Lou's Tailmaking Journey...

[LouLouBelle]

Hi all. I'm still very new to the world of mermaiding in general, and I'm venturing into the world of silicone tailmaking. (I like taking things slowly... ;) ) I thought I'd start a thread to share my experiences as I go.

I have my first design complete - I love butterflies and decided to make my first tail based on the Peacock Butterfly. I'm aiming for a dark body to match my hair and then bright butterfly-like fins. I'm also planning to make one based on a peacock (bird) but that one will be a lot more intricate so I'm starting with something a bit easier!

I'm currently entertaining different ideas for scale design. So far my favourite has been a sea shell scale, moulded over real shells. Has anyone else ever tried this?

[Alinda the Reef Fish]

Hi ~ Unfortunately, I only have my fabric tail at the moment, but my cousin and I are making plans to create our first silicone tails this summer. I know there are a bazillion threads and videos shared in a sticky thread somewhere in the tailmaking forum, and I've been using a lot of those to get information and ideas on what I want to do.

What has really helped me is having the first design completed too. Once you have that, you'll kind of get a better idea of what its going to take to make your tail come to life with the silicone. I've seen a few butterfly-themed tails so I would really love to see how yours turns out.

[Luna Dreamtide]

Hi all. I'm still very new to the world of mermaiding in general, and I'm venturing into the world of silicone tailmaking. (I like taking things slowly... ;) ) I thought I'd start a thread to share my experiences as I go.

I have my first design complete - I love butterflies and decided to make my first tail based on the Peacock Butterfly. I'm aiming for a dark body to match my hair and then bright butterfly-like fins. I'm also planning to make one based on a peacock (bird) but that one will be a lot more intricate so I'm starting with something a bit easier!

I'm currently entertaining different ideas for scale design. So far my favourite has been a sea shell scale, moulded over real shells. Has anyone else ever tried this?
I think Pearlie Mae moulded her clay scales from a seashell. Check the start of her thread maybe :)

[LouLouBelle]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/16/c243e7a21e22b8985c70a4dc73fea372.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/16/a4c7212fc9d5da1dce0776b660e30d93.jpg

Tail sketches and playing around with scale moulds.

Thanks - I can't wait to see how it turns out either!!


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[MySirenSong]

I love the design for you tail! And I love butterflies as well so that makes me love your design even more. I can't wait to see how it turns out! :D

[LouLouBelle]

Thanks!

First set of experimental scales poured! Several different materials used - won't be long till I know what I'll be making my actual moulds from...


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[LouLouBelle]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/16/10e2e84d74c499923be1f46610facc78.jpg

Scale tray in the making... Pour over plaster, let set, remove shells... and then we're ready for some serious scale making! [emoji23]


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[Mermaid Clara]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/16/c243e7a21e22b8985c70a4dc73fea372.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/16/a4c7212fc9d5da1dce0776b660e30d93.jpg

Tail sketches and playing around with scale moulds.

Thanks - I can't wait to see how it turns out either!!


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Beautiful design! I can't wait to see more of your progress!


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[Luna Dreamtide]

Looks interesting. Are you planning on doing individual scales?

[LouLouBelle]

Thank you!

Yes, I am planning on individual scales. I know it's a lot more time consuming than doing scale sheets, but I love the way it looks and the fact that there aren't any seams as such. I'm going to enjoy playing with this [emoji4]


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[Luna Dreamtide]

I'm excited to see how you go :) I love the idea of individual scales too but I'll be making both my tail and one for a friend so I'll be doing sheets to hopefully cut down of some time.

[LouLouBelle]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/17/34e557c3da030fca50a23614175dfe38.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/17/aa1a8cb92782c86484932580fede1813.jpg

First scale tray complete! It turns out you can crush a soft pastel and use it to colour your scales. I've got a few basic silicone pigments and I've ordered some pearlex as well, but thought I'd have a play with the pastels to see what would happen!


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[Dancing Fish]

nice! What a gorgeous design. CAn't wait to see it finished! :)

[LouLouBelle]

Thanks! I can't wait to see it finished either - I have a feeling it'll be quite a while! [emoji23]


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[Mermaid Wesley]

lots of things can pigment silicone! i have used liquid foundation as well as talc

[Luna Dreamtide]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/17/34e557c3da030fca50a23614175dfe38.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/17/aa1a8cb92782c86484932580fede1813.jpg

First scale tray complete! It turns out you can crush a soft pastel and use it to colour your scales. I've got a few basic silicone pigments and I've ordered some pearlex as well, but thought I'd have a play with the pastels to see what would happen!


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Thanks for the tip. Id been wondering if that would work ok without inhibiting cure.

[LouLouBelle]

Don't mention it! If you're not sure, just try and see what happens [emoji4]


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[PearlieMae]

I'd recommend small pigment tests with anything you want to try because there are lots of hidden things that will inhibit curing of silicone.

Most yellow pigment contain sulphur, some ultramarine colors just won't let silicone cure, and some pigments you need in such high quantities to get good opacity will also inhibit curing.

ALWAYS PROTOTYPE EVERYTHING!

[LouLouBelle]

Will do, thanks! [emoji4]


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[Luna Dreamtide]

I'd recommend small pigment tests with anything you want to try because there are lots of hidden things that will inhibit curing of silicone.

Most yellow pigment contain sulphur, some ultramarine colors just won't let silicone cure, and some pigments you need in such high quantities to get good opacity will also inhibit curing.

ALWAYS PROTOTYPE EVERYTHING!
Good advice. I always remember to do this now. :)

[LouLouBelle]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/22/21a94ee089053c95fa00868a51d4b020.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/22/90b68c667bdef9d2ea7f7ff94bdf5d59.jpg

Dinky little scale mould and playing with sparkly eye shadow [emoji4]

I've discovered measuring syringes are brilliant for accurately measuring out tiny amounts of silicone. Use a separate one for part a and a different one for part b. I had a couple spare from when I was using them to force feed one of my rats with antibiotics (I've finally found something he'll take them willingly with!) but I'm sure you can buy them online.


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[LouLouBelle]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/22/b592e78c2d593bee9e7739726984c5e5.jpg

I like! [emoji4]


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[Luna Dreamtide]

Very cute. I like them. I do find it interesting though that your scales seem to appear matte, while others have their scales come out of the mould glossy.

[Mermaid Kate Silverfin]

Syringes are great for small amounts, you can get them from resin suppliers too (good for measuring catalyst)!
A little bit of advice; you may want to either flatten down your scale casts or cut them so that they are thinner, otherwise they will stack up very thick when you arrange them to make a tail. :)
Leina, from my experiments I find that if you make your mould out of something porous like plaster, they come out matte, but if you use resin, they are shiny (so long as your sculpt is shiny of course).

[Luna Dreamtide]

Thanks for the tip Kate :)
And I was wondering that about the scales too. Maybe you could just fill the moulds up less so they aren't too thick.

[LouLouBelle]

Thanks! [emoji4]

I will be filling the moulds a bit more carefully when I'm making my 'final' scales. If you look at the pic of the empty mould in my hand and the filled one (the brown scale) you can see I overdid it a bit! I also decided after adding the bronze silicone to add some more with black - if I do that but start off with less bronze I'm thinking it should give a nice scale tip (the two silicones didn't mix much on their own - I'll be playing more with that tonight!)

The blue scale definitely looks matte and came from a plaster mould. The bronze one actually looks sort of satin-like under light, and it came from a plastic resin mould. I used real shells to make the moulds and I think that's why they're a bit more textured than a clay scale would be. I'm going to try painting a very fine coat of silicone over the top - I'm hoping if I leave it clear you'll still see the texture of the coloured part. I'll try with a brush and if that fails I'll get my air brush out (or I might just do that anyway - any excuse to make a mess! [emoji38]) The scales all look glossy on the back! [emoji23]

Now to wish away time while I'm at work... I'd much rather be playing with mermaid scales!
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/23/b526775e3d9efc359b89b41572457492.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/23/eac9e95cd03dd43fee3f4dfabff66329.jpg



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[LouLouBelle]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/23/a18c7adbb5c3f3de6f6cf710274d3292.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/23/f11ef6d3e260e84c4f5eb1db0c363a59.jpg

Painting with clear silicone worked [emoji4]

I think the urban decay naked eyeshadow palette will prove useful for a blended waist...


