Fabric Tail Appreciation Thread

[Princess Kae-Leah]

I decided to start a new thread where people can share pictures of their favorite FABRIC tails and discuss DIY techniques as to make spandex tails look more realistic and elaborate. It's so easy for spandex tails to get overshadowed by latex and silicone tails, so why not give spandex tails their own thread to shine in? Here's my Fin Fun tail:
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/402003_355035471183276_253963584623799_1182490_757 356941_n.jpg

[Mermaid Saphira]

Great thread! My contribution: I have to say that hand-painting scales (or just painting) looks so realistic! :D

[Odette]

i really enjoy the comfort and how easy it is to fix mistakes with fabric than any latex/silicone/urethane/acrylic products.they also make my performance much easier as i have a better range of movements when im scared my silicone tail will bunch up funny or possibly show a gap at the waist.

they are comfy and easier to clean too. =)

[Princess Kae-Leah]

Odette, you took the words right out of my mouth as I was going to list the advantages of spandex tails:
(1) Comfortable
(2) Lightweight
(3) Inexpensive
(4) Easy to swim in(doesn't apply to me personally, though)
(5) Low-maintenance

I'd like to see pics of peoples' favorite fabric tails! :) It's no secret that I had tail envy for the highly realistic-looking latex and silicone tails so many other mers here have, but now I've gotten to the point where I can admire the aesthetic beauty and realism of high-end tails without so much wishing I personally owned one, as while there's no denying that they generally look much more realistic than fabric tails, they are also heavy, hot, and highly constricting out of the water, so I wonder if for dry use, if the realism is really worth sacrificing comfort.

[Mermaid Saphira]

1924
^^ STILL IN PROGRESS ^^

1925
^^ THE2TAIL ^^

1926
^^ HAND-MADE, NON-SWIMMABLE ^^

[Princess Kae-Leah]

Ooh the gold in-progress tail is lovely! The tattered edges are a nice touch. What makes the third tail non-swimmable?

[BlueMermaid]

I love sparkly tails! One thing you can't get with latex and silicone, is sparkly.

[-Annwyn-]

I love sparkly tails! One thing you can't get with latex and silicone, is sparkly.

Yes you can. I laid down a lot of glitter on top of the neoprene for my first pink silicone tail, and I've also done it for my purple silicone tail, and then I put the silicone on top it it. Worked really well.

[BlueMermaid]

Wow I had no idea! How wonderful Aela!

[Nim]

I'm thinking to make my tail in fabric with an Oceanika monofin...What do you think?

[OrcaMatt]

Wow I had no idea! How wonderful Aela!There's air-brushable glitter too, I'm pretty sure.

Anyway, my Dream Tail(tm) is actually a fabric tail, though elaborate in the sort of ludicrous way Dream Tails(tm) are allowed to be. Most of my ideas for things apply more to fabric tails than silicone/latex, too.

[Tasha Mermaid]

I'm thinking to make my tail in fabric with an Oceanika monofin...What do you think?
thats what I'm doing, I'm waiting for the merfin to arrive this week.....i have my chosen fabric which is a very shimmer colourful spandex .... here it is
2722

I can't wait to get strted on my design ...but i still have to wait for my blue merfin, i plan on covering the whole merfin with the fabric so it suites better :)
it will be my first tail ever and my first tail made by me :P

[Nim]

Beautiful colors!

[LittleTreasure]

Mermaid Lunali, that fabric is awesome! *drools* Your tail's going to turn out looking gorgeous!
Thanks for starting this thread, Princess Kae-Leah. My tail is fabric and I love it, even though it may not be as realistic as it would be if it were made out of something else. Spandex and other fabrics can come in so many colors and styles, and I think if I make another tail I'd still use that (ignoring my lack of money. I'm too scared of using the other materials). I have some fun ideas for it bouncing around in this head of mine...

[Bellasea]

My first tail is going to be faric. It is a sparkly purple color. :D

[Tasha Mermaid]

Thanks Nim and Little Treasure, it cost me $20 a meter and i bought 3 meters BUT i had to have it :P, the sparkly lines are actually silver so they change colour in the light i can't wait :D

[Miyu]

I'll be starting my first tail soon - it will be fabric (awesome scaly print non-swimwear spandex), and more of a "dry" tail - I'm worried about making a tail to swim in out of regular spandex, and I don't have a monofin, nor the funds for one right now - the spandex I found laying around the house, so I was thinking of making a very nice "skirt" tail.

[BayouMermaid]

Yay for fabric tails! Also, I just ordered some fabric from spandex world, and the scale print stuff is on sale in the clearance section for $10 a yard. I'm not sure if it is actually "swim wear", but it is 4 way stretch :D13383

[Merman_Ryan]

Long live FoxMoon Productions they allowed me to be the Merman I am today!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/282499_165883193485352_5270290_n.jpg

[Nausicaa]

Well with tails made from heavier less malleable material like latex or silicone I've found that in the realism and attractiveness departments, just like perfume;

http://i1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii618/xmissingxtoastx/ea209b2e-4328-4131-ad77-125da324e314_zpsd8db4d32.jpg (http://s1262.photobucket.com/user/xmissingxtoastx/media/ea209b2e-4328-4131-ad77-125da324e314_zpsd8db4d32.jpg.html)

I think they look best with more sleek designs, no extra fins and a broad solid fluke like the gorgeous tails made by merbellas.

But with spandex tails...

http://i1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii618/xmissingxtoastx/89ef2f3d-eaa4-460d-a495-70100fa4cc02_zps620584ee.jpg (http://s1262.photobucket.com/user/xmissingxtoastx/media/89ef2f3d-eaa4-460d-a495-70100fa4cc02_zps620584ee.jpg.html)

I swear, the more crap you sew on to those babies, the better they look. Even to the point where the more skilled of tail makers can add on extra "fins" to almost hide your heels completely. I have two good tails right now, both spandex with finis Rapid monofins. A red one that I made myself and painted, and a blue Angel tail from Aquatails.com

The red tail was one of my first attempts at painting ANYTHING other than a fence, and though the fabric up around the tushie area is pretty faded, the tail has held up really well for a two year old spandex tail, I did have to touch up the paint pretty much every time after I took it in the water because it flaked off worse than 25 cent nail polish but it never really bothered me. It was supposed to more or less resemble a Rainbow Trout (my favorite fish) but in red, I don't know if I really succeeded in that right, but I tried my hardest lol.

http://i1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii618/xmissingxtoastx/2013-08-07191748_zps2bbf69a3.jpg (http://s1262.photobucket.com/user/xmissingxtoastx/media/2013-08-07191748_zps2bbf69a3.jpg.html)


And a close up on the fluke, this is the part where I have a conversation just like this;
"Wow, did you go to art school?"
ME: "No"
"Oh....yeah I can tell."

http://i1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii618/xmissingxtoastx/2013-08-07191758_zpsef342ed8.jpg (http://s1262.photobucket.com/user/xmissingxtoastx/media/2013-08-07191758_zpsef342ed8.jpg.html)


My blue tail, was literally the same price as two months worth of payments on my truck, so it was a bit of a moral dilemma for me what with me just now learning how hard it is to be a grownup :$
I have a great job and cheap rent, so it wasn't like I was making a bad decision I had the money, but still....that's a lotta chinggie...
Luckily I was NOT disappointed with this beautiful piece of artwork!

http://i1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii618/xmissingxtoastx/2013-08-07191906_zpsc078f8f4.jpg (http://s1262.photobucket.com/user/xmissingxtoastx/media/2013-08-07191906_zpsc078f8f4.jpg.html)


And here's a close up on the huge dorsal fin, the whole tail is a bit heavy because of all the extra material there and at the bottom of the fluke, but the way that it flows through the water makes my heels disappear, I swear it looks more realistic that most silicone tails that I've seen just for that reason.

http://i1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii618/xmissingxtoastx/2013-08-07191942_zpsa06ee237.jpg (http://s1262.photobucket.com/user/xmissingxtoastx/media/2013-08-07191942_zpsa06ee237.jpg.html)

[Mermaid Miel]

What I like about fabric tails, is how easy I find it to make one. I get bored of the design, I buy new fabric and make more. I suck at painting though, so I keep an eye out for good Spandex fabrics to use.

[Mermaid Octavia]

Go go fabric tails!

[Mermaid Fenicia]

All my tails I have are fabric. As I use crushed (stretch) velvet, they feel like a dolphin/sealskin when wet :)

[Goldie]

LuV This Thread!

Here Is the final version of my fabric tail that I worked on all summer. <3

http://i614.photobucket.com/albums/tt228/ghouldeeloks/Mermaid8.jpg (http://s614.photobucket.com/user/ghouldeeloks/media/Mermaid8.jpg.html)

http://i614.photobucket.com/albums/tt228/ghouldeeloks/Mermaid13.jpg (http://s614.photobucket.com/user/ghouldeeloks/media/Mermaid13.jpg.html)

http://i614.photobucket.com/albums/tt228/ghouldeeloks/Mermaid31.jpg (http://s614.photobucket.com/user/ghouldeeloks/media/Mermaid31.jpg.html)

http://i614.photobucket.com/albums/tt228/ghouldeeloks/Mermaid23.jpg (http://s614.photobucket.com/user/ghouldeeloks/media/Mermaid23.jpg.html)

http://i614.photobucket.com/albums/tt228/ghouldeeloks/Mermaid22.jpg (http://s614.photobucket.com/user/ghouldeeloks/media/Mermaid22.jpg.html)

http://i614.photobucket.com/albums/tt228/ghouldeeloks/Mermaid37.jpg (http://s614.photobucket.com/user/ghouldeeloks/media/Mermaid37.jpg.html)

http://i614.photobucket.com/albums/tt228/ghouldeeloks/Mermaid2.jpg (http://s614.photobucket.com/user/ghouldeeloks/media/Mermaid2.jpg.html)

[Mermaid Dottie]

My first tail, My beautiful blue, with side fins, and fluke ruffle.
13566

[BayouMermaid]

After taking my tail to several events and photoshoots, I can say that I LOVE fabric. No need for my fiance to go with me to different places. Want to switch locations? Take off the tail and put it back on. I think that it is simple and elegant. Some may not like fabric, but I think it's great.

