Finally a tail for mom :)

[Iamonlyme@me.com]

My daughter now has two tails and my sons share one tail and I am now getting ready to start the my fourth which is finally a tail for me!
I'm up in the air right now I'm not sure if I want to do a sequins silicone hybrid or if I want to do a full silicone tail. The last Tails I've done have been spandex silicone hybrids with the silicone caulk this would be my first time working with the Dragon skin.
Since I'd be doing it over the winter months I'm a little bit leery about that. I've never done sequins either and my concern with the sequins tail is do the sequins make the tail feel more rigid?
I have a design already drawn up and my color schemes pretty much picked out but now I need to finalize on like I said am I going to go sequins or am I going to go silicone so I can start buying the base fabrics.
38879
Here is my drawing my color inspiration is beach sunrise :) my colors will be lilac,teal,lime green,pink,and a darker lilac and a darker teal I am still undecided on additional fins but I do like the ones I have added. And I love my fluke design.


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[TheSaltySiren]

This is so pretty, I love the colors and the fluke! The extra fins are awesome as well. I think you should try your hand at a full silicone tail :) Can't wait to see the progress of this :D

[Iamonlyme@me.com]

This is so pretty, I love the colors and the fluke! The extra fins are awesome as well. I think you should try your hand at a full silicone tail :) Can't wait to see the progress of this :D

I am so nervous about doing a full silicone I have never molded or anything before [emoji15] I am trying to find pearlie Maes method to read it any idea were that is


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[PearlieMae]

My thread has been dismantled. There are lots of other Pearlie Method threads that are quite helpful, though! Good luck!

:mermaid kiss:

[Iamonlyme@me.com]

My thread has been dismantled. There are lots of other Pearlie method threads that are quite helpful, though! Good luck!

:mermaid kiss:

Thanks :) I figured I tried to read it :)


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[Mermaid Tami]

I have a full sequin tail, they are a lot of upkeep, sequins can bend or break easily. I ordered a Mermaid Kariel Tail of Art in all silicone, I can't wait for it to come in!


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[Iamonlyme@me.com]

I have a full sequin tail, they are a lot of upkeep, sequins can bend or break easily. I ordered a Mermaid Kariel Tail of Art in all silicone, I can't wait for it to come in!


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See that was my concern I seen another mermaid covered hers with a thin layer of silicone caulk (mermaid caspian I think I spelled it right) my other question is how is the mobility since it is sequins and made from a hard plastic


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[PearlieMae]

The sequins cut through the silicone and make a huge mess.

[Iamonlyme@me.com]

^^^^ good to know! Thanks I really truly want a silicone tail so I might as well bite the bullet find a couple of threads and start ordering. I think my first purchase will be clay and a trial size of smooth on silicone so I can get comfortable and make scales than move forward


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[Mermaid Clara]

^^^^ good to know! Thanks I really truly want a silicone tail so I might as well bite the bullet find a couple of threads and start ordering. I think my first purchase will be clay and a trial size of smooth on silicone so I can get comfortable and make scales than move forward


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be sure to use clay that is sulphur free. I've been using modeling clay from Michael's and plastina modeling clay from Hobby Lobby.

[Iamonlyme@me.com]

Here is what is in my cart right now 38881
Haven't decided on a plaster or resin casting any input? I am leaning towards resin currently


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[Mermaid Clara]

I like resin because it's reusable and stronger/last longer than plaster


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[Iamonlyme@me.com]

I like resin because it's reusable and stronger/last longer than plaster


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That was my thought if I'm going to go all out and spend money making a silicone tail I might as well get Molds in resin so that as my daughter grows I can try to reuse what I can for hers


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[Mermaid Tami]

See that was my concern I seen another mermaid covered hers with a thin layer of silicone caulk (mermaid caspian I think I spelled it right) my other question is how is the mobility since it is sequins and made from a hard plastic


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The body part folds in half pretty easy. My fluke is huge though, it doesn't bend or fold at all. It's made of a sheet of Lexan. I used a heavy duty Velcro to attach the fluke to the body thinking it would be easier to put on but I way over did it, it's almost impossible to separate them! [emoji85] I thought it would make transporting easier but I've only taken them apart once because it's so difficult!


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[Iamonlyme@me.com]

The body part folds in half pretty easy. My fluke is huge though, it doesn't bend or fold at all. It's made of a sheet of Lexan. I used a heavy duty Velcro to attach the fluke to the body thinking it would be easier to put on but I way over did it, it's almost impossible to separate them! [emoji85] I thought it would make transporting easier but I've only taken them apart once because it's so difficult!


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I tried the Velcro two piece idea on my daughters first tail. It was horrible she doesn't even use the fluke she just uses the fabric and her merfin lol


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[Iamonlyme@me.com]

So I am very nervous about silicone considering I have never made a mold a casting or a sculpture! lol so I figured why not practice lol
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160827/d51196a0f7648c4e72bb21f12af1c18c.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160827/68feda1fea0362491ff35eac46886a10.jpg38885
Wish me luck

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[Mermaid Tami]

I tried the Velcro two piece idea on my daughters first tail. It was horrible she doesn't even use the fluke she just uses the fabric and her merfin lol


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I really love the tail but I think I'm going to have to take my smaller fin fun tail for vacation. I just don't see how I can travel with the huge fluke without baggage overages. :(


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[Iamonlyme@me.com]

Complete fail!!! [emoji15][emoji17] so I followed directions I used a spray release that was made by the same company and it will not release at all :( going to have to break the box and dig out the clay from that side and see what happens so..... What does everyone else use as a release agent when making your mold out of resin?


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[Iamonlyme@me.com]

I really love the tail but I think I'm going to have to take my smaller fin fun tail for vacation. I just don't see how I can travel with the huge fluke without baggage overages. :(


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I love your tail it is supper pretty and you can't even tell it has two separate pieces nice work :)


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[Iamonlyme@me.com]

38887
Here is my complete and utter fail I thought you guys would enjoy the picture!
I do love my husband for at least attempting to break the box and get it out. But like I said fail :(


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[Iamonlyme@me.com]

So this time I'm starting again and I just feel like I'm missing a step so before I pour the resin this time I'll be using the clear polyester casting resin I will show you my plans and if anybody has ever done this if I'm missing something can you please pointed outhttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160827/e0cfb6e8c1cfcc789c8d551559240d14.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160827/97eaa472c4eb3048fca1c3ddb63d706d.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160827/0700f039c99e3be866ac556097d4c7f4.jpg


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[Mermaid Clara]

Complete fail!!! [emoji15][emoji17] so I followed directions I used a spray release that was made by the same company and it will not release at all :( going to have to break the box and dig out the clay from that side and see what happens so..... What does everyone else use as a release agent when making your mold out of resin?


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I use Vaseline, just wash super well with dawn dish soap when it's all cleaned to get rid of any left over Vaseline. For my mold boxes I just use construction paper and cover the one side with clear tape from the dollar store.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160827/53bba7a399ef9cc04bff1cccac95198c.jpg



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[Iamonlyme@me.com]

I use Vaseline, just wash super well with dawn dish soap when it's all cleaned to get rid of any left over Vaseline. For my mold boxes I just use construction paper and cover the one side with clear tape from the dollar store.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160827/53bba7a399ef9cc04bff1cccac95198c.jpg



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Did you make a plaster or resin mold? I am trying resin so I make my template which is clay with shells, than I place Vaseline over that? Next I pour resin over template and let cure? Am I correct sorry lots of questions never done this [emoji16]
Or is there to be something on the clay before the Vaseline?

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[Mermaid Clara]

Did you make a plaster or resin mold? I am trying resin so I make my template which is clay with shells, than I place Vaseline over that? Next I pour resin over template and let cure? Am I correct sorry lots of questions never done this [emoji16]
Or is there to be something on the clay before the Vaseline?

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I make resin molds. So i take my mold box put a layer of vaseline all over, put my clay pieces in and brush them with a very light coat of vaseline. I pour my resin in and let it harden and cool, then i remove the clay and clean the molds.

[Iamonlyme@me.com]

I make resin molds. So i take my mold box put a layer of vaseline all over, put my clay pieces in and brush them with a very light coat of vaseline. I pour my resin in and let it harden and cool, then i remove the clay and clean the molds.

Ok! THANK YOU here I go I will let you know how it turns out lol


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[Iamonlyme@me.com]

My son saved the day!!! So the complete fail he improvised! He had dad cleaned it out and than he trimmed the edges and painted a resin layer where the clay was dug out and the wood was showing thru :) so I can still try silicone in it there will be no detail but that is ok they will be the right shape :)3888838889


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[PearlieMae]

I wish I saw this earlier. That is not the right kind of resin to use, that's more for jewelry and encapsulation. Order https://www.smooth-on.com/products/smooth-cast-325/ it's easy, 1 to 1 mix ratio, doesn't have much of an odor and you can demold fairly quickly. You don't need mold release with plastilina, either.

Also, change your silicone order from Fast to Medium or Slow! You're just starting out, Fast is beyond your abilities right now!

[Iamonlyme@me.com]

I wish I saw this earlier. That is not the right kind of resin to use, that's more for jewelry and encapsulation. Order https://www.smooth-on.com/products/smooth-cast-325/ it's easy, 1 to 1 mix ratio, doesn't have much of an odor and you can demold fairly quickly. You don't need mold release with plastilina, either.

Also, change your silicone order from Fast to Medium or Slow! You're just starting out, Fast is beyond your abilities right now!

Thanks!!!! I will start again on my cart :) I haven't ordered any of the things on the cart they were placed so I could remember what I looked at and ask questions before ordering :)


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[PearlieMae]

I figured you were going to do more research before diving into making!

Roll out a flat piece of clay. Doesn't have to be very thick, maybe 1/4". Lay your scale sculpts on top. Press them lightly into your clay base so resin doesn't seep under. Make a clay wall around your scales. Pour your resin into the clay mold 'bowl' and let it set. Once it's hard, peel off the clay walls and bottom, and clean out the clay scales. Use a bit of oil - cooking oil is fine - and an old toothbrush, follow with dish soap and water to get the oil out. Let dry.

[PearlieMae]

DO MORE RESEARCH.

[Iamonlyme@me.com]

I tend to dive right in and learn by doing :) I could research all day and still not understand until I physically get my hands dirty :) I did roll out the clay and placed the shells with a clay wall ready. I was trying to epoxy resin just as a test and to get the feel for it before I start my actual piece and yup big old fail but bright side at least I failed with the cheaper stuff lol


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[Iamonlyme@me.com]

DO MORE RESEARCH.

Ok [emoji51]


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[Mermaid Caspiana]

Wow. I feel like I'm late to this thread. Haha
Your design is gorgeous. :)
As for my method, the silicone works wonders covering the sequins as long as you don't get it too thin. Because if you do, what Pearlie said, with the sequins cutting through, then that will happen.
In my opinion, it makes it much more pliable. At least, you're no longer worried about the sequins popping off. I have a big fluke, like Tami, and so the body bends and folds really well for travel and such, but the fluke, I also used Lexan, is like the base for folding. Lol
Anyway, if you hadn't already started and put all that effort in so far, I'd offer to be your tailmaker if you wanted to go my method. But I wish you immense luck on your silicone adventures and can't wait to see that design come to life. :) <3

[Iamonlyme@me.com]

Wow. I feel like I'm late to this thread. Haha
Your design is gorgeous. :)
As for my method, the silicone works wonders covering the sequins as long as you don't get it too thin. Because if you do, what Pearlie said, with the sequins cutting through, then that will happen.
In my opinion, it makes it much more pliable. At least, you're no longer worried about the sequins popping off. I have a big fluke, like Tami, and so the body bends and folds really well for travel and such, but the fluke, I also used Lexan, is like the base for folding. Lol
Anyway, if you hadn't already started and put all that effort in so far, I'd offer to be your tailmaker if you wanted to go my method. But I wish you immense luck on your silicone adventures and can't wait to see that design come to life. :) <3

You used silicone caulk correct? And yes I am just playing around at this point :) I have not decided yet on sequins vs silicone. I love silicone tails but I don't know if I am ready to jump in to that just yet. That is why I have been playing around with the cheap resin first :)


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[Mermaid Wesley]

looks like a good start! good luck!

[Mermaid Caspiana]

You used silicone caulk correct? And yes I am just playing around at this point :) I have not decided yet on sequins vs silicone. I love silicone tails but I don't know if I am ready to jump in to that just yet. That is why I have been playing around with the cheap resin first :)


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Yep. :) GE brand 100% silicone.
I getchya, ;) I'm kind of moving up the scale. Lol My next attempt will be full silicone using Pearlie's method. But I love my neoprene-sequin-silicone hybrid. :)
Well, if you ever change your mind, feel free to let me know and maybe we could work something out, because I think your design would be fun to make. ;)
Again, good luck though! <3

[Iamonlyme@me.com]

Yep. :) GE brand 100% silicone.
I getchya, ;) I'm kind of moving up the scale. Lol My next attempt will be full silicone using Pearlie's method. But I love my neoprene-sequin-silicone hybrid. :)
Well, if you ever change your mind, feel free to let me know and maybe we could work something out, because I think your design would be fun to make. ;)
Again, good luck though! <3

Messaged you


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[Mermaid Caspiana]

Messaged you


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Received. ;) Replied! <3

[Iamonlyme@me.com]

OK so played around trial and error, I have one good mold of just trial scales . they're not the scales that I'm going use but I do know now how to make a resin mold over clay. I have updated my cart taking into consideration the items that Pearlie Mae told me about. I wish I could find the slow on Amazon but I can't, I can only find the medium for some reason for the Dragon skin. But I do have a question!
I want to make some scroll work on my tail, so if I'm not mistaken I have to make two separate molds correct? I need to first make a mold over the metal scroll with silicone and then a resin mold of that otherwise my resin would just bond with the metal?


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[PearlieMae]

Yes, you're right about that. Think of it this way, if you're end product is soft, you need a hard mold (rubber into a resin mold). If your end product is hard, you need a soft mold (resin into a rubber mold).

You can get slow on the Smooth On website, but medium is fine if you're doing small batches (1 oz. at a time). Fast sets up in ten minutes, faster if it's warm.

[Iamonlyme@me.com]

Thanks Pearlie. I will be ordering my smooth on products Friday until than I will be picking up A LOT more clay so I can start sculpting the side fins and ankle fins. As for power mesh is that the same as basic swimsuit lining? And if so how thick do people recommend it to be? And last question I am looking into buying my monofin but I am not sure if I just want to make one using Lexan and water shoes and just seal it into the tail. The current fin we have is a merfin which i LOVE but I haven't seen that used in a silicone tail yet. Any input appreciated


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[PearlieMae]

Yes, Powermesh is the same thing. It's lingerie thin, doesn't have to be thick. It's in the performance fabrics section at JoAnn's, buy it when you get a 50% off coupon (like every other week).

I've been making Lexan monofins for a couple years and they aren't easy at all. I think there's a few Merfin tails around here somewhere.

[Iamonlyme@me.com]

That was my concern about the Lexan monofin. I would have to order another merfin because I currently use my daughters, I was also looking at the body glove monofin but I like that the merfin is big. As for making one I don't want to bite of more than I can chew lol and thanks about the power mesh.
I am currently looking at pigments. Ever heard of solardust?


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[Iamonlyme@me.com]

38932


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[Iamonlyme@me.com]

Ok so I ordered the pigments my molds are almost done :) and I am thankful my kids enjoy making things as much as I do here is my son Kaiden Scultping the ankle fins 38954
I have a test of silicone in one mold currently. The mold is a purchased scroll work one so we will see how that goes :) keep everyone posted


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[Iamonlyme@me.com]

38955


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[Iamonlyme@me.com]

Question? Does he need to sculpt two or can both fins be made from the same mold?


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[Iamonlyme@me.com]

38956


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[PearlieMae]

You need two that will be symmetrical so you can sandwich them...unless you want one side completely flat.

Never heard of those pigments...do a small test to make sure they don't cause any cure inhibition.

[Iamonlyme@me.com]

Ok so a couple of test results. First I had attempted silicone caulk scales using a candy mold and it worked but, it won't work for scales. however at least now I know that the candy molds that you can buy at the cooking store the hard plastic ones used for chocolate can be use with silicone. It actually releases pretty easily without any additional help so I'm hoping that when I get my Dragon skin, which should be here this week sometime, it gives me the same results but here's the picture of that test38980
Second update is that my son's ankle fin sculpting turned out beautifully and the resin mold worked great! We are in the process of cleaning all the Clay out, a lot of scrubbing with dish soap so far and there's still quite a bit of clay.38981


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[Iamonlyme@me.com]

I haven't been on much but this is still happening!!! Life got busy between my day job and my photography business I will update as soon as I can!!!


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