Kalani's Hybrid Tail Adventure [Archive]

Ashe

10-11-2015, 07:32 PM

So I was inspired to start a new tail project! :D After I lost my funds and motivation to make a silicone tail, and was not at all happy with my current fabric tail, I've decided to find a halfway point between the two!

This tail will feature a painted spandex fabric body and fabric fins and fluke. The painted fins and fluke will have a DAP silicone overlay. I'm not going to mess with real silicone moulds as I am saving up my money to buy a full silicone tail from a tailmaker someday. I like the idea of DAP silicone because it is easy, inexpensive, and will give me the look that I am wanting! I have done a few paint tests with my silicone and Tulip brand paints, and everything seems to be working smoothly. I am very excited to see the outcome of this tail and share my technique with everybody.

I found the most amazing fabric at Jo-Ann today! I went into the store with a silver tail in mind but the second I saw this, I knew it was mine. Just look at all of the colors it reflects :swoon: And these two are my accent colors. I am going to use the darker blue on the back of the tail, and the lighter blue to blend and add a little bit more dimension.

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I am going to be using my Finis Competitor monofin in this tail. I am going to seal it in the tail so I don't have to mess with velcro or zippers, but once this tail is worn out I'll easily be able to take it out without any damage. I'll be sure to keep some draining holes for it :)

I know that DAP silicone is becoming popular, so it would be such a big help if any mers who have used it would share a couple of pointers! I've invested a chunk of my silicone tail savings into this project so I would be very happy to see it pay off :)

Looking forward to sharing progress with you mers!

Ashe

10-11-2015, 07:52 PM

To give you an idea of what is going on in my head, here is a quick mock up of the general design. I want really nice blending and thin layers of paint so you can still see that iridescent gold! I know I want fins, but I haven't quite decided where and how big... My fluke is inspired by the beautiful Linden Wolbert's tail!
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Mermaid Mystery

10-11-2015, 08:25 PM

this is gonna be bomb

Ashe

10-11-2015, 10:05 PM

Making quick work so I can take my time painting and doing final silicone tests throughout the week! I've cut my pattern and I'm about to sew. I have quite a lot of fabric left over as I rounded up an extra half-yard in case I made a mistake. I want to begin a matching top tonight as well!

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You can really see just how thick the material is! I think it is going to look so great in the water :D

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Mermaid Alea

10-11-2015, 11:11 PM

Oh my gosh when I saw the title of this thread and that it was by you I got so excited! :dance:
I love the fabric you picked I would have been drawn to that fabric as well! I am a sucker for color changing stuff.

I will admit I was a bit weary when mers started using DAP silicone since it reminded me of Alex plus which of course was found to be unhealthy, but seeing as DAP silicone is so widely used for aquariums and houses plus it says it is food grade I guess I shouldn't be so weary about it. I feel like it would have a long lifespan too?

I am definitely excited to see how this goes! :)

Ashe

10-12-2015, 12:03 AM

Thank you Alea! Knowing that Fifi Tigg (on of my inspirations for this tail) makes gorgeous commercial tails using DAP, I decided it would be a safe way to go! It holds up well and had passed all of my tests so far.

Currently working on my top! I simply modified an old swimsuit into a strapless top and am now applying the gold fabric. I want to make it really ornate with some seaglass colored pebbles tat are the same blue that I will be using on the tail. I want to use both paint and silicone on this top so I can see just how everything looks before painting my tail.

Keiris

10-12-2015, 12:16 AM

Great Start Kalani!!! Good for you!!! Good luck! :D

Ashe

10-12-2015, 09:07 PM

First coat of paint is on! I opted for a very light blue, because I didn't want to take away from the beauty of the fabric - just give it a bit of dimension. This is the back of the tail here, the front side will not be covered in the paint. Over the next few layers, I will be smoothing out the lines and adding a bit more paint to my bum and heels. This will help protect my tail if and when it scuffs on the ground!

I created the texture using a sponge, and I really like the effect. It's almost like scales, but very organic and just gives it that extra bit of detail. I am very happy with the result! I love how you can still see that iridescent gold shining through, everything is going so much better than I imagined it would! I also have a plan for helping to hide the seams, but that will come after the tail is all stitched together.

I have decided to name her Psyche because of the beautiful psychedelic colors that appear in the light.

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Ashe

10-12-2015, 09:21 PM

I's still at such a loss for fins, however. I'm not sure if I want a half dorsal (I'm not a fan of full dorsals) on my calves or pectorals or ankle fins or what! I really love how Mermaid Kariel and Mermaid Dana do their fins with that fringe, but I'm not sure if it would work with my tail. I'm going for a realistic approach but I'm not sure if the fringe quite cuts it. I'm thinking of just a nice big dorsal and leaving it at that. Hmmm...

