Recreating the Mertailor Pirate Fluke. (For Personal Use Only).

[MerRaeofSunshine]

https://flic.kr/p/28UgypNWhen I was 12 I was thrust into the whimsical world of real life, professional mermaids. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that you could own your very own, Hollywood grade mermaid prosthetic! That was until I stumbled upon Eric Ducharme, the Mertailor.
I was introduced to Eric through tumblr, and the first tail design I fell in love with from him was his gorgeous Pirate Fluke
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1926/43254683420_e522817d8c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28UgypN)Siren-of-the-Seas-mythical-creatures-33608899-500-333 (https://flic.kr/p/28UgypN) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr

Enchanting, isn't it?

Unfortunately, Eric discontinued this design when he began to bring in new designs around 2016/2017
So what did I do? I decided to recreate my own!

[DISCLAIMER]
I want to make it clear that I am not laying claim to this design and I give full credit to Eric Ducharme and Matthew Quilano for designing and sculpting this fluke. The purpose of this recreation is for personal use only and this tail will at no point in time be for sale, neither will the molds created for it be.

Anywhoo, let's skip to the actual creation process!

I used more than 50+ images of the pirate fluke alone for reference before I began my sculpt.
My two most valuable reference pictures were these two found on the Mertailor's FB:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1959/45067114271_d90370b86d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2bEqJXz)IMG_0834 (https://flic.kr/p/2bEqJXz) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1976/45067108111_def991809d_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2bEqH8n)IMG_0833 (https://flic.kr/p/2bEqH8n) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr


These pictures give the most clear idea of the shape and what the detailed 'spines' look like unpainted.https://flic.kr/p/28UgypN

[MerRaeofSunshine]

The first thing I did was create a paper pattern that I could sculpt the fluke on top of to make life easier
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1950/44347110444_c5052dfc1e_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ayNwUu)IMG_0527 (https://flic.kr/p/2ayNwUu) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr

As you can see the sides aren't very symmetrical but I fixed this by folding it in half and cutting based off of the left side since it was more accurate to what I was going for,
This was back in February so I'm missing a lot of progress pictures for the paper pattern but basically I detailed the paper to make it look like a finished fluke then laminated it which tape to try to keep the damage minimal in case I need it for future use.
Fast forward to the fluke sculpting process

[MerRaeofSunshine]

The actual process of laying down the inital clay took about a month and i ended up with a clean clay slab that looked like this:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1909/30130573377_99b9c8bb80.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/MUx4Jr)IMG_0962 (https://flic.kr/p/MUx4Jr) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr

If you compare it to the actual pirate fluke sculpt, you'll notice that I made the 'tendrils' of the fins much longer and thinner. To be quite honest, I like it this way! My favorite part of the original fluke has always been the wispy ends so this works for me. This was the easy part. After I finished this I hit a brick wall.

A 5 MONTH brick wall *Cue internal screaming*
See, I learned the hard way, the reason this tails are so expensive and take a good while for production times is the sculpting and detailing process alone is extremely tedious and requires patience, a steady hand and a knack for problem solving. In a lot of ways it's like debugging computer code haha

So after a good 5 months of not knowing how the heck I was actual going to figure out how to put in the finer details of the fluke, I woke up one August morning and a lightbulb went off. I somehow figured out that if I make ropes and then melt them into the clay I could get desired look without carving up my sculpt with a bunch of crazy tools I didn't quite know how to use :lol:

I don't have many progress photos of the sculpting in progress because I was honestly going through so many ups and downs with it that it wasn't even a priority at the time but today I finally finished the Fluke sculpt and here it is!

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1934/45019066002_31ea4eb126.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2bAbtT9)IMG_1040 (https://flic.kr/p/2bAbtT9) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1924/45019063582_aff072082a.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2bAbtaq)IMG_1039 (https://flic.kr/p/2bAbtaq) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr

Now, it's not a perfect recreation, but it's pretty dang close! I have to do some smoothing and minor detailing before I mold it but I'm extremely happy with how it's turned out so far! From this point on I'll be posting tons of progress photos so stay tuned. Thanks for joining me on this adventure guys! Hopefully smooth sailing ahead :cheerleader:

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Ooo! I actually like the look of the plain tail before you added the texture. Smooth and sleek.

[MerRaeofSunshine]

Ooo! I actually like the look of the plain tail before you added the texture. Smooth and sleek.

Honestly I almost considered leaving it as is once I had gotten to that stage haha! I looked pretty good and smoothing is a lot easier than detailing :lol:

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Honestly I almost considered leaving it as is once I had gotten to that stage haha! I looked pretty good and smoothing is a lot easier than detailing :lol:
Keep it in mind for the next tail!