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[Luna Dreamtide]

Ooh I love the swirly pearl effect. Are you only using eyeshadows?

[LouLouBelle]

I only used eye shadow in those ones. I do have some silicone pigments that I haven't opened yet and I'm still waiting on my pearlex pigments to arrive. I'm pleasantly surprised at how well the eye shadows have worked - and they're easier to get hold of than pearlex (in the uk!) It doesn't take much shadow to add colour to a scale.


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[LouLouBelle]

My pearl ex pigments have arrived!! I think I spent about 10 minutes just hyperventilating and looking at all the colours...

I've discovered that varnishing my scale moulds makes the scales more glossy without having to paint them afterwards, and as long as I'm careful I can still keep all the detail.

I added some of the interference red to the red pastel I ground up earlier and got a lovely result. I can't seem to get a great photo, but it looks gorgeous when you move the scale under a light.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/25/85e8a22b121131e8c6c1cf6f8d64532c.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/25/decfc6b70acbd49738ba1102225c6bed.jpg


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[Luna Dreamtide]

Ooh that's very pretty. I love the interference colours

[LouLouBelle]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/04/28b5abc6233f0c3b3f01620bd7dbdc19.jpg

Scale moulds!

I really love the tiny shell moulds but I hit a slight problem - I only had one shell that size and I managed to break it after making a single little resin mould. In the end, I used silicone putty to make lots of little shells from that mould and stuck them together to make a multiple mould... then I made a few resin moulds from that. It's taken ages but I'm hoping it'll be worth it!

The brown stuff is clay - I've discovered it works wonders for filling in little air bubbles. If I use a nail brush and warm water to wash it off, it stays clogged up in the tiny air pockets, smoothing them out (I discovered this by accident with the first mould - I'd tried making a clay shell but it didn't capture the detail very well, and when I cleaned out the mould the remaining clay smoothed out the air bubbles around the edge.)

I've got my pearl ex pigments and a multitude of different eye shadows at the ready - so the real fun starts tomorrow!


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[LouLouBelle]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/05/ccbce0ebbcd7da6d0a8f5c858f58004d.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/05/b3ac202a17a340babcbdbd24c42aa314.jpg

I love Urban Decay eyeshadow... The naked palette looks like it'll allow a good colour match for a blended waist [emoji4]

I've also found that black soft pastel makes a lovely jet black scale. More playing will commence tomorrow!


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[Luna Dreamtide]

Oh they match so well!! Those are some tiny scales though, are you making any bigger ones - it could take a while otherwise...

[LouLouBelle]

I tried a bigger size as well but really really liked the smaller ones. I realise I'm making a lot more work for myself, but I'm not in a rush and I think it'll be worth the effort. Give it a few months and I might feel differently... [emoji23]


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[SiaTheMermaid]

I love the teeny scales, theyre so cute!

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[Luna Dreamtide]

I tried a bigger size as well but really really liked the smaller ones. I realise I'm making a lot more work for myself, but I'm not in a rush and I think it'll be worth the effort. Give it a few months and I might feel differently... [emoji23]


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Ok, that's cool. Teeny tiny scales will be really pretty I think - even if they are time consuming.

[LouLouBelle]

Thanks Sia [emoji4]

Leina - that's what I'm hoping!

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/06/2e40669c70952c95c2bd6cfcf7a7052f.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/06/d08990e5ea08adf2b3d9a9637d9d3b28.jpg


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[Luna Dreamtide]

Thanks Sia [emoji4]

Leina - that's what I'm hoping!

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/06/2e40669c70952c95c2bd6cfcf7a7052f.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/06/d08990e5ea08adf2b3d9a9637d9d3b28.jpg


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Oh my gosh! All those little scales. So cute! Good luck. I love that the brown is chocolate coloured.

[LouLouBelle]

Thanks! [emoji4]

I'm planning to do the belly in brown to refer to the butterfly's body and also to match my hair - I'm hoping that will make it all look a bit more natural and realistic when I'm wearing it. I'm going to fade it to black around the sides and back so that the bright red fins should really stand out well. That's the theory, anyway!


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[Meemerdd]

Woah, I am in love with that red scale! It's so pretty!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Love it! Brown tails are so rare but they're always so interesting. Mermaid meridian has a totally brown/copper tail and it suits her really well.


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[Mermaid Neri Elvina]

Woah are you gonna be selling silicone tails?

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[LouLouBelle]

Meemerdd and Wesley - thanks!

Neri Elvina - ask me again after I've finished this one! I want to make sure I can do a good job before accepting commissions. Once I'm confident that I know what I'm doing, I'll definitely consider it. [emoji6]


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[Mermaid Neri Elvina]

Meemerdd and Wesley - thanks!

Neri Elvina - ask me again after I've finished this one! I want to make sure I can do a good job before accepting commissions. Once I'm confident that I know what I'm doing, I'll definitely consider it. [emoji6]


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Sweet! Getting a tail from the UK would be so much easier, no customs charges! [emoji1]

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[LouLouBelle]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/13/7b2581ac0460715ed2d5a748be134c3a.jpg

Scale making to date! I'm not going to have much time for this now until after Christmas (I seriously can't believe it's less than two week away - how did that happen?!?!?!)

I just wanted to say thanks for all the kind and encouraging comments - especially while I'm still at such an early stage in the process! When I first discovered the world of mermaiding my initial reaction (after the "wow, that's the most amazing thing I've ever seen!!") was "I'll never be able to do that..." I've never been much of a swimmer despite loving the water, and the cost of a realistic tail seemed out of reach. I then decided I might as well go for it and signed up for adult swimming lessons - and surprised myself at how quickly I progressed. I'm still not amazing, but a lot more confident than I was! I also looked more into the process of tail making and realised that it's something I could not only do, but do really well. Realising that there are mers of different abilities also helped me a lot.

I'm so glad I discovered the MerNetwork forums. [emoji4]


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[LouLouBelle]

So, I've got a bit more done that I thought I would. I like scales [emoji4]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/17/c7b42f89385010c5364b96e3fd05c3d9.jpg


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[SiaTheMermaid]

Oh my god they look just like chocolate, thats awesome!

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[LouLouBelle]

Oh my god they look just like chocolate, thats awesome!

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Lol! Thanks! That could make an interesting tail design - the chocolate mermaid...


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[Luna Dreamtide]

Chocolate mermaids sound like a great idea!
Love the scales. If you keep going you may actually be able to get this done with those tiny tiny scales.
They look lovely :)

[LouLouBelle]

Chocolate mermaids sound like a great idea!
Love the scales. If you keep going you may actually be able to get this done with those tiny tiny scales.
They look lovely :)

Thanks! It'll take a while but I'll get it done!


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[PearlieMae]

Thanks Sia [emoji4]

Leina - that's what I'm hoping!

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/06/2e40669c70952c95c2bd6cfcf7a7052f.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/06/d08990e5ea08adf2b3d9a9637d9d3b28.jpg


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They look pretty cool laid out together, but at that size, you're going to need MANY THOUSANDS to cover a tail!

[Theobromine]

Those look extremely delicious and I want to eat them.

[Aysun_the_Mermaid]

I love the slight variations in tone between each scale.

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[Mermaid Wesley]

This is like.... Sequin sized silicone scales. Damn. Godspeed my friend lol


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[LouLouBelle]

Lol! Thanks everyone!

I do love working in detail - and I like a challenge! [emoji38] I added interference colours (pearl ex) to crushed black pastel and it gave that effect. I'm learning so much as I go along - and really enjoying it!


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[Hydra1337]

Your scales look awesome so far! The skin tone ones look like they match you perfectly as well! I'm definitely going to keep an eye on your tail's progress. ;)

[LouLouBelle]

Your scales look awesome so far! The skin tone ones look like they match you perfectly as well! I'm definitely going to keep an eye on your tail's progress. ;)

Thanks!


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[LouLouBelle]

I'm with my family over Christmas and don't have my tail making supplies, so I've been playing around with different design ideas instead. I've already posted an earlier version in the show is your tail designs thread.

Tail based on a small tortoiseshell butterfly.

