First Tail!!!

[gay-mermaid]

I'm close to having everything i need to make my first tail! Its a silicone/neoprene hybrid (i love the look of those!!!). I just need to make the fluke and fin molds, and order the neoprene and silicone! I've finally settled on a design im happy with! https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171008/168b9046bd309ccfd24d1ff2cad1a7b3.jpg
I'm so excited to do this...

[Mermaid_Mari]

I can’t wait to see your process!


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[The Water Phoenix]

Can't wait to see!!

[Mermaid Kane]

:OOO SO excited!

[gay-mermaid]

Finished my leg cast, kinda freaky looking...

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171013/c99e4b69755c30467f4b18b33092e6be.jpg

[Astridia]

ooooh!

[September]

Looks great, good luck :D

[gay-mermaid]

I've finished my top and headpiece!!!!!!! I still haven't gotten everything i need to start the tail, but im almost there!!!!


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171028/3426a61b6f769e3819ba5f53f16da887.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171028/401f6155b4d19613f8eb2a58761a4126.jpg

[Mermaid Kane]

That's amazing!

[gay-mermaid]

That's amazing!
Thank you!!

[gay-mermaid]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171104/3838e9d4bcf3106aec25e8c491245f60.jpg

Working on the full-size shape of my fluke!!!

[Mermaid_Auquita_123]

That is AWESOMENESS


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[Mermaid Kane]

Looking good.

[Mermaid_Kai]

My gosh! Everything is so beautiful! you are a mermazing artist as well! I cant wait to see the progress :D

[gay-mermaid]

My gosh! Everything is so beautiful! you are a mermazing artist as well! I cant wait to see the progress :D
Thank you so much!!!

[gay-mermaid]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171105/6903f1d73a46fcee61f1fbc01789f38c.jpg

Test scale on some leftover lexan i cut making my monofin! Looking nice!!! Im gonna find a bigger piece to figure out how im gonna layer them. My neoprene should be here in about a week, then i can see how it will look on that!

[gay-mermaid]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171105/24c9d958f171b02bc707930b17462959.jpg

You can see the improvement as it goes down!!!!

[Mermaid_Mari]

Wow I love the unique scale design!


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[gay-mermaid]

Wow I love the unique scale design!


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Thanks! I'm excited to see what it looks like over color!

[Astridia]

Oooh looking so pretty, the scale shapes make me think of vintage for some reason..... but it's awesome! I ADORE the head-dress too!

[gay-mermaid]

Oooh looking so pretty, the scale shapes make me think of vintage for some reason..... but it's awesome! I ADORE the head-dress too!
Thank you!!

[gay-mermaid]

Im actually cutting a new shape for my monofin, which means i need to redo my fluke pattern, which is just fine, i wasnt too happy with how it was looking. Just wanted yall to know i had to backtrack a bit!

[gay-mermaid]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171107/de9a1aa1f0a93ced06f179ffe407b308.jpg

I've sketched my fluke and fin designs for when i sculpt them! I'll need a LOT of paper to make the full-size patterns...

[Mermaid Kane]

I'm honestly super excited for this. >_>

[gay-mermaid]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171114/7e65af58746c2e869424e47374bd6b54.jpg

Finished my diy monofin!! Not too pretty, but its not really meant to be seen!!

[Mermaid Kane]

Looks good! Have you tested it? Its likely a good idea to test it by itself before you slap it into your tail. There's things like safety and whether or not it'll collapse under weight to think about.

[gay-mermaid]

Looks good! Have you tested it? Its likely a good idea to test it by itself before you slap it into your tail. There's things like safety and whether or not it'll collapse under weight to think about.
Not yet, i plan to soon!

[Misty Lau]

Wow! That is going to be an incredible tail! And your top is stunning!

[gay-mermaid]

Wow! That is going to be an incredible tail! And your top is stunning!
Thank you!!!

[uwmerman]

Your tail is going to look amazing when it's finished :) the top looks gorgeous.

[gay-mermaid]

Your tail is going to look amazing when it's finished :) the top looks gorgeous.
Thanks!!!!

[gay-mermaid]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171128/94740d8c76bb7ceabc74be186bbdb5ea.jpg

Mt finished fluke pattern!!! Im so happy with it!!! Gonna start sculpting soon!

[The Water Phoenix]

Beautiful! Your tail is gonna look absolutely stunning when completed! :)

[gay-mermaid]

Beautiful! Your tail is gonna look absolutely stunning when completed! :)
Thank you!!

[Mermaid Oona]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171128/94740d8c76bb7ceabc74be186bbdb5ea.jpg

Mt finished fluke pattern!!! Im so happy with it!!! Gonna start sculpting soon!
Omg so pretty!

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[Slim]

I'll be watching this thread to the very end because I got a feeling the tail will be amazing.