[MerRaeofSunshine]

Im back with an update finally! After a busy month I was finally able to build my mold wall!
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1934/45868229311_9b3d13cbfc.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2cTdExR)E8FA6006 (https://flic.kr/p/2cTdExR)F580C3F5-5C63-4CA9-B86C-3A9D8A7A95BF (https://flic.kr/p/QKsUWq) by (https://flic.kr/p/2cTdExR)Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr (https://flic.kr/p/2cTdExR)

The mold has been the step that has given me the most anxiety considering I decided on plaster ass my mold material. I know that many mers on here have had their molds crack so I was super worried that all my hard work would be ruined in in minutes if it didn't turn out right :cry:

After pouring the mold I let it dry for about 2 days

[IMG]https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1922/31996985188_6466f6331c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QKsUWq)F580C3F5-5C63-4CA9-B86C-3A9D8A7A95BF (https://flic.kr/p/QKsUWq) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr

This mold is particularly large so I had to enlist the help of my boyfriend and my grandpa to flip it over.
after I tense 5 minutes of worrying about it cracking......DUNDUNDUNDUUUUUN, A SUCCESS;

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1961/30929124307_32917e62db.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/P86R6V)A09A5FA3-0C65-4C22-AACB-49EA62AF397D (https://flic.kr/p/P86R6V) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr

I still have to clean it out and I noticed upon closer inspection there are definitely air bubbles, https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4846/30929123387_ce763de8f8.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/P86QQ4)D4CFF15C-5778-40E1-A397-DDDB9B3AD7C0 (https://flic.kr/p/P86QQ4) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr, but ill take air bubbles over a crack any day!

I'll be back in a week or so when I start pouring the silicone!

[Sam is here]

nice!

[MerFaire]

That's such a great job. I've been giving thought to trying to make one for a while now. Not that specific design, but just making a tail.

[MerRaeofSunshine]

nice!
Thank you!

[MerRaeofSunshine]

That's such a great job. I've been giving thought to trying to make one for a while now. Not that specific design, but just making a tail. Thank you! And you totally should do it! I won’t lie, it’s been super frustrating at times and money/time consuming, but I feel like there is going to be something much more gratifying in making this tail versus buying one :)

[MerRaeofSunshine]

Does anyone have any advice on filling in the air bubbles in the mold? I finished cleaning out the clay and now I finally have to face them ��������

[TheMerthropologist]

You could probably fill them with plaster
Take like a little plastic to put a little mound of plaster, make a divet in it (sort of like making pasta), and add some water into it
Mix it up and once it's a nice pasty consistency (think like...mayo or yogurt?) fill the bubbles. For really small holes you can just put in on your finger and smooth it over.

The nice and annoying thing about plaster is it can be carved back into and manipulated relatively easily and as long as there's no barrier the plaster will stick to itself.

Oh! And you may want to spray your mold down first so when you put in fresh plaster the mold doesn't just immediately soak up all the moisture from it.

[MerRaeofSunshine]

You could probably fill them with plaster
Take like a little plastic to put a little mound of plaster, make a divet in it (sort of like making pasta), and add some water into it
Mix it up and once it's a nice pasty consistency (think like...mayo or yogurt?) fill the bubbles. For really small holes you can just put in on your finger and smooth it over.

The nice and annoying thing about plaster is it can be carved back into and manipulated relatively easily and as long as there's no barrier the plaster will stick to itself.

Oh! And you may want to spray your mold down first so when you put in fresh plaster the mold doesn't just immediately soak up all the moisture from it.

OMG THANK YOU!!! I hadn’t looked at my mold meticulously until I started cleaning it out and I noticed all of the tiny bubbles and nearly died :cry::cry::cry:Thankfully I have tons of plaster left over so I can do this

[TheMerthropologist]

No problem, hope it works out!

After you pour a mold, if you shake it (or the object it's resting on) the agitation can help get rid of air bubbles, pouring into your hands or down the sides can help minimize bubbles too.

You can also carve back into plaster to clean it up and add even more details that maybe you couldn't with clay!

[MerRaeofSunshine]

No problem, hope it works out!

After you pour a mold, if you shake it (or the object it's resting on) the agitation can help get rid of air bubbles, pouring into your hands or down the sides can help minimize bubbles too.

You can also carve back into plaster to clean it up and add even more details that maybe you couldn't with clay!

I meant to ask, what should spray my mold down with before I try to fill in the plaster?

[TheMerthropologist]

Oh! Water, you'll want to spray it down with plain old water!

Plaster is a very absorbent material (hence my own molds are still annoyingly damp) so if you were to put some fresh wet plaster onto fully dry plater, the dry plaster is going to want to absorb all that water and that can cause issues with setting.

