The Parrot Fish Project

[Mermaid Sirena]

For right now this thread is more for my own use as a way to assemble all of my thoughts and collect links in a concrete understandable fashion. I will be updating it and expanding upon it as more information and idea's become available. Odds are this tail will not be built for a great deal of time, I have no problem sharing most of my idea's as many of them are inspired from what I have seen around mernetwork (and yuku) in the past. Also I feel once I do have the funds and time (and weather permitting) to make this tail I will make it in my own unique manor that will set it apart from any other tails that are designed to look like it or have similar idea's with in them.


Inspiration
2084

The Monofin
Originally I was going to make a monofin using Captain Nemo's tutorial (http://mernetwork.com/imgs/Titania_Monofin.pdf) (now in a nice PDF format). I was planning on trying to order a monofin foot pocket (http://www.finswimworld.com/finswimming/footpockets.htm) so as to not have to try and make my own do to a no craft ability what so ever.

Note there is also this thread (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?1294-Making-a-Fiberglass-Monofin) with links to detailed videos on making a Fiberglass monofin.

However after Dr. Seaweed posted his monofin tutorial I will be using this method instead (as I am not crafty at all and don't want to ask to much of my friends).


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsk5oqGNbbw&feature=player_embedded

My goal is to have a transparent fluke for a very important part of the tail creation process.

The Fabric
I know Joans was selling some neoprene online for a pretty fair deal. However I can't find it now so I'm assuming they have stopped. Which leaves me with trying to find the best deal / quality from one of the following. I haven't done a lot of research into this yet as I figure I can find out more once I'm ready to order. Spandex World Inc. (http://spandexworld.com/c3/catalog/browse/95) ~ Macro (http://www.macrointlco.com/home.jhtm) ~ Foamorder (http://www.foamorder.com/neoprene.html#fullsheet) ~ Stretch House Inc. (http://www.stretchhouse.com/neoprene.htm) ~ Rocky Woods (http://www.rockywoods.com/Fabrics-Kits/Neoprene_Fabrics)

The Fluke
I want a tail that is clear in the fluke part after it covers the heels, my inspiration for this is from A SINGLE picture of one tail made by Earth... (EarthSongDesigns (http://www.etsy.com/shop/EarthSongDesigns)) My plan is to have the material 'sewn' together through the monofin by having a few small holes at strategic places and sewing the fabric together threw those holes.

2083

My plan is to do some tests before adding any latex or silicone to see if its possible to add either material to neoprene after it has been swum in. I wish to do this as I want to test to see how the tail fits me and looks in the water before making the base shape perment. Nothing frustrates me more then seeing beautiful tails that bunch or wrinkle because they don't fit PERFECTLY. Note I am a HUGE perfectionist so it really does drive me up a wall and this tail will be 'perfect' by the time I'm done with it.

The Latex / Silicone
I hope to experiment and eventually update with finding on my thread about 100% Natural Latex (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?1049-100-Natural-Latex). So far product listings I have found online that look promising (they still need investigation) are here (http://www.amazon.com/Environmental-Technology-128-Ounce-Casting-Builder/dp/B001E20E5O), and here (http://www.amazon.com/AeroMarine-Liquid-Making-Rubber-gallon/dp/B0047R5I22).

Dorsal Fin
I would love to have a dorsal fin that is able to stand up in water and keep its shape and yes I could sit in it and not be stabbed in the back side. Something involving fabric, silicone and zip ties like what Moonflower experimented with here (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?1610-Silicone-amp-Fabric-fins-Progress-pictures) would be idea. Here is a video of her sexy self in her sexy tail (and fins / dorsal).


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=U287WeenwWo

I plan on having a zipper in the tail and the dorsal fin to be what hides the zipper with Velcro connecting the two parts, like so many other tails.

Scales
Something that I very much want for my tail are individual scales. I like how Lindens are all different but I want mine to be semi transparent.

http://i493.photobucket.com/albums/rr297/WaveLullaby/The Parrot Fish Project/c5c00a19.jpg

My original inspiration was something from way back on yuku:

2089

EDIT: Created by Malinghi. I thought perhaps if instead of being cut into the rolling pin were added onto it that you could make a 'sheet' of semi dry latex then just roll it over like an endless cookie cutter you could easily make a lot of individual scales in a short amount of time. I'm honestly not sure if this would work or not and if not I have a back up plan of how to do it that isn't nearly as cool but still very cookie cutter like.

The one photo that did prove to me that what I was going for was possible was from mertailor. Although not what I want to do exactly its close enough to of given me hope for my experiments.

http://i493.photobucket.com/albums/rr297/WaveLullaby/The Parrot Fish Project/220375_220037201347203_130816216935969_1041279_527 1868_o.jpg

Waist
Originally I was planning on trying to find a way to incorperate a waist band into the tail to keep in snug around my middle while swimming. My inspiration came from the bands so many women sew into their pants so they fit better. Like the before and after shown in this tutorial (http://www.frugalupstate.com/crafts-diy/tutorial-add-an-adjustable-waist-to-any-pants/).