Ashe

10-13-2015, 09:13 AM

First coat of paint dried to the color of the words in my signature, and it is so pretty! Became very translucent in the thinner parts, so the glow of the fabric underneath was completely visible. Running my hand over it felt very cool! Gave it a slippery rubbery feel. Laid on the second coat of paint and will add one more protective layer after class today before moving onto the front side. I think I will paint the flukes together as I can lay them side by side on my table and paint them together.

SeaGlass Siren

10-13-2015, 09:39 AM

Oh my god I love that fabric!!! I have a thing for shiny fabric tails! This is gonna be so awesome!!

Seraphina Suds

10-13-2015, 10:48 AM

Yay, you're doing it! Can't wait to see how it turns out!

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Ashe

10-13-2015, 03:12 PM

Thank you girls! I totally forgot to mention that Seraphina was a huge help when this tail was just a concept in my head :)

I keep on second guessing my colors, I love how the mint blue looks, but I'm a sucker for green and gold... I'll have to just wait a bit before putting silicone on my fins. I can easily change the color on the body but not so much on the fluke... Any suggestions?

Mermaid Wesley

10-13-2015, 03:40 PM

Ooooh how pretty!!

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Dancing Fish

10-13-2015, 05:28 PM

LOVE that fabric! I wonder what it is!

Ashe

10-13-2015, 05:31 PM

LOVE that fabric! I wonder what it is!
I wish it had a name that I could share with you, but I don't believe Jo-Ann does that. All I can say it that it is a four way stretch spandex with a holograph print :)

I know that holographic print is risky as it usually scratches off very quickly, but I am painting it in such a way that the highest risk areas will not be affected :)

Ashe

10-13-2015, 06:39 PM

So I've been doing a lot of thinking and I believe I know exactly what I want to do with this tail. Last spring, I quickly made a scrap tail that would fit my new Competitor monofin for Hawaii. The tail was finished the day before the trip and consisted of my very first neoprene tail that I made and some scrap fabric for the fluke. It lasted one swim before falling apart again, but I loved how it looked and I had so many children coming up to me with the most priceless expressions. It was such a magical day.

So, I want to recreate that tail and just really kick it up a notch, bring back some of those amazing memories. I repainted the back of the new tail with the same green paint and am currently waiting for it to dry! The Hawaii tail had a golden half dorsal on the calves and a touch of pinkish maroon. I'm excited for the pop of pink because it is nearly the same exact color of my hair! I'm happy that I will be tied to my tail like that :)

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WaterDragon

10-13-2015, 08:06 PM

That is going to look amazing, I'm so happy that you are going to recreate that tail :)

Mermaid Wesley

10-13-2015, 08:10 PM

awesome!

Luna Dreamtide

10-13-2015, 08:18 PM

Gorgeous fabric choice. I can't wait to see how it turns into out!

Ashe

10-14-2015, 06:40 PM

Progress pictures!! Deciding on the green was such a win on my part. Just look at her!

Finished green on the back
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Progress on front
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Look at how slippery it looks! And really slick, as well. You can feel all of the little bumps and ridges, but it is still really smooth.
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And here is progress on my top.
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I just put on this layer of paint so the green will look a bit different, but this is where I'm at. There are two gold straps in the back and a halter made from fishing net. I'm wondering what I could use to adorn the green part... I was thinking maybe plastic plants? There is a type at my craft store that I absolutely love but they were out of stock last time I went. Maybe little shells as well?

I want to start working on fins as well. I've actually considering a full dorsal instead of a half? I haven't checked on how much fabric I have left so that will be the deciding factor. Thinking of pelvic fins as well...

I don't think I've ever been this excited about one of my tails! And I'm barely halfway done :D

Mermaid Wesley

10-14-2015, 07:40 PM

Ooh how interesting.... I would love to see a video *wink wink*

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Ashe

10-14-2015, 08:03 PM

Funny you mention that! While I was walking by the tail I had noticed out of the corner of my eye that the colors move like bioluminescent deep sea fish, or even cuttlefish! So from some angles it looks like pure gold and from others, it is a rainbow explosion! I was wanting to capture a video to share you you guys, but for now check this out :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RoPvc_QwCI
So instead of black and white, my tail is gold and rainbow!

Mermaid Wesley

10-14-2015, 08:04 PM

Yay!!

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Ashe

10-14-2015, 08:45 PM

Videos! I decided that I better get my butt back in the garage and grab a video for you guys before my light went down :p I am so sorry for the crap quality! My wifi is acting up and it looks bad, but you still get an idea :)

Cuttlefish colors

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86y3ti7Odq8

How I use paint to protect my tail

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRy9b39tcw4

Mermaid Wesley

10-14-2015, 09:05 PM

Oooooo

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Ashe

10-15-2015, 12:26 AM

Have my fins cut and ready to be sewn and painted tomorrow! I think that the tail itself will be put together in full by the weekend and then it is on to detail work and silicone! :D

Mermaid Saoirse

10-15-2015, 12:48 AM

This tail is looking amazing! I'm really looking forward to seeing the end result. The fabric you chose looks perfect.

Vrindavana Starfish

10-15-2015, 01:04 PM

Omg this tail is so cool. I can't wait to see how you do the silicone.

MerMaisy

10-15-2015, 02:20 PM

This is gorgeous.

introverting

10-15-2015, 05:49 PM

THIS WILL PROBABLY ONE OF THE BEST FABRIC TAILS I'VE EVER SEEN. You were so lucky to have found that fabric it's such a beauty! It'll surely work for the realistic look you're going for! I really hope I get to see this in person one day :~)

Ashe

10-15-2015, 05:59 PM

Thank you so much everyone! Today is another painting day, and I will be using the little bit of pinkish red. I want to get the fins assembled but I'm debating on sewing or fabric gluing them together... Would the fabric glue inhibit the cure of the DAP silicone?

MerEmma

10-15-2015, 06:10 PM

HOLY CRAP, those COLORS. SO beautiful and shiny and spectacular. O__O

Mermaid Galene

10-15-2015, 06:20 PM

Wow, gorgeous!

Ashe

10-15-2015, 07:32 PM

So I added the pomegranate color to the end not he fluke and... I wiped it off instantly. I really disliked it! I'm going to have to do a little more colors searching. I think that the issue is that there just aren't many colors that I can add when I have that holographic fabric! If I do any more than the green, everything clashes.

I think what I will end up doing is keeping the rest of the rainbow gold areas off limits, and really spruce up the green on the back. I am just about to hop onto my sewing machine and get those fins together! After that i will lay them on the tail and see what I can do about colors :)

Thank you everyone for your support!

Ashe

10-15-2015, 09:18 PM

Oh hooray! I'm officially at the setback point of tailmaking :rolleyes:

Upon putting the silicone on my fins (luckily I hadn't started my dorsal), I realized that this was not quite going as expected. Now, I promise that I did tests! The issue is that the silicone almost completely takes away that amazing colors effect, and it gets VERY goopy. I put it on and spread it through with a paintbrush, but I only have a few seconds before it starts to cure. What makes it worse is that I am using spandex, not neoprene, so the fabric curls and wrinkles when I try to work with it.

The main issue is that I NEED some sort of protection on my fluke or else all of the holographic print will come off at the sides and around the monofin. I think I will need to sleep on this one. Everything was going so well, so I kinda knew that with my luck there would be a drawback :p

Any suggestions?

Ashe

10-15-2015, 09:19 PM

I also ruined my gorgeous pelvic fins :shame:

WaterDragon

10-15-2015, 11:47 PM

not at all sure it will work but what about using a fabric paint medium? http://www.joann.com/americana-fabric-paint-medium/5912704.html do you think it would dry clear if not mixed with a acrylic paint?

Mermaid Wesley

10-16-2015, 01:00 AM

How did you apply the silicone?

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Ashton

10-16-2015, 01:09 AM

I felt this meme was the best way to express how I feel about the amazing color changing ability that you now possess!
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Ashe

10-16-2015, 01:21 AM

Heheh! I'm a sucker for memes :p

Wesley, it was straight out of the tube and onto the fin. Seconds after, I would go over it with a brush. I will revisit the fins tomorrow, and see how they look. I was also discouraged because I didn't take into account how much effort and silicone would go into making the big pectoral fins I was hoping for, so that was another reason I wasn't feeling to well. No matter, though because I decided that the tail would look great without them :)

I have also realized that even though some of the iridescence may be lost, when I put my monofin into the tail I will then have a sturdy, flat surface to apply the silicone to. Again, I will revisit this in the morning :)

So progress? I have two little ankle fins with silicone on them. While a little goopy in some places, I think I can make them work! I'm scrapping my pectoral fins but I have a full dorsal in store, waiting for silicone. The tail will be sewn together this weekend and possibly siliconing the fluke. All is well!

Ashe

10-16-2015, 09:18 AM

So I hopped into the garage to take a look at the fins. They actually came out much better than I was expecting! Yes, I did lose some of the colors, but I think that is a small price to pay in exchange for a longer lasting and more realistic tail :) I have a little fin test here, feel free to skip around the video a little bit. Toward the end I compare the silicone and silicone free sides using the unfinished pelvic fin. I won't use those huge pelvic fins because it is just so much silicone (the same amount of silicone that would go on the dorsal!) and a lot of frustrating work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8oCq_rA5zw

Seraphina Suds

10-16-2015, 09:29 AM

Looking great so far!

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Ashe

10-16-2015, 09:38 AM

Ashe

10-16-2015, 09:43 AM

I'm also extremely happy with the 'flop' of the fins. It's exactly what i was hoping for on the trailing bits of my fluke!

