Im super nervous but, hi!

[LeeAnne]

Hey everyone! I'm LeeAnne, or Amy, or hopefully soon some sort of fancy mermaid name soon but you guys are free to give me any nickname you feel like. I'm already super nervous about just jumping head first into all this but also so very very excited.

A little bit about me - I'm a very experienced diver and I've got a decent amount of free diving under my belt as well but the thing that spurred me taking on all these hobbies is, naturally, mermaids. I went through that phase as a little girl where I swore I'd turn into one before a certain birthday, and then I thought "well that didn't work out, so... I'll be a tail maker!". Well tail making didn't work out then either and for a long time my dreams just kinda died.

Then I came across a tutorial a couple months ago on how to make a silicone tail and guys, guys wow they're so cool. Also it just kinda, re-sparked that whole passion and whimsy I felt back when I was a little girl and make me remember how much I really love all this. So, in a few more months, once I'm in a stable location for a while (about to move to Chicago. Please send help and hot chocolate) I'm going to be trying my hand at making one of those.

So not a real mermaid yet, by far, but Im getting there and really looking for guidance and to make some friends along the way.

[Mermaid Kane]

:D Welcome to the mermaiding community! Make sure to take some time reading around.

Also, I suggest buying a fabric tail first. :) Making silicone tails is very expensive, and as you probably know, they can be dangerous.

[LeeAnne]

Oh yeah! Im definitely looking into a fabric one first, the sheer weight alone of a silicone tail is enough to spook me lol. It looks like the mertailor has some really nice fabric tails that could get me started, and they look light weight enough to not be much different than swimming in my monofin, I just need to do a little bit more brand research first.

As far as making a silicone one though, I'm not gonna rush myself knee deep into the process or shovel out my left kidney for it (as much as I'd like to, they're definitely prettier than my left kidney). If that's something I stick to over the next few months I'm really gonna stat small. Since Im currently in construction I can't tell you how many tubes of industrial silicone I've got laying around, so I'm thinking about picking up a small block of modeling clay and practicing making very tiny fins and molds to see if I think I could handle the process on a "me" sized scale. Definitely not something I want to run into blind though, so I am absolutely loving this place already for all the great info Im getting! Plus you guys all seem super nice <3

[Mermaid Whisper]

Welcome to the waters! So nice to have new merfriends!

The MerTailor's Eco tails are really pretty, but a lot of folks have trouble with the monofin he uses for the adult sizes. It's an interesting shape, and pretty small for the average person!

Fin Fun, where all my tailskins are from, makes some beautiful options that work with a few types of monofins. I've also found that adding paint makes them even more stunning! Definitely soak up all the options, pros, and cons before committing!

Enjoy your stay! ❤️


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[LeeAnne]

Oh I'd never heard of fin fun! This is so exciting, I'm probably going to be up all night weighing options and picking out tails. Also, is it totally normal that I've already drawn up my dream mermaid tail, or have I jumped the gun a little :sweat drop:

[TybeeMermaid]

Hi! Welcome! I'm glad you understand the risks of mermaiding and are looking into fabric tails first. Water safety is always important and as a freediver, I'm sure you already know that. Fin Fun definitely has some cool tails that I'm sure you'll enjoy. There's also a couple of other brands like sun tails, magictail, and seasiren that I recommend you check out too! They have some really nice fabric tails!

I have to ask though, what was your favorite place you've ever free dived in?

[Agent Dragon]

Welcome! It’s not odd at all that you’ve already drawn up your dream tail - I’ve drawn like 50, hahaha. I’ve only ever swam in a Fin Fun, which I love, and I’m going to make a hybrid sequin tail soon. I’d love to hear about/see sketches of your dream tail.
Can’t wait to get to know you better!


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[LeeAnne]

I have to ask though, what was your favorite place you've ever free dived in?
For both free diving and SCUBA I absolutely adore Monterey Bay California! But I have a super huge soft spot for kelp gardens, so naturally that's where I like to call my underwater home. Thank you for all the tail suggestions too! You guys are seriously so nice <3


Welcome! It’s not odd at all that you’ve already drawn up your dream tail - I’ve drawn like 50, hahaha. I’ve only ever swam in a Fin Fun, which I love, and I’m going to make a hybrid sequin tail soon. I’d love to hear about/see sketches of your dream tail.
Can’t wait to get to know you better!


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Oh you are gonna have to post pictures when you make that tail, sequins sound like they'll end up stunning! And this is the sketch I have for my some-day silicone tail. I based it off of an angelfish, guppy, and sunsets. Im not the best at drawing on a tablet though, so forgive my scribble lines ^^' (also I hope it's okay to just post an image right here? I know some forums are weird about that so if its not cool I will take it down super fast)
http://i63.tinypic.com/5xjx5.jpg

[MermaidAiera]

Welcome to our community! I'm so glad you're taking proactive steps to entering the mermaid world safely and efficiently, you're a stellar example of how it should be done <3

Your tail design looks absolutely LOVELY :swoon: I'm sure you'll be a great swimmer in a fabric tail with your current level of training. You're definitely on your way to silicone so stick with your training, save up, and you'll be there in no time ^_^

P.S. - Images are typically fine as long as they're not massive. This size is acceptable so long as its one photo, but if you're posting multiple pics from a shoot or otherwise more than one pic, go for a more compact size.

[LeeAnne]

Hehe! Thank you so much <3 I've always loved the water but I have a huge respect for how dangerous it can be. That said, Im actually really stoked about a fabric tail since I'm still going to be living in FL for a few more months and I know of a nice pool and quite a few good, shallow beaches that are basically a beginner mermaid's dream. Just deep enough to not be an absolute annoyance to use fins, but shallow enough for my swimming buddy to be able to stand and easily come to the rescue if something bad happens (no matter the level of water experience, cramps are cramps and they always suck). Thank you for the tail compliments! I couldn't tell you how many different ones I've colored up to figure out what fluke shape I like and how to layer my colors. All this and Im probably going to change my mind a million more times before Im ready for a silicone tail but, hey, keeps the goal alive haha.

Okay cool, so more than one image and thumb nails are probably a better way to go? You got it! Again, man you guys are so helpful. I'm gonna love it here <3 <3

[MermaidAiera]

I'm so glad you have a plan in place, it sounds awesome! Having respect for the water is something a lot of mers forget, especially if they've been at this for a while *glances around guiltily* but it's the most important for sure. I'm jealous you're in weather where you can still swim, it's already so cold here in Mie, Japan and I don't even have my tail with me... :cry:

And I think my favorite part of your design is the frills on the fluke. I can picture using gathered tulle or organza to achieve the look, its pretty easily done so if you plan on making it I don't think it'll be a challenge. I think the hardest is always the paint job, so many things that could potentially go wrong and are impossible to fix.

I've never really had a 'dream tail' in mind for myself--I kind of feel like I prefer watercolor blending instead of stark and bold designs/patterns, a unique fluke shape, and not too many extra fins...but other than that I have no set plans/desires. Color, shape, style, I've never had a burning passion for one specific design. I am partial to the 'Splash' mermaid tail, which is what I based the one in my default on, but like you, I too am confused about what I want 100% hahaha

[LeeAnne]

I really love the frills too, haha. I actually drew up about five different kinds of "trim" before deciding that frilly bits were just girly enough for me lol. But yes, paint is... always the most nerve wracking part of any project. Back in my college days I use to modify nerf blasters for my friends and I would want to shatter the whole project whenever I messed up with the aerosol paints. They just dont come off, no scrubbing will save you. And I can only imagine painting on fabric or even silicone is much much worse. Which is also why I tried to pick a pretty organic "guppy" pattern for my tail, so if I splash a little paint or get a little out of place then it wont be a total failure and maybe even add to the charm, lol.

I'm just very very excited about the creativity being a mermaid lends itself too. And also Im just really excited to see such a big community of fellow mers :D

[Slim]

Welcome to the mernetwork :)

[LeeAnne]

Thank you so much, Slim! Love your signature quote!

[Agent Dragon]

Oh my gosh, your design is gorgeous. I especially love the hip fins.


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[LeeAnne]

Thank you so much! You guys are all so supportive, it's wonderful! I think the hip fins are one of my favorites too but, if Im being honest the whole thing just makes me smile with its bright colors :)

[Mermaid Kane]

Thank you so much! You guys are all so supportive, it's wonderful! I think the hip fins are one of my favorites too but, if Im being honest the whole thing just makes me smile with its bright colors :)

:) I know right! This community is awesome.

[LeeAnne]

It really is! I already feel so loved and like I've been accepted into the mer family and I don't even have a tail yet!

And speaking of me getting a tail~ I think, after doing a ton of homework and weighing my options, I'm gonna be going with a fin fun in malibu pink! It looks like a really good starter tail and also lends me enough wiggle room to get creative over the winter months when swimming isn't exactly an option. Now to wait until next paycheck!

Edit] I just noticed you can edit your profile with backgrounds and stuff, oh my goodness! I had a great time with that, haha.

[QueenKira]

Welcome! It is wonderful to have you here! It is awesome that you have that experience!!(: I could definitely send you some hot cocoa when you get settled in if you'd like(:

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[Merman Dylan Zalrian]

Welcome to the Mercommunity. Remember to have fun but stay safe. Your dream tail design looks amazing.

PS. The Mercommunity is a lot deeper than it looks. Get ready to discover things about merfolk you never knew.

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[Mermaid Wesley]

Hey welcome! Images are fine! there are some size limits, but youre well within those. I love the patterning on your design! Very whimsical.

[LeeAnne]

Thanks so much, you guys! I am really so excited to be here <3

[LeeAnne]

Sorry for double posting on my own thread but I just couldn't think of a better place for this - Guys, I can officially introduce myself as a mermaid! Or, I will be Saturday. My adorably pink fin fun tail is in the mail and is going to arrive just in time to spend the weekend in the water!

I can't even begin to describe how excited I am for that first swim, I know it's gonna be amazing. I really gotta get to work on finding my actual mermaid name now!

[Agent Dragon]

Sorry for double posting on my own thread but I just couldn't think of a better place for this - Guys, I can officially introduce myself as a mermaid! Or, I will be Saturday. My adorably pink fin fun tail is in the mail and is going to arrive just in time to spend the weekend in the water!

I can't even begin to describe how excited I am for that first swim, I know it's gonna be amazing. I really gotta get to work on finding my actual mermaid name now!

I’m excited for you too! Have fun!


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