Front:

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/27/fe9167237c6b34200a32959035ac30c0.jpg

Back:

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/27/5e3135e6d106cbabaa2e8136a9fb7d41.jpg

Side:

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/27/fe4dbd2e22ea9f3d564f0085307dded1.jpg

There will also be heel fins similar to the pectorals.

I've also been thinking about the scale design and I think I'm going to alter the moulds... I'm thinking it would be a good idea to add a little tab at the top of each scale (ie extend the top of each scale) to give a larger surface area to actually attach to the tail. The tabs would be covered by the overlapping scales above so wouldn't make a visible difference - it would just stop me from worrying that the scales might pull off easily if they catch on something!


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[LouLouBelle]

Well, I'm back home now and tail making has resumed... I've discovered something that I really wish I'd thought of earlier...

I have some gorgeous fabric that I thought would make a beautiful tail. It's not stretchy at all though, so I didn't really consider it. Then I had a thought... I spread a thin layer of silicone over it, let it soak through the fabric and cure, and then cut it into scales. These could then be stitched on to a tail like sequins.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/01/02/807cd8eaef16be786276835572f7e044.jpg

Ok, so they won't have the lovely sea shell shape that my current scales do, but the scales will be much stronger despite being really thin... It should also make repairs and alterations much easier. If necessary, new scales can be stitched on in the future, even though the silicone will be well past its green period.

I'm seriously considering redoing all my scales in this way... I got some beautiful shimmery brown fabric over Christmas that would be perfect for the tail design I'm currently working on.

I'm not actually sure what I want to do! I've spent ages perfecting the shell scales and I love their shape... but at the same time I know the fabric scales will be stronger and thinner (and will use far less silicone!) and I don't want to continue making sea shell scales just for the sake of it...

I really really wish I'd thought of this before starting the sea shell scales!!!


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[Theobromine]

I actually think that is a really cool idea.

[Luna Dreamtide]

Awesome. I had an I sea like that and wondered if it would work. I'd be interested to see how it turns out.

[OceanRose]

Cool! You could always use the shell scales for a top even if you don't use them for the tail?

[Adalira]

Can;t wait to see what you will do and how it will turn out! Good Luck!

[Hydra1337]

That sounds cool. :)

[LouLouBelle]

Thanks everyone!

So... I added some copper pearl ex to silicone and spread it over the brown fabric and it looks gorgeous. It's such a beautiful iridescent effect that it more than makes up for not having a 'sculpted' scale shape. Guess what method I'm going with?! [emoji38]

I think I'm just going to sit all my little shell scales and moulds in a box out of sight... If I don't look at them, it isn't so painful...

Ocean Rose - I love that idea - thanks!

Hopefully I'll have some photo-worthy updates soon!


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[Hydra1337]

As another suggestion for the silicone scales you could turn them into jewelry not just tops. I'd rock a scale bracelet even for everyday wear.

[The Green Mermaid]

Wow the eye-shadow pigment worked amazingly for the flesh tone I never thought of that Ill have to try it maybe with some coverup

[LouLouBelle]

The best way is to hold the eye shadows against your skin where the top edge of the tail will be and work out which colour is closest. I had to mix three to get it just right. I'm not so sure now whether I want a blended waist because if I wear the tail in summer and winter, I'll tan in summer... but the tail won't... Accurate colour matching all year round could be a problem!


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[LouLouBelle]

Got myself a clay extruder! Should definitely make sculpting fins a lot easier. [emoji4]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160113/45ad0f8d982d0ae4cb4d81eb896e766f.jpg

Also, is it just me, or does anyone else find pinning scales very therapeutic? Reminds me a little bit of doing a jigsaw puzzle.


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[Mermaid Wesley]

I find it monotonous lol but I can see how it could be like meditating or doing an adult coloring book.

I actually used liquid foundation to tint some silicone. So that's cool! Eyeshadow would probably make it more shimmer-y


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[LouLouBelle]

So... finally time for an update!

I've spent the last few weeks trying different things and continuously changing my mind about how I want to do this (I really am the world's worst when it comes to changing my mind - I have warned you!!) I started sticking down the individual scales but just wasn't happy with how it was looking. So, I thought about making a scale sheet using the tiny shells as I figured that would be studier than individual tiny scales... Then I started looking at butterfly wing shapes...

In the end, I've decided to do a scale sheet instead of the individual scales, and this is the design I'm going for:

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160223/53f8dfa17a10e5070944b21d16c09e45.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160223/74a804980338a5f51d75432be64f5178.jpg

I'm about halfway there with the scale sheet and I'm aiming to get the mould done this weekend. I'm using a butterfly shape cutter and a butterfly stamp to make the scales. I think they actually look more like little leaves than butterfly wings but I like them anyway!

Side note: I threw together a fabric tail a couple of weeks ago, but it doesn't look so good lying on dry ground. Just looks like a pile of rags... [emoji38] If I ever manage to get photos of it in the water I might post them here. [emoji4] (I had my first tail swim a couple of weeks ago - and loved it!)


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[LouLouBelle]

Veining up my fluke sculpt...

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160323/4eabce8ae4f5520d07020e80027b1ce3.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160323/8135549349b72998f6bde28780956045.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160323/8058581263c6892fc73042bbddb8ecaf.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160323/a2f43e946491480b5817aca3fb16ee36.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160323/313f8b8642eff2bbbab00f02ff479529.jpg


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[Luna Dreamtide]

That's looking really cool! Are you using a clay extruder or something for those thin strips you're using?

[Mermaid Clara]

Amazing work so far on the fluke!


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[LouLouBelle]

Thanks!

Yes, I'm using a clay extruder. Best purchase I've made as far as fin sculpting is concerned!


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[Luna Dreamtide]

Thanks!

Yes, I'm using a clay extruder. Best purchase I've made as far as fin sculpting is concerned!


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Great idea. It's looking good!

[LouLouBelle]

No updates on the silicone tail yet, but I did say I'd post photos of my fabric tail if I got any underwater. They don't show the tail in great detail, but here it is nonetheless...

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/a1be0d108d9abd08f0fd740542985b68.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/f081089c8f503e5aad9e7190ce5f93a5.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/e7165502459adbf72c6958230acf4b51.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/0f6fe35674ba40c5105b9e424cf2183c.jpg


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[Sabrina the Selkie]

Wow!

[LouLouBelle]

I've been playing around with different techniques for fins, and now have the beginnings of a heel fin...

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160411/c3cfde43581f5878a4c1ef9125fe2d0e.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160411/8a7cdaee3ca160422183b2823a792802.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160411/0852bdc8203b17787debf01c699a720a.jpg

I'll be doing a lot of painting to refine the details, but I'm happy so far!


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[Luna Dreamtide]

Wow those look great! Thats really cool!

[LouLouBelle]

Thanks Leina!

I've been playing about with potential ways of hiding a zip in a silicone tail. I've seen it mentioned before and I can't help but wonder if it would be worthwhile, not just to make the tail easier to get on, but it should also place less strain on the waist of the tail as you wouldn't be stretching it to pull it over your hips and bum.

Not quite sure about this yet, but here's what I've managed:


http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160412/05b2d6ee3088db6d3b94426fd3f8e2d2.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160412/4ef08ec72f564ff02c71639d3a2b214b.jpg


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[Mermaid Summerlilly]

Wow!

[Luna Dreamtide]

Cool. Is the zip so you could make the silicone as tight as possible? Because I thought silicone was pretty stretchy?

[LouLouBelle]

There are a few reasons I'm thinking about using a zip.

Silicone is quite stretchy, but because it effectively adheres to skin, that's going to make it difficult to get on despite the stretch. I've never tried on a silicone tail, but from what I can gather they take a while to get into and most people use lube as well.

The waist is going to be narrower than the hips so repeatedly stretching it to pull it over is bound to weaken it with time. I could see that causing a gap to form at the back when swimming.

It should also make the tail quicker and easier to get off. I know a lot of pools don't like tails because of health and safety concerns. I can understand the worry about getting tails off quickly if there's a pool evacuation. Hopefully making tails easer to get off should help a teeny bit there.

And lastly... anything that makes a tail easier and less... un-elegant... to get on can't be bad! [emoji23]


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[Hydra1337]

That's a good idea with the zipper.