So when I saw the photos of Hannah's tail (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?443-Hannah-Fraser-s-Tails)that had something so similar in it I just about jumped for joy and happiness. No experiments needed it was proven and it worked! LARGE Pictures here (http://s219.photobucket.com/albums/cc227/winged_mermaid/Other%20Mermaids/Hannah%20Mermaid/Hannah%20Fraser%20Tail/?action=view&current=IMG_1161.jpg) and here (http://s219.photobucket.com/albums/cc227/winged_mermaid/Other%20Mermaids/Hannah%20Mermaid/Hannah%20Fraser%20Tail/?action=view&current=IMG_1162.jpg).

Design
This is the current design and color scheme for the tail, I'm certain I will tweak and change it over time. I can't seem to help myself and I'm still not entirely satisfied with it.
http://i493.photobucket.com/albums/rr297/WaveLullaby/The Parrot Fish Project/TailDesing1.png

Misc
The only reason I feel confident enough to try and make my own tail is because of Mermaid Ravens How to Make a Tail thread. I only got 8 pages in before it was removed but I owe nearly my entire understanding of how tail making works to that thread. Raven you are my hero and inspiration.

Also my tail will be sparkly! I love how shimmery tails look, especially the ones that have a very fine shine to them so you don't quite realize it's sparkles but you just having this feeling that it's iridescent.

2090

Materials & Supplies (http://mernetwork.com/index/content.php?139-Materials-and-Supplies)
FAQ (http://mernetwork.com/index/faq.php)

On a side note once this tail is eventually made I will share every detail of its creation with the community, call it my way of giving back to a community that has given me so much.

[Gem Stone]

Wow. Thts a really cool tail. I saw good luck with it. It's a great idea to run with

[Mermaid Lorelei]

I've been waiting for someone to try a true parrotfish tail. They're so gorgeous and different looking that it's hard not to want to make one.

[Mermaid Sirena]

That's the dream, I want to try and create a tail as close to my inspirational mermaid as possible. + having a differently shaped fluke is a bonus.

I have a whole bunch more idea's for how to make the fluke look as close to a parrot fish's as possible but with no pictures or links to keep track of an not wanting to put EVERYTHING online for others to see it's going to be a surprise for later ^_^ After the tail is made I'll be sharing everything that went into the making and how to's, my way of giving back to the community for tail making as none of this would be possible with out you guys.

[Kanti]

It'd be awesome if you could somehow color only the boarder of the scales like how they seem on the fish.
Maybe a TON of painter's tape?

[Mermaid Sirena]

Actually I have an idea for that :) Though really it's the same as the one gold fish tail where you just hand paint them all.... unless -thinks about it- I'll get back to you on that someday once I can experiment.

[Kanti]

You could always just experiment on swatches till you find a good system.
Hand painting them sounds like a good idea, actually.
Then you can make them thicker in some areas or thinner, control the fade of it, etc.

[Mermaid Sirena]

Oh swatches it will be if only because of the cost :P

[Joy&RaptorsUnrestrained!]

Parrotfish are some of the most beautiful fish out there (in fact, I'm not sure how much of the Leviathan: the Tempest stuff you've read, but I'm considering an Oceanid resembling a plesiosaur mixed with a manta ray with a mane of jellyfish tendrils and parrotfish scales covering the entire monster). I bet your finished tail will be glorious!

[Mermaid Sirena]

I actually haven't been able to read any of the Leviathan: the Tempest, between everything I have to read for work and just trying to stay on top of all the posts here I don't have any time for more at the moment.

[Spindrift]

I think the pin was CADed by Malinghi, by the way.
And the design is gorgeous. You're going to rock that look.

[malinghi]

I think the pin was CADed by Malinghi, by the way.

Yeah, I made that illustration three years ago. Its an interesting idea but it has some drawbacks. For one thing, rolling pins are usually made of some kind of very hard wood, like maple, which would be difficult to cut. Maybe you could find a cheap rolling pin somewhere thats made out of pine.

Another problem is that the latex or silicone would probably stick. You could probably fix this problem by laying down something to prevent it from sticking that you could use the rolling pin on top of and then peel off.

Ultimately it might work, but it would defeat the purpose cause it'd probably be harder than doing it with one of the more common methods. Of course, if someone wanted to modify this and get it to work I'd love to see the results.

[Mermaid Sirena]

I'm willing to do what ever I have to in order to obtain the look I desire, I know it will take a lot to make it work and I have back up idea's incase it doesn't work but I feel it has potential.

[Kanti]

Either way you do it I think it'll look awesome
I love tails that resemble the animal closely and parrotfish have such pretty colors~
Especially the photo you put up. I love the scale boarders so much xD

[LindseyLu]

Wow...you have some really great ideas here! This will be a fun tail to make! Keep us posted on your progress, even if you don't start on it for a year! I would love to see how it turns out!!! :D

[Nim]

…Fantastic!!! Keep us posted on your progress :hail:

[Nyx]

Parrot fish yay X3
This is going to come out looking amazing!
And you have some great ideas.
I can't wait to see it when it's finished.

[Mermaid Saphira]

I think you were looking for EarthSongDesigns

[Mermaid Sirena]

Indeed that was who I was looking for!

[MerEmma]

What happened here? :P

[Mermaid Sirena]

Unfortunately it hasn't happened yet due to funds, I'm planning on getting a new tail this year though I wont be making it myself as at this point I can't afford the risk of it not working.