[MerRaeofSunshine]

I'm sorry ive been so poor at updating this thread, (not that many people care lol), but I've made progress! I poured my first batch of silicone for one half of my fluke after a month of anxiety about doing it! And out came a perfect fluke half! https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7827/46848535061_10e39d8521_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2enQZi8)FEF0A0B8-7053-4F68-B355-F2B38E757AAF (https://flic.kr/p/2enQZi8) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr

This thing is HUUUUUUUUGE. I am actually surprised that the two cases of trail size dragon skin were enough considering the size. In total this fluke will be 8 lbs., not including the swim fins I will install after I finish the other half. Here is a picture of the fluke held up against me for reference:

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7825/39883383563_2a8e44e36d_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23LmLqc)DBE65159-7035-4C68-92E5-4B0DDAE0F395 (https://flic.kr/p/23LmLqc) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr

I'm actually in a state of disbelief that I have an actual, tangible mermaid fluke piece in my hands! I'm so close to being the mermaid I always dreamed of. My goal is to have the tail done by the end of February and have tested it's durability so that I can possibly wear it to the local pirate fest that is going on in April in my town. I'll be back with another more prompt update once I buy more silicone for the second hald and get some fins for the inside.

[SirenGita]

Amazing! When my fiance goes back to work I'll be getting some dragon skin to experiment with for flukes! How coooool!!

[MerRaeofSunshine]

Amazing! When my fiance goes back to work I'll be getting some dragon skin to experiment with for flukes! How coooool!!

Thank you! Definitely tart off with the trial sizes since it’s less costly if you mess up.

[SirenGita]

Oh yes, esp considering how expensive even the trials are o.o

[Azurin Luna]

Wow, that looks awesome! Makes me feel jealous of all those lucky enough to try and make a silicone tail :$

[MerRaeofSunshine]

Wow, that looks awesome! Makes me feel jealous of all those lucky enough to try and make a silicone tail :$
Thank you! It took me years to build up the courage to get to the point where I felt confident to make my own tail and even just making the clay sculpt was nerve-raking! But what I learned to far from this experience is if you are patient, everything will turn out exactly as planned. I am a very impatient person so I had to re-wire my brain to not think in terms of instant gratification/success and instead think of every failure as a path to it :)

[MerRaeofSunshine]

I'm currently pouring the second half of my fluke and I just ordered some Finis long fins which are what Eric used to use in older tails. I'm not sure how reliable they'll be in comparison with a full size monofin, but I feel like with this fluke in particular, I want to retain as much movement as possible and avoid the fluke looking rigid underwater. I think long fins will give that effect while still providing adequate propulsion.

Also, I'm starting to look at color options! I downloaded and printed out some of the old Mertailor color sheets and this is one of the color designs I came up with:

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7857/45959789185_158d47fdef_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2d2iW7n)D4A51F40-50AD-4322-860A-437C7F34E686 (https://flic.kr/p/2d2iW7n) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr

The base is a dark turquoise with purple and pink accents. I'm trying really hard to stay away from the typical "ariel green tail", but it's also calling my name :drool::sweat drop:. We'll see what I lean towards once I finish the scale body and put it all together haha.

[Asterism]

looking forward to seeing the rest of your progress!!!!

[MerRaeofSunshine]

looking forward to seeing the rest of your progress!!!!
Thank you for following! I just finished pulling the other half of my flukeout of the mold so I’m making some decent progress and can hopefully get his tail up and running soon :cheerleader::cheerleader::cheerleader:

[MerRaeofSunshine]

Hey guys, I'm finally back with some progress! So I finally glued the fluke haves together along with some modified Finis Long Fins in between

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7917/40315336933_2d3b5f30f9_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24qwD76)66679B01-7C6F-42AA-883F-04C7BD47FF3F (https://flic.kr/p/24qwD76) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr

The side seams were a bit messy but I'm sure that once I paint them it wont matter too much. https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7875/46556612264_1b244bafb9.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2dW3NPs)023DB2B1-4F0C-4F52-B07D-F6C8D5F7E5B0 (https://flic.kr/p/2dW3NPs) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr

I also finally started working in the scale body which I will hopefully be able to knock out this weekend. I bought flat seashells and the plan was originally to make a full silicone, individual scale mold out of Mold-Star 16. Unfortunately, mold material got underneath the shells and was essentially unusable :( https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7894/32338000717_04204ee805.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RgAGYv)41C5B049-0BB3-4E10-9FFD-B10539EC8A05 (https://flic.kr/p/RgAGYv) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr

I cut the least damaged square of scales out and I planned on attempting to use just this part until I decided to experiment with using it as a clay mold. I tested out some clay and out came a really pretty shell!

