How to attach silicone to a monofin?

[Asca]

Hello, how does you attach the siliconefluke to a monofin?

Im using a hydra fin and tried to put son siliconeglue on the fin but it comes right of if I take and end of the glue and pull it.

Does it have to be glued down to the monofin or is it okey if the monofin is loose in the silicone fluke?

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[Asca]

Bump

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[AniaR]

trade secret.

[Asca]

Hurray, helpfull.

So I never touched a silicone tail irl, or looked at one so I got no clue.

Is it common that the monofin is "lose" inbetween the silicone or is the silicone somehow acutally attached to it?
Can you pinch the silicone that is over the monofin and drag it up from the monofin?
Like is there a "pocket" in the silicone where the monofin fits?

Other mermaids on this forum, how are your tails and to the ones who made your own silicone tails, how did you do?

[NerineArcticMermaid]

trade secret..thats not helpful

most i her drill holes carefully and use silicone to adhere the two sides. be careful how you drill...and how many holes. keep them small. havent tried it myself though. but I intend to. Also... maybe try silicone epoxy. hope that helps.

[Asca]

Thank you! Was thinking about small holes but did not know if that was a good way to go. If other ones already use this then I'll give it a try :3

I got some special silicone glue but it won't adhere to my monofin. It is supposed to stick to alot of plastic but won't seem to work with polypropalen.

What to you mean by silicone epoxy?

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[NerineArcticMermaid]

contact smooth-on they can help you with the epoxy. its a really strong type of glue. depends on the type of silicone. hopefully your tail is sfx silicone not silicone caulking.

[Asca]

Using dragonskin :)
Bought some silpoxy aswell but it is so expensive. It is ridiculous...

So contacted a swedish company that sells a type of glue that some other propmakers use to adhere silicone to silicone. They suggested the glue I got now. Works great with silicone but not this specific type of plastic.

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[Asca]

All of Smooth on producs are really expensive in europe...

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[NerineArcticMermaid]

well the holes should help the issue.. i know my tail has them but the silicone broke free from the other side.. so i need to drill more holes for more anchor points...

[Asca]

Are they small holes over the whole monofin or do you know if they are more at the edges of the monofin or top/bortom?

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[Asca]

Oh btw!
I read that some tails have drainage holes in the fluke so water can get out.
Do you have it in yours?

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[Mermaid Alea]

I think a lot of people don't have their monofin attached to the silicone, it is more of just in a pocket in the silicone if that makes sense (or at least from what I have gathered). Raina was saying it is a trade secret because Raven of Merbellas is perhaps the only one who has figured out how to adhere the silicone to the monofin - without drilling any holes and of course she is keeping it a secret since it is such a big discovery.

It is very important to include drainage holes in the tail. I believe there are several tailmaking topics that mention how to include drainage holes. The simple way is to stick plastic straws into the fluke and once the fluke halves have adhered you can pull the straws out of it. If you do not include drainage your fluke can balloon up full of water or air.

This is a good tutorial: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?6947-Silicone-Mermaid-Tail-Turtorial&highlight=jazz+silicone+tail

This is a good tailmaking topic: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?5697-Jessica-s-dragonskin-tail&highlight=jazz+silicone+tail

There are plenty of other good topics as well you just have to sift through them all. I have created a word document with different sections such as "Sculpting" and while searching through different tailmaking topics I copy any helpful info I find in the topic and paste it under the proper section. I also put at the end who said what so that I can keep track of how many sources I am pulling my info from. It helps to see what the majority of people do when they make tails.

[NerineArcticMermaid]

3 holes in mine small-ish...
no drainage... i need the suction effect from it being sealed so it will fit will.. mine is too big

[merwandering]

I am also trying to figure this out- I ha e just started trying to make a silicone tail, and after looking through a million threads, the first idea I am going to try is to attach mesh to my monofin with an adhesive just for the monofin, and then put silicone on the mesh to hold the fin to the fluke. I have seen people allude to somehow leaving the fluke open so they can remove the monofin? That would be awesome, seems easier to dry and easier to put on, but not sure it would work. i would also love to know what people have tried:) I will let you know if this is a massive fail so you can cross it off your list, or if it works!

[AniaR]

Honestly, you arent going to get an answer on here that works. Because for people who have actually figured this trade secret out (a handful, maybe like 2 tail makers), and other trade secrets out, they don't share. You'll get a hodgepodge of ideas from people who dont actually make tails or have any experiences, and make guesses. Often the advice is wrong or literally just a guess and can actually cause more problems. The best you can get are folks who are experimenting and share their process, but this has literally been a guarded trade secret for pretty much a decade. I have seen all of the suggestions people are making here, totally fail, or compromise the structure of a tail, or make a monofin more dangerous or less useful. Mernetwork is full of people who WANT to help, but don't confuse ideas with solid answers.

Somethings you gotta just get messy and experiment on your own with, chances are if it's not already listed in the tail making resource, no one has figured it out yet. Many well established tail makers with great reputations, still dont have their monofins glued down in silicone, and have been searching for answers their entire career.

[merwandering]

Definitely it isn't something I have tried yet, and not something I am recommending- but maybe after a lot of trial and error we can change the lack of info:) It still leaves plenty of room for professionals to be professionals- many people aren't going to take on such a huge project, and even if they wanted to, would want the craftsmanship and sculpting skills of a professional. At the same time, we don't want each other getting hurt or ruining an otherwise great tail. There seem to be a good number of people making their own dragon skin tails, and most seem like they are having fun with them- they may not be hard core ocean swimming, or performing- I'm sure how well your fluke works is relative to its use. But whatever information I figure out I will gladly share, and whatever works or doesn't I will detail to save anyone I can from unnecessary frustration:) I'm an artist and a huge fan of creating!

[merwandering]

Also any advice is probably specific to the type of materials- what I am trying is with a lexan monofin, a mesh without stretch, and I should mention a sort of huge fluke, so that might make for additional challenges, lol. So far what I have done is to adhere the mesh to the monofin, folding the mesh over at the top to provide added hold to the monofin. In sandwiching the fluke, I did add drainage holes on both sides. It seems solid so far, and I found information by pouring over tons and tons of discussions and information, and focused on people who seemed happy enough with their results. I'm only learning about mermaid tails but have constructed many things, so my fingers are crossed that while I might not find THE answer, the professional holy grail answer, that I will find AN answer, a 'swims great, I'm happy with my project, works for me' answer

[merwandering]

if this idea fails, my next plan, which I haven't seen mentioned anywhere, so it could be a fail, but makes sense to me, is to cast a custom monofin in a harder platinum cure silicone- this would also allow me to change the angle of the monofin for more propulsion and a nice line aesthetically....it will just be a lot of additional work and cost. But in theory- if platinum silicone only sticks to itself... it would stick? I'm willing to spend some time and cost on finding a good solution for myself, and I'm a determined kind of a gal so stay tuned!

[moniee]

My research on this forum leaded me to the 'lacing method' which is pretty much what you described with the mesh. I found it works for most mers and I will probably be using it, too! Good luck :)

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[LouLouBelle]

I was a bit hesitant to post this as I realise I'm probably going to upset some people, but...

I think the comment 'you're not going to find an answer on here that works' is quite pompous and unfair.

You're basically saying that none of us could possibly figure out a solution and putting down everyone who's trying. Might be worthwhile bearing in mind that the professional tail makers who have it figured out all started in the same place we are now, and with the same amount of knowledge and experience.

All they started with were 'ideas and advice from people with no experience'. They experimented with those ideas and figured out what worked and what didn't. Just because an idea has come from someone with no experience doesn't mean it isn't worth trying and/or expanding on.

I'm in the process of making my first silicone tail, and while I was initially discouraged and somewhat overwhelmed by the lack of useful information available, I plucked up the courage to take the plunge and give it a go anyway. I was unsure of what I was doing but I feel I've learned a whole lot through experimenting that I might never have thought of trying had I just been handed a step by step manual on exactly what to do.

While I can understand people wanting to keep trade secrets, I also think it can be a bit of a shame. Let's face it, if everyone openly shared exactly how they did everything, others could take those ideas and expand on them, improving methods further. Tail making would no doubt be far more advanced in general as a result. The greatest advances are made when people work together, not when they discover things and then keep it secret...

Like I said, I understand why people keep things like that secret, as it gives them an advantage over the competition. However, if I discover anything of particular use, I'll quite happily share with the group. The only thing I would ask in return is that you don't be an ass about it if you then discover anything new yourself. If you're going to use other people's ideas and advice, it's only fair that you give ideas and advice in return.

On that note... A few ideas I've been playing with:

If you use a non stretch fabric to back the fluke pieces, and ensure it's pulled tight like a drum skin, that should stop the fluke from ballooning even if it's not actually adhered directly to the monofin. (Make sure you leave drainage channels, though!)

Using a good flexible waterproof glue to stick a fabric to the fin, then siliconing the fluke pieces to that should also work. Just make sure you only glue strips of the fabric - if you seal the whole piece of fabric with the glue, there won't be anything left for the silicone to penetrate and adhere to. And again, leave drainage channels!

Another option would be to cut a fluke shape from a non stretch fabric then coat it with silicone. Then stitch another piece of fabric to this using a quilting type of pattern. Then glue the fabric side to the monofin. Then silicone the fluke piece to the silicone side. This would give a good strong complete attachment, though it would be more time consuming and could add a fair bit of extra bulk to the fluke.

And no, I haven't tried any of these ideas yet. If anyone does try them, please be nice and share your results with the rest of the group!


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[Dancing Fish]

I've found gluing mesh to lexan and adhering the silicone to the mesh to work just fine for my tail. You just need the correct glue. For lexan it's Poly zap. I don't know what woks best for the commercial fins... Gorilla glue, maybe?

[merwandering]

I was disappointed in that answer too. it seemed condescending to everyone who has used different ways, and really negative to anyone currently trying. There's more than one way to skin a fluke;) Trudging through making lost of costly/unsafe/unnecessary mistakes doesn't have to be part of the process, that's the whole purpose of these threads! Creators and innovators are always building on the discoveries before them- when whoever you are referring to started making tails, they certainly utilized information from people who had tried before. I don't think it at all threatens artists for people to have information about how to also create- they are not successful because they know how to glue a monofin, they are successful because their work is beautiful. The good news is- this method seems to have worked! I used the lexan and it flows beautifully in the water and pushes enough for my taste- just pool and smaller fresh bodies of fresh water swimming, not ocean, and I don't have experience with a ton of monofins, so I might be settling for less propulsion than someone else would prefer- but I love it! So now I can finish up my tail- yay! I am using individual scales and have them all finished but am in the process of getting them attached.

[Mermaid Lieke]

I was planning on using the 'lace method' for my tail. In the first tail, I want to make one with drainage holes since it causes less issues, for my second tail I want to experiment some more. I just started to make tails and I really enjoy the process <3

[AnnaAbyss]

Caulking silicone sticks to everything :) It works for me.

[merwandering]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo o
so I had read a lot about attaching the monofin to polycarbonate, and glued the sleeve to the monofin with
GASP
polyzap... which I saw over and over again, but I just saw a "don't do it!!!!" edit when looking for something else:(
My fluke seems great now, but I don't want it to slice my feet!! How bad is the problem? bad enough to need to do fluke surgery??
I want to say again too- I really am not wanting to encroach on any closely held secrets- I'm not out there trying to encourage people to dissect pro tails, and if I asked a pro a question and they told me it was a trade secret I would hold that in high regard (after I bow down to them- seriously the professional tail makers I have seen in my short time looking at all of this are incredible artists and people)
BUT at the same time, I know a lot of you have made amazing tails that are working great? Plus if only two pro tailmakers know the secret, but there are more than two respected pros, there must be SOMEthing working...
And, lol... I mean, a very complicated and thorough theory of evolution transpired at the same time in two different scientists in different parts of the world who knew nothing of each other... surely there are some good monofin ideas? Surely?:(
I don't want to swim in this if it is unsafe or gonna get ruined....

[merwandering]

Nevermind, I found another thread about this:) sorry!

[Dancing Fish]

Even if the lexan snaps, it doesn't shatter into sharp pieces. My daughter broke two of the early Fin Fun lexan monofins and it just cracks. It'll suck if it happens to a fin encased in silicone but I don't think it's particularly unsafe.

The next tail I make, I'm just going to try Sil Poxy and leave lots of drainage holes. I'm testing the idea that there's not really a lot of force pulling the silicone OFF the plastic when you swim, as long as water can drain freely out. Pearlie said in the other thread that her silicone isn't attached either. (I wondered about that, with her gorgeous nearly-sheer fluke!)

[PearlieMae]

I'm at work, but coming back to comment later!

[Dancing Fish]

Oooh! *sits at the feet of the Mistress to learn*

Actually, if the silicone's only lightly attached and peels off if you really tug it, replacing the monofin if it ever breaks would be easier. Perhaps it would be a positive feature of a tail! :)

[merwandering]

save me a seat, Dancing Fish!!!!!<3
and very true- plus maybe much better in terms of drying?
Pearlie you.are.phenomenal.

[PearlieMae]

Okay, here's how my personal fin sits in my tail... (I'm not saying it will work for every tail!)

The green is the tail outline. The magenta is where the fluke halves are adhered to itself. the blue is how the water flows through the tail. The black is the monofin/polycarbonate. the red is badly drawn footpockets.

There is so much drainage that, in the water, external water pressure presses the flukes to the fin. It drains almost instantly when you get out, and since the water flows from so many openings, it doesn't balloon at all. The silicone holds the fin into place, and if you ever have to swap out the monofin, it's really an easy process. the small dots of magenta along the fluke's bottom edge let the water flow through, but keeps the monofin from peeking out, just a few dots of silicone to hold the bottom together and still let water pass through.

Does this make sense?

37708

I have swapped out three fins so far. Attempt at your own risk!

[merwandering]

ALL HAIL QUEEN PEARLIE
omg and with a diagram.
you are a saint.
Now to decide if I should go ahead and cut out the one that has polyzap on it...

[PearlieMae]

I must have mentioned in the other thread where we are having this same conversation...Don't cut out your fin until it fails! Your results might be different from mine (I was covering a large area with polyzap and it made the fin brittle and break across the stress point at the ball of your feet).

[merwandering]

That makes it a lot easier- I'll cross my fingers and at least have some fun hopefully before I have an issue, and when I do, I'll know how to fix it. My fluke looks similar except with a fabric sleeve over the fin and 3 lines of polyzap on each side. Maybe I'll make it at least through a first swim- I'm dying to!!
I really appreciate your help- someone else had mentioned that the ideas they saw were dangerous and it had me worried- I'm excited but in all seriousness, I don't want that to cause me to make a stupid move. I have four kids and a remarkably busy life- me out of commission for being a risky mermaid would shut this shit RIGHT down, lol.
Thank you again!!

[merwandering]

p.s. I have to admit I am ridiculously giddy that you said "dont cut it out yet", lol.
I'm trying to be responsible and all, but. UGH that would have sucked.

[PearlieMae]

No problem! Swim gently at first...if it does snap, you'll know it, but at least it won't cut you like plain acrylic plexiglass would!

[moniee]

Thank you so much Pearlie this was causing me a lot of headache. I'll try your method as I think my superglue would make my lexan brittle, too.

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[PearlieMae]

Super glue, polyzap, all cyanocrylates make lexan brittle! I wish I found that out like $600 ago!

[Mermaid_Izzy]

I read on Rouge Siren's instructable that you can make a pocket to slip your monofin into out of powermesh fabric and when you paint the silicon onto the inside of the fluke pieces you can sandwich the monofins between them. When you do this the silicone will attach itself to the holes in the power mess which should fit very closely to the monofin. Also she said the rubbery part if your monofin can cause the silicone to cure incorrect and a good fix to that is to spray lacquer on it...she also said that drilling holes could potentially damage the monofin!


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[anami]

I just wanted to chime in that this does seem to be a silly thing to guard as a trade secret. I doubt this one thing is why someone picks one maker over another as its not something mentioned in the details by any maker I have seen. Also if you're buying a made tail you are probably picking by the look of the art, because most people have not swam many makers tails before they buy. I dont know I just don't feel like guarding this detail would suddenly make people say...well, now ill make my own even though im going to buy. Or, if every tail maker used a good method that, again, seems to be un touched upon in marketing that people would choose based on that and not the artistry of the tail. Just my opinion but for better or for worse I have been notoriously unprotective of my own trade secrets....

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[AniaR]

you guys talk like it's my choice. I'm just telling you why you wont find information about it. this is how an industry and how the forum works. People will always complain that trade secrets are secrets. lol doesn't mean they're entitled to those trades people giving out their secrets. Just because you want to know it, and think it's silly that people don't dicuss it.

[merwandering]

Well- here's the thing. I don't think there is anything wrong with there being trade secrets, and if I, for example, ask Pearlie Mae how she did something, and she says it is a trade secret- I respect that 100%.
But- I do think it is really strange to jump in the conversation if you aren't being asked directly, and say that it is a trade secret- there might be specific methods that are trade secrets, but there are also a good number of tails, probably done several different ways, that work great. So to say that you aren't going to find an answer here seems to try to shut down the whole conversation, which would be counterintuitive in a forum with tail making as such a big part of things. It's saying- sure, make a tail, but not one that works. It is discouraging people from thinking they can figure it out, or that anyone might have an idea. It actually scared me quite a bit for you to say that- in all seriousness, with all that I have on my plate, anything from injuring my foot so that it slowed me down, or the unimaginable- something that could risk an underwater emergency- that made me seriously concerned, when you said so many people's ideas were unsafe. If anything, if you aren't a tail maker, and weren't really involved with the tail making threads, and wanted to jump in, but were concerned for people's safety, it seems like you would interject by responding when you see a specific idea that you know is a tried and true fail safety wise. But I was encouraged to realize- honestly if a tail maker figured something out, I could too. But much more primarily and importantly- there are lots of people who have successfully made tails that work. So- if the moderators don't want it discussed, it seems like they would just put a sticky on a post saying not to. Otherwise- it seems like if this is the place to improve tail making by exchanging ideas...then it makes sense for it to be an ongoing conversation, with anyone who feels that they had an idea that worked, or didn't, contributing as they wish, and for people who don't want to share their ideas, not to-
does that make sense? That's why it seemed weird to me

[merwandering]

And- in that vein- with all of the different information that was shared, I took a little here and a little there, tried some things on my own, and while I will do it differently if I have to remove and replace what I already have- so far so good- it is really in there, doesn't budge, has taken way too much abuse which I am totally trying to stop, but I'm new at this, the drainage is perfect... and I did find all of the information here. So that's why I just think saying- you won't find an answer here is inaccurate. You won't find so and so's specific answer, sure. I mean, actually, though, you might- like I said, if two scientists who had never met could develop very similar detailed theories on biological evolution, then...it stands to reason that two people could come up with the same monofin idea. Just find out what the problems are that people have with tails, and think from a scientific standpoint how to change the way they are functioning and address the exact point of the problem, be it drag, pressure, water flow, etc. Plus- you rmonofin is attached to your feet and at least mine, the fabric around it goes up into the tail itself- it isn't going anywhere, so really it is a physics issue of keeping the fluke closed more than anything

[AniaR]

I didnt jump in. the OP kept posting "bump" after no one answered them which kept making the thread come up. so i explained why they werent getting an answer. And while people may not like that I suggested they be weary of taking advice from people who haven't actually made tails/fins... or made them successfully, that doesn't mean my point was wrong.

edit: pretty much all tail makers who once used mernetwork and dont any more, cite this exact issue as to why they no longer use it, or even communicate with the community. If you dig around, you'll even find members telling off raven's husband for not sharing trade secrets.

[merwandering]

But It's different to say "the reason you might not get a response" than "you won't get an idea that works"
it's helpful to say- be careful of ideas from random people, but unreasonable to to say that only two people in the world can do it

[merwandering]

for the record though people pressuring for information or acting entitled to instructions just because someone made something,is terrible. I believe in artistic exchange- I think a lot of people in this corner of the forum are artists and used to a community in which that is the norm. If I bail in general it would be because of cattiness in other areas of the forum, but I do recognize that acting like an artist OWES a how to video is horrific

[anami]

No one owes anyone the secrets of their years if r and d. However, I have learned a lot of times you cant keep your trade secrets. If anyone REALLY wanted them they can just buy your product and reverse engineer it. If you think it will make or break your product and you think you'll have a successful business $4000 is a small price to spend to save years or r and d and people dont tend to respect people enough not to do that...unfortunately. more than half the fire hoops sold around the world are made off if my original design from 2002... guess how much in sales royalties I have earned? Zilch. Katwise and her sweaters same. The mermaid tiara woman on here from new zealand who is suddenly trending the internet....sadly she will also probably be completely copy cat-ted by people who will never pay her for her design.