[Theobromine]

Just a few cautions about the zipper idea....not that you shouldn't try it, but there are some things to be aware of if you try it. I was originally planning on putting a zipper in my sea serpent tail, but ultimately decided against it because it wouldn't work with the blended waist I wanted to do. Plus, there were a few other issues I couldn't find a satisfactory work-around for.

1. If the zipper breaks, you're f@cked! Unless you can think of a good way to replace the whole zipper....

2. Most zippers have metal parts. Even if you buy one that says it's plastic (like the teeth are plastic), there will still be metal in the zipper pull, and that will run the risk of rusting out, even if you're careful with it. Especially if you take it anywhere near saltwater. I had a stainless steel dive knife rust after two uses, even though I'd washed it right after using it. Salt water is not nice to metal.

3. The only zippers I was able to find without any metal parts are wetsuit zippers/marine zippers, which are huge chunky plastic. I just didn't feel that they would be either comfortable or easy to hide in a tail. They'll also restrict the stretch in that area, since the zippers themselves aren't stretchy (and even though a zip will make the tail much easier to put on, if you're planning on sitting up in the tail, think about how that will make the tail curve and bend in that area, and how the stretching silicone around it will pull at the edges of the zipper). How will you attack the zipper securely enough that the silicone won't eventually pull away from it?

That being said, I do like the way you hid the edges of the zipper in that example you posted. I was thinking of doing something very similar with mine if I had gone that route, because I don't really like the look of double dorsal fins hiding a zipper. Just consider all the potential issues and think up some solutions for them before going ahead with it, because you don't want to end up with an unusable tail somewhere down the road! Keep in mind, silicone won't stretch out and start to gape like other materials will. It can eventually tear, though, especially in high-stress areas like the waist (especially between scales) so I would recommend reinforcing it on the inside.

[PearlieMae]

Even with an all-plastic zipper, the risk of it breaking is very high. It doesn't stretch, and if it busts, everyone gets to see your butt.

Bayou Mermaid made hers with a zipper, hidden between a double dorsal, but she's a little slip of a mer, and I can't imagine she puts a lot of stress on it like my big behind would.

Plus, I can't figure out how to get the zipper to keep from tearing through the silicone.

Edit: I don't want to sound mean, LouLouBelle, truly, but if you've never tried on a silicone tail, it's hard to comment on the difficulty of putting one on. :D

[LouLouBelle]

Thanks for there advice everyone - it's very much appreciated!

Pearlie - I do realise I'm not the best person to comment on putting a silicone tail on. [emoji4] I have seen other people put them on, and can see myself really struggling... I guess we'll see.., eventually!!


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[Theobromine]

The struggle is real.....

But it's just what you have to deal with when wearing a silicone tail.

I'm not trying to discourage you either, just point out some things you may not have considered! You know what I would suggest is....maybe leave the zipper idea for your second tail? That way you'll have more experience with silicone as well as silicone tails in and of themselves, and you'll be better equipped to engineer the zipper idea.

[LouLouBelle]

I'm thinking I like that idea! And I really do appreciate all the advice I can get - I've had a bit of experience working with silicone in medical prosthetics and orthotics, but that was nothing in comparison to mermaid tail making!!

On that note - does anyone have any advice as to just how low you can make the waist line? I want to make it as low as possible at the front but I don't want to end up with a flap of silicone at the back that's going to gape when I swim...


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[PearlieMae]

One of the holy grails of mermaid tails! The low rise. Unfortunately, physics and hydrodynamics are going to dictate that the waist of your tail is going to have to come up well over your hips if you want it to stay on! Unless you plan on doing nothing but floating or sitting...you're going to need a waist at least mom-jeans high.

[Mermaid Chloe-Marie]

This is so cool! Can't wait to see how it all turns out! Your design is fintastic :)

[Theobromine]

I DECREE THAT MOM-JEANS HIGH IS NOW THE OFFICIAL TERM FOR THIS HEIGHT OF TAIL

[Luna Dreamtide]

I DECREE THAT MOM-JEANS HIGH IS NOW THE OFFICIAL TERM FOR THIS HEIGHT OF TAIL
Love it.

[LouLouBelle]

Lol! Love it!

Thanks everyone!

I'm diabetic and use an insulin pump, and I normally wear the canulas over my belly... I either need to make sure the tail finishes below that area, or bring it right up past it and make sure it isn't too tight or it will cause a blockage. My fabric tail covered it and it was fine, but the material is very light and stretchy. I do love my pump and it's so much easier than injections, but it does sometimes get in the way!


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[Theobromine]

Hmmm...just an idea...could you make a mermaidy-looking belt or similar accessory with a pouch or something that covers the pump? It wouldn't be part of the tail itself so you wouldn't have to worry about the pump damaging the waistline of the tail or vice-versa, but you could probably find a way to work it so that it would cover any gaps in the back AND match the look you're trying to achieve.

[LouLouBelle]

It's not so much the pump damaging the tail - if the canula is right on the waist line it'll rub it and can flick the end of the canula out (done that with jeans before!) and if the canula is covered by the tail but it's too tight, it can make it block up. Changing the canula isn't fun so I don't want to be doing that more often than I have to!

I think going for a high waist thats not too tight is probably going to be the best option. Or I could maybe cut a few holes over the areas where I tend to put the canulas - effectively windows over the belly area... Looking like patches of skin where the tail is transitioning into the 'human part' (I hope that makes sense!)

I have a feeling this is going to need quite a bit of thought and experimenting!




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[MerChemi]

I'm gonna preface this by saying I have literally no experience in silicone tails, and even less in insulin pumps, but seeing as you're making an individual scale tail, is there anyway you can attach the scales to the powermesh without attaching them to each other? Cos I assume powermesh is much stretchier and lighter than silicone, so if you just left a "bald patch" over where your pump lays, it could prevent it getting blocked up? And the individual scales on top might make it a little less obvious? Am I making any sense at all? hahaha
I'm not sure if any of this is viable in an actual tail, but I'm just dumping some ideas

I love how your tail's going so far Lou! I can't wait to see more progress!!

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Have you thought of possibly doing a hybrid silicone/fabric tail like Keiris? You could leave the belly part of your tail just fabric (since you mentioned not having an issue with fabric over the canulas).

[LouLouBelle]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm still not 100% sure exactly how I'm going to do it, but I'll work something out!

In the meantime, just finished painting the first side of my first heel fin:

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160417/d62384c91f17851ed83bbe0faf305030.jpg




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[PearlieMae]

Hmmm interesting challenge. Could you post a sketch of the placement of your pump on your body? I have a couple of ideas, but I'd have to see specifics.

And thank you, Theo! Now I have two distinctions... The Pearlie Method, and Mom Jeans High.

Mom Jeans High...Sounds like a terrible Nickelodeon show about home schooling teenagers.

PS: just looked up the pumps...are they waterproof? I'm thinking a silicone imbued bit of powermesh, like a blended waist but not so tight as to be constricting, with a pair of highly placed hip fins that would start a little bit above the apparatus to hide any lumps.

I'll try and post a drawing of what I mean.

[LouLouBelle]

Thanks Pearlie - I really appreciate it!

The pump I have at the moment isn't really waterproof (translated: it states in the literature that it is, but also states that it's not advisable to deliberately bring it into contact with water.) I take it off and it's just the canula that's in when I swim.

This is where the canula is now:

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160417/d8d1c1744407a4462cda0dca8adf3f7c.jpg

I tend to use most of the bare area you can see, and also the area covered by the elastic of my pjs. I don't like coming much further round to the side than the one in the pic.

And just to complicate things a bit... I've been speaking to the diabetic clinic about changing to a waterproof pump. It might be a while before it would all go through, but the one I'm currently hoping for is the omnipod. https://www.myomnipod.com/see_how_it_works.php

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160417/61cec121a9f91f54383b92a46844bada.jpg

It's the best pump for swimming with (and I love the way the canula inserts - much easier than my current one!) but the pump itself is all in one piece, and would be bulkier than just a canula...

Why can't these things be easy???




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[Mermaid Amelia Pond]

I love how different and unique your tail is. I understand switching to a scale sheet. I nearly went crazy from my scales .... and fluke.... and well everything. It's certainly a challenge to make a tail. You have a more difficult situation. I'm curious to see how you cater to your pump to resolve it. And your heel fins are AMAZING

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[LouLouBelle]

Nearly there with the fluke sculpt...