Seraphina Suds

10-16-2015, 11:37 AM

Thank you Seraphina! While I haven't started the fluke yet (that will be the very last as I want to have my fin in there when laying the silicone), may I ask how you did yours? I remember seeing a close up picture and it looked very clean. Any tips I should know before I finish this up?
I squeezed the silicone in a thin layer straight from the tube onto the fluke. I worked in lines from the top where the scales would start, to the tip of the fluke. The silicone kind of spreads itself but make sure that you work close enough to the last line/keep them touching so you don't have any holes. It gives a natural slightly ridged look when it's done!

I totally feel you on the flop XD I loved slapping my little fins around lol
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Ashton

10-16-2015, 12:12 PM

I have to agree that you will have one of the best fabric tails I have ever seen.
Its to bad some of the rainbow effect gets a bit dull when the silicone is applied. I am glad that it does not get lost completely. I cant wait to see photos of you in it in the sun/swimming!!!

Vrindavana Starfish

10-16-2015, 12:31 PM

I think the rainbow looks incredibly realistic with the silicone over it! I love it. That fabric is so beautiful, but with the silicone over it, it actually looks the way an iridescent fish would. I am impatiently waiting to see how the finished tail looks! I think this will be the direction I go when I do my fabric tail.

Ashe

10-16-2015, 01:40 PM

Thank you so much for your kind words! (Nearly started tearing up but that's probably due to PMS). All of my faith in this tail is restored. I agree that it looks really nice with the silicone, also keeping in mind that the silicone will be on the fins and fluke, not the body.

Well, yet at least. I've played around with the idea of scaling the tail because of the how well it cures to the holographic print. I don't want to get too ahead of myself though, and something like that would likely happen next season.

Edit: Also as a side note, the lighting in which the first two videos and the fin video was made under were completely different. Later tonight the fins will probably regain a little bit more of their shine :)

Keiris

10-16-2015, 02:01 PM

Kalani it's just looking FANTASTIC!!!!! You are going to be quite the shimmery catch of the day!!!!

Ashe

10-16-2015, 07:02 PM

Great news! I sewed the two parts of the tail together and it looks really nice! I was so worried that my pink hair would throw off the colors, but that wasn't the case at all :D
I lost quite a bit of green paint on the front due to the seam allowance but that will all be painted on later. I'll need to resize it a little as it is a little baggy and I like skin tight tails, but I will do that probably later tonight. I can only take so much sewing before going insane :lol: Trying to find some better ways to deal with silicone before working on my fluke and dorsal.

Still wanting to add that bit of pink to match my hair but I'm really not finding anywhere that will look nice. Hmmm...

In any case, I think that I should be taking a bit of a break now that I am so close. I want to make sure that I don't make any snap decisions :p Time to work on my Secret Santa gift! Heheh...

Mermaid Miranda

10-16-2015, 11:53 PM

So I have been stalking this thread because, well many reasons. Eventually I'm going to make myself a fabric tail and I need all the help I can get. The idea of using DAP silicone painted on is genius. I am potentially going to use that.
And can I just say, and I think most mers will agree with me, holy fluke that is some gorgeous fabric, girl. Your tail is amazing and it isn't even finished. It is an inspiring tail for us tail-less mers, mers without silicone funds/skill, and mers who prefer fabric. Carp, it's just plain inspirational. Can't wait to see it finished!

Madison MerFaerie

10-18-2015, 07:37 PM

Looks great! You are going to be the most gorgeous golden fishy!

darksiren

10-19-2015, 11:40 PM

sorry, could someone please tell what is DAP silicone? this is the first thread I've seen that mentions it. I am awaiting the next pic with baited breath!

Ashe

10-19-2015, 11:57 PM

Of course! DAP is a brand that creates silicone caulk *gasp*
The line of silicone that mers buy from them is their All Purpose Adhesive Sealant. It is so far proven to be safe because if it's main use for aquarium use. It is stretchy, won't turn yellow or crack, is fish safe and is food safe as well.
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darksiren

10-20-2015, 11:40 AM

Wow, i'd imagine it would take a lot of those little tubes to cover a tail...

Seraphina Suds

10-20-2015, 02:16 PM

You have no idea @_@ When I was making mine, I sold out the three closest Home Depot stores in my area. The next one to have it was a half hour drive away.

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Ashe

10-20-2015, 02:58 PM

Phew! Glad I'm only doing the fins and fluke! Eh, for now at least. I've toyed with the idea of scaling the tail in the future. We'll see how it holds up.

Ashe

11-20-2015, 06:34 PM

Ouch, it's been a while! I haven't made any progress on this tail since my last post... I've been so busy! Luckily I'm on break for a week so hopefully I can pick this tail back up again :)

MerChemi

11-20-2015, 09:45 PM

Wow Kalani! Your tail looks amazing so far!! :jawdrop:
That fabric is just medical and I really love your top!!
i can't wait to see how it turns out :swoon:

Grey Gambit

11-20-2015, 10:58 PM

This is looking so cool!!
I'd been thinking about using DAP silicone to add to my fabric tail that's in the works and I have to say this is really motivational!

Seraphina Suds

11-26-2015, 08:55 AM

How's it coming, Kalani?

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Ashe

06-16-2016, 03:03 PM

Pssst, hey there. Guess who started working on this thing again? It's me!

Gosh, its been so long and I could give ya'll so many excuses but I save you from that. In any case, its summer and I finally have time to pick this tail back up again! It's completely sewn up but now I'm taking a step back to look at where I want to go with this tail. I'm toying around with fins, silicone, and maybe even sequins? I think that whatever I do, I want to put a lot of thought into it because I want this to be my main tail for a while.

Today I'm going to work on fins and research what materials I might use to finish this up. We'll see!

If I get any notable progress done today, I'll post a couple of pictures :)

Saelyyia

06-18-2016, 02:05 PM

the stippling looks great Kalani and what nice summery colors! I can't wait to see the finished product.

Mermaid Alea

06-18-2016, 08:34 PM

Mwahahaha! The seams have vanished! Great job on hiding them!

Keiris

06-18-2016, 08:43 PM

nice job Kalani!!!

Mermaid Caspiana

06-19-2016, 01:33 AM

Kalani!!! This is looking so fantastic! I've just gone through this whole thread... I can't wait to see you finish! <3
Also a few questions, well one main one really. You see I made a neoprene-fully-sequined tail last summer and used E6000 to glue them down and it worked wonders... but the glue that CArtwright's uses to attach the shiny foil to the plastic of the sequin... not so much. :( And I'm now looking for alternate ways to reinforce my work (which was a lot, even gluing lol), beside hand sewing. I've read a few threads now on machine sewing (still really iffy on that), and not necessarily what I'm looking for, but latex tails with sequins. I was thinking of brushing a thin layer of clear latex or silicone over top my sequins for protection. But I'm having trouble finding the right stuff... safe, stretchy, flexible, clear enough to still see the shine of my iridescence. I'll attach a picture so you can see what I'm saying. But yeah. I'm just trying to find help with mers who are attempting somewhat similar things. ;)
And again, I literally can't wait to see this cross the finish line!!! <3
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Ashe

06-19-2016, 11:15 AM

Caspiana I love your tail! You know what, I know I've seen a mer or two cover a sequin tail in silicone, I'm just going to have to dig around to try and find it for you. It really does look amazing though!

For a cheap option, I think DAP would be the way to go. In all honesty though, my experience hasn't been amazing. Since its more caulk-y than anything, its a little goopy and hard to work with (at least on the spandex I'm using, it's going to be different for neoprene). I am thinking of finding a silicone thinner that will help it to become a little bit slicker, but even with that I'm not sure if I'll use it on this tail except for the fins. Unfortunately, when I tested the silicone on my holographic fabric, it dulled down the effect quite a bit. It's still noticeably shiny, but you don't quite see the rainbow as much in the sun.

As for updates on my tail, it's coming along! ...after I completely changed the color again :headwall: :lol:
I took her out into the sun and really wasn't in love with how the blue and the gold looked, so she's back to being green again! I'm happy that I made the switch again. I'm so indecisive haha. In any case, the paint (which really makes this look like a latex tail) is super thick and rich in color so you can't even tell. Just look at the pictures I posted earlier and you'll see.
I thought about my fluke for a while last night. If you look at the picture of the frankenstein tail I made in Hawaii, the fluke looks completely flat at the end. It's not really, the fabric just flopped over and behind the monofin which wasn't too pretty in pictures. I have a couple ideas so I'll try to sketch them out because its hard to explain, but in the end the fluke will be stiff enough to hold up out of water, but really nice and flowy in the water.

I'm going to start scaling the tail today using my previous method and show you all what I get done!

Ashe

06-19-2016, 04:20 PM

Alright, I've started tracing my scales, its just taking a lot of precision because I am not going to scale the belly (the gold part). However, in the future when the holographic print inevitably wears off and I repaint the whole thing, I'll probably want to do scales on it. Does that make sense? Haha

Here's a little peek at the green layered with the gold. I'm really loving how this came out (and I promise no more color changes!!!)

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Mermaid Caspiana

06-19-2016, 06:51 PM

Ashe

06-20-2016, 06:14 PM

Just a photo of what I think my scales will look like, I'm really feeling the pointed scales :) I've decided I might scale the gold part of the tail as well. I was liking the idea of having only scales on the green and then a smooth belly but I think I will be consistent. What do you guys think?

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Also, I think that if I do the gold scales, I will want those ones to be smaller than the green ones. So, bigger scales on the back and then transitioning to smaller scales on the belly. Has anyone here ever done this before? How did you get everything to match up? Thanks! xx

mermaid_rebby

06-20-2016, 07:10 PM

How is the stretch on the tulip paint? I was considering using it for my first fabric tail

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Ashe

06-20-2016, 08:32 PM

The stretch is fantastic but only if you use certain types. I know they have slick, puffy, metallic, glitter, neon and a few others. I've tried the majority of them on different tails so I speak from experience.

The main paint I use is Slick. This is for all my base colors like the green you see here. It is extremely stretchy and sticks great to most fabrics. The downside is that it gets a little sticky and if two different parts of your tail painted with this touch for too long, it will stick together and can damage your tail if you try to separate it. To prevent this, I sprinkle my tails with baby powder when I'm transporting them.

The second paint I use is Metallic. I normally use the gold but I used to use the blue a lot, I haven't seen it in stores in a while. Anyways, this works almost exactly like Slick, but it is not as sticky and the stretch is compromised just slightly.

My favorite paint to use for accents is Glitter, but only for accents. This paint does not stretch much at all so I don't recommend you use it to scale an entire tail. It does, however dry completely without getting sticky.

Lastly, I've used Puffy and let me tell you that I will never make that mistake again. The puffy paint gets puffy when it is heat set. Well, thirteen year old Kalani didn't put two and two together and realize that if a Californian mermaid swims in 110 degree weather, the tail will quite literally explode. I wish I had pictures of it but I tossed that poor tail a while ago. Basically, the puffy paint puffed up so much that the air bubbles inside it grew too big and popped! The scales were huge and thick and lumpy. Not great!

I think that once I am done with this tail, I am going to make a Tulip paint guide so everyone knows how to use it, but for now reference people back to this thread ;)

mermaid_rebby

06-20-2016, 08:36 PM

That'd be awesome! But thank you so much for the info I'll give it a try :3

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Mermaid Caspiana

06-20-2016, 11:07 PM

I love the idea of two toned scales covering the whole thing, you could, with the paint, probably blend the colors well to make a nice smooth transition from color to color. I'm so excited to see you finish and can't wait to see it swim! :)

Ashe

06-21-2016, 05:54 PM

Alright, I've seen tracing my scales onto my tail for the past couple of days. It's getting tough because it's been getting up to 113 degrees fahrenheit where I am and I'm tailmaking in the garage! I can only work for a few minutes before it gets too hot :( I'm also back in school for a few weeks (hooray for cruddy geometry teachers who failed half her class!) so I'm slowing down a bit. That's all :)

Iamonlyme@me.com

07-15-2016, 03:54 PM

Any updates :) I am using the same material for my daughters tale put hers is pink base coat and DAP also :)

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Ashe

07-15-2016, 05:40 PM

Not too much has happened unfortunately. I just got out of school again but I've been tied up with another costume project because my tail worktable is currently being used to hold a plethora of film cameras and drones haha. Should be able to get back to work soon, but I'm not sure if this will be done by the end of summer. It's just too hot to work! :p

Vrindavana Starfish

07-15-2016, 07:06 PM

Ashe

07-15-2016, 07:18 PM

Film cameras and drones... sounds like a dream come true!

Haha, its what happens when your mom, dad, brother (and soon, yourself) are all in the film industry :lol:

Vrindavana Starfish

07-16-2016, 03:58 PM

Haha, its what happens when your mom, dad, brother (and soon, yourself) are all in the film industry :lol:

My husband and I are both filmmakers and videographers. There is camera equipment everywhere. Sadly, no drones yet. :(

Ashe

03-13-2017, 08:58 PM

Alright! Guess who's back? ... After over a year :$

I got so close to finishing this thing but I had some really huge setbacks. But I've been working on this lovely thing for about a week now and There are only a few things I need to do. First, I'm modifying my Competitor monofin. I'm not cutting it because I still want it intact for when this tail gets old, but I'm adding on to it. I cut off the ends of a Magictail monofin and I'll be super gluing the pieces onto the end of my fin. The fabric will extend even past that a good bit but now when my tail is out of the water, the tips of the fluke won't just fold over into a straight line like the tail which I rush made (like a week) for Hawaii.

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Next, scales! Because of the nature of this tail as it isn't completely silicone, I opted out of the usual fish scales. I took a look at the Hawaii tail and it looked nice, but it just wasn't my style. Plus since the way the tail curves around my knees and hips, you get some really wonky liking scales towards the seams even while using a stencil. So Saelyyia helped me decide on doing some pretty cool freehand dragon scales. That way I can also have different sized scales like larger ones on the back and smaller ones towards the fluke.

Here was my little test sheet

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And here is my layout before I paint over them. You'll see a few painted scales by tonight :)

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And lastly, fins. I'll have a good few on this tail including a secondary dorsal, pelvic fins, lower calf fins and and heel fins (possibly). I'm in the process of creating them, but here are a couple of the templates.