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7825/32338001257_fba3e896f5.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RgAH8P)192B8E27-9064-49CA-B36F-CF9CB850B18A (https://flic.kr/p/RgAH8P) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr

So far I've been molding all of the shells in the smallest and most clean shell mold in the silicone https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7824/46556614424_2f090381b0.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2dW3PsG)CFA7A1C2-8F06-4F77-895D-95E87FFDB04A (https://flic.kr/p/2dW3PsG) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr

Currently I'm creating a scale sheet with all of the clay shells and it's turning out beautifully! https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7912/32337999867_ff3c4ed9d4.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RgAGHR)18566DEF-5ACD-4725-AFDA-D7362C0744A4 (https://flic.kr/p/RgAGHR) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr


I don't plan on doing a large scale sheet, (even though it is more efficient and cuts down on time), simply because I don't have much storage space and storing my big fluke mold was already a HUGE hassle. I think I may stop about halfway up my wood plank which is about up to my knees. My hope is that I can finish molding these scales and pouring the silicone by the end of this weekend to that after my Disney trip next weekend I can start the painting process! Overall, my goal is to have the tail finished and tested by the end of March and so far I'm on track.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Currently I'm creating a scale sheet with all of the clay shells and it's turning out beautifully! https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7912/32337999867_ff3c4ed9d4.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RgAGHR)18566DEF-5ACD-4725-AFDA-D7362C0744A4 (https://flic.kr/p/RgAGHR) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr


Ooo! I love the natural colors of the clay seashells!

[MerRaeofSunshine]

Aren't they pretty? As I was making the clay shells I kept thinking about how nice they look! Makes me want to do a marble themed tail in the future :thinks:

[MermaidLillianna]

I can't wait to see it all done! :swoon:
It's coming along so beautifully!

[MerRaeofSunshine]

I can't wait to see it all done! :swoon:
It's coming along so beautifully!

Thank you! I’m excited to see the turn out as well! I’m surprised I made it this far haha

[SirenGita]

Wowie! Those shells look so real!

That fluke is seriously well done. The seams probably will be almost invisible if you paint it, esp with a darker or very vivid color

[LaNyah]

A little late on this, but another product that will fill in mold errors/bubbles, etc is Smooth On's "Free Form Air"
It's easy to use, starts out with the consistency of a marshmallow kinda, then dries like a rock.

[Asterism]

Can't wait for more updates on this!!!

[Merperson Danny]

Same here! I can't wait to see how this turns out for you :)

[MerRaeofSunshine]

Hey guys! I know it’s been a really long time since I’ve updated this thread but I’m finally back! Between work, school and the general hardships of life I hadn’t had time to work on this tail and so it ended up being put on the back burner. Now that I’m back in a better routine so now I can start to make some progress!

So starting off, I ended up changing some things around. The scale sheet I attempted to make previously ended up breaking apart and getting mold material underneath the clay scales. I threw it all away and ended up making it an individual scale sheet:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49584662107_e213044250.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ixCmxn)756ACB74-8D64-4408-B980-82FAEC823C14 (https://flic.kr/p/2ixCmxn) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr

I molded about 100 scales so far and I’ll see how far that’ll take me in the mean time until I get more silicone.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49584659812_295875f6c5.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ixCkRN)9C4FACA7-E5A3-4479-9204-93E2E82205E4 (https://flic.kr/p/2ixCkRN) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr

[the.tattooed.mermaid78]

Omg I'm so pleased I came across this thread. I love how you've dont the fluke and cant wait to see the finished tail. I really wanna make my own silicone tail too.

Sent from my SM-G960F using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[MerRaeofSunshine]

I also finally made my mesh body lining after avoiding it for months because i had to hand sew it :cry:
It fits pretty snug and I made it long enough that I can add a nice blended waist

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49584670972_eea9e2e89a_w.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ixCpbd)45C213BF-C894-47D8-9187-9C92765F4B80 (https://flic.kr/p/2ixCpbd) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49584657962_3d5d729461_w.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ixCkiU)29444937-2319-4D5D-B2ED-49B0A16B422F (https://flic.kr/p/2ixCkiU) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49584435871_482a2ec0d8_w.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ixBchK)5EC256BC-7B51-4BDF-AE4D-655E41B47AE3 (https://flic.kr/p/2ixBchK) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr

[MerRaeofSunshine]

Right now im working on sealing the inside of the mesh with silicone so i can begin laying down the scales when i get more dragonskin on payday.
here it is next to the body double i made which it is currently mounted on:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49584665372_eb712a65e6_w.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ixCnvE)73C3C0E0-C136-4575-AD53-2D650530887E (https://flic.kr/p/2ixCnvE) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr

Finally, I ