A Primarina Tail (Pokemon)

[Mermaid Mia]

I'm going to be actually starting on my mermaid primarina cosplay now that the holidays are winding down but I am still on break. I have a bunch of other costumes on going so this will probably be slow progress... or I'm gonna get super pumped and do it all REALLY QUICKLY. [emoji38]

Here is a reference:
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161227/5a1f3d9cd592a76a74406972fc9c7e55.jpg

And my initial planing/design sheet:
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170103/35ac2ce97b26dde40f786ee83ed313ea.jpg

I'm going to be changing the crown to a veil/pearl headband combination and starfish earrings though. I think that will be more comfortable in the water and more accurate to the character (I was overly excited and did my design before the game was actually released and have since had more time to study primarina's motions)

Edit: uploaded the unfinished design. Re-loaded with the proper one. Don't know how that happened.

[Mermaid_Salacia]

I love pokemon, so can't wait to see what it looks like when it's done!

[MermaidRaegan]

That is going to be an awesome cosplay!


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[Mermaid Mia]

Im really excited! Thanks for the positive feed back already guys
:3
I'll be hopefully working on a shaped monifin starting tomorrow and going fabric shopping. I have fabric online that i want but if i can find similar material for cheeper with coupons and without shipping that is what im gonna do XD


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[SteampunkMermaid01]

Oh my goodness!! This is so exciting! I love the design! Can't wait to see how it turns out!

[Mermaid Mia]

I had been planning on ordering this gorgeous blue sequined fabric from Spandex World (great store btw) but by a MIRACLE I found some at jo-anns!
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170102/449303cc743d15be05c2f8dc61892630.jpg
Through coupons and not having to pay shipping i got all the length i needed for LESS than HALF of what i would have payed. :D
Im so happy


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[Mermaid Mia]

So i bought flippers with the intent of securing them to a shaped piece of office mat. I didn't want to cut into a nice mono fin and the fluke is very narrow and heart shaped so double fins sounded easier... However the mat i want is like 50$ and the fins have these handy cutouts... so i thought i would try something first...
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170102/a904057aa1a2fbc8b93102bffd16ae20.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170102/59c58db44aa1a8b9081efe5a61704cde.jpg
I used zip ties in the gaps and a Velcro strap in a figure 8 for extra strength. Kicking my hardest in the air my ankles did not separate or turn and the fins didn't shift around. I think i have a successful monofin for my needs. Gonna test in water when the pool opens again. Might need heavier duty zip ties and to drill holes for more points of connection.

I will be making the actual heart shape out of craft foam as i have done in other tails. Luckily i will be keeping this fin removable so I'm not too concerned if i need to do repairs later


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[JustCOS]

I actually just picked up fabric for a Primarina tail, too! I can't wait to see how yours turns out, I love the sequins! (I'm a sucker for sequins :p )

[Mermaid Mia]

I actually just picked up fabric for a Primarina tail, too! I can't wait to see how yours turns out, I love the sequins! (I'm a sucker for sequins :p )
oh yay!!! more primarina mermaids!

[JustCOS]

Also yay more Pokemon mertails :p (I still need to shoot my Milotic, whoops). If we're ever on the same side of the mountains at the same time, we should totally swim together~

[Mermaid Mia]

i would love that! and i was just stalking your fabric tails thread XD the mitotic tail looks amazing! any chance you are going to Sakuracon 2017?

[JustCOS]

Thank you~ I am! I'm not sure if I'll bring any tails or not (last year I tried to do a shoot, but it just didn't work out), but I may bring one or two just in case :p

[Mermaid Mia]

i will be taking primarina to the con! i might bring another tail but don't know yet. hopefully my hotel will have a pool and i can go for some swims, you are welcome to join me!

[JustCOS]

Sounds fantastic! If I bring a tail, I'm totally up for it~ I'll see if Moongazer is going (and bringing her Goldeen again) too!

[Mermaid Mia]

Sounds fantastic! If I bring a tail, I'm totally up for it~ I'll see if Moongazer is going (and bringing her Goldeen again) too!