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So there you are. Proof that I am the world's best procrastinator and was void of any motivation for the past year, yet I've prevailed. I think with the progress I'm making I have this done fairly soon *crosses fins* and in time for my lake trip and some meetups :)

Ashe

03-13-2017, 11:42 PM

Alright, here's a little sneak peak of the scales. I want them a little more raised so I think I'll go over them again with another coat. Gah, I don't want to think about how much paint I've bought for this project :p

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Mermaid Mia

03-14-2017, 12:06 AM

Its looking amazing!

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Agent Dragon

03-15-2017, 07:49 AM

LOVE the scale pattern.

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Ashe

03-15-2017, 11:03 PM

I have conquered the scales!!! Almost. After what felt like 45 years I finally scaled the front side of the tail and I LOVE how they look. The organic dragon-type scales were perfect. So my next step is to blend everything together once again so there isn't this huge divide between green scales and gold scales.

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I'll need to take a couple of pictures in natural light because all you guys have been seeing is the garage lamp. Oh well, it's lovely in person and I'm excited :)

I also used the fantastic toxic fume filled E-6000 to glue the plastic pieces to my monofin and set some sandbags on top of it for the night. Now, that's not going to be the shape of the fluke. The plastic pieces are just to give the fluke a bit more structure so it doesn't just flop right over. It will be extended and have a nicer shape ;)

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So my To Do List:
1. Scale the back of my tail
2. Blend the paint once again
3. Finish the fins
4. Apply the fins
5. Paint the fluke

Woop woop :D

Saelyyia

03-16-2017, 12:19 PM

I am loving those dragon scales, they really read beautifully on your tail and the colors are so pretty. I can't wait to see it at the summer Pod swims.

Ashe

03-16-2017, 01:28 PM

I'm hoping to get it done by the 26th, it looks like I'll be at a fun lake for the day. Even if it isn't completely finished it will still be good to take it for a test swim :)

Saelyyia

03-16-2017, 01:57 PM

I'm jealous. Haven't made it out to a lake in years. Just lots of beach swims so SAND EVERYWHERE lol

Mermaid Wesley

03-16-2017, 02:10 PM

woo! Scaley fun!

Ashe

03-16-2017, 03:57 PM

I'm jealous. Haven't made it out to a lake in years. Just lots of beach swims so SAND EVERYWHERE lol

See I haven't swam in any Californian seas yet! Just once in Hawaii with that recycled Frankenstein tail :p I'm really excited for this summer when I'll be flipping around as much as I please with this new beauty.

Mermaidrey

03-16-2017, 04:10 PM

What is DAP silicone? Why is it different to average fox silicone?

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Mermaidrey

03-16-2017, 04:13 PM

*fx silicone :)

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Ashe

03-16-2017, 04:23 PM

What is DAP silicone? Why is it different to average fox silicone?

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DAP is a brand of silicone that is not meant for prosthetics like DragonSkin, but instead is a caulk. I'm on mobile and can't give you a picture but if you hit page 3 of this thread and scroll down to post #55, I gave someone a brief explanation.

Just remember guys if you haven't read through the entire thread, I am no longer using silicone. I'm experimenting with something new that I hope to share with you all :)

Ashe

03-16-2017, 05:45 PM

Here are those sunlight pictures! Look at that SHINE. On the second picture it was so bright that my phone couldn't capture the light correctly. Scaling the back of the tail today and then I'll get to blending the colors together tomorrow or tonight after work.

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Ashe

03-17-2017, 01:34 AM

Alright, some of the bigger scales on the back. Had fun playing around with the sizes (and I pretty much definitely did not try to make my fish butt look bigger probably.)

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Mermaid Mia

03-17-2017, 10:51 AM

Its super shiny! Excited to see the fins go on this :)

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Dancing Fish

03-17-2017, 12:03 PM

Neat! I love this look!

Ashe

03-17-2017, 07:28 PM

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Finished all the scales! I'd say that's just about seamless, what about you? I'm really digging how this is turning out.
I'm starting to work on a new top (I trashed the older one, just wasn't up to par). I think my accents will be browns and a touch of gold. Netting as well.

Slim

03-17-2017, 09:19 PM

This is just becoming way more better than expected. I know it off topic but your signature fits you very well.

Ashe

03-18-2017, 12:00 AM

This is just becoming way more better than expected. I know it off topic but your signature fits you very well.

Thank you! To both :) I forgot where I heard the quote, but it's always just been in my head. I find that whenever I change my avatar I change the color of the quote to match, so expect it to be gold or green next ;)

Ashe

03-19-2017, 11:31 AM

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Those colors and that shine :swoon:Yess! First coat of paint to blend the green and gold scales, and I think I'll only need a light coat for the second.
I need to get my carp together and get those fins done. That's the last thing I need to do before I finish up the fluke and I'll be done.

Slim

03-19-2017, 11:41 AM

It looks already done with that shine :cool: I can't wait to hear how well it swims.