[gay-mermaid]

I'll be watching this thread to the very end because I got a feeling the tail will be amazing.
I sure hope it will be!

[Slim]

I'm confident. Seen how some of these tail making threads start and you definately a very vivid idea of what you want. How you handle making the handmade monofin is proof of that you got every detail cover.


I sure hope it will be!

[gay-mermaid]

I'm confident. Seen how some of these tail making threads start and you definately a very vivid idea of what you want. How you handle making the handmade monofin is proof of that you got every detail cover.
Well thats very encouraging, thank you slim!

[gay-mermaid]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171129/64f5abf79dd61d975d02151c3e4f2c53.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171129/6fa6eec287b63ca15d424b5a291c6bd8.jpg

My finished mermaid belt!!! Im gonna start sculpting the fluke very soon!!

[The Water Phoenix]

So pretty! I love the pearls :)

[gay-mermaid]

So pretty! I love the pearls :)
Thank you!!

[Slim]

Out of curiousity, how much does it cost to make a belt like that?

[gay-mermaid]

Out of curiousity, how much does it cost to make a belt like that?
It depends! The most expensive material i used was some decorative fish hooks, which were about 17 dollars. Without those I'd say about 30 dollars including the pearls? And of course, plus the price of anything else you might like to add!

[Slim]

Thank you for the reply. I'm going to keep this mind. Sooner or later I'm finally going to have a 2nd job. My weight has been bouncing between 120 to 128 about 3 times this month though my diet stayed the same so a belt is on my mind. Your belt is amazing.


It depends! The most expensive material i used was some decorative fish hooks, which were about 17 dollars. Without those I'd say about 30 dollars including the pearls? And of course, plus the price of anything else you might like to add!

[gay-mermaid]

Thank you for the reply. I'm going to keep this mind. Sooner or later I'm finally going to have a 2nd job. My weight has been bouncing between 120 to 128 about 3 times this month though my diet stayed the same so a belt is on my mind. Your belt is amazing.
Thank you!!

[gay-mermaid]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171201/0aa1b47ca8b1617b8b18a3fbe7818204.jpg

And so it begins...

[Mermaid_Mari]

What are you using to sculpt the fluke? :)


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[gay-mermaid]

What are you using to sculpt the fluke? :)


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Modeling clay! When i finish I'll pour plaster over it!!

[Mermaid_Mari]

Ah awesome, is it just air dry clay?


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[Mermaid Oona]

Modeling clay! When i finish I'll pour plaster over it!!
I can't wait !stay strong into it . Don't give up!

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[gay-mermaid]

Ah awesome, is it just air dry clay?


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Its non-drying clay. I need to be able to reuse it!

[Mermaid Oona]

Ah awesome, is it just air dry clay?


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No modeling clay dose not dry. Making it easier to remove from a mold

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[Mermaid_Mari]

No modeling clay dose not dry. Making it easier to remove from a mold

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Oh okay thank you very much :)


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[Mermaid Oona]

Oh okay thank you very much :)


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If it dried you can't remove it xD

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[gay-mermaid]

If it dried you can't remove it xD

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Yep!

[Merpal Hal]

Sorry I’m a bit late, but I just wanted to say I love your concept and artwork! Hope everything goes smoothly in the tailmaking process.

[gay-mermaid]

Sorry I’m a bit late, but I just wanted to say I love your concept and artwork! Hope everything goes smoothly in the tailmaking process.
Thank you!!!

[The Water Phoenix]

Are you using monster clay for your fluke? :)


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[gay-mermaid]

Are you using monster clay for your fluke? :)


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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171201/6e2f3c2e9b5af6e9378b962b5ecbdd69.jpg

This is what im using!

[gay-mermaid]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171201/ab51b54176c116029172706dbc33f762.jpg

FINALLY!!! gonna make the plaster mold tomorrow!!!!

[gay-mermaid]

Too bad the veining isn't very visible!! I'll take a close up pic when i wake up!

[gay-mermaid]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171202/9c4d8b940791c3d014a9fca699bb33d4.jpg

Heres a close-up! Unfortunately i couldn't grab the plaster today, but I'll get it tomorrow!!!

[The Water Phoenix]

So detailed!

[gay-mermaid]

So detailed!
Thanks!!

[gay-mermaid]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171202/43fe9d609e7535f636e0d7547741b32d.jpg

Managed to get my plaster!! Gonna let it sit over night (it has a bit of a crack, hopefully it isnt all the way through) i have plaster in my hair...

[uwmerman]

Yes very detailed. Looks like things are coming along great :)

[gay-mermaid]

Yes very detailed. Looks like things are coming along great :)
I'll send a pic of my finished plaster mold when i get off work!!

[uwmerman]

I'll send a pic of my finished plaster mold when i get off work!! I look forward to it

[gay-mermaid]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171203/eb277ecfa921714297637e1c45da07ec.jpg

It started to set as i was working with it, gonna add a second layer when it hardens up more to even it out!!