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160511/7957eb8e995e0f0dd7094831e15997b1.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160511/7c43b0e325226bb5ae2505fe1ff167ef.jpg

I think I'll be seeing strips of clay in my sleep tonight!!

I'm not sure whether to leave the veining as is, or whether to add thinner veins over the 'partings' (thinner than the one in the photo - just for an example)

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160511/88f1b5bc3143467ba953b50c744db9cd.jpg


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[Sabrina the Selkie]

Looks great!

And thinner veins would also look great, but it's already fantastic.

[LouLouBelle]

Well, the fluke mould is done, cleaned out and is now sitting in the bedroom drying off.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160514/1231874801f78654807051d4bb98d8d1.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160514/1ea21a4049f434349fc1829d2ee13e39.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160514/9a13acea3ab0b843199f85524c2ca839.jpg



Next up - dorsal fin!

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160514/9b2688c4cf73dbff90a424d50e4eca94.jpg


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[LouLouBelle]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160515/4651df15e48d86cfb6d5cb547fb728b3.jpg

Slowly but surely. [emoji4]


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[Sabrina the Selkie]

Nice!

[LouLouBelle]

Thanks! [emoji4]

First half of the dorsal fin sculpt is now complete! I'm aiming to get the mould done tomorrow and start sculpting the other half.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160516/b3718db278a93e41455c78ff670331da.jpg


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[LouLouBelle]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160516/4237b211f7b7d4ab1fa60d55d28dcd9f.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160516/9da4300453b1328f01dac99a8740beb7.jpg

Poured and curing. [emoji4]


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[LouLouBelle]

Done, de-moulded and nearly cleaned out.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160517/f034ff1c8b07749832c0f459ae3ce202.jpg

Tonight's aim - to start on the other half...


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[merwandering]

I don't know if you solved the pump issue, but my son had a feeding tube with some complications for several years, and we tried a lot of things to protect it when he was a baby. What if you made some kind of, for lack of a better descriptor, bubble that could go over it so that your tail just slipped over the cover? At one point we were using jar lids with silicone tape around the edges, and taping them over the whole area- obviously jar lids would show, but you could make something with a low profile and gradient edges, and use adhesive to get a good seal?

[LouLouBelle]

That is a fantastic idea - and definitely doable! Thank you so much!!


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[moniee]

OMG LouLou I never realised you have started creating your tail you were telling us about while we had lunch!! This is so amazing, I'm speechless, you ROCK!

[LouLouBelle]

Lol! Thanks Moniee!! I'm really hoping I'll be able to get it finished in time for the splash mob. Fins crossed!


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[Mermaid Amelia Pond]

Looking good!

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[LouLouBelle]

Thanks!

Well, dorsal moulds are done - just need to give them a final clean.

Now onto the pelvic fins...

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160522/d78738a3b15e03464211ae274805e502.jpg


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[Luna Dreamtide]

Looking great. That really is a great idea to use an extruder with the clay. I imagine it would really simplify sculpting and make it go a lot faster.

[LouLouBelle]

Thanks. It certainly makes it a lot easier to get a smooth, uniform finish! Best purchase I've made as far as fin making goes. [emoji4]


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[LouLouBelle]

I will never enjoy cleaning these things out...

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160523/d5026608e4b16bc5519d6960478e2d56.jpg

On the plus side: just one more to go! Then all moulds will be complete. [emoji4]


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[Mermaid Pogo]

WOW! Your mold looks gorgeous! You must spend so many time making this. I really want to see how the cast of all will be looking. :)

[LouLouBelle]

Thanks! I got the other half done last night, so once I give them all a good clean, it's just silicone work from there on in. Still quite a lot of work to do, but it feels like I'm on the final stretch. [emoji4]


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[LouLouBelle]

Ready to start the actual assembly! I like my colourful dummy!

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160530/5188351db8529f02f471a8a5c56bd332.jpg

I've been soooooooo bad for continuously changing my mind about how I'm doing things, but I'm now headed for the finish line!

I started off with individual scales, then decided on a scale sheet. But after putting lots of effort into the fins, I felt the scale sheet looked a bit... under-done next to them. It just wasn't as nice and detailed as I'd wanted. So... Guess what?? Back to individual scales!

Pearlie - you get all the credit for the inspiration there! Your scales are gorgeous and look so life like - which is what encouraged me to go for that method in the first place. Admittedly I don't have multiple layers making up each scale and they're nowhere near as detailed as yours, but I still really like how they turned out!

More updates soon...!


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[LouLouBelle]

And so it begins!

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160530/b0abbf85b94c0bf649b6d92dad584a29.jpg


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[moniee]

Yay for the dummy! Keep cracking on!!!

[Sabrina the Selkie]

Looking great. So great.

[LouLouBelle]

Thanks. I got this far last night:

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160531/fc2866d4cddea52a94d7fdda089a8f5e.jpg

Can't wait to get home from work and batter on with it tonight!


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[Sabrina the Selkie]

Great!

[moniee]

You can do it Lou!!! In time for the photoshoot! Fingers Xssd for you :)

[LouLouBelle]

Thanks!

I've got my fingers crossed we'll both have our tails finished! Also hope the weather improves a bit... [emoji15]


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[moniee]

At this stage I think even if there's gonna be a snowy thunderstorm, I'll get in the water if I get my tail done... I cycled to work this morning in pouring rain so got myself trained a little :D
I can't wait for my silicone to arrive!! Argh

[LouLouBelle]

Lol! You're braver than me!

I might... just might... have got myself a pretty wetsuit top in case I get cold. (I'm a wimp, I know - and I don't care! If I'm cold I'll wear it! [emoji38][emoji23] )

I remember thinking I might freeze to death when I fell over in the sea in Portugal in July... (I was standing in the shallows, and it was a BIG wave...) I have a funny feeling Clackton might be just a bit cooler! [emoji23]


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[merwandering]

This tail is so creative and I love your sculpts! The individual scales look perfect, and after seeing the paint job on the fin, I can't wait to see the finished tail! Beautiful!

[KaylinSilvermerr]

Hi LouLou!

I love watching your progress, but wanted to specifically address the insulin pump, and maybe provide another option? I have to pre-face this by saying that I do not have an insulin pump myself, nor am I diabetic. I realize this is outside my realm of experience.

Have you considered actually letting the pump show?

I only ask because there is a case of Miss Idaho who actually did not remove her pump for shoots or while in a pageant in order to give people (specifically girls and young women) who have diabetes someone to identify with. (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2697783/An-insulin-pump-doesnt-make-beautiful-Meet-pageant-queen-crowned-Miss-Idaho-proudly-wearing-medical-device-swimsuit-contest.html as an FYI, in case you wanted more reading). Now, while she specifically addresses the issue of beauty standards and diabetes, yours is perhaps more a case of mermaiding/ swimming and diabetes?

There are some unique challenges to tail making with regards to your pump though, and I do hope that you are able to find a solution. :)

Loving the progress so far! Keep up the awesome work!

~Kaylin

[Sabrina the Selkie]

Don't think that's the issue. She said she'd be fine with a low rise tail that doesn't cover the cannula/waterproof pump if she gets it, but low rise tails fall off way too easily, and so she's trying to figure out how to get the hydrodynamic benefits of a tail that is "Mom Jeans High" as Pearlie put it without the tail pulling out her cannula, or else stressing and stretching around a pump.

But yeah, that Miss Idaho is cool.

[LouLouBelle]

Thanks everyone!

Kaylin - thanks, I appreciate that! And Sabrina's got it in one! I don't mind the pump showing at all, but I'm worried a tight fitting tail would put pressure on the cannula and make it block. Merwandering suggested making a sort of solid bubble to place over the cannula and keep the pressure off it, which should work perfectly. [emoji4]

I loved it when Miss Idaho did the #showmeyourpump. I've worn mine with my bikini on holiday many a time. The only issue I've had there was the shape of the cannulas leaving circular tan lines all over my belly. It looked like a weird case of ringworm! On the plus side, at least that's one problem I won't have with the tail! [emoji23]


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[KaylinSilvermerr]

Thanks everyone!