Vela

03-19-2017, 01:03 PM

wow this is a fun tail! I love the different shape of the scales! Great colors! Can't wait to see more progress! :)

Ashe

03-19-2017, 06:54 PM

For anyone wondering, the paint is very stretchy, and returns to it's original shape very well if in thick layers. The green paint is super thick (I changed the color like 46 different times) but the gold is much thinner. On the inside of the tail beneath the gold I think I will use a thick, less stretchy fabric layer to thicken that up a bit so everything stretches and bends in unity.

I'm sure I'll only have a couple of years with this tail at most because I've been losing weight and it will inevitably stretch out like a latex tail at some point (it is a latex-based paint). Next time I make a tail like this, I will use neoprene to prolong it's life.

Side note; the next tail I make might be a silicone tail. Going back and forth on that one... I have a toolmaker in mind whom I'd love to commission but I think I might be able to give it a go :thinks:

Ashe

03-19-2017, 06:56 PM

Also, I may or may not have turned my tail into a glitter bomb. Hm. :lol:

Ashe

03-26-2017, 03:47 PM

Finally got some time to work on my tail just a bit! I reinforced the inside of the knee area with a couple of thick coats of the paint, so it won't stretch as much when I swim.

And finally working on those fins! Here's a little sneak peak. The pelvic and ventral fins will be made with a non-stretch fabric because I know kiddos might be tugging on them a bit, but the dorsals will be made with spandex so it will stretch with my movements.

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Aurelian

03-27-2017, 07:26 PM

Wow. You definitely have more determination to get this done than I think I would. Knowing me, I probably would have been super pumped to start it, then after coming across a problem I'd be like "Oh, well maybe I should take a break from it until I can figure that out," and then I would forget about it and find it somewhere in the next decade. :p

Ashe

03-28-2017, 06:57 PM

Haha! Believe me Aurora, this tail has been a wacky adventure of ups and downs.

However... my sewing machine broke :( Not sure exactly what and how, but something to do with the bobbin track. Gah, well I'll continue working on my fins and see if I can run over to my friend's tomorrow and mooch off of her sewing machine.

Saelyyia

03-28-2017, 07:26 PM

Hey Kalani, let me know if you need to run this through a machine still come the weekend. My machine is always open to you.

Ashe

03-28-2017, 10:26 PM

Hey thanks! But it looks like I'll be good. My goal is to be adding the finishing touches by the time the weekend is over.

Ashe

03-29-2017, 07:39 PM

Well I went for two dorsals because heck it. As I said in my post about seams, I love fish anatomy and I draw most mermaids will all of the proper fins. So I have pectorals, ventrals, a primary fluke and secondary fluke. Leaving out that anal fin cause ehhhhh it just wouldn't look right wth a fluke instead of a caudal fin. But here are my two dorsals in progress and then up top you can see the progress on one of my pectorals. That one should only need a couple of more coats of paint and then I can detail it.

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Edit: Phew, that's a funky looking angle. The two dorsals are much more proportionate in real life.

Ashe

04-03-2017, 06:37 PM

Have some fin progress pics! Going to get these done tonight, and see if I can start sewing them in if I get off of work early.

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Mermaid Mia

04-03-2017, 08:43 PM

I love the gradient on the fins! Super pretty

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Ashe

04-04-2017, 12:56 AM

Just going to leave this one here and call it a night ;)
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Neerai

04-04-2017, 05:48 PM

OMG! So SHINY!!!! :DD

I love your tail!!

Ashe

04-04-2017, 06:00 PM

Isn't it fun?? :D

Realistically, I think the only problem with this tail will be stretching after a season or two. It is a latex based paint after all and is on a spandex base. But who knows, maybe there won't be an issue at all! So close to finishing this up, and just in time for spring break :)

Ashe

04-05-2017, 10:02 PM

Shout out to my friend Julia and her magical sewing machine! We are just about there, boys.

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Ashe

04-08-2017, 01:37 AM

So I tried on my unfinished tail the other day and I LOVE IT. Definitely tough to get on because of the thickness and all of the fins, but with a little bit of coconut oil and determination, I was able to do it. I was on a call so I sat in my tail (getting glitter everywhere) for a good half hour or so. When I took it off again, there was no issue with the paint stretching. It just shrunk right back to normal!

So tonight I started the final coats of paint on the fluke. I put simple veining on it just like the fins and slathering it in gold paint. Unless zombies take over, I should have this done by tomorrow! (Heck, even if zombies took over I would still finish this baby up).

I'll have to wait three days before I can immerse the paint in water, so I'm planning a little beach photo shoot on Wednesday or Thursday :D

Ashe

04-12-2017, 09:49 PM

Guess who finished their tail??? It's me! :dance:

I had a great time making this and I love how it turned out. Now I'm just waiting for everything to completely cure so I can take it to the beach in a couple of days! I made a little video giving you a quick look at the finished product. It was getting cold and windy so I bailed haha. Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/ECqaRJEZPvo