Making a shell top

[Indigo]

Hi everyone!
I'm thinking of making a shell top, using a nude bra as a base. I'm looking for any tips or advice. Anything about sewing and waterproof glues or sealants. This is my first time making a top and I would really love to hear about people's personal experiences making tops.
Any advice would be most appreciated!
Thanks so much!

[Mermaid Fenicia]

This is how I make my tops: http://users.telenet.be/the-mermaid/tutoral/schelptopje/sheltop01e.htm ;)

[Indigo]

Thanks! I'm kind of busty though so I was thinking something like these. http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/08/d3a7496332400659e5581cc2e0fbf32a.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/08/e1bee0f2a4521357a35c15fbc1e4f4c0.jpg

Photos are not mine, I just pulled them off google image search.

[MermaidAine]

The main glue that people use, especially if your top is going to be used in the water is E6000. With my top I used plastic shells that had holes drilled in it already and I stitched through those holes to attach it to my bra. I had tried just to glue it on, but found that the curve of the bra just didn't work well with the shape of the shell so there wasn't enough surface contact between the two for glue to work. If I were doing real shells, I think I would probably do the same thing. I would drill holes and sew through them.

[Indigo]

Thanks so much! This is all very helpful.
Do you know where you could get netting and greenery? Any thing would be helpful [emoji4]. Again thank you!

[OceanWhisper]

I got mine from red dot- (Aussie here) but you could get it from craft shops, fish supplies shops and pet shops :) netting is good from ebay, or plastic netting can be bought as a 'landing net'. I'd reccomend getting fibre, not plastic though.

[Mermaid Mystery]

I got mine from Michaels

[Indigo]

Thank you ! [emoji4][emoji1]

[A_Koi_Mermaid]

Okay, I'll say it. Please don't just drill into shells, to quote the accessory making FAQ:

"•How do I drill holes in shells?
You need a power tool- either a power drill, or a dremel. You need to take caution when drilling seashells. Seashell dust should not be inhaled, as the particles are very sharp and can do damage to your lungs. Abalone shell dust is toxic. Both can cause lung disease. You need to either use a respirator capable of filtering out these tiny particles, such as a P100 or n95 respirator, or drill the shell while it's underwater so the water will catch all the dust. I actually recommend both, if possible. Remember to wear protective gear for your eyes as well! "

Here's a link to that FAQ, which'll answer all you're questions. http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?6472-%26%239733%3B-The-Accessory-Making-FAQ-%26%239733%3B

[MermaidAine]

Thank you for adding that Koi Mermaid. Safety First!


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[Indigo]

This answers every question I had, thank you guys so much! So nice of you! [emoji1]

[Mermaid Cataleya]

Thanks! I'm kind of busty though so I was thinking something like these. http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/08/d3a7496332400659e5581cc2e0fbf32a.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/08/e1bee0f2a4521357a35c15fbc1e4f4c0.jpg

Photos are not mine, I just pulled them off google image search.


how do you wash the bra after use ?? or is it one of those you rinse it off and let it air dry ?? or can you hand wash the bra part *side against your skin* rinse then air drop

[Aziara]

I wouldn't worry about washing with soap unless you swam in a particularly nasty freshwater area. Chlorine disinfects it in a pool setting :) A simple hand rinse and dry would be sufficient. Just dunk it into a half-full sink or hold it under running water for a little while.