20712

[Mermaid Jaffa]

My Aloha Tail, I named it that because of the fabric that I bought, it was called, Aloha Orange.

I have worn it twice to the pool. I tried with just the monofin, it felt different, and kinda boring!

I've been thinking if I really want to have neoprene tail made by a local wetsuit business. But it will be worn only for warmth in the indoor swimming pool, I don't swim in natural areas, not sure if its really worth the A$200 price tag.

20713

[Mermaid Galene]

All of these thoughts on fabrics are exactly what's been running around in my head lately! I have a spandex tail which I love, and am debating what material to use for making my second tail. Though I love the look of silicone, I just don't want to deal with all the hassles that go with it, at least for now. So I will probably make a second spandex tail, and then maybe a neoprene one.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

The thing I love about fabric, is that you can be any kind of mermaid as there are a lot prints and colors to choose from. You don't have to be the traditional fish scale mermaid.

And A$200, I can buy fabric to make several tails! I think I answered my own question there...:lol:

[Mermaid Galene]

Exactly!

[Mermaid_Kenzee]

I can't decided to make a neoprene tail or buy a a spandex tail from mermaids of Hawaii:confused: thoughts

[Mermaid Adriel]

I made my first tail last month, and now I'm looking for a better fabric to make the next two (that will be my "official" tails).

[sashiyoop]

I love my fabric tail, and I've had it for almost four years. It's served me well, but now I think it's time to upgrade it. The new tail'll be fabric, too, as it' really easy to work with, but his time, there'll be sequin scales. Anywho, fabric tails are great, and rarely ever get the credit they deserve.

[Little_Orca]

I have only had fabric tails myself, though that is subject to change here soon (well, relatively soon compared to my tail history.) While I do enjoy the ease of construction, care, and general mobility, I still am looking for a tail that hides my legs better and looks (and feels) more realistic to curious little kids I meet while on the beach.

My fabric lovelies over the years:

http://mernetwork.com/index/attachment.php?attachmentid=433&d=1311797471
Black Tail (2008) [Retired]

http://mernetwork.com/index/attachment.php?attachmentid=451&d=1311798516
Blue Tail (2010) [Retired]

http://mernetwork.com/index/attachment.php?attachmentid=738&d=1313032858 http://mernetwork.com/index/attachment.php?attachmentid=4676&d=1343024269
Spotted Tail (2011/2012)

http://mernetwork.com/index/attachment.php?attachmentid=5981&d=1346796916
Hope Tail (2012)

http://mernetwork.com/index/attachment.php?attachmentid=20735&d=1399998125
The Lantern Tail (2014)

[Fun123joker]

yes hello your beauty makes me amzed and abit jelouse but mostly just * OoO *

[Mermaid_Kenzee]

What type of mono fin is in your purple tail???

[Ashe]

Merlissa I swear I'm just in love with you and your tails! I really hope we can meet someday <3

[Mermaid Calah]

Wow, I'm so glad I found this thread! I've been having a bit of "tail-envy" over the fancy silicone or latex tails, but after reading this thread and realizing that "Hey, I'm not planning on going pro anytime soon!" I think it's a far better decision for me to have fabric that I can customize to my liking fairly easily! And like Mermaid Miel said, if you change your mind, it's just way too easy to go and make a new one!

[Echidna]

I love fabric tails.
I can dance in them (in water and on land), I don't need a mertender, no need to bother with lube and complicated cleaning rituals, and painted right, they look just as good as silicone imo.

You can sew sequins onto it for the extra shine, and you can get some sparkle with shiny fabric I've never seen silicone/latex pull off.

That said, I'd like to try out a silicone tail to see how it performs in the water (dance and swimming), and if the drag is much less than what I'm used to, I'll probably save up for one because I just love swimming fast lol.

[Rivertee]

Making my first fabric tail this month! Thanks mers for sharing your amazing tails and tips!

[Mermaid Galene]

Caltuna, that sums up my feelings, too!

[MermaidSasha]

Really glad I found this post! I'm going to be ordering my very first tail hopefully within the next month. Its going to be a fabric tail and I'm looking forward to it :-) I will admit I really want a silicone but I'd rather start with something that will be easier for me to swim in my first time. Plus its easier on money then buying a silicone.

[Aquarianne]

I'm actually starting on my fabric tail this week, my first tail!

Although the base is a spandex body, I will be sculpting a latex fluke for it, since I've been using mask-making latex for years and I'm comfortable with it. I was also going to do the fishnet-painting technique, but just as a painted guideline for the scales. Then I'm thinking i will remove the net after drying and handpaint little latex scales onto the spandex body...just a TIIIIINY bit, some small raised scales to give it some texture, with spandex space left in between each one so the body still has a bit of stretch. Has anyone here tried this? I know lots of people who paint liquid latex over spandex catsuits to create latex suits, so I think it will work out fine.

I've painted latex on spandex before, with good results...the latex seeps into the fabric threads and bonds with it, so it won't peel off any time soon. And if i just do it in small dots as scales, without actually coating the whole tail in latex, it'll presumably keep some stretch and be easier to move in. I really value the movement of a spandex tail over the realism of a silicone...I'm just looking for a tiny bit of raised texture, so when the kids at parties run their hands over my tail, they'll feel some kind of scaling, not just flat spandex.

At any rate, I will do a progress thread with pictures when I start it, so hopefully if something is to be learned (or avoided!), people can see it!

I actually have used a technique a lot of puppeteers use, which is liquid latex over sheets of upholstery foam (just the green or white foam from the craft store), which I considered for this. Done right, it can create a skin that's as thick as silicone and waterproof, and then you'd cast your scale sheets separately and add them on top. The main bonus is that it's not HEAVY like silicone, nor too bouyant like latex over neoprene. The weight of the latex balances out the bouyancy of the foam. I considered this, but I'd rather have the stretchiness and ease of a fabric tail.

For anyone who is interested in this technique for other applications (I'm not sure if this method has already been covered in the forums, I looked but didn't see it!), the trick is that the latex will always seep into the foam and be useless UNLESS you spray it first with Foam Fast, which is a tricky kind of foam glue. CRAZY strong, and very messy, but very effective. You lay the foam sheet out and spray a coat of Foam Fast over it. Then you wait for it to dry and it creates a waterproof barrier on the surface of the foam, as well as an easy surface for latex to stick to. A lot of industry puppeteers and special fx guys do this for large creatures like dinosaurs, animals, etc. It makes a great skin and has a thickness and weight to it, so it's realllly tough to rip or tear. I was actually a finalist for the new Jim Henson Creature Shop tv show during casting last winter, and I was flown out to Burbank to compete in the finals to be on the show, and one of the challenges we had to do was creating puppets exactly this way...with foam sheets and 3M Foam Fast. (and yeah, I didn't get on. They said they loved me, loved my personality, I'd be great great great...for season 2, not season 1. Womp woooomp, oh well!)

Here's a video of a horse head puppet I made, that was made this way, with a sheet of green foam, with Foam Fast sprayed over it, then latex brushed on, then painted. The head itself (not the neck) has a separate layer of molded latex fitted over it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIKVGctG1Tg

(Don't mind me, it was a spur of the moment idea to take a video for my folks of this thing I made, my hair's all messed and I'm chatting with my roommate XD Also note that when I say "this thing is so heavy" in the video, I'm not referring to the latex or foam skin making it heavy, but to the structure inside the head, which has a plastic-cast skull to support the face, plus wooden supports for some mechanics inside to cable-control the ears and eye blinks!)

ANYWAY, I think fabric tails can be just as awesome as molded ones, if not better, with a little effort in technique! The painted ones I've seen on here are AMAZING and if they have a natural advantage of being cheaper, more comfortable, easier to move in and repair and DEFINITELY a lot more forgiving for people like me, whose weight goes up and down constantly! I gain weight very fast, but I also lose it very fast, so my waist size can yo-yo up and down by a few inches throughout the month. I need something that will stretch and fit me all the time!!


Anyhow that's my crazy ramble about fabric and latex. XD

[Mermaid Tula]

I've only had my fabric tail. <3 I love it to bits.

http://mernetwork.com/index/attachment.php?attachmentid=11906&d=1371277979
http://mernetwork.com/index/attachment.php?attachmentid=11816&d=1370930261

[Raayvhen]

I'm going to be redoing my fluke. It's currently a holographic printed fabric but I don't like the way it looks. Too reptilian. I'm going to get a similar colored plain spandex and paint gold details on it. I'm thinking of covering the whole tail in silicone....

[SINicallyTwisted]

ALL of my tails are fabric. I prefer fabric. There is just SO many different possibilities! I dream of having a room FULL of different fabric tails. ;)

I won't pic spam so I'll just add links instead.

Tail Skirt
http://mernetwork.com/index/album.php?albumid=696

Steampunk Tail (Sirena Von Twisted)
http://mernetwork.com/index/album.php?albumid=694

Sugar Skull (Gothika De Los Mer'Tos)
http://mernetwork.com/index/album.php?albumid=848

Pirate (Nightshade Red)
http://mernetwork.com/index/album.php?albumid=853

Basic Swim Tail (Sadly this one got ruined)
http://mernetwork.com/index/album.php?albumid=724

(4th of July) Independence Tail
http://mernetwork.com/index/album.php?albumid=1096

AND all my tops are fabric, even my Shell Bra
http://mernetwork.com/index/album.php?albumid=697

Current (lol) tails in progress are:
Jem's Come On In Tail
http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?8399-Jem-s-Come-On-In-Tail

Amunet Kemat: The Hidden Singer (Egyptian Tail)
http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?7220-Amunet-Kemat-The-Hidden-Singer

[Raayvhen]

-bows before Sin in awe-

[Aquarianne]

I'm going to be redoing my fluke. It's currently a holographic printed fabric but I don't like the way it looks. Too reptilian. I'm going to get a similar colored plain spandex and paint gold details on it. I'm thinking of covering the whole tail in silicone....

