeno]

So awesome!!!

[Vrindavana Starfish]

Wow! What an amazing tail! I want a full silicone tail, but I want to be able to travel with it, and that's a problem. A hybrid tail might be my solution. You have done such an amazing job with yours! I thought it was full silicone when I saw it.

[MermaidSaph]

Here's a quick pick of the tail in the water. I need to re-shoot the video.
I literally just screamed, it looks SO REALISTIC and it's SOOOO PRETTY!!!! :jawdrop:

[MermaidAine]

Oh wow! It looks so amazing on you!

[Theobromine]

(PS, to clarify, the video I posted above was in response to Arion's series of GIFs specifically and was not meant to signify that he was the only one who had this reaction to that picture.... *cough cough* :$)

[Merman_Shawn]

:jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop:!!!!!

http://mernetwork.com/index/attachment.php?attachmentid=32948&stc=1
:eyepop:
:yay::yay::yay:
Wow! You look great buddy! The tail looks amazing! It was certainly worth all the hard work.

[Ashe]

:hail: :hail: :hail:

[Mermaid Alea]

You look so real! The more I see photos of this tail the more I love it!

[Keiris]

Thank you so much Ashton, Lir, Aine, Kalani, Shawn, Anna,and Vrindavana! Very kind of you!

Theobromine that's quite the video! :jawdrop: hahahah

[MermaidDalni]

That's a gorgeous tail :)

[Sherielle]

I. Adore. That. Fluke!

[Luna Dreamtide]

This turned out so well! Bowing to your abilities!** The colours are fantastic too.

[Mermaid Lorelei]

:cheerleader: So insanely proud of you Keiris.

[Sammi Ray]

You are most welcome. Marvelous abilities you have :-) can't wait to see it in motion :-)

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

[Keiris]

Thanks so much Leina, Sherielle, Dalni and of course, Lorelei! :D I finally added the heel fins and intensified the stripes. It's been raining everyday here and we finally have a break so video soon.

[PearlieMae]

How did I miss commenting on how awesome this is! Great work, Keiris! :mermaid kiss:

[Kinos]

I was curious how a fabric tail would turn out with some silicone on it and I'm so happy to see someone made it! Nevertheless it looks amazing and just loving the belt on it!!

[AquaStella]

Keiris you look divine!!! What a a gorgeous tail and the colors are perfect on you... You look like a Greek God. But... but... I want (no NEED) to know how it swam. :) Video please!!!! Or beautifully descriptive words are welcomed too.

[Marinus Mortimer]

I hope you end up selling the hybrid tails!💪💪

[Keiris]

Keiris you look divine!!! What a a gorgeous tail and the colors are perfect on you... You look like a Greek God. But... but... I want (no NEED) to know how it swam. :) Video please!!!! Or beautifully descriptive words are welcomed too.

Yes, AquaStella I owe you a video! The one I took at the pool that day didn't come out and I have been waiting for a solid stretch of sunshine everyday since to re-shoot it or do my beach shoot. It rains everyday here in S. Florida this time of year so it has been tricky planning it. The tail was a dream to swim in. Not as much propulsion with this as I have with my Competitor but the whole point was to keep it lighter and more compact than my full silicone tail. The ends of the fluke are long and flowy and can't even be seen in most pics I took cause they are out of frame. Hopefully, I can get a break this coming week. :cool:

[Keiris]

I hope you end up selling the hybrid tails!

Yes, Marinus, that is my goal. Let me know when you're ready! ;)

[Mermaid Mystery]

Oh my god I'd kill for one

[Ciriun]

I am so far from ready for a tail upgrade but I'm already picking out fabric for one of these. XD There is this nifty shiny snake scale print stuff I keep eyeing...

[Sherielle]

Keiris......dude.....if your selling tails, I may just be buying one.

[anceos]

video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video!

in 3 words WE NEED VIDEOS...

LOL

[Keiris]

Keiris......dude.....if your selling tails, I may just be buying one.

Awww thanks Sherielle. Let me know when you're ready :)

[Keiris]

video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video! video!

in 3 words WE NEED VIDEOS...

LOL
HAHAHA ANCEOS!!! OMG!! How long did it take you to write that??! :lol: It rained most of the day today and there's no sunshine in the forecast till Thursday (while I'm at work all day :mad:) Hope fully soon! It's been sooo long since I was able to go swimming!

[anceos]

Well not so much time... write, cut, paste, write again, cut, paste...:lol:

So really no luck for you and us...
here is the same, autumn is coming...rain and cold... grrrrr... not a weather for mers... ;)

so we have a competition, which one of us will be the first to make his video... lol

[Nyx]

Oh myyyy sweet Poseidon! That is beautiful AAHHHHHHH.
I just
I'm speechless :jawdrop:

[Mermaid Alea]

HAHAHA ANCEOS!!! OMG!! How long did it take you to right that??! :lol: It rained most of the day today and there's no sunshine in the forecast till Thursday (while I'm at work all day :mad:) Hope fully soon! It's been sooo long since I was able to go swimming!

It was raining like crazy today up here in the FL panhandle too. I hope you stay safe driving. This is definitely hydroplaning weather.

I am definitely anticipating the video. :dance:

[lulubelle]

That is AMAZING!!! Absolutely gorgeous, well done!

[Keiris]

Well not so much time... write, cut, paste, write again, cut, paste...:lol:

So really no luck for you and us...
here is the same, autumn is coming...rain and cold... grrrrr... not a weather for mers... ;)

so we have a competition, which one of us will be the first to make his video... lol
lol you're ON Anceos! ;)

[Keiris]

Thank you SO MUCH Nyx, Lulubelle and Alea! You too Anceos! :D

[Elodea the Mermaid]

I, too, am awaiting this video with baited breath! I am very interested in a smaller, lighter tail. My big 'ol Cadillac of a tail leaves my legs and feet bruised after dry gigs, and the fluke sides hit the bottom of the itty bitty nightclub pool I perform most often in. So excited to see this beauty move! [emoji1]

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[KayNS]

I keep coming back to this thread to drool over this tail (ok, and a bit over Keiris himself. :blush: ) Also to check if they're being sold yet. This is definitely a top contender for my next tail. I told myself I'd use my fabric tail for a year before I even considered upgrading... but my mind might be able to be changed.

Keiris, any idea on a price point you'd be looking at to sell your silicone/spandex hybrid tails?

[Merman Arion]

Every time I go to this thread to check on Keiris's picture with the tail, I say "hubba hubba" :swoon:

lol :lol:

[Vrindavana Starfish]

I keep coming back to this thread to drool over this tail (ok, and a bit over Keiris himself. :blush: ) Also to check if they're being sold yet. This is definitely a top contender for my next tail. I told myself I'd use my fabric tail for a year before I even considered upgrading... but my mind might be able to be changed.

Keiris, any idea on a price point you'd be looking at to sell your silicone/spandex hybrid tails?
^^ What she said. I'd love to see more detail pictures of the tail, even if you can't do video yet. It's very impressive!

[Keiris]

Every time I go to this thread to check on Keiris's picture with the tail, I say "hubba hubba" :soon:

lol :lol:
hahaha Arion! You do wonders for my ego! THANK YOU!

[Keiris]

Kayns, I'm very flattered! :blush: Thank you!! I am trying to think of ways to keep the cost down. The tail is basically half silicone so it would roughly be the same as half the price of a full silicone tail. The silicone blended waistband will be separate. Too much customization like on full silicone tails is what drives the price up on tails. PM me when you're ready.

[Keiris]

It's supposed to be sunny Friday. Hopefully, I can film something!!!

[theMerFanc]

Hey! So I have been sculpting a tail for a really freaking long time now and I wanted to clarify something with yours. After sculpting, you made a mold of resin? And the you cast the mold in silicone? Did you have a two sided two part mold or only do one side? How quickly did the resin bind to itself because I feel like you have to do it in patches because of how quickly the resin cures.


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[PearlieMae]

TheAfanc, take a look through the tailmaking threads...there's tons of info there, most of your questions are already answered. :D

[Keiris]

Hi TheAfanc!

My process was to create the clay sculpt and then pour the thermoplastic resin, Shell Shock, over it and spread it QUICKLY! The window is only 8 minutes so I suggest getting a friend to help you spread over the mold fast! I didn't do it in stages I did it all at once. After it cured you have to thoroughly clean out the clay then mix the silicone and pour it. You only need ONE mold for the fluke since you will pour it twice (front & back.) It must, however, be identical from the right side to the left side or your edges will not line up when you sandwich them together. Does that help?

[theMerFanc]

O.O I think I just realized that you put the two pieces of the fluke around a sturdy monofin, right? That's my issue, I've been imagining this as a solid piece. Ok, cool thanks! And 8 minutes should be fine. The resin i use for other things is a 2 minute window and I was freaking out about how short that was XD

[Rennara]

Holy carp! That tail is MAGIC! Have you posted a pricing list for selling them??
33402

[RomanLaveau]

Well when you start selling, let me know! I just bought a silicone tail however, I'm looking for a hybrid type tail! It's truly amazing!

[Keiris]

Thank you so much Roman and Rennara! I FINALLY got to take it for a photoshoot at the beach on Friday so pics soon of that. PM me when you're ready!

[Keiris]

So here's pic from the photo shoot I did at the beach a few days ago.

[Mermaid Kelda]

:fallover: Never cut your hair Keiris!