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[AniaR]

the first person who gave an answer had never made one or tested it. and at the point I made the comment, all the previously commented suggestions (aka the answers "here" up until that point) had been shown/documented in other threads to not work. I mean if people wanna do the wrong thing go for it, maybe they will figure out a right way to do it in the process.

[merwandering]

OK- but assuming that literally all other tails than those of one or two makers had failed, and there had never before been tried or mentioned a possibility- even then (which isn't at all accurate) how would that possibly mean that the answers wouldn't eventually end up here? Or that it wouldn't be worth a thread? in an r&d process, specifics of what doesn't work are just as valuable, and with a bunch of heads together, there will be answers that end up working. It would be almost impossible NOT to come up with something that worked really well- especially if we document those attempts.
And- there is always room for coming up with a way that is better than what even the best monofin-sealing tail maker is currently doing. But regardless- there are people performing and recreating and teaching in tails from lots of sources. There is more than one answer.

[merwandering]

But doing the wrong thing is definitely on the road to doing the right thing- and I was down for taking one for the team, lol

[anami]

Its different when people directly steal and then monetize your idea. Its rude. She wrote an article about making tutorials in response to her designs being copied. The concept of intellectual property in her case and mine are a bit nuanced for a post on a thread about something else.

Merwandering, this post seems out if character from what I read by you so far. You taut your own genius (classy) but 1. Thought my last post was directed at you. It was written to add to the conversation as a whole and not written to any one person.
And
2. It said the same concept yours just above did in argument of the opposite position.

So with brevity ... there are several companies making hoops, more than half are based off my design. I spend years and literally blood sweat and tears to design a fairly indestructible, light weight push button break down firehoop. If I took my poor mans patent to a lawyer I could probably sue each company for a portion if each hoop sold.

Sharing artistic ideas are great but if you wanna turn around and sell someone elses design that you made, you are an asshole if you dont thank them and ideally pay them for the work they did that you are benefiting from. In a ideal world artists could freely share ideas without caring but they have to pay rent too. Artists are one of the most disrespected yet most appreciated profession.

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[anami]

People thinking you're a bad ass doe NOT pay the rent, let me assure you.

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[merwandering]

I definitely apologize for erased bitchiness:)

I know it doesn't pay the rent, and it sucks. i am constantly trying to walk that line, and I am not one to try to be taking anyones ideas and profiting from them, or even using without permission. Any time I have used something that looked like it was someone elses idea, like the individual scales, I asked them, and then still felt uneasy, and still thought of them constantly, emailed them my gratitude, because- it IS important.
I even get fixated on messaging tailmakers if I realize I have shared something they are working on, and I erase it to give them the space to do that.
I really respect tail makers. Sooooo much. I just don't think it takes away from their work for there to be a monofin solution in general.

The other stuff- it was just probably poorly articulated, and therefore misperceived. And I didn't at all think your comments were directed at me- like, at all. My other comment wasn't at all directed at you:) It was totally in general, and in response to the idea that we couldn't figure it out.
The reason I said that my perspective is skewed about intellectual property, (I know it is),When I said that it wouldn't occur to me to think of financial gain if you told me everyone started using your design, it is because I am an artist and just used to it happening, NOT because I think it is OKAY that it is happening. But definitely used to more in an exchange, it is totally different and clearly sucks if someone jacked your design and started selling it- that's crazy and sad.
For what it's worth (not bills, I know) I do think you are a badass.

[Mermaid Whisper]

Merwandering is a hardworking, intuitive, amazing woman, and she brings up valid points in many topics. She has never claimed to be something that she was not. In fact, she is all for showing who you really are and making the best of it.

As a matter of fact, she is quite the creative genius, if I do say so myself. She is an artist, and a fintastic one at that. The tail she has in her photographs is her very first attempt at a silicone tail, and it is rather breathtaking.

Having crafted many things on my own and worked for companies that required well-kept secrets to maintain low shrinkage and keep products unique, I would say that no, a certain way of sealing a monofin does not make your product more appealing to customers. Perhaps the more technical ones would be more involved in that sort of decision, but, as far as I am concerned, it is neither worthy of a patent nor an argument.

When making such an exquisite and rather expensive purchase, would you look at the fluke, tap your chin, and wonder, "Does the fin have four drainage points or six?" and would the number ultimately influence your decision in regards to art as fine as it comes? I think not.

Merwandering is my friend, and I certainly do not like others putting her down. Carry on.

[Mermaid Whisper]

Also, dear, sweet Merwandering, go to sleep :)

[anami]

I didnt notice you deleted it. Im sorry youre having stress (and it may not have been clear, no inflection in text only, but I was joking with the classy comment and meant that due to your
previous posts I have read, you dont need to say youre a genius, im sure im not the only one who could already tell) and yes we are arguing the same perspective but with the difference of how we think intellectual property should be respected or rewarded. I actual put out a free fire hoop "recipe" for people who couldnt afford a fire hoop and wanted to make them. A company took that recipe made and sold hoops using it and posted it on their website without crediting me as though it were theirs. When I asked them to credit they were rude and snottingly said they would take it down. I said good. Katwise was probably ok with people making sweaters in her style for them selves but I read an article by her saying the tutorials at least let her keep her name involved but people selling her designs for half the price seriously hurt her sales, which were her income. Its the profiting off others work is the problem not artists sharing ideas and methods. Sorry for my tone before I get a bit snappy sometimes, now that I know you are stressed and sleepless ill make a point to try to remove things that might sound snappish.

Sent from my C6730 using Tapatalk

[merwandering]

Whisper you make a damn fine bouncer.

(re:telling me to go to sleep, lol. you are always right when you say that.)

[merwandering]

Whisper- I didn't even know what to say once I fully read your other post- much undeserved, I know I'm a little crazy. But your words were unbelievably kind, and, especially as I was having such a hard, hard day- really powerful. It means so much to me, and I really appreciate how supportive you are, and the fact that it brought me to tears means I definitely, yes, should get some sleep. But also- thank you<3 in the spirit of let's all just get along, it's fine if you delete it, but it was truly like having a huge hug in a moment when I was overwhelmed, so thank you for saying it
And Thank you Anami- thanks for being so compassionate and understanding, it's far more appreciated than you know.

[anami]

Dont worry, I find I can relate to a lot of what you say. I suppose we should let this thread divert back to fluke attachment and start a new thread about an artists trade "secrets". I am about to walk into a meeting so I don't have time to remove my snappish responses to what you are erasing so you: future reader: know some of what I said was precipitated by stuff that is now gone ;)

[Moonchild]

I am a "future reader" and I have to say this whole thread is quite amusing hahaha as an artist I can relate to both of you: sharing tips and ideas is part of the charm of the community but having someone just steal one from you and sell it as if it was their own... Wow, that's just the worst.

But back to the fluke problem... Did you need to re-do yours, Merwandering?? Did it break?
I've never attempted to make my own silicone tail (yet?) but for some reason Pearlie Mae's design is how I imagined most flukes were. The whole powermesh thing sounds a lot more complocated to me

Enviado desde mi Aquaris X5 mediante Tapatalk

[PearlieMae]

My design is based on using a polycarbonate fin, and silicone WILL NOT stick to it! Not silpoxy, not silicone caulking, NOTHING will adhere the two together directly NOR reliably - thus my mechanical way of encapsulating the polycarbonate...and I STILL haven't perfected it.

And I must admit that I feel I have given out TMI with my diagram, but screw it.

[merwandering]

My fluke works great so far- I used a non stretch fabric folded over the fin, just a little polyzap but learned better since:( and my fluke goes beyond my fin, so the fluke is attached to itself a good amount.
I had finished my fluke but totally panicked because of the polyzap, it hasn't broken yet but I've made peace with the fact that I might have to do some surgery at some point
girl I was shocked you posted a diagram- whut??
i really think the placement of the drainage helps in mine, but when I was deciding what to do- I mean it was not knowing much, and considering the specifics of my fluke- it's thick. (Probably too thick)
I just have a huge hole in the center, I can slide about 3 fingers in. So water isn't directed into the rest of the fluke.
I don't know what all was in this thread, ha- but y'all probably want to have a rule that I don't post on no sleep
WHICH IS NOW
lol

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