[uwmerman]

It started to set as i was working with it, gonna add a second layer when it hardens up more to even it out!! looks great, what happens if you didn't do it right?

[gay-mermaid]

looks great, what happens if you didn't do it right?
If i didnt do it right i would have to start over. I just added a second layer to it, as it was too thin! When its done curing im gonna flip it over and fill any holes left by bubbles!

[The Water Phoenix]

Looking good!

[Marinus Mortimer]

Yassss girl looking amazing so far I read through the entire thread and omg girl I’ve outdone ur self, and I’m not even going to get started on that crown [emoji73] I LOVE it... keep it up can’t wait to see u finish.


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[gay-mermaid]

Yassss girl looking amazing so far I read through the entire thread and omg girl I’ve outdone ur self, and I’m not even going to get started on that crown [emoji73] I LOVE it... keep it up can’t wait to see u finish.


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Thanks man!! Im gonna get some more silicone and naptha to make the other side of the fluke soon!

[gay-mermaid]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171207/9f71573ec1dea822afbed01fd3da46b4.jpg

Just got around to trimming the edges!! One side of the fluke is done!!! I still need to color it, but I'll do that when i put the sides together!

Heres a pic with my leg form to see the fluke size!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171207/991e9fb944de5a88250181e6e8cf6f44.jpg

[gay-mermaid]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171207/9f71573ec1dea822afbed01fd3da46b4.jpg

Just got around to trimming the edges!! One side of the fluke is done!!! I still need to color it, but I'll do that when i put the sides together!

Heres a pic with my leg form to see the fluke size!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171207/991e9fb944de5a88250181e6e8cf6f44.jpg
In all honesty, the fluke is much smaller than what i want... i guess I'll try again!

[Mermaid Kane]

In all honesty, the fluke is much smaller than what i want... i guess I'll try again!

Hmm, looks pretty big to me! I feel bad for your wallet, though.... *wince* Silicone ain't cheap, that for sure.

[gay-mermaid]

Hmm, looks pretty big to me! I feel bad for your wallet, though.... *wince* Silicone ain't cheap, that for sure.
The picture makes it look bigger than it actually is, and I'm using silicone caulk, which isnt nearly as expensive as dragonskin! Still a bit pricey, but not as much!

[Mermaid Kane]

The picture makes it look bigger than it actually is, and I'm using silicone caulk, which isnt nearly as expensive as dragonskin! Still a bit pricey, but not as much!

That's great! Let's see how this next fluke turns out?? Kind of excited??

[gay-mermaid]

That's great! Let's see how this next fluke turns out?? Kind of excited??
I'm excited too, although NOT looking forward to the back and knee pain sculpting the first one caused... its worth it though!!

[Mermaid Kane]

I'm excited too, although NOT looking forward to the back and knee pain sculpting the first one caused... its worth it though!!

I'm just over here trying to finish my fabric tail before Sunday, hahaha. Your struggle with silicone is much worse though. I'm struggling with making it as androgynous as I'd like... curse my hourglass shape!!

[gay-mermaid]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171212/7ab1ac67243077e38e5200e849cf98ba.jpg

Bigger design! This time im gonna glue a drop cloth sheet over it, and keep the sharpie from transferring onto the plaster, and then onto the silicone like it did last time :/

Also, size comparison!!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171212/c5af17089c7629cf9eb6f8d3f0b1ffdf.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171212/0ec6b9d89546404aeb39b8259a6da357.jpg

Gonna order 5 more pounds of clay soon!

[gay-mermaid]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180108/c765413c454783800fbc129d077cbc71.jpg

Just baught some sequin shorts from forever 21 that remind me of my tail colors! It actually gives me the idea to have gold splotches all over my tail!

[Marinus Mortimer]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180108/c765413c454783800fbc129d077cbc71.jpg

Just baught some sequin shorts from forever 21 that remind me of my tail colors! It actually gives me the idea to have gold splotches all over my tail!

Those shorts are dope but don’t the sequins bother ur thighs while walking ?


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[gay-mermaid]

Those shorts are dope but don’t the sequins bother ur thighs while walking ?


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Aesthetic over comfort

[Marinus Mortimer]

Aesthetic over comfort

[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23] Pretty Hurts said the Queen Bee now I belie it for sure it sure is hard being a girl!


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[Mermaid Kane]

[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23] Pretty Hurts said the Queen Bee now I belie it for sure it sure is hard being a girl!

hence the reason I have the impeccable fashion sense of... boring tee-shirts, jeans, and dirty hiking tennis shoes... woot.