[Mermaid Jaffa]

:fallover: Never cut your hair Keiris!
And fill it with seashells and fish!

[Trident True]

Your skin tone is perfect. you tail just pops, it looks amazing on you.

[RomanLaveau]

Woa!!!

[Ashton]

33563

[Ashe]

All hail the sea king... :hail:

[OceanRose]

Every. Thing. So. Perfect *faints*

[Keiris]

Why thank you so much you guys!!! I'll try and dump a few in the photo shoot thread if anyone is interested. It was an amusing day to say the least.

[Merman Arion]

So here's pic from the photo shoot I did at the beach a few days ago.

:swoon: :swoon: :swoon:

What a big conch you have there ;)

[Luna Dreamtide]

Amazing photo. Very majestic. The tail looks amazing!

[Mermaid Stardust]

Keiris...OMG!!! WOW! Amazing photo and tail. You look like a true sea-king!

[Keiris]

:swoon: :swoon: :swoon:

What a big conch you have there ;)

:lol: All for you, Arion!!
Thank you Sienna and Leina! ;)

[lynsea]

No offense but is that your real hair? It's so perfect it looks almost fake. (really a complement)

[Keiris]

Lol Perfect?? Hardly!! You should see me first thing in the morning.

[Mermaid Kelda]

^ I'm sure a lot of people wish they could :lol:

[Daylee]

Keiris, that tail, those eyes, and that hair...just stop...the perfection is too much. No wait on second thought, more photos please. :) you are extremely talented (tail making and modeling) and you look stunning.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[PearlieMae]

^ I'm sure a lot of people wish they could :lol:

:clap: ^ this

[Keiris]

^ I'm sure a lot of people wish they could :lol:

:lol::lol::lol:

[Keiris]

Daylee, you are too kind. Thank you. Pics posted in the photo shoot thread at your request Milady.

[Merman Arion]

Lol Perfect?? Hardly!! You should see me first thing in the morning.

Don't even go there :jester:

[Keiris]

Don't even go there :jester:

You're going to make me pop a fishbone.;)

[Merman Arion]

You're going to make me pop a fishbone.;)

stop it ;)

https://media3.giphy.com/media/QdPNdgj81NaDu/200.gif

[Mermaid Lorelei]

-dies-

[Spindrift]

33563

Seconding this

[Keiris]

Thanks Spindrift!! Very kind of you :)

[darksiren]

This is just gorgeous, as has been many times reiterated^^ Did this start as a magictail, or a finfun, maybe? I have been trying to deal with the overwhelming idea of the sewing, then the painting, the molding, the casting. My biggest issue with getting a fabric tail as my first tail, is I haven't really seen one that would make me truly feel like a mermaid.( as opposed to a kid in a costume.) Also, i was leery of the monofins that are flat with booties on top of them. seems like it would be way too much heel showing. But I was considering the idea of getting an ok looking one, and making it my own in an economic way. This seems like a very good solution.

[Ashton]

(Us-->) :eyepop::eyepop::eyepop::eyepop::eyepop::eyepop::e yepop: :mermaid kiss: (<--You)

[AquaStella]

*computer informs me that "Keiris' New Hybrid Tail" thread has some new action*... races over here as fast as can be...

Giggles. Swoon. Hysterics.

Keiris, babe. Keep the pics coming. They will tide me over until that video hits the interwebs... Hubba, hubba.

[Keiris]

Ashton & AquaStella you two are so funny! THANK YOU!!! I dropped a few pics in the photoshoot thread a few days ago AquaStella. I'll try to get a video on here soon.

[Imogen Finnly]

I have been meaning to say this keiris, but I love how positive you are. You always say nice things and treat everyone with such respect, it really does make my day when I see your posts. Such a breath of fresh air!

Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

[AquaStella]

^^^ What she said. You always exude the most respect and kindness and consideration. You are a gem!

[Theobromine]

^^Also agreeing with what she said!

[MermaidAine]

^^^^What they said
AND
Keiris your newest pictures are just stunning! That hair! Those eyes! What a catch! I've always said "I am a lesbian except when it comes to sexy vampires, Thor, and Vikings...now I have to add you to the list...lol

[Keiris]

Imogen, AquaStella, Theombromine and Aine, thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate that. And thank you all for the kudos with the pics! :D

[Mermaid Sirenia]

Loving the photos!!! Your hair is ridiculously perfect!

[Meghara July]

So here's pic from the photo shoot I did at the beach a few days ago.
You look sensational!! Your eyes pop and that tail is magnificent!!! One of the best I've ever seen!! *Applauds you*

[Keiris]

July thank you so much! :D I really appreciate that!

[Amydne]

OMG Keiris!! I absolutely love your tail, and you are soooooooooo handsome!!!! *__* perfect combo! <3 i'm one of your fans now!!