Kaylin - thanks, I appreciate that! And Sabrina's got it in one! I don't mind the pump showing at all, but I'm worried a tight fitting tail would put pressure on the cannula and make it block. Merwandering suggested making a sort of solid bubble to place over the cannula and keep the pressure off it, which should work perfectly. [emoji4]

I loved it when Miss Idaho did the #showmeyourpump. I've worn mine with my bikini on holiday many a time. The only issue I've had there was the shape of the cannulas leaving circular tan lines all over my belly. It looked like a weird case of ringworm! On the plus side, at least that's one problem I won't have with the tail! [emoji23]


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Hi LouLou!

Glad to hear that you've been able to figure out a solution, and thank you for taking the time to further explain the situation. :) I think its a great idea of have something inherently designed into the tail, rather than trying to find something of the opposite.

Sorry to de-rail the thread. :)

~Kaylin

[LouLouBelle]

Don't mention it! [emoji4]

Now here's something that makes me happy...

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160601/799467168bc08c5dcb438a515dd9dcf9.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160601/05fbbaef42b789b40da53eef9d4f5157.jpg

https://vimeo.com/169011293



Extra fine holographic glitter! I'm in love with the black - it shines red and green under light, although even with video my phone doesn't really pick it up. There's definitely going to be a fair amount of sparkle in this tail! [emoji41]


EDIT: watching that video, it looks even more washed out than the original on my phone... Meh... Just trust me, it's all sparkly and rainbow coloured!!



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[Sabrina the Selkie]

Pretty!

[LouLouBelle]

Progress update!

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160604/cdeef08b8ab7511e5067317087954c1c.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160604/5e0ed05a420a1e0893bae1a410fd3960.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160604/5abb09019d5d2da1026cba9ace0ab67b.jpg


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[moniee]

OMG Lou this is looking amazing!!! Keep it up *__*

[Sabrina the Selkie]

That is lots of progress. You must have the patience of a god.

[Mermaid Amelia Pond]

Of a cod?
;P

It looks AMAZING!

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[Sabrina the Selkie]

That too. ;)

[LouLouBelle]

Thanks!

Lol! I'm gonna go with craziness rather than patience... There have definitely been more than a few occasions where I've thought 'why didn't I just stick with a scale sheet?!?' I will get there... Eventually! [emoji23]


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[LouLouBelle]

Slowly but surely! I'll be painting to blend the transitions when all the scales are on - it's not very smooth at the moment, but I'm just aiming to get the basic colour blocks in place at this stage. Then the whole thing will be getting a glitter top coat to seal it.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160607/c6fd3a924c8c9dbc6e35bcb34a839ec8.jpg


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[Sabrina the Selkie]

Looking great. And Lou, this is NOT slowly but surely. This is full speed ahead. I can't even imagine how much and how hard you must be working to go at this pace.

[AelianaNympha]

Slowly but surely! I'll be painting to blend the transitions when all the scales are on - it's not very smooth at the moment, but I'm just aiming to get the basic colour blocks in place at this stage. Then the whole thing will be getting a glitter top coat to seal it.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160607/c6fd3a924c8c9dbc6e35bcb34a839ec8.jpg


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This looks freaking awesome!! I love love love!

[LouLouBelle]

Thank you!

More progress...

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160612/e1920859fa00aebf513362e46f1ff2f7.jpg


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[Sabrina the Selkie]

Holy shit you go fast.

[moniee]

Lou this is incredible! I'm truly amazed by all your work. This is going to be fantastic!!! Do you think you'll be done for the splashmob? I'm having high doubts about myself unfortunately :<

[LouLouBelle]

Thanks! I'm hoping it'll be wearable - although I highly doubt I'll have all the fins done! If I can get the body and fluke done in time I'll be happy. It'll be touch and go, but we'll see!

Just keep going and do what you can. If it's not ready in time, we'll just have to organise another get together and photo session afterwards. [emoji4]


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[Sabrina the Selkie]

Good luck. It already looks fantastic.

[LouLouBelle]

Well, that's the front nearly all scaled up.

Next time, I'll be using scale sheets...

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160612/01c6ffccb4cea007464e03b962f2b4a0.jpg


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[Sabrina the Selkie]

Yup. I can imagine you must be sick of this. If I ever make a tail and use the Pearlie method, I'm going with Dancing Fish's scale size. Or bigger. Lol.

But these tiny scales look fantastic and I'm sure you won't regret using them, when you get to wear and swim around in your gorgeous chocolate tail.

[moniee]

I can't imagine how frustrating can it be sometimes but it looks GORGEOUS. So so so so much worth it!! I really think :)

[Lili]

:O beautiful

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[Mermaid Tami]

So, I've got a bit more done that I thought I would. I like scales [emoji4]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/17/c7b42f89385010c5364b96e3fd05c3d9.jpg


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Very pretty!


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[Hydra1337]

Very tedious but very beautiful.

[Lili]

I just love the color of this tail, it's so unique

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[LouLouBelle]

Thanks everyone!

Starting on the dorsal fin...

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160617/c6bb314a9ac52a5a9c492c9f20abc103.jpg


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[LouLouBelle]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160618/17a77a1a3213c69671d9e8b4088c282f.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160618/4329d7b939b1ae14b546d1a7ce9d191e.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160618/487b2b1ae47ee47cbc65fd8e506a51a0.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160618/d6e210726592c6c5fe672a8a4af674f2.jpg

Working from the outside in. I love the way it looked messier with each new layer, until the final pull revealed...

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160618/535b04c8537a248bb83efaa1e95facf6.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160618/6e4ecbfc6af19c5595161a28a8d00228.jpg

Just the trimming, final blending details and glitter topcoat to go! (And then the other half!) I'm a happy bunny right now!


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[Lilyrose Fish]

Your tail is a work of art. It is so incredible!

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[Mermaid Caspiana]

LOU!!! THIS IS SO FABULOUS!!!!! I SERIOUSLY WANT TO MAKE A SILICONE TAIL NOW! Hahaha I want to do the Pearlie method, but definitely not these super small scales I'm sure. my teeny sequins were hard and tedious enough hahaha. I really can't wait to see this continue and finish! IT's so gorgeous and I love natural looking tails and this is beautiful. <3 :) =D

[merwandering]

OMG LOU- WHAT???? Wow- it is SUCH a cool concept, and between the sculpt procedure to the paint job, it is SO unique and beautiful. Just wow:) I love it!!!!!!!!!

[moniee]

Lou this is in-cre-di-ble. Seriously you have some enormus talens up your sleeves! KEEP GOING WOOOOHOOO

[Mermaid Clara]

Oh my goodness! Lou, the beauty of the scales is killing me! I can't wait to see it finished, I would love to see it in person! (I've never seen a silicone tail in person before) Also the speed of your progress is incredible!


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[MermaidClaudy]

Read the all thread and OMG Lou! It looks amazing!!!

[Sabrina the Selkie]

Gorgeous!

[LouLouBelle]

Thanks everyone!

So, I had a bit of an incident with the scale moulds... I'd previously tried making them from rigid plastic, which the gel 10 seemed to adhere to remarkably well... Too well, in fact. The surface of the silicone was actually breaking when I pulled the scales, making them go all fuzzy white matte-ish. So... I used varnish. It didn't take the scales long to pull that off. I tried Vaseline but didn't like the mess it made. So, I tried using plaster and varnishing it, figuring that plaster is porous so the varnish should stick better. It did. And I got all the scales for the front and some for the back of the tail. Then the varnish started coming off... So I tried a stronger varnish... Which lifted off even more easily. So... I finally discovered that polyurethane rubber can be used with Platsil gel if it's washed thoroughly after curing, although air bubbles in the silicone seem a lot more common. I tried varnishing the mould and so far it seems good. I've made double the number of moulds I had before, so it should last for the rest of the tail!

After all that, I then had a thought... I tried pressing the shells into clay. It made a lot of moulds very quickly and they all work perfectly. Why oh why did I not think of that earlier?!?

Oh well...

Fin in the making:


http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160620/58cdf19fb700a4fa7e9eaa595253b322.jpg

After this, I just need to make two more fins, the fluke, and the remaining scales. Then it's just the final detail painting and glittering.


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[SelkieLuna]

This looks fantastic

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[LouLouBelle]

Thanks!

Fin has been pulled, stuck together and trimmed:

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160622/e8dc1fa1d967c592bfc3461b1f1b9c15.jpg


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[Sabrina the Selkie]

Gorgeous!