[gay-mermaid]

hence the reason I have the impeccable fashion sense of... boring tee-shirts, jeans, and dirty hiking tennis shoes... woot.
funny enough i used to dress like that! then i dropped a toxic friend, cut my hair, and realized i was a lesbian and started loving tacky, out-there clothes!! no idea why, for me i think it was a confidence boost. now im kind of a narcissist....but in the good way!

[Mermaid Alea]

Those shorts are awesome! I am a huge fan of interesting pants. I have a pair of shiny gold jeans, highlighter green jeans, etc.

Also, I don't remember if I ever commented on this, but I love your mermaid look - especially that crown!

[gay-mermaid]

Those shorts are awesome! I am a huge fan of interesting pants. I have a pair of shiny gold jeans, highlighter green jeans, etc.

Also, I don't remember if I ever commented on this, but I love your mermaid look - especially that crown!
thanks so much! my tail is on hold rn, my family had some financial problems but we should be back on track now! and those gold jeans sound awesome!!! i was hoping to get a neon green faux fur jacket soon!

[gay-mermaid]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180121/f3ef2b4f1048a33cb413f6b307c1cfdb.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180121/a1805c6c6f98f016f6f1a41f9de9e40a.jpg

a small project while i wait to continue my tail!!! i definitely have a favorite color combo....
i have a few songs in mind to learn, plus an uke is good for dry gigs!!!

[gay-mermaid]

FINALLY gonna order more clay tomorrow, i can at least start a new sculpt for the fluke!!!!

[Slim]

Yay! I can't wait to see progress.


FINALLY gonna order more clay tomorrow, i can at least start a new sculpt for the fluke!!!!

[gay-mermaid]

at long last, we're back in a mostly financially stable place! I'm gonna start sculpting my fluke 2.0 tonight! also gonna get more plaster, naptha and silicone, hopefully i can get the full fluke done in one fell swoop!

[gay-mermaid]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180206/7636839b87c380e216490aba61f5c9c3.jpg

here we go again...
this time ive covered the paper in saran wrap, so the clay and plaster wont pick up the sharpie outline and inevitably stain the silicone like last time. I'm also making it thicker so the outline of my monofin wont show when i swim and potentially tear the silicone. probly wont get it all done tonight, but I'll do as much as i can!

edit: no i dont have furry monster feet, those are my slippers,,,

[gay-mermaid]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180206/aa18160f05316f4d9a9ca0a3dd649ab1.jpg

time to stop for now, I'll get back to it when i get off work tonight!

[The Water Phoenix]

Looking good!

[gay-mermaid]

Looking good!
last time i did the sculpting all in one go, since i couldn't risk my dog stepping on it. now I've cleared my garage and i can work there! i can take *sniffles* breaks...

[gay-mermaid]

i just got reeeeaaaally sick, so I wont be able to wprk on sculpting until i have more energy

[Azurin Luna]

Get well soon

[Mermaid Kane]

Ouch, hope you get well soon. :c

[Rett]

Wow, this thread is super impressive! Ive always wanted to try putting silicone caulk in a mould like that, but wasn't sure if it would work. Im glad to see that it does! Keep it up!

[gay-mermaid]

finally got around to sculpting again!! it was too cold to work with the clay for a while, then that good ol' executive dysfunction got in the way all of march :/ but im good now! will post pics when im done!

[gay-mermaid]

only need the spines and detailing then time to cast! also messy messy work space...43228

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[MermaidAuquita1998]

Did u ever get the fluke design done?


~~~Mermaid Auquita~~~

Sent from my Shell Phone

[gay-mermaid]

Did u ever get the fluke design done?


~~~Mermaid Auquita~~~

Sent from my Shell Phone

im going to finish it tonight!

[gay-mermaid]

AT LONG LAST i finally finished my fluke cast!!!! I used cement this time, suuuper heavy, but really strong!!! Im gonna pour my silicone tonight!!!!!!!!!!! I can finally move to more steps!!!43387

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[Spindrift]

Wow, did the cement work? I'm not sure anyone has used that yet!

[gay-mermaid]

Wow, did the cement work? I'm not sure anyone has used that yet!My first pour featured some....issues. The silicone got stuck, and i havent finished getting all the little bits out. Im gonna coat it in some thinned petroleum jelly and try again

pronouns are they/them/their

[gay-mermaid]

Im back!!!! I took a long break because of mental health and i also got back into writing! I plan on working on cadting my fluke soon! I discovered one of the problems eith my mold was that the chicken wire i used to strengthen the cement poked through the clay, im gonna try cutting the exposed wire and sanding it, then using petroleum jelly or wax to keep the silicone from sticking!!!

pronouns are they/them/their

[MerLindy]

Ahh! How did you make those scales?! I'm going to be putting silicone scales on my neoprene tail possibly tomorrow, and I was planning to just us a plastic spoon to smash-and-scrape a glob of silicone. I love the scallop-look of yours! Also the headpiece is amazing!