Does silicone stick to the fabric well? I haven't worked with silicone before, so I know nothing about it :3

[Aquarianne]

ALL of my tails are fabric. I prefer fabric. There is just SO many different possibilities! I dream of having a room FULL of different fabric tails. ;)

I won't pic spam so I'll just add links instead.

Tail Skirt
http://mernetwork.com/index/album.php?albumid=696

Steampunk Tail (Sirena Von Twisted)
http://mernetwork.com/index/album.php?albumid=694

Sugar Skull (Gothika De Los Mer'Tos)
http://mernetwork.com/index/album.php?albumid=848

Pirate (Nightshade Red)
http://mernetwork.com/index/album.php?albumid=853

Basic Swim Tail (Sadly this one got ruined)
http://mernetwork.com/index/album.php?albumid=724

(4th of July) Independence Tail
http://mernetwork.com/index/album.php?albumid=1096

AND all my tops are fabric, even my Shell Bra
http://mernetwork.com/index/album.php?albumid=697

Current (lol) tails in progress are:
Jem's Come On In Tail
http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?8399-Jem-s-Come-On-In-Tail

Amunet Kemat: The Hidden Singer (Egyptian Tail)
http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?7220-Amunet-Kemat-The-Hidden-Singer

OMG that rock skirt is GENIUS!!

[Grey Gambit]

ALL of my tails are fabric. I prefer fabric. There is just SO many different possibilities! I dream of having a room FULL of different fabric tails. ;)

I won't pic spam so I'll just add links instead.

Tail Skirt
http://mernetwork.com/index/album.php?albumid=696

Steampunk Tail (Sirena Von Twisted)
http://mernetwork.com/index/album.php?albumid=694

Sugar Skull (Gothika De Los Mer'Tos)
http://mernetwork.com/index/album.php?albumid=848

Pirate (Nightshade Red)
http://mernetwork.com/index/album.php?albumid=853

Basic Swim Tail (Sadly this one got ruined)
http://mernetwork.com/index/album.php?albumid=724

(4th of July) Independence Tail
http://mernetwork.com/index/album.php?albumid=1096

AND all my tops are fabric, even my Shell Bra
http://mernetwork.com/index/album.php?albumid=697

Current (lol) tails in progress are:
Jem's Come On In Tail
http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?8399-Jem-s-Come-On-In-Tail

Amunet Kemat: The Hidden Singer (Egyptian Tail)
http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?7220-Amunet-Kemat-The-Hidden-Singer

I really like that Sugar Skull tail, and the idea you've got going for your Egyptian one!

[SINicallyTwisted]

LOL Oh my goodness, you guys are making me blush! :group hug:

[SINicallyTwisted]

I'm actually starting on my fabric tail this week, my first tail!

Although the base is a spandex body, I will be sculpting a latex fluke for it, since I've been using mask-making latex for years and I'm comfortable with it. I was also going to do the fishnet-painting technique, but just as a painted guideline for the scales. Then I'm thinking i will remove the net after drying and handpaint little latex scales onto the spandex body...just a TIIIIINY bit, some small raised scales to give it some texture, with spandex space left in between each one so the body still has a bit of stretch. Has anyone here tried this? I know lots of people who paint liquid latex over spandex catsuits to create latex suits, so I think it will work out fine.

I've painted latex on spandex before, with good results...the latex seeps into the fabric threads and bonds with it, so it won't peel off any time soon. And if i just do it in small dots as scales, without actually coating the whole tail in latex, it'll presumably keep some stretch and be easier to move in. I really value the movement of a spandex tail over the realism of a silicone...I'm just looking for a tiny bit of raised texture, so when the kids at parties run their hands over my tail, they'll feel some kind of scaling, not just flat spandex.

At any rate, I will do a progress thread with pictures when I start it, so hopefully if something is to be learned (or avoided!), people can see it!

I actually have used a technique a lot of puppeteers use, which is liquid latex over sheets of upholstery foam (just the green or white foam from the craft store), which I considered for this. Done right, it can create a skin that's as thick as silicone and waterproof, and then you'd cast your scale sheets separately and add them on top. The main bonus is that it's not HEAVY like silicone, nor too bouyant like latex over neoprene. The weight of the latex balances out the bouyancy of the foam. I considered this, but I'd rather have the stretchiness and ease of a fabric tail.

For anyone who is interested in this technique for other applications (I'm not sure if this method has already been covered in the forums, I looked but didn't see it!), the trick is that the latex will always seep into the foam and be useless UNLESS you spray it first with Foam Fast, which is a tricky kind of foam glue. CRAZY strong, and very messy, but very effective. You lay the foam sheet out and spray a coat of Foam Fast over it. Then you wait for it to dry and it creates a waterproof barrier on the surface of the foam, as well as an easy surface for latex to stick to. A lot of industry puppeteers and special fx guys do this for large creatures like dinosaurs, animals, etc. It makes a great skin and has a thickness and weight to it, so it's realllly tough to rip or tear. I was actually a finalist for the new Jim Henson Creature Shop tv show during casting last winter, and I was flown out to Burbank to compete in the finals to be on the show, and one of the challenges we had to do was creating puppets exactly this way...with foam sheets and 3M Foam Fast. (and yeah, I didn't get on. They said they loved me, loved my personality, I'd be great great great...for season 2, not season 1. Womp woooomp, oh well!)

Here's a video of a horse head puppet I made, that was made this way, with a sheet of green foam, with Foam Fast sprayed over it, then latex brushed on, then painted. The head itself (not the neck) has a separate layer of molded latex fitted over it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIKVGctG1Tg

(Don't mind me, it was a spur of the moment idea to take a video for my folks of this thing I made, my hair's all messed and I'm chatting with my roommate XD Also note that when I say "this thing is so heavy" in the video, I'm not referring to the latex or foam skin making it heavy, but to the structure inside the head, which has a plastic-cast skull to support the face, plus wooden supports for some mechanics inside to cable-control the ears and eye blinks!)

ANYWAY, I think fabric tails can be just as awesome as molded ones, if not better, with a little effort in technique! The painted ones I've seen on here are AMAZING and if they have a natural advantage of being cheaper, more comfortable, easier to move in and repair and DEFINITELY a lot more forgiving for people like me, whose weight goes up and down constantly! I gain weight very fast, but I also lose it very fast, so my waist size can yo-yo up and down by a few inches throughout the month. I need something that will stretch and fit me all the time!!


Anyhow that's my crazy ramble about fabric and latex. XD

I love your horse head video! You're adorable and I so want to snuggle you! LOL

Your fabric tail idea sounds pretty epic if you ask me! I'm sorry you didn't make it on Creature Shop! I think you would have made an awesome contestant! I geeked out when I saw the commerical for it and loved watching it. I'm currently reading the novelization of The Dark Crystal! *skesis & gelfling love* <3 ;)

My pirate group, New England Brethren of Pirates, is really good friends with Bill Diamond Productions.
Here's pics of some of us with Bill and Gorgo. Super nice dude!
https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t1.0-9/10303736_566352320148308_156427012265820334_n.jpg

We gave him a birthday cake at that same convention.
https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/10345566_669140503141272_496179226043582325_n.jpg

Ack! Now I'm rambling! LOL
Anyways I can't wait to see your progress! I'm sure it will totally rock! :hug:

[MermaidSasha]

Omg Sin I LOVE your tails! Those are all very amazing.

[SINicallyTwisted]

Omg Sin I LOVE your tails! Those are all very amazing.

Thank you! ;)


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[Mermaid Galene]

Fabulous horse puppet, Aquarianne! I'm a 25-year professional puppetry veteran, myself, and I do appreciate a well made puppet! And wow, Sinically, your tails/costumes totally rock!

I love fabric tails and neoprene tails and sequin tails. And also silicone tails. I have two fabric tails currently, both of which I adore, and I'm excited about my plans to make some neoprene/sequin models. I'm getting a FinFolk silicone tail, which I know I will love unreservedly. But in general, I think sequined tails are actually the most realistic and beautiful. Viva tail diversity! It's all good!

[Mermaid Belluine]

Aquarianne, that's SO COOL you were a finalist for the show! It was a lot of fun to watch, I'm sure you would have been an awesome contestant. Also, I totally love your ideas.....


What I was thinking was fabric with modifications and shaping underneath. You could use quick-drying foam on the inside of the tail (such as Dacron foam) that you could use to hide the bumps of your knees and the bumps of your heels....along with keeping the fabric from showing any leg-shapes in the front or back. It wouldn't be a lot of foam, just enough to retain flexibility and alter shape. You could use a marine adhesive (3M 2500) to fuse the two. Fursuits use a ton of shape padding, I feel like it would be even easier on a mermaid tail!


I think your ideas for painting latex on for scale patterning is spot-on too. You could build up some really nice scaling with a little time and effort so long as the spandex is stretched out a little first.

[Mermaid Galene]

I've just finished a mod on my FinFun fabric tail: added fluke fins to cover the edge of my Finis Rapid monofin, and hip and dorsal fins. And I made my first sequined top to match. Also got a scarf and belt to cover the tail's waistline, which tends to roll down on me.

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We're taking this costume to a weekend getaway on the North Shore of Lake Superior this weekend. I'm hoping to get some nice underwater swimming video in the resort's pool.

[PearlieMae]

Nicely done! I can't wait to see it swim!

[Raayvhen]

I'm kind of cheating and using silicone caulk. It does the same thing as latex where it seeps in a bit. If I go ahead with this plan, I'll wear swim leggings under my tail to minimize contact.

[SINicallyTwisted]

Love it!

[MermaidSasha]

My fabric tail came in the mail today! I can't wait to go swimming in it.

[Lostariel Telrunya]

I'm currently working on mine. I'm getting really excited for it. Hey, any tips on how to add little hip fins into the fabric?

[SINicallyTwisted]

My fabric tail came in the mail today! I can't wait to go swimming in it.
Did you get pics? Would love to see it! ;)

[Seraphina Suds]

The tail I ordered had them just sighed right on top. When I make my own, I plan on cutting a line into the tail where I want the fin, then inserting it in a bit so I can sew it on the inside. Does that make sense?

[MermaidSasha]

I got some pics with my tablet but things keeping screwing up when I go to post them on here. I'll figure something out though lol.

[Lostariel Telrunya]

The tail I ordered had them just sighed right on top. When I make my own, I plan on cutting a line into the tail where I want the fin, then inserting it in a bit so I can sew it on the inside. Does that make sense?

Yeah, that was what I was thinking before. But if I do that, would it not make a ruffle/bulge on the end of the cut?

[Seraphina Suds]

It might, I haven't tried it yet so I don't know how to have it lay flat.

[Lostariel Telrunya]

Yeah. I'm sure as long as you keep the stitch close enough to the edge, it would look alright. I'm just scared I'll sew to far away and it'll look weird! Be careful though, depending on what fabric you use, it might start to fray if you sew it too close.

[Fifi Tigg]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10550984_10153154147084119_7131724740926668284_n.j pg?oh=a048b00ec3875f895e8c4ee6ab569faa&oe=54339132&__gda__=1413098327_1042cade155e5eede625f9ce6fc6c93 6
Here's my collection of all my fabric tails all made by me apart from two tail revamps. GO THE FABRIC!!! :lol:

[Kishiko]

Yeah, that was what I was thinking before. But if I do that, would it not make a ruffle/bulge on the end of the cut?
Thats basically what I did. I pulled the seam where the fin went and sewed it back, and it worked just fine! If you mean for pectoral fins and such, just sew about a 1/4" bigger on both sides parallel to the fins to account for the new seam

also

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my fabric tail at a fair I was booked at!

[Mermaid Galene]

Love, love, LOVE your tails, Fifi!

[Fifi Tigg]

Love, love, LOVE your tails, Fifi!
:mermaid kiss:

[Mermaid Adriel]

I'm still working on my silicone tail, but I'm really in love with my new fabric one. I especially like the way it shines ** I just can't wait to start mermaiding with it! <3

[Mermaid Isabel]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10550984_10153154147084119_7131724740926668284_n.j pg?oh=a048b00ec3875f895e8c4ee6ab569faa&oe=54339132&__gda__=1413098327_1042cade155e5eede625f9ce6fc6c93 6
Here's my collection of all my fabric tails all made by me apart from two tail revamps. GO THE FABRIC!!! :lol:
omg!!! Fifi Ilove your tail on the bottom left. the others are awesome too but I do love thee pattern in that one!!!!

[MermaidSasha]

These are so cool :-)

[Fifi Tigg]

That one on the bottom left the green/Aqua one you mentioned was the first tail I ever made :) xx

[Mermaid Isabel]

wow that was great!!!

[Miyu]

My (swimmable) fabric tail:

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As for fabric tails I admire - check out Stella The Siren's youtube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/XuYleh) to see some of the most beautiful fabric tails :3

[MermaidCecelia]

Your tail looks amazing miyu ! I love the use of the animal print and the sheer fabric at the fluke

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I've said it once before but I'll say it again...

Miyu that tail is so, MEEEOOOWWWRRR!

[Talia]

Oh my gosh, that Steampunk tail, Sin - also the rest of the costume!! :swoon:

[SINicallyTwisted]

Oh my gosh, that Steampunk tail, Sin - also the rest of the costume!! :swoon:

Awwww thank you! I'm glad you like it! :hug:

I've recently started looking into some more materials so I can do some upgrades to it. ;)


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[Miyu]

Oooh yay I can't wait to see the upgrades! I really really love your Steampunk tail, SIN :)

~

Aww thank you you guys again... I thought it looked pretty decent for a fabric tail!

[Shimmer Mermaid]

I'm actually starting on my fabric tail this week, my first tail!

Although the base is a spandex body, I will be sculpting a latex fluke for it, since I've been using mask-making latex for years and I'm comfortable with it. I was also going to do the fishnet-painting technique, but just as a painted guideline for the scales. Then I'm thinking i will remove the net after drying and handpaint little latex scales onto the spandex body...just a TIIIIINY bit, some small raised scales to give it some texture, with spandex space left in between each one so the body still has a bit of stretch. Has anyone here tried this? I know lots of people who paint liquid latex over spandex catsuits to create latex suits, so I think it will work out fine.

I've painted latex on spandex before, with good results...the latex seeps into the fabric threads and bonds with it, so it won't peel off any time soon. And if i just do it in small dots as scales, without actually coating the whole tail in latex, it'll presumably keep some stretch and be easier to move in. I really value the movement of a spandex tail over the realism of a silicone...I'm just looking for a tiny bit of raised texture, so when the kids at parties run their hands over my tail, they'll feel some kind of scaling, not just flat spandex.

At any rate, I will do a progress thread with pictures when I start it, so hopefully if something is to be learned (or avoided!), people can see it!

I actually have used a technique a lot of puppeteers use, which is liquid latex over sheets of upholstery foam (just the green or white foam from the craft store), which I considered for this. Done right, it can create a skin that's as thick as silicone and waterproof, and then you'd cast your scale sheets separately and add them on top. The main bonus is that it's not HEAVY like silicone, nor too bouyant like latex over neoprene. The weight of the latex balances out the bouyancy of the foam. I considered this, but I'd rather have the stretchiness and ease of a fabric tail.

For anyone who is interested in this technique for other applications (I'm not sure if this method has already been covered in the forums, I looked but didn't see it!), the trick is that the latex will always seep into the foam and be useless UNLESS you spray it first with Foam Fast, which is a tricky kind of foam glue. CRAZY strong, and very messy, but very effective. You lay the foam sheet out and spray a coat of Foam Fast over it. Then you wait for it to dry and it creates a waterproof barrier on the surface of the foam, as well as an easy surface for latex to stick to. A lot of industry puppeteers and special fx guys do this for large creatures like dinosaurs, animals, etc. It makes a great skin and has a thickness and weight to it, so it's realllly tough to rip or tear. I was actually a finalist for the new Jim Henson Creature Shop tv show during casting last winter, and I was flown out to Burbank to compete in the finals to be on the show, and one of the challenges we had to do was creating puppets exactly this way...with foam sheets and 3M Foam Fast. (and yeah, I didn't get on. They said they loved me, loved my personality, I'd be great great great...for season 2, not season 1. Womp woooomp, oh well!)

Here's a video of a horse head puppet I made, that was made this way, with a sheet of green foam, with Foam Fast sprayed over it, then latex brushed on, then painted. The head itself (not the neck) has a separate layer of molded latex fitted over it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIKVGctG1Tg

(Don't mind me, it was a spur of the moment idea to take a video for my folks of this thing I made, my hair's all messed and I'm chatting with my roommate XD Also note that when I say "this thing is so heavy" in the video, I'm not referring to the latex or foam skin making it heavy, but to the structure inside the head, which has a plastic-cast skull to support the face, plus wooden supports for some mechanics inside to cable-control the ears and eye blinks!)

ANYWAY, I think fabric tails can be just as awesome as molded ones, if not better, with a little effort in technique! The painted ones I've seen on here are AMAZING and if they have a natural advantage of being cheaper, more comfortable, easier to move in and repair and DEFINITELY a lot more forgiving for people like me, whose weight goes up and down constantly! I gain weight very fast, but I also lose it very fast, so my waist size can yo-yo up and down by a few inches throughout the month. I need something that will stretch and fit me all the time!!


Anyhow that's my crazy ramble about fabric and latex. XD

If you're looking for a raised texture, why not try 3-D fabric paint? It will still stretch, and is machine washable! (plus not as expensive!) I love the latex flukes, but don't have the money to make one right now, though I'm trying to find cheaper ways to do things, so if I mess up anything, it's not a biggy.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

There was a sale. I bought more swimsuit fabrics and swimwear elastic. They're holding it for me in the shop, pick up next week when I'm at my new home.

The surprise is, its a rather plain two color pattern. And I'll try at making a one piece bathing suit in my fave style. Matching tail will have elastic at the waist, and fins. How many fins? Don't know yet!

[Jadestone]

Fabric taaaails!! My tail is spandex, but in pictures people sometimes mistake it for latex. I adore it <3

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I have all the material for my next fabric tail, but it's in a a different country than me at the moment. I've known what & how I want to make for a year and a half now... hopefully soon I can actually get started!!

[Mermaid Joie]

Wow!!!! You look so pretty in your tail!!! Mermaid Jade did you paint your fluke? I am going to make my first fabric tail soon. Can you give me any pointers?


Fabric taaaails!! My tail is spandex, but in pictures people sometimes mistake it for latex. I adore it <3

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I have all the material for my next fabric tail, but it's in a a different country than me at the moment. I've known what & how I want to make for a year and a half now... hopefully soon I can actually get started!!

[Mermaid Wesley]

She has a tailmaking thread posted. Jade's tailmaking something. Use the search bar you'll find it.


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[Genevieve]

I'm glad I found this thread. Couldn't agree more with original poster. Fabric tails are seriously underrated! I love the diaphanous look that can only really be achieved with fabric; it brings to mind goldfish and mollies and bettas.

The pictures in this thread say it all. Miyu and Fifi, I am looking at you (in amazement!). And I can't say enough good things about my Fin Fun tail. Even though I am upgrading, this tail is my BFF.


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[The Harlem Mermaid]

BayouMermaid (http://mernetwork.com/index/member.php?2617-BayouMermaid) I;ve also gotten my spandex fabric from spandex world, and it is very swimmable and test great in chlorine water about to order the same one you posted but in deeper blue :)

[The Harlem Mermaid]

Hi, im about to make my first neoprene tail with fish scales on it can anyone show me a video on how to make it? i have to make the skin, my dear friend has offer to paint it for me, so going to buy 1.5 mm of neoprene from foam order, i was told its the best place, just dont know how many sheets im supposed to purchase any advice would be appreciated love this thread, spandex tails are so much easier and lighter and inexpensive. i seen several that look like silicone tails but are really neoprene that is great just what i want.. sorry for long thread excited

[Mermaid Freyja]

OMG, so many gorgeous fabric tails here, and such amazing talent with the sewing!
I actually have a question about types of fabrics, but if there is another thread I missed focused on that please let me know :)

I'm making my first swimmable tail out of fabric (the ones I had a s a kid were for land only).
It will be a super shiny metallic 4-way spandex in gold. For ankle fins, a dorsal and maybe some side or pectoral fins, I want to combine the gold with some aqua colors.
My question is; what are the best fabrics in your opinion, or just your favorites, when it comes to getting the look of gorgeous gossamer fins without the fraying cut edges?
I'm a seamstress that has worked with many fabrics in a lot of different environments, but this one makes me curious.
My best guess is to use some of the really lightweight stretch mesh fabrics, bridal tulle, I've even seen sheer spandex. Any other ideas for sheer non-fraying fabrics that might be good to use??
xoxo

[Miyu]

Genevieve: Aww thank you :$ I put a lot of effort into it, I'm too much of a perfectionist and crafter sometimes, LOL!

I'd like to get a FinFun tail someday as well, to supplement the tails I make and to be a practice tail (so I don't ruin all my hand-sewn fabric tails)...I love their colour options!

Ulla: My fluke fabric was some kind of really stiff sheer fabric (non-stretch)... organza or something. I got it at Walmart, it's the thick, woven (not knit), non-stretch stuff you usually see on prom dresses. They also have a rainbow-fade one in the same fabric that I really want to make a fluke out of as well!

As for keeping it from fraying - I really love using French seams on a lot of my projects, because it completely encases, protects, and reinforces the seam! I also left some frayed-looking bits (securely sewn, or not in some places, I may need to fix those) to kind of give it more of a raw, dangerous tribal mer feel, LOL ;) I haven't been swimming in it, but it's definitely been handled enough now for me to know how good the seams are! I sewed this whole tail by hand - as in with a hand needle, no sewing machine! So on the fluke I got to play with some really small, fun "sculpted" seams, which helps make it look very organic!

[Laureen French Mermaid]

Here is my mermaid tail fabric . I used stretch velvet that I handpainted

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[Little_Orca]

What type of mono fin is in your purple tail???

SUPER LATE RESPONSE! :)

In my lantern tail I have a modified (cut) Finis Competitor.

Also, my "new" fabric tail (from this last summer):

https://scontent-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10583838_10101257512496868_3005800836428234199_n.j pg?oh=b1439a3abea69215438b7d013da443c7&oe=557C54E7

Poor gal got used to much she may need to be retired already!

I do have another fabric tail in the final stages of completion, then I am going to start neoprene... Posts to come!

[Little_Orca]

Beautiful work Laureen. :)

[Laureen French Mermaid]

Thank you little_orca ^^

Your tail is very beautiful too ^^i love it ^^

[Mermaid Jaffa]

All very pretty tails and mermaids!:cool:

[mermaidopal]

Little Orca, I LOVE your tails! They merge realistic and fantasy effortlessly :)
Here is a pic of my tail from OnceUponAMermaid on Etsy. The fabric is scale print and the fluke Lori custom airbrushed for me. There were some scratches on it from the last time I took it out, though, so I may have to touch it up.
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[MermaidBrandie]

My spandex tail! Sewn by my boyfriend and painted by my coworker. She used a mix of spray paint and hand painting. :) Mostly spray paint though.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/988938_848831358473549_2167858088498029807_n.jpg?o h=5e13f882b1f40a587f878ea0c049e90f&oe=5582B4AE&__gda__=1435897154_09789d522acd3e89326afb9b24cd8b8 3



Photo taken by:
Muino Productions
http://rickybrowneyes.daportfolio.com/ (http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Frickybrowneyes.daportfolio.co m%2F&h=5AQEgGfdB&s=1)

Tail Painted by:
http://artwithoutmedia.tumblr.com/

[Mermaid Jaffa]

My spandex tail! Sewn by my boyfriend and painted by my coworker. She used a mix of spray paint and hand painting. :) Mostly spray paint though.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/988938_848831358473549_2167858088498029807_n.jpg?o h=5e13f882b1f40a587f878ea0c049e90f&oe=5582B4AE&__gda__=1435897154_09789d522acd3e89326afb9b24cd8b8 3



Photo taken by:
Muino Productions
http://rickybrowneyes.daportfolio.com/ (http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Frickybrowneyes.daportfolio.co m%2F&h=5AQEgGfdB&s=1)

Tail Painted by:
http://artwithoutmedia.tumblr.com/
Ooo! How does the spray paint hold up in chlorine? Any skin allergies?

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Another thing about fabric tails, is that, no matter what print or monofin, or even no monofin, kids still believe you're a real mermaid!

To them there is no distinction of what a mermaid should look like. Well at least not the kids at my pool...

[MermaidBrandie]

Ooo! How does the spray paint hold up in chlorine? Any skin allergies?

I havent had any issues with skin allergies, but theres a layer of powermesh between me and the outer spandex.

Its starting to scrape a bit in the spots that get a lot of wear. Butt, heels, fin edges...but noting major and it just leaves mottled blue spots behind so its not that big a deal. :)


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[Mermaid Jaffa]

Nice!

[Aquatic Raider]

What type of paint do you guys like to use on your spandex tails?

I'm working on modifying one I got from grow-a-tail (adding on accessory fins and stuff) but would really like to add some more detail to the caudal fin. What paint is best for spandex??

[Mermaid Jaffa]

What type of paint do you guys like to use on your spandex tails?

I'm working on modifying one I got from grow-a-tail (adding on accessory fins and stuff) but would really like to add some more detail to the caudal fin. What paint is best for spandex??
I've got the Tulip Crystals. Its basically fabric paint with glitter in it. Doesn't work so well for dark fabric. All I can see is the glitter and a hint of color. I might try spray paint as I'll just be painting the fluke and dorsal fin.

[PearlieMae]

I would certainly test spray paint on spandex, first...the paint may be a factor in breaking down the rubber in the spandex, or the stretchiness of the spandex may cause the paint to flake off.

[Echidna]

It depends on the colour.
Dark fabric shows only white paint in my experience, other colours are so muddled they are hardly visible like Jaffa already said.
I only paint scales on though, to prevent cracking issues.

[Coradion]

I love these, to me a homemade fabric tail has more artistry than even the most expensive purchased silicone tails :) making it yourself gives it that little bit of extra spirit.

[PearlieMae]

I love these, to me a homemade fabric tail has more artistry than even the most expensive purchased silicone tails :) making it yourself gives it that little bit of extra spirit.

:fallover:

[Coradion]

It's not that I don't love a lot of the tails I see :p I just think if you make things yourself you care about the details and the e press ions you see on people wearing tails they made themselves has a little extra something to it. Like your look when you finished your tail is better than the look you see on unboxing videos cause it has that pride of accomplishment

[MermaidBrandie]

I would certainly test spray paint on spandex, first...the paint may be a factor in breaking down the rubber in the spandex, or the stretchiness of the spandex may cause the paint to flake off.

We were concerned about the stretchiness of it, so she painted it while I was wearing it.
I never considered that the paint might break down the rubber, but so far I haven't had any issues with that at all. ^.^
It changed the texture of the fabric a bit, its not nearly as soft, but otherwise the stretch and such hasn't seemed to change.


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[mermaidopal]

What type of paint do you guys like to use on your spandex tails?

I'm working on modifying one I got from grow-a-tail (adding on accessory fins and stuff) but would really like to add some more detail to the caudal fin. What paint is best for spandex??

There's a lot of recommendations for the Jacquard products, specifically Lumiere. Check out Little Orca's thread over here: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?3182-JACQUARD-Paints-Creators-of-quot-Lumiere-quot I personally used the Textile Colors to touch up my spandex tail that had some wear and tear. I heat set it in the dryer, and I'm taking it for a swim tomorrow, so we'll see how well it holds up.

[Aquatic Raider]

There's a lot of recommendations for the Jacquard products, specifically Lumiere. Check out Little Orca's thread over here: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?3182-JACQUARD-Paints-Creators-of-quot-Lumiere-quot I personally used the Textile Colors to touch up my spandex tail that had some wear and tear. I heat set it in the dryer, and I'm taking it for a swim tomorrow, so we'll see how well it holds up.

Thanks! This definitely helps me out. I'm probably gonna end up trying the spray-paint method for my Caudal fin first and then take it from there. It seems like the jacquard products are fairly expensive to buy in large amounts.

Gonna go make a thread for the progress on my tail. Been working on sewing accessory fins lately. Hopefully I'll be able to display my modified tail here soon!

[OceanWhisper]

hey guys :) does anyone know where I can find a tutorial on extending a monofin with duct tape and zip ties?? please any info would be fantastic! thankyouuuuuuu :rollover:

[OceanWhisper]

Never mind, Mermaid Wesley helped me :)

[Mermaid Alaria]

I just got my Rapid monofin in the mail today, and Ill be making my first tail this month! I'm planning to use a great 4 way stretch fine mesh I found that's covered with sequins! Any tips on sewing fabric like this?? Anyway it's gorgeous and I'm going to use an iridescent teal for the additional frilly fins. Any tips for hiding my heels? I really want it to look awesome!

[Merperson Danny]

I'm in the process of making my first tail! I have my monofin and my pattern done, ust waiting for fabric samples to come and then buying the 2 yards ^w^
And i'm not gonna stop at one! I have an idea for a second one already... :)

[OceanWhisper]

My mum and I finally finished sewing up my first tail!!! Woohoo!!! :dance::yay: :dance:

[Merperson Danny]

My mum and I finally finished sewing up my first tail!!! Woohoo!!!
Woop woop! :yay::yay: So happy for you! ^w^

[OceanWhisper]

Woop woop! :yay::yay: So happy for you! ^w^
thankyou :D I'm going to look for some awesome fabric paints when we drive to the nearest city tomorrow (7.5 hour drive @.@) yay for big craft shops!

[Mermaid Mhara]

Hey guys :) I'll be starting on my new tail in the next couple of weeks, and was just wondering if anyone here knows of any tutorials/posts which show how to add extra fins etc. It's probably extremely easy and I'm just overthinking it...but I've literally only just learnt to sew in the last couple of weeks >.< and my design is kinda complicated so I need to know I'm doing it right!

[Mermaid Alea]

In this topic here: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?10253-Fixing-up-a-fabric-tail
Seraphina Suds was adding extra fins to her fabric tail. She might be able to give you some good tips. :)

[MermaidAine]

Making my first tail tomorrow and I am so excited I can't sleep!


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[MermaidAine]

Just started making my first fabric tail yesterday...its looking great so far! Just hoping that I got it sized correctly.

[MermaidAine]

My friend and I have worked on my tail for two nights now. I think one more night and it will be finished!
Here are some sneak peak pictures
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/28/f11e20c0318800736cd08427b11476e7.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/28/0628cde0569dfa51c7c9d4f3f88bcc10.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/28/31d0e38b4408ba38c8851b9819522f72.jpg


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[Echidna]

very pretty, looks like a galaxy.

[MermaidAine]

Thank you.


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[MermaidAine]

First try on of the tail=FAIL
Too tight, we have thoughts on how we can fix it though. Going to work on it again tonight, and maybe even finish it. Wish me luck!

[Talia]

Good luck!!

[MermaidAine]

Thanks!


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[Mermaid Wesley]

Nice!!


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[Mermaid Alea]

I already posted this in the photoshoot thread, but I figured I had better represent. GO FABRIC!!!! YAY!!! :lol:
http://mernetwork.com/index/attachment.php?attachmentid=29524&d=1431027730

[MermaidAine]

Very pretty!


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[MermaidAine]

*sigh* not finished yet...but going over tonight to work on it some more! My friend thinks 2 more nights.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Wooo! I love how its so shimmery and glowing underwater.

[Cordelia]

@Alea, that looks awsome! Is your tail just fabric, or did you paint on it, too?

[Mermaid Alea]

Thanks! It's just fabric. :) I got the fabric from Spandexworld.
The exterior has no paint, but interior end of the fluke I did a bit of painting on with lumiere fabric paint so that when the fabric ends move, you don't just see a white back you see white with green markings. Here is another photo:
http://mernetwork.com/index/attachment.php?attachmentid=29527&d=1431027883

[MermaidSandie]

Gonna jump right in here with my finished fabric tail
Some of the pictures make it look more blue-ish, but it's purple :)

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[MerEmma]

So cool! I love the ruffle fins. :D

[MermaidSandie]

Thank you very much! They're actually quite easy to make, too :)

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Thank you very much! They're actually quite easy to make, too :)


How was the swim? Was there lots of drag?

[MermaidSandie]

How was the swim? Was there lots of drag?

Not so much with the side fins, but because the fluke was a separate piece that was sewn on, that created the most drag. Especially since I made it bigger than was necessary. oops.

[Mermaid_Kenzee]

30429
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This is from my first swim in my fabric tail :)

[MermaidAine]

Very pretty!


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[OceanWhisper]

Pretty colours!! And I love the first full-underwater one :) it looks lovely on you! :rollover:

[Noelle1966]

Wow! That looks like a wedding tail. How cool! :)

[Echidna]

I probably said it before, but I don't think something like this would work with a non-fabric tail


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pw_u3-HrMtY

[mermaid_ashes]

304923049330494

I compleatly forgot to post any pictures of my tail, but its form mermaids of Hawaii and I love it.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I probably said it before, but I don't think something like this would work with a non-fabric tail


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pw_u3-HrMtY

Yup! It don't! I been trying, the extra fabric just flops over! It doesn't even bend in a nice way, its like I am a one of those fancy goldfish, you put it on land and all the fins just fall splat and don't do anything!

[OceanWhisper]

304923049330494

I compleatly forgot to post any pictures of my tail, but its form mermaids of Hawaii and I love it.
Beautiful mermaid with a beautiful tail!! That colour is so vibrant and shimmery :D

[Seraphina Suds]

Wow, that's a lovely tail and you look beautiful! I'm glad you're happy with it. Is it a recent tail? I didn't think Citrine was making tails anymore.

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[mermaid_ashes]

I don't know if she is or not, but I got mine a year or so ago. The pictures are from last summer, i just forgot to post them

[Mermaid_Kenzee]

I got mine from her last year when I was living in Hawaii. It was packed away during the move so I never got to use it in Hawaii

[MermaidAine]

Finally finished my first tail just in time for my first appearance as a Mermaid of the Great Salt Lake! http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/16/0d0ebe0469a45fec2c5d48b383410699.jpg


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[Mermaid Jaffa]

Huzzah! Another merfin mermaid!:cool:

[MermaidAine]

Yep. Actually all three of us that were there that day had the same fin so we were all kind of matchy.


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[MermaidAine]

It's hard to see in the picture but I have sparkly fins on the tips of the fin, around my ankles and at my hips. Also sparkly stripes down the side. I am really happy with it!


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[lynsea]

3079930801

My first tail made from spandex and a FINIS Tempo monofin. It's painted with acrylic paint with detailed scales which unfortunately you can't really see too well here. I've found the Tempo doesn't provide a lot of propulsion but as you can see in these photos, it moves fantastically. This was my first swim and I am so glad I finally did it. Honestly, I'm terribly self conscious about this whole mermaid thing. I haven't shared this love of mine with anyone. I've found my types of friends (who I love dearly) just don't get the whole mermaid thing when it comes up randomly in conversation (aka from a buzzfeed article). I finally took the plunge (literately) in my apartment pool when no one else was there with my gopro strapped to the pool ladder. It was just so satisfying. I am so glad I finally got to do it :)

[Mermaid Alea]

Lynsea you will have to get a detail shot of your new tail! Is that shelf liner on the end of the fluke?

It took me a while but I figured out how to use a setting on my camera that starts a countdown and you put the camera where you want it, get in position and it takes the picture for you. You could try something like that if you don't have anyone to take a picture. I know how frustrating it can be when you want a photo of yourself (not a selfie) but have no one around to take the picture or at least no one around that is decent with a camera.

[lynsea]

Oh, I'll definitely be getting more shots. Luckily GoPros have a ton of settings that allow for great selfies and selfie video. It's not shelf liner but rather just a shimmery fabric.

I'm working on some extra fins at the moment but I'll be sure to post more detailed photos when I'm done both underwater and out of water. I posted some a while ago when I initially finished the tail but it looks much cooler in the water.

[Mermaid Wesley]

Now that I'm close to having a silicone tail I'm gonna say that my fabric tail isn't being retired. She's soooo convenient and still looks great. Gigs will likely be silicone-heavy, because my fabric tail is a little rough and unprofessional, buy meet ups and stuff will probably be at LEAST half fabric. The silicone is so heavy and hot, fabric really is more enjoyable to wear for me.


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[lynsea]

http://mernetwork.com/index/attachment.php?attachmentid=30984&stc=1
Anyone see these new tails from Magictail? Those are fantastic colors and I think the most dynamic we have seen come from a mass produced fabric tail!

[Echidna]

^^
I admit I find those stunning.
Considering how much time and work would go into making such a tail myself, it'd be probably more efficient to just buy theirs (seeing as it's machine-created and thus cheap).

If one uses a different fin in their tails, Magictails are pretty good.

Edit; just saw, they upped their prices quite a bit.
Also, all the new colours are from the design contest alright.

I hope the peeps who submitted the design for their own personal dreamtail are not taken by surprise it ends being mass-produced.

It could also mean we will see new colours regularly, as they now have literally dozens of great-looking designs at their disposal.
So maybe there will be a silvery-white tail one day as well.

[Starfrit]

I actually haaaaaated the way the designs looked on paper, just because the colors clashed so badly and most of them were actually physically painful to my eyes (I have a weird color vision thing that makes vibrant colors actually hurt to look at), but the actual physical tails themselves look AMAZING!

[MerEmma]

I definitely agree with Tieri...on paper it was just eye-shatteringly bright. They seemed just too much on paper, pretty colors, but combined like they were was just too much on the eyes. Very beautiful tails though, I'm a sucker for bright colors like that. :)

I especially love the first and last ones.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

EEEE! They are gorgeous tails!

[Echidna]

I wonder if they are really that bright and flashy in reality though, or if they upped the contrast in Pshop again.

If someone buys one, please tell us!

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I like the big scales, as opposed to an all over little scales.

I want one but I can't justify having another scale tail that I don't have monofin for. It'll just sit the drawer where I'll occasionally take it out, try it on, and pet it like loon... Its so pretty... Mmm... And shiny...

[courtneymermaid]

I thought, since I haven't shared many pics in a while, that it might be fun to share one of my new tail "Goldfish" that I completed this year.

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn135/tweakfox_bucket/HorizontalPhotos1_1.png

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Courtney, that is one gorgeous tail!

[courtneymermaid]

@Mermaid Jaffa: Thank you!

[Mermaid Caspiana]

This is my very first tail I made and my only complete one so far. I'm in the works of a neoprene/sequin one, but that is still in production. Anyway, it looks pretty different now because of wear, like it's mostly purple now with little metallic shimmer, a lot of sequins are gone, and it has stretched out a lot. Hahaha. But I loved it (especially the first time wearing/swimming [also we were at the beach for my first swim so yay]) and will always love it because she was my first. Lol Everything handmade too... monofin and tail, oh and top. :)
http://mernetwork.com/index/album.php?albumid=808

[Yulia]

Both of your tails are so pretty, Courtney and Caspiana!
I really like the way you incorporated sequins in your tails.

[courtneymermaid]

@Yulia: Thank you! I love sequins! ^_^

[Madison MerFaerie]

Goldfish! Love it, Courtney! I've always wanted a try-colored goldfish tail. I love the little black, white, and orange guys!

[Princess Kae-Leah]

Before and after adding monofin(unphotoshopped):
BEFORE:
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash2/v/t1.0-9/562053_335958786460781_1479618613_n.jpg?oh=f471e1c 8766b8d8c27bdc5f9a5b2e9cb&oe=562A0166
AFTER:https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1535454_10100310072454459_1095866947840722957_n.jp g?oh=dd3c9dac8b3e7ae91b65c1ec58426fb0&oe=561F1C71

[PearlieMae]

Looking great, Kae Leah!

[MermaidAine]

After seeing Courtney's and Caspiana's tails I am seriously considering adding some sequins to my tail for accents. Very pretty ladies!
Kae-Leah I love your sparkly purple! And you look so incredibly happy!

[Princess Pearl]

Working on a new tail. I love my giant sequins.

https://instagram.com/p/5Kt0uKlSpe/?taken-by=steeltown_mermaids

[Princess Kae-Leah]

Ooh love me some sequin tails

[Echidna]

So I caved, and got one of the new magictails

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a few notes:

the depictions in the shop seem to be accurate now colour-wise.

It's very bright and gorgeous, and a lot tighter and somehow shorter than I expected, but that could be because I'm used to my own tails now and I made them all longer and baggier xD

The monofin has been made a lot thicker and sturdier, but I'm not sure yet how it swims, because I'm now so used to using other fins that as soon as trying the monofin on, I went "omg OUCH!!" and replaced it asap lol.

That's probably not the fins fault, my guess is even the large one is meant more for kids than for adults, and as I get blisters whenever I swim with a MT monofin, I avoid using them.

[Princess Kae-Leah]

Oooh gorgeous!

[Mermaid Jaffa]

So I caved, and got one of the new magictails

31588

a few notes:

the depictions in the shop seem to be accurate now colour-wise.

It's very bright and gorgeous, and a lot tighter and somehow shorter than I expected, but that could be because I'm used to my own tails now and I made them all longer and baggier xD

The monofin has been made a lot thicker and sturdier, but I'm not sure yet how it swims, because I'm now so used to using other fins that as soon as trying the monofin on, I went "omg OUCH!!" and replaced it asap lol.

That's probably not the fins fault, my guess is even the large one is meant more for kids than for adults, and as I get blisters whenever I swim with a MT monofin, I avoid using them.

Hehehe! And here I thought I'd cave first!:lol:

It looks very pretty. Do you know if they make them in large mens size? That's what I'd need if I bought another Magictail. Their ladies L size is still too short.
The photo looks a bit odd. Is the water really that blue?

[Echidna]

I'm afraid ladies L is the largest size for the new colours.
I'm thinking of adding a bit of length to the waist (I got M, and it's really short)



The photo looks a bit odd. Is the water really that blue?

Yes. Most of the Alpine lakes have exactly that colour.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Was it cold? I imagine Alpine as water from the snowy mountain tops.

[Echidna]

You bet.
Even in summer, they are rarely warmer than 19°, and that's the surface.

I don't know how people manage to swim there long, I only jump in for a photo and use my suits otherwise.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Is it just me or does the new Magictail fluke look bigger than their other tails?

[Echidna]

It's only the perspective. The camera is below me and I'm moving away from it.

[KayNS]

Here's my fabric tail, made by Blaze (CrimsonVisions on Etsy). I love it lots!

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[lulubelle]

I'm in the planning stages of my fabric tail and researching fabric. I'm looking at spandex.com and I've heard that 4 way stretch is the way to go. I am not keen on the metallic or holographic fabrics because they don't seem to be chlorine tested...I made a spandex tail for my daughter with a metallic finish and it deteriorated after two trips to the pool (really disappointing considering how expensive it was!!!).

Does anyone have a specific fabric recommendation?

[Mermaid Wesley]

Any 4-way stretch spandex or Lycra is good. Look scale print! http://www.spandexhouse.com/search-result.php?pline=&searchKye=Scale


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[Mermaid Alea]

I am going to post my other photos from my weekend trip on the photo shoot thread, but I wanted to support the fabric tail thread! I love my fabric tail!
Weeki Wachee was closed both times when we passed it. I was able to get photos with the mermaid sculpture by the entrance to the parking lot.
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[Mer-Crazy]

Got my very first fabric tail today! The Sea Blue tail from the 2 tails and overall fairly happy. The colours are great, the fit is pretty good, not sold on the monofin, my feet get squished together because there's no divider so I'm gonna look into buying some neoprene socks (I lost mine last summer). I'll post some pics when I go swimming this weekend <3

[lulubelle]

My tail is done!

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Excuse the awful pics, I'm hoping to be able to go swimming in it tomorrow

SO EXCITED

[KayNS]

My tail is done!

Excuse the awful pics, I'm hoping to be able to go swimming in it tomorrow

SO EXCITED

OMG! We need to swim together!!!

[lulubelle]

YES WE DO

[CheshireKat]

Just ordered my new monofin (the Minos, cause I have big feet) and a big thank you to Jaffa for pointing me towards magictails! As soon as it gets here I can start sewing! :: flails happily ::

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[Mermaid Jaffa]

Yay! Fish tail swishing is so much fun!

[Ciriun]

Been too long since I checked this thread. Alea, I love your tail! I keep thinking of getting one in the blue version of that pattern, but I was worried it wouldn't work with the stripes going across the legs like that. It's so awesome to see that someone's done that and it looks fantastic!

On a different note, I'm considering using my tail as my Halloween costume. Since it has an open fluke I figure I'll still be able to do some walking in it. But if I'm not using my monofin, how do I keep the fluke spread and not just draping over my feet? I'm currently considering making a sort of fluke shaped pocket for my feet with craft foam, but I don't know if that will be stiff enough. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[KayNS]

Does anyone know who this gorgeous mer is? I LOVE that tail!

http://mernetwork.com/index/attachment.php?attachmentid=33377&stc=1

http://flippinyourfins.tumblr.com/post/3990589998

[Seraphina Suds]

That's Dana. http://danamermaid.com

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[Ashe]

Yep! I love her neoprene tails and how elaborate they are with all of the fringe. Glad you pulled this picture up because she used to be one of my biggest inspirations tail and mer wise :)

[KayNS]

That's Dana. http://danamermaid.com

Thanks!

[KayNS]

*bumpity bump*
I don't want to lose this thread! I love seeing all the fab fabric tails.

I've made myself a leopard print tail that I need to get a good photo of, and I want to make more fabric tails. They're just so pretty!

[Mermaid Wesley]

I'll add here again! I'm all over my silicone tail right now, but I'm also planning a fabric tail. Silicone is not endgame <3


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[MermaidSasha]

I need to take a decent picture in my fabric tail xD

[peripheral mermaid]

Here's my new tail. I made it my self. It's not the greatest but I think it came out alright for a first attempt at a diy tail. I haven't had a chance to swim in it yet so looking forward to seeing how that goes.35353

[Mermaid Cataleya]

LuV This Thread!

Here Is the final version of my fabric tail that I worked on all summer. <3

http://i614.photobucket.com/albums/tt228/ghouldeeloks/Mermaid8.jpg (http://s614.photobucket.com/user/ghouldeeloks/media/Mermaid8.jpg.html)

http://i614.photobucket.com/albums/tt228/ghouldeeloks/Mermaid13.jpg (http://s614.photobucket.com/user/ghouldeeloks/media/Mermaid13.jpg.html)

http://i614.photobucket.com/albums/tt228/ghouldeeloks/Mermaid31.jpg (http://s614.photobucket.com/user/ghouldeeloks/media/Mermaid31.jpg.html)

http://i614.photobucket.com/albums/tt228/ghouldeeloks/Mermaid23.jpg (http://s614.photobucket.com/user/ghouldeeloks/media/Mermaid23.jpg.html)

http://i614.photobucket.com/albums/tt228/ghouldeeloks/Mermaid22.jpg (http://s614.photobucket.com/user/ghouldeeloks/media/Mermaid22.jpg.html)

http://i614.photobucket.com/albums/tt228/ghouldeeloks/Mermaid37.jpg (http://s614.photobucket.com/user/ghouldeeloks/media/Mermaid37.jpg.html)

http://i614.photobucket.com/albums/tt228/ghouldeeloks/Mermaid2.jpg (http://s614.photobucket.com/user/ghouldeeloks/media/Mermaid2.jpg.html)

what did you use for your dorsal ?

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Rainbow Tail, I made for the Mirage Rubber Mermaid Fin. It is a one seam tail body.
35377


Scraps Tail, I made for our first Sydney Merpod Meet. Not a one seam tail as I didn't have time. Made with scraps of swimwear lycra.
35378

[Mermaid Cataleya]

I thought, since I haven't shared many pics in a while, that it might be fun to share one of my new tail "Goldfish" that I completed this year.