Yay! Mermaid pokemon friends XD


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[Mermaid Mia]

Tested out my fin in the pool today! It actually worked quite well. Didn't bring my phone so no photos or video yet...


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[Mermaid Mia]

So i got the rest of my fabric (and forgot to update the thread)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170306/0a276d595996053d6e292529d52251d0.jpg
I went with the stretch velvet for the white parts cause it looks kinda furry and i wanted to recall her origins with the popplio sea lion based design. The blue organza is for all the ruffles and its super shimmy and i am excited.

I also have some pink fabric, pink acrylic paint for thinning, pink glitter, and silicone caulk to do her little pink spikes and starfish with.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170306/a432504f14302c2700617e4f1aa9f412.jpg
Yay!


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[Mermaid Wesley]

Can't wait to see how this turns out!

[Mermaid Mia]

I realized this was gonna be a heavier tail than my diy monofin will be able to push. So i ordered a mahina merfin (which i have always wanted) and it came in like 2 days!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170306/2c121460b103ce1be2e9d6d463676086.jpg
I got the large cause my feet fit 10s usually, 11s pretty often, and 9.5 rarely. Its a little large on me even with my neoprene booties but I'm pretty sure it is snug enough to stay on. Hopefully i can do a swim test soon. If i find myself slipping out i figure i can either modify the straps or can pad the inside of the foot pocket. Im still confident large was the right size and a medium would be too small, i wish these had adjustable straps :/

The next hurdle is that primarina has a heart shaped tail and the mahina merfin is... not.
So do i just say "oh well its a mermaid!" Or do i cut my fin? If i did cut it it would be like so...
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170306/f283a70e1b1a79ea2bb6558e36b1d15a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170306/305c658fddb205e3120ea263a3146ab5.jpg

Suggestions?


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[Mermaid Wesley]

Cut it! It will still look mermaidy outside of the tail, and merfins stand up really well to modification.

[Mermaid Mia]

Cut it! It will still look mermaidy outside of the tail, and merfins stand up really well to modification.

Ok thanks :3 ill probably do that then. Im gonna take it for a swim and try to get picks of it in all its glory first LOL.


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[Mermaid Mia]

Took my mahina for a swim (phone died though so no video or recording) and then i did the trimming on it so it will be right for this tail! Now i could get started on my sewing work [emoji33]
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170311/5da206553d392a708398998138a9df26.jpg

It looks a little uneven cause of the shadows but i swear i was careful and it is mostly symetrical


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[Mermaid Mia]

My wig came in!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170314/7ac257cd6c0b75778a26051101019f44.jpg
I will def be doing dry land pictures in the full outfit before i take it swimming cause i am afraid of this wig in the water. But i am doing my research and will be sure to take good care of it


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[MeliPixie]

Super excited to see more of this tail!

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[Mermaid Mia]

Finaly got into the thick of it yesterday, cause I'm done with finals whooo hoooooo!!

I finished the tube of sparkle for the body
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170322/535ffc52c468b5cf83b6dcc5d3b928ef.jpg

The ankle skirt (which is probably my favorite thing thus-far)
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170322/0b00abc070b3a1254bf9155381928db3.jpg

Aaand the fluke cover with zipper
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170322/28123335be6cc9e33b494a5eaf7e9d04.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170322/e5a2f10791c33aec885765850cc19d03.jpg

Today hopefully I will assemble these pieces, add the giant ruffle at the top and a waistband, and start on the pink spikes.

The tail and the top will be needing a nude spandex lining but I can't afford more fabric until April so... ill do as much as i can and then will have to work on other projects :/


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[MeliPixie]

This looks so great so far!

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[Mermaid Mia]

This looks so great so far!

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Thank you! Im super excited :3


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[MermaidRaegan]

Looking great!! Can't wait to see the full look.


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[Mermaid Mia]

Got the tail mostly assembled yesterday.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170323/fcb4ca9f0cd9b0d915d601d9afb3e9cd.jpg
I also tried a couple batches of the pink spikes and hated them all. Trying a few more things today. Fingers crossed!


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[Slim]

That is looking beautiful

[MerEmma]

WOW. That looks so unique and aaaaaa I love love love it! I wonder how it'll look in the water, but the fabric is so lovely and sparkly. I can totally see the resemblance to a Pokemon, not even necessarily Primarina but like if I didn't know of Primarina and saw the tail I think I might feel like it has a Pokemon feel to it? Great job so far <3

[MeliPixie]

Hmmm those spikes do look like they'd be difficult....

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[moomer]

Looking great!
I am curious as to how it will stand up in water! That sequin fabric won't be too heavy will it?
Can't wait for more updates~~

[Mermaid Mia]

Thank you everyone for your interest and comments! It makes me even more pumped to work. I do expect it to be heavy in the water but i fitted it pretty tightly so hopefully it wont have drag on the body. One of my other tails has layers of lace skirts so I'm used to heavy LOL.


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[MeliPixie]

I'm curious how the velvet and organza will stand up in the water. They won't get damaged...?

Oh! And have you tested the modified monofin yet? How did it swim? I'm so emotionally invested in this tail lmao

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[Mermaid Mia]

I'm curious how the velvet and organza will stand up in the water. They won't get damaged...?

Oh! And have you tested the modified monofin yet? How did it swim? I'm so emotionally invested in this tail lmao

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I have spot tested them in tap water.

The velvet is already crushed velvet so it would just be... more textured? If that makes sense. I think it might stretch out a little but i am planning on getting a spandex lining and attaching them together along the seams and that should help everything keep its shape.

The organza was fine, I'm a little worried about the ends (i edged it in hot glue) but if i need to re-hem it i will. I did try the burning method but this is the cheep organza and i think that had an effect. I could not get an even melt in any of my tests and it just looked super ratty.

I have not taken the mahina in the water since cutting but hopefully tomorrow will be the day :) I had panned to go swimming but my partner is sick so i might spend the day pouring soup into him instead.


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[Mermaid Mia]

I should mention i don't plan on taking this in chlorine... ever. Hopefully lake swimming for this tail! And definitely dry-land photoshoots first.


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[Mermaid Fenicia]

I've use both crushed velvet and organza for my tails, and it holds up very well, as I mostly swim with them in pool water. ;)

[Mermaid Mia]

I've use both crushed velvet and organza for my tails, and it holds up very well, as I mostly swim with them in pool water. ;)

Thank you :3 this makes me feel better about my fabric choices.


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[Mermaid Mia]

Finished the spikes!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170325/06257344e5dc1bd3d161adcee8cb2ed0.jpg
This is a layer of fabric, layer of paint+glitter, then silicone+glitter, then silicone top coat.
I was probably not as patient as i should have been and the top coat mixed a bit with the undercoat so some glitter is still shedding off the top. But i think after that wears off i will have a pretty durable pink and sparkly spike. :)

Here is a link to a video on my Instagram so you can really see the sparkle in motion:
https://instagram.com/p/BSEdDQMDsiw/


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[MeliPixie]

That looks awesome! How will you be attaching them to the tail?

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[Mermaid Mia]

That looks awesome! How will you be attaching them to the tail?

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thanks! I will be cutting slits into the tail and sewing them in. Might have to be by hand. i already have the placement marked out.


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[Mermaid Mia]

Updates: i tested sewing theough the silicone and while my machine actually did it with ease the stitches pulled out and ripped the silicone. So thats a bother. Im testing a sample right now to see if i can just simply use more silicone to adhere the spikes to the fabric. Fingers crossed.

In other news i went through my supply closet and turns out i already had enough pearls and starfish decorations to make my accessories. The starfish got treated to the same paint-glitter-silicone process as the spikes. Here is how everything is coming along...
Headband awaiting starfish:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170327/72732868c68bba769e833ff6d612b3fa.jpg
Said starfish:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170327/68c716ab629035608bd3012f121b2b16.jpg
And pearl hair-ties
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170327/6cd26d3da155065b094b340e03533701.jpg



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[MeliPixie]

If adhering them with more silicone doesn't work, do you have more materials? May I suggest: leaving an extra inch of fabric at the side that attaches to the tail without silicone or glitter. Then you can put the fabric through the slit and sew it up like a seam.

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[Mermaid Mia]

If adhering them with more silicone doesn't work, do you have more materials? May I suggest: leaving an extra inch of fabric at the side that attaches to the tail without silicone or glitter. Then you can put the fabric through the slit and sew it up like a seam.

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Yeah i have plenty. I figure after i try everything else i will sew the fabric for the spikes in FIRST and them protect the tail with plastic wrap and do the process again. Probably going to be doing that...
I am visiting family for the next week though so there will be no updates.


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[Mermaid Mia]

The spikes are attached!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170405/9f236371d4eb79a6fd16b525cf641290.jpg
Once i trimmed the silicone i was able to sew them in and they stayed put. Turns out during my testing i was catching ONLY silicone and not the center layer of fabric.
Here is how it looks on the inside... strait stitch to hold, zigzags to reinforce.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170405/06d294c6da7113d328d1ce6c95ab4745.jpg

I have the fabric for the top cut and i started assembly. The lining for the inside is also cut and pinned.
Today i will be working on my partners cosplays but by the end of tomorrow Primarina should be done!


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[MeliPixie]

Ah! It looks so great! Good idea reinforcing the stitching on the spikes :D I'm so excited to see it done!

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[moomer]

It looks awesome!! I can't wait to see the final tail!!

[Mermaid Mia]

Yesterday my friend kate came over and did my makeup for primarina! She will also be my makeup artist at con, we have a few adjustments to make but overall i LOVE the look.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170409/a36126c40bef5c6d90abe2b3ad2d8ec5.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170409/ff757b046206ee1398d3b3496a82facc.jpg
We went for SUPER dramatic eyes (even glueing and covering my eyebrows) and soft lips with LOTS of sparkle EVERYWHERE.

Today i finished assembling the costume, I had some complications but now its all in one piece and fits (yay).
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170409/d67d7e5d306299d679426a7f6b672f34.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170409/64e3621a44c0218a1823d15e3e9c6467.jpg
I already brushed, braided, and packed my wig. And now the costume is folded carefully and in my bag. Im actually done with Primarina!

I am very excited to put the whole look together at the con (on FRIDAY OMG) and will be sure to post more pictures here


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[MeliPixie]

*squee bubbles* OMG you did it! It looks so good, I'm dying to see it all put together!

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[Slim]

That is amazing.

[Mermaid Mia]

I just realized i didnt post ANY pictures from wearing this to SakuraCon *facepalm* well what better time to do it than the first mer-monday of mer-may (lol)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170502/4c18e1c2937dea49eef562b1a321fe9a.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170502/afd7e525bfafb60c9406849fe796b940.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170502/1c6d23e50f27846f6f65d8a857431eb9.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170502/3059abc98bd1a1ea0e33aa503c82f801.jpg


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[MeliPixie]

Ah you look mer-mazing! You did a great job!

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[Mermaid Mia]

Ah you look mer-mazing! You did a great job!

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Why thank you [emoji4]


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[Khaleesi Daenerys]

I'm so happy to see this thing in action :D it looks great.

[MermaidRaegan]

What an amazing cosplay!! Also, I love your Popplio plush.


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[Mermaid Mia]

Just finished altering my top to make it a bit more covering and will be taking Primarina to a cosplay meet-up tomorrow. I really need to find a time to take this swimming but thats gonna be harder now that its past summer...
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171021/8f92d662057432e0765c074eab35e117.jpg
Also you can spy my roommates cat, pip, hanging out with me.


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[MermaidRaegan]

I love all of the shimmy ruffles. Also Pip is an adorable name.


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[MermanJamie]

OMG, the outfit is awesome! I loved Primarina, not just because I thought Popplio was adorable, but because it became a beautiful mermaid, (even though I'm more of a Popplio now, awkward teen who is a mer, and hasn't told anyone he wants a tail or anything). I also really appreciated its music inspired moves, like Sparkling Aria, as a singer myself, who does theater and stuff. I'm a total Pokémon nerd. One of my favorite Pokémon youtubers, Trickywi, who does awesome Pokémon inspired music. I'll leave links to the two she did on Popplio and Primarina.

The one about Popplio, "In Your Spotlight," is about all the hate Popplio was getting, and a sad song, but it was beautiful and made my heart melt:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8sJjhYmINs

The one about Primarina "Don't Fear The Rain," is about Primarina coming out of its shell, and singing beautifully. Can totally say that these two are like my theme songs, this one is so beautiful:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Kh5JgctSo8

[Namielle]

Just saw this thread and OMG! You look absolutely adorable and perfect! I wish I could have made it to Sakura Con this year to see this in person. I bet pictures can't do it justice.

[Mermaid Mia]

OMG, the outfit is awesome! I loved Primarina, not just because I thought Popplio was adorable, but because it became a beautiful mermaid, (even though I'm more of a Popplio now, awkward teen who is a mer, and hasn't told anyone he wants a tail or anything). I also really appreciated its music inspired moves, like Sparkling Aria, as a singer myself, who does theater and stuff. I'm a total Pokémon nerd. One of my favorite Pokémon youtubers, Trickywi, who does awesome Pokémon inspired music. I'll leave links to the two she did on Popplio and Primarina.

The one about Popplio, "In Your Spotlight," is about all the hate Popplio was getting, and a sad song, but it was beautiful and made my heart melt:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8sJjhYmINs

The one about Primarina "Don't Fear The Rain," is about Primarina coming out of its shell, and singing beautifully. Can totally say that these two are like my theme songs, this one is so beautiful:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Kh5JgctSo8

Oh thanks for these!


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[Mermaid Mia]

You guys are too kind. I love being a part of this community with such fantastic support and encouragement. Also took Primarina to a cosplay event today and got second in the little contest. There was great turn out and i talked to quite a few people who were interested in mermaiding! (Ill post more pictures form the event in a bit)


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[Mermaid Mia]

Some pictures from the event...
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171023/ab0abdb26b0ea929824437fae019be37.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171023/8b5a1e94fd2eaefc35f30cd8c7bdab91.jpg

We won second place (prize was KuroNekoCon t-shirts!)
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171023/534ca74fc29821aafdd0e82a4738bbbb.jpg
Also in the picture is one of the comic books my partner bought while we were there... cause you cant go into a comic book shop and NOT get something good to read

I also went on a little photoshop adventure xD
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171023/0576e328365b6523d674dd5080765096.jpg


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[MeliPixie]

Wow, congratulations! Lemme just say again this cosplay is beautiful and you are beautiful, thank you so much for sharing this with the world [emoji170]

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[Mermaid Mia]

https://youtu.be/WgtdsAVGCWY

i got in the water! despite my earlier reservations it took to the chlorine just fine. my wig... needs more. I'm gonna sew in two more clips and get better glue. you can see me holding it on at times in the video :/
still i had a lot of fun! it was also my first time taking my GoPro in the water so hopefully i will film more underwater content in the future.

[the.tattooed.mermaid78]

Love it

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[Azurin Luna]

Pretty! I love the shimmering effects of the tail

[Mermaid Mia]

Love it


Pretty! I love the shimmering effects of the tail


Thank you both :3
I chose a lot of rich fabrics for this tail and i was happy with the sparkle on land but in the water is a whole new level.

[Mermaid Delphinidae]

OMG I LOVE IT! Primarina is a favorite Pokemon of mine! This kind of makes me want to try making a Milotic tail, ha ha. (that pattern would be hard to do though. Maybe someday!) If you ever stay at a hotel during a con this would be so cool to wear at the pool!

[Mermaid Mia]

OMG I LOVE IT! Primarina is a favorite Pokemon of mine! This kind of makes me want to try making a Milotic tail, ha ha. (that pattern would be hard to do though. Maybe someday!) If you ever stay at a hotel during a con this would be so cool to wear at the pool!

I did take this to sakuracon 2017 but my ankles were so raw from forgeting my booties that i didn’t get the chance to take it in the pool. JustCOS on here made a milotic tail i believe so its doable!


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[Mermaid Delphinidae]

I did take this to sakuracon 2017 but my ankles were so raw from forgeting my booties that i didn’t get the chance to take it in the pool. JustCOS on here made a milotic tail i believe so its doable!


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Oh, I definitely gotta look for that!