[moniee]

It looks sooooo cool Lou! Well done!

[Mermaid Keena]

Your colour combo and skills are so good! Love your fins 😍

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[LouLouBelle]

Sabrina, Moniee and Keena ~ thanks!

I'm currently in the process of scaling up the back of the tail, then it's just the fluke left to make. I've still got the painting to do as well, but the basic colours are in place on all the fins and the body...

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160719/b4851b042b8efbc84b56b778be250a88.jpg

I will get there... Eventually!


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[merwandering]

LOU I AM SO FREAKING OUT ABOUT THIS TAIL!!!!! Truly a work of art. I'm so excited to see this. So. Incredible.
And the precision of the sculpts due to using the pasta maker gives it such a butterfly feel, and those delicate scales.
Ugh.
YESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!

[LouLouBelle]

Thanks! I can't wait to get it done and finally swim in it.


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[MermaidClaudy]

OMG it looks amazing LOULOU! Those fins are amazing!

[Hydra1337]

Omg I'd go apesh*t putting this tail together. It looks amazing!

[Lili]

Wow those colors are truly amazing

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[Dancing Fish]

Ohmygosh, your colors are so beautiful! So much detail!

[Sammi the Sleepy Mermaid]

Omgosh! I absolutely LOVE seeing a sketch come to life! This is amazing so far! When I was looking through the photos of the silicone being poured for the fins I was like, "Uh, idk about this..." and then BAM!!! The pull was amazing! aahhhh! So excited for you! :)

[LouLouBelle]

Thanks everyone! I really do appreciate all the lovely comments and support. ❤️

Once I've got the fluke done I'm planning to use my airbrush to create a more gradual transition between the colours on all the fins, and also on the blended waist. I'm also going to coat the whole thing with glitter. I've got holographic glitter in colours to match the fins and I'm going to use black holographic glitter over the body. Still a lot of work left, but it's getting there! I just loved looking at it with the fins beside it because suddenly it actually looked like a tail, rather than lots of different individual 'pieces'.

I work full time during the week and the past few weekends have been hectic, so I haven't had much time to work on it. I was planning to really batter into it this weekend, but decided to go to March of the Mermaids tomorrow instead - I need a day out at the seaside!

Unrelated, but... I ordered the clownfish finfun tail and it arrived today! I'm currently very happy! [emoji1]


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[Sabrina the Selkie]

That's so cool! Like, all of it.

[AelianaNympha]

This is looking so fantastic, Lou! At first I was a little on the fence about a moth/butterfly inspired tail but you have knocked this CLEAN out of the park, dude! It's awesome!


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[Sammi the Sleepy Mermaid]

What are those little circle things on the side? :) I was going to do little strips as well and was wondering what you used. It looks amazing! <3

[LouLouBelle]

Thanks everyone!

Sammi ~ do you mean the little silver circles at the top right of the last photo? If so, they're the discs that came with my clay extruder. This is the one I have:

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160723/28cfdc5a2d6ced861a99122a6999fa3d.png

It works wonders for fins!


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[Sammi the Sleepy Mermaid]

Thanks everyone!

Sammi ~ do you mean the little silver circles at the top right of the last photo? If so, they're the discs that came with my clay extruder. This is the one I have:

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160723/28cfdc5a2d6ced861a99122a6999fa3d.png

It works wonders for fins!


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Omg, that is amazing! You just made my life a 1000 times simpler! Thank you for being so kind to share!

[Iamonlyme@me.com]

Thanks Pearlie - I really appreciate it!

The pump I have at the moment isn't really waterproof (translated: it states in the literature that it is, but also states that it's not advisable to deliberately bring it into contact with water.) I take it off and it's just the canula that's in when I swim.

This is where the canula is now:

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160417/d8d1c1744407a4462cda0dca8adf3f7c.jpg

I tend to use most of the bare area you can see, and also the area covered by the elastic of my pjs. I don't like coming much further round to the side than the one in the pic.

And just to complicate things a bit... I've been speaking to the diabetic clinic about changing to a waterproof pump. It might be a while before it would all go through, but the one I'm currently hoping for is the omnipod. https://www.myomnipod.com/see_how_it_works.php

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160417/61cec121a9f91f54383b92a46844bada.jpg

It's the best pump for swimming with (and I love the way the canula inserts - much easier than my current one!) but the pump itself is all in one piece, and would be bulkier than just a canula...

Why can't these things be easy???




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I don't know if you solved this but I am a pediatric nurse and we give our clients waterproof stickies to put over their pumps and they come ocean themed I believe you can buy them on Amazon my favorite is the starfish :)


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[LouLouBelle]

Thanks. I appreciate that. I have managed to sort it already. [emoji4]

I was more concerned with the tail sitting tight over the cannula as they seem to clog up quite easily. It's frustrating when you've only changed the cannula a couple of hours ago and then get the dreaded 'occlusion' message on the pump. Not gonna lie, I hate putting in cannulas and don't want to do it any more than I really need to!


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[Iamonlyme@me.com]

Thanks. I appreciate that. I have managed to sort it already. [emoji4]

I was more concerned with the tail sitting tight over the cannula as they seem to clog up quite easily. It's frustrating when you've only changed the cannula a couple of hours ago and then get the dreaded 'occlusion' message on the pump. Not gonna lie, I hate putting in cannulas and don't want to do it any more than I really need to!


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Glad you figured it out can't wait to see this in water :) and ya I know how frustrating that can be btw I also love the Peacock Butterfly I have one tattooed inside of another butterfly on my thigh so I specially love this tail :) good luck I can only imagine how beautiful it will be


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[LouLouBelle]

Here we go...

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160803/f17d36bd2da93903731559da2f0ec307.jpg


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[Sabrina the Selkie]

Eeeeeee!!!!!!

[Lili]

Oh my gosh, the excitement :O

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[moniee]

Soooo excite!!!!

[LouLouBelle]

... And just pulled the first fluke half.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160803/4e62ebce34721066903c1fbb9ec8d5d3.jpg


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[The Water Phoenix]

Gorgeous! :)

[Fifi Tigg]

Wow! :D

[Sammi the Sleepy Mermaid]

Yyeeesss!!!!!

[LouLouBelle]

Thanks everyone!

Last one for tonight...

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160803/3795400f5e6c5af4a36f815b5f27d70f.jpg

I just had to sit the body on it to see what it would look like! My aim for tomorrow is to get the fluke finished. All going well, the tail should hopefully be done by the end of the week. [emoji4]


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[Mermaid Keena]

Eeee!! So awesome!!

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[Sabrina the Selkie]

*dies*

[moniee]

THIS IS SO COOL!

[AelianaNympha]

Holy poop, Lou! That's amazing!


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[AelianaNympha]

Holy poop, Lou! That's incredible!


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[Mermaid Amelia Pond]

Yaaaaaayyyyy lou! It's looking amazing!!

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[Rett]

Oh my gosh! Just read through your whole thread and I am so impressed! This tail looks amazing! Can't wait to see it all put together!

[Sammi the Sleepy Mermaid]

Please let us know how you connect everything! :) I'm having a bit of a hard time mentally picturing how to make the monofin fit, etc. Just in general, not saying yours won't fit. Lol

[PearlieMae]

Thanks everyone!

Last one for tonight...

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160803/3795400f5e6c5af4a36f815b5f27d70f.jpg

I just had to sit the body on it to see what it would look like! My aim for tomorrow is to get the fluke finished. All going well, the tail should hopefully be done by the end of the week. [emoji4]


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That's looking so cool! :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

[Hydra1337]

I FINALLY have a chance to post here today. Lol. Your tail seriously looks amazing. I can't wait to see it in action.

[LouLouBelle]

Thanks for the comments everyone.

I actually wasn't happy with how the fluke was looking, so I scrapped it and started again. Frustrating... yes, worth it... completely.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160805/4672cb635c079ad589c761468c00353e.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160805/b72c323912808280b1be68663308287f.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160805/eade322337b63a3bbbb25bfb84f04338.jpg

Still minor details to be painted on, but I'm happy with this pull. Tomorrow, I'll hopefully have a completed fluke. [emoji4]


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[Sabrina the Selkie]

Niiiice!!!!

[Sammi the Sleepy Mermaid]

Ohhh, I love the added detail in the red part. It looks cleaner and more detailed the second go around! :)

[LouLouBelle]

Thanks!

I've just discovered a huge advantage to using a transparent mould material...

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160806/6aa6c48cbb211b316e464a152e76cabd.jpg


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[Hydra1337]

That's clever.

[MermaidClaudy]

Lou this is so beautiful !! I am making my own tail asap to I cannot wait to get all the things!

[LouLouBelle]

Thanks!

Sticking the fluke together now. I've used silicone to create a gradient around the edge of the monofin in an attempt to make the edges less visible in the finished product:

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160809/2f958ec04bb56b85c1d434aaee3cab34.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160809/6b9e06094e86d4e331a52562112c9ebb.jpg

All the main parts have been made, so it's just a case of sticking it all together and the final painting!


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[merwandering]

I CANNOT WAIT to see the final tail!!! This is truly such a work of art, and when I saw that you were repouring your fluke I was going to tell you I couldn't imagine WHY, but the second one does look so wonderful- I hope you find something cool to do with the first one! It's beautiful!
This is so unique and simply gorgeous, from the concept to the artistry- I wish I could see it in person!!

[Vela]

wow this is an awesome tail!!!! I cant wait to see it all put together! Great colors! :)

[Lili]

Ahh this is so exciting..I'm excited to see it when you're done

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[LouLouBelle]

Thanks all!

Last week was horrible and I've not been having a great time, but my tail has at least given me something positive to work on.

The fluke has been put together and I've been painting fluke and fins. I also got just a teeny bit carried away with the glitter...

https://instagram.com/p/BI56BR1gnSZ/

The end is in sight!




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[merwandering]

Something is in the water- I keep reading people are having a tough week, and... geez, me too:(
so sorry. And hugs to you.
and thanks for having such a BEAUTIFUL AMAZING TAIL because they are cheering me up so much!

[Hydra1337]

Soooo glittery! :D

[Sammi the Sleepy Mermaid]

Random question. Many people say silicone doesn't stick to silicone. How are people putting these together with silicone then? Lol o.O

[Sabrina the Selkie]

Silicone ONLY bonds to silicone, actually. It's everything else that's problematic.

[Sammi the Sleepy Mermaid]

Silicone ONLY bonds to silicone, actually. It's everything else that's problematic.


See, that's what I thought and I kept hearing people say it doesn't bond to anything "even silicone" lol!

[Sabrina the Selkie]

It has problems bonding to silicone once silicone is past it's bonding period. Basically, that's just a complaint about the difficulty of silicone work. Because silicone only bonds to silicone, and even then only really when conditions are optimal.

[Sammi the Sleepy Mermaid]

It has problems bonding to silicone once silicone is past it's bonding period. Basically, that's just a complaint about the difficulty of silicone work. Because silicone only bonds to silicone, and even then only really when conditions are optimal.

Oh man, that hurts my head lol! So, when putting the seams and fluke together, when is the best time to bond them without damaging the items while they're still bonding?

If I read that correctly lol

[LouLouBelle]

Oh man, that hurts my head lol! So, when putting the seams and fluke together, when is the best time to bond them without damaging the items while they're still bonding?

If I read that correctly lol

As soon as possible after the pieces have cured! If it's been any length of time and/or if you've been handling the surfaces to be bonded, give it a good clean with washing up liquid and the isopropyl alcohol (thanks to Pearlie for that advice!)

Oils from your skin can transfer to the silicone and act like a releasing agent, so you want to keep the surfaces as clean as possible.


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[Mermaid Lieke]

Smooth on says max 3 days if I'm correct

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ALE-L21 met Tapatalk

[Sammi the Sleepy Mermaid]

Ah, thanks guys. I've been following a lot of these threads and no one has really mentioned it.

[Mermaid Lieke]

I found it on their website

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ALE-L21 met Tapatalk

[Sabrina the Selkie]

And I think you can get away with longer, you just need to really clean 'em well.

[Mermaid Lieke]

And Sabrina is right,I can be longer depending on how much you touch it

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ALE-L21 met Tapatalk

[LouLouBelle]

... And I finally have an update!

Life has been a bit busy lately, but I'm well on the way to finishing this...

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160905/b058afaeac1911ab5acee8f1dc0076bf.jpg

You can't see it in the above photo, but the whole thing is covered in glitter...

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160905/f27acb706c2b751cff5b86d837bd5e1a.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160905/cde57a53b81402ac79917dd1cde565bb.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160905/7f1630563afdbeb2e5cc8086cf6dcfcd.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160905/9b514213ec95c2fa9b92b8bcecb9f6ce.jpg

https://instagram.com/p/BJ8SSdYAM3I/

https://instagram.com/p/BJ8jHfRg4-8/


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[SelkieLuna]

Two things:
1.) Is that HOLOGRAPHIC GLITTER????
2.) Your rato is GORGEOUS

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[LouLouBelle]

Yes, it is! I do love sparkles!!

... Rato??


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[SelkieLuna]

I stalked your instagram, I assume it's yours, and saw a rat

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[LouLouBelle]

Ah... That makes sense! [emoji23]

I currently have six ratties - and a hamster.

Samba:

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160905/714b376dd4fa5e4e7809c3813cfa07f6.jpg

Ruby:

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160905/ba36405eebbbadbd5cbcac5b7440ea58.jpg

Crystal:

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160905/39b631f48faba5ff35b15fa34d2e8ffa.jpg

Jive:

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160905/9020b0b1ddf52acec0aae4fc67de6d80.jpg

Conga and Calypso (and I am wearing pyjama shorts!!)

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160905/4f367b5fd9c4f9ff424c0ee8cad1ca8d.jpg

Calypso:

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160905/6689551cfc77e517d8bd108cf1aa528e.jpg

Rhumba:

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160905/aa86497d2edadbfddf1473f74477d4b5.jpg


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[SelkieLuna]

Your rats are so pretty, I'm dying over here! Crystal has beautiful markings, I love dumbos so much. I have a standard agouti named Mulder and he lives with his son, a standard Russian Blue, named Fox. http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160905/44f3220a1a2a28ff6e458e57c57ff69d.jpg http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160905/9c3d56f6761bbe6bf7dbb046e225a809.jpg http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160905/005db7436940b4cc60236c4f5d66546f.jpg

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[merwandering]

I have been secretly dying to see more, and you do not disappoint! This is suck a work of art, Lou. Absolutely gorgeous. I cannot WAIT to see it move in the water!

[LouLouBelle]

Thanks, both of you!

Luna - your boys are gorgeous! ❤️


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[SelkieLuna]

Mulder's been sleeping on me, and he likes your gorgeous tail, too.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160906/81b563bcc8f01fb44206c00dbd4b98ea.jpg

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[Lili]

Your rats are so pretty, I'm dying over here! Crystal has beautiful markings, I love dumbos so much. I have a standard agouti named Mulder and he lives with his son, a standard Russian Blue, named Fox. http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160905/44f3220a1a2a28ff6e458e57c57ff69d.jpg http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160905/9c3d56f6761bbe6bf7dbb046e225a809.jpg http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160905/005db7436940b4cc60236c4f5d66546f.jpg

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Love your rats names haha

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[LouLouBelle]

Had my first swim in my tail at the weekend!! I was so scared I wouldn't be able to swim in it, but I did! Definitely takes a lot more muscle power to move a fin when it's covered in silicone, but so incredibly worth it!

I've got a few pics on my phone, and potentially some underwater shots to come later.

So here you have it - one very knackered mermaid after her first silicone tail swim:

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160919/83a8b5f60a93c9dae598748e5b7423e6.jpg

Tail flip!
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160919/c8c467e83857f86f4a941552552e49fc.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160919/8b6c92a1523b711f487ecc2cc9a7082d.jpg
(Note the look of pain due to leg cramp trying to hold the fluke there!)


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[PearlieMae]

Wonderful! Can't wait to see it swim!

[merwandering]

I had gotten all obsessed about your last post of your tail and completely forgot about that cool dorsal fin!
Between the delicate little scales on the body and the cool texture in the fluke and fins, and the painting, it just looks so accurate and has such an artistic feel. And I love the shape.
I can't wait to see it in the water either. It turned out great!!
Wow:)

[Ryan Ankh]

rat babies and an awesome tail *claps*