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn135/tweakfox_bucket/HorizontalPhotos1_1.png

what did you use for the end of your fluke ?

[Mermaid Ankhali]

https://vimeo.com/153125450
I am very proud of this tail! It is the second tail I have ever made, and my third tail overall. All of the fabric came from spandex world and I hand painted both sides of the fluke with two different designs!


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[Mermaid Ankhali]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160126/e9391f52e95dbc4a75e08895909a8e04.jpg
And here is the first tail I ever made! Again, the fabric is from spandex world, but the fluke is not painted. It has no extra fins, but it does have pretty pearls sewn onto it. Also, both tails were made to fit Fin Fun monofins


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[lulubelle]

Finally got some pics and video my tail and KayNS and Margo too! http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160126/c0d9f03a2ff7e91fcf61d7b3f266be47.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160126/217e5c3bf82f33a6a9d2331820400d0e.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160126/56855054083a0aa426612a7c491a5fb1.jpg

My tail has neoprene with a spandex skin attached


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[lulubelle]

https://vimeo.com/153134555

Video from last night


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[AniaR]

Finally got some pics and video my tail and KayNS and Margo too! http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160126/c0d9f03a2ff7e91fcf61d7b3f266be47.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160126/217e5c3bf82f33a6a9d2331820400d0e.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160126/56855054083a0aa426612a7c491a5fb1.jpg

My tail has neoprene with a spandex skin attached


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I love your tail and your punky pink hair, and your bewbs!!! Ha-ha couldn't help it

So much mad love for you ladies

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[PearlieMae]

So many beautiful mers in their wonderful tails! Great work, everyone! :mermaid kiss:

[Luna Dreamtide]

I'm not sure why I haven't seen this thread before. All these tails are lovely! :)
Fabric tails are what I do! Here are a few of mine:
Mermaid Sarina's green tail:
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160127/413ef522057ebe176f70618353be8239.jpg
Mermaid Lexie's blue tail (little sister):
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160127/083b21a4f173626f91818f815869440f.jpg
Lexie's purple very first tail:
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160127/db3997b36b8352d575a10049988697af.jpg
Mermaid Leilani's pink first tail (little sister):
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160127/58407856c07a162f9fa2106145e0dcc6.jpg


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[MermaidSirena1224]

Does anyone know how to kind of hide the seams on a homemade mermaid tail?

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[Mermaid Jaffa]

Does anyone know how to kind of hide the seams on a homemade mermaid tail?

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What do you mean?

[MermaidSirena1224]

My mermaid tail has two seams on the side. I was wondering if anyone know how to make them less noticeable?

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[Mermaid Jaffa]

Is it fabric tail?

[MermaidSirena1224]

Yes it is

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[Mermaid Jaffa]

Show a pic so I know exactly what you need.

Well you could paint over it. Or add fins. Sequins or decorations.

[Luna Dreamtide]

My mermaid tail has two seams on the side. I was wondering if anyone know how to make them less noticeable?

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On one of Hannah Mermaid's older tails I've seen, she had sequins just over the seams and it looked really pretty.

[MermaidSirena1224]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160127/a8ff0857541254aca01cf99e03e7a2a4.jpg[IMG]
There is a seam on the side from the two fabrics being sewn together. Is there anyway to make them less noticeable or to sew it and have only one seam on the back?

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[MermaidSirena1224]

On one of Hannah Mermaid's older tails I've seen, she had sequins just over the seams and it looked really pretty.
Thank you soo much!

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[Mermaid Jaffa]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160127/a8ff0857541254aca01cf99e03e7a2a4.jpg[IMG]
There is a seam on the side from the two fabrics being sewn together. Is there anyway to make them less noticeable or to sew it and have only one seam on the back?

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If that is on the outside of the tail, your only options is to paint over it, or sew fin over it.

But honestly, its going underwater. Nobody will notice it at all. No one is going to swim up to you and say, "I can see your seams!" I've swum with sewing mistakes on my tail and nobody knows any different. 100% of the time, they're too distracted by the tail to actually say anything mean.

[Mermaid Ankhali]

When I make fabric tails, the tail body only has one seam on the back. Remember that you only need the circumference to match up, so you can sew one solid piece fabric to itself, yielding only one seam. And, if you've got mad skills, you can see a dorsal fin between the two ends of the fabric, so that you don't see a seam at all, just a fin. Hiding the seam where the fluke meets the tail will be harder, though. I haven't figured out how to make it look like there is no seam, but sometimes I cover the seam with pearls or something fancy like that. I hope that I helped!


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[Mermaid Jaffa]

I've made one seam tail bodies with dorsal fin that runs along the back, from bum to fluke. You CAN hide the seams where the tail body attaches to the fluke by adding decorations or more fabric, so that it'll look like extra fins on the tail fluke.

[Ashton]

There is something wonderful about how fabric tails look in the water--- so fluttery and magical!
It looks so delicate underwater! like a butterflies wings flapping in the air.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

There is something wonderful about how fabric tails look in the water--- so fluttery and magical!
It looks so delicate underwater! like a butterflies wings flapping in the air.

Exactly! The only tails I have seen where its as close to the flutteriness of fabric is those latexmans tails. I've yet to see other popular tail makers create that same type of look. Where the fins thin out so much, it almost looks like fabric fin, so soft, natural and flowing.

[Luna Dreamtide]

So you mers do like the look of fabric fins? I'm making a fabric tail at the moment and was considering using organza for fins.

[Ashton]

I really like the look of ankle fins, I don't know why.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I really like the look of ankle fins, I don't know why.

I like ankle fins too. But whenever I make them, I'm confused which they should face, so I never end up sewing them on!

[Ashton]

I would kinda think to use your hands as reference. The shortest part kinda faces forward/belly. and since in concept small fins are like extra mermaid hands, one could assume they are placed somewhat in the same way a hand would lay.... But I have never done small fins and would love to know what other people's thoughts on them / placement are.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

So if I have a fin that runs along my back, do I place the heel fins going in the same direction? Or across like the same way as the fluke is going?

[CheshireKat]

I am FINALLY starting construction on my tail. I'm doing Jaffa's open closed fluke with a little of my own variation due to monofin and how I want the fluke to look. I AM SUPER EXCITE!!!

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[Mermaid Jaffa]

I am FINALLY starting construction on my tail. I'm doing Jaffa's open closed fluke with a little of my own variation due to monofin and how I want the fluke to look. I AM SUPER EXCITE!!!

Sent from my SGP311 using Tapatalk
Yay! Grats! Once you start tailmaking, you'll never want to stop. Its like an addiction!:lol:

[CheshireKat]

Oh god I know, I've already got another few designs in mind I want to make....hnnnng....the struggle is real....

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[Mermaid Ankhali]

Oh, yeah, the tailmaking addiction is definitely real! I've been creating new babies since I figured out how to make my first tail! And I'm always like, "Ooh, let me see that skirt! Oh, that would make such a pretty tail!" [emoji228] Pros of fabric tailmaking!



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[Moongazer]

For the life of me I can't seem to post photos. But I got my new fabric tail to 90% this weekend. I had Just COS's help as this is the sister tail to hers. I want to add a bit more detail and a bit more black but I'm so excited!

https://www.facebook.com/MermaidMoongazer/photos/pcb.773619639409451/773617016076380/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/MermaidMoongazer/photos/pcb.773619639409451/773616959409719/?type=3&theater

PS if anyone can help me put these photos in this thread that would be great!

[MermaidBrandie]

For the life of me I can't seem to post photos. But I got my new fabric tail to 90% this weekend. I had Just COS's help as this is the sister tail to hers. I want to add a bit more detail and a bit more black but I'm so excited!

https://www.facebook.com/MermaidMoongazer/photos/pcb.773619639409451/773617016076380/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/MermaidMoongazer/photos/pcb.773619639409451/773616959409719/?type=3&theater

PS if anyone can help me put these photos in this thread that would be great!
Photo bucket is your friend! Haha the Tapatalk app will let you put them in too if they're not too big.

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[Little_Orca]

I don't think I ever posted my Koinobori (koi banner) themed tail on here I made for Faerieworlds 2015. Well, here it is now! The paint was a little thick in places, but I made this tail very last minute, so while it looks lovely in photos, it did not hold up too well. Just means I need to do another one, no? ;)

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[Mermaid Julianne]

I don't think I ever posted my Koinobori (koi banner) themed tail on here I made for Faerieworlds 2015. Well, here it is now! The paint was a little thick in places, but I made this tail very last minute, so while it looks lovely in photos, it did not hold up too well. Just means I need to do another one, no? ;)

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I love the scales! It looks so detailed, especially being last minute!

[Seraphina Suds]

I don't think I ever posted my Koinobori (koi banner) themed tail on here I made for Faerieworlds 2015. Well, here it is now! The paint was a little thick in places, but I made this tail very last minute, so while it looks lovely in photos, it did not hold up too well. Just means I need to do another one, no? ;)

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Adorable! Your painting skills are impeccable! I hope you do end up making another

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[PearlieMae]

So if I have a fin that runs along my back, do I place the heel fins going in the same direction? Or across like the same way as the fluke is going?

I'd ask Theobromine, she's one of the resident biologists!

[Mermaid Enhydrina]

@LittleOrca, that is one of the prettiest fabric tails I've ever seen! You're so talented.

[Mermaid Alea]

Wow Little Orca, that is painted!? It looks so clean I thought it was printed on!

[Little_Orca]

Aww thanks. Yup, it is painted. I made my own stencil from a plastic sheet you get at the fabric store, put down a light base coat, then hand painted in the deeper coat and the details. Base coat is like a pencil sketch, it shows me where to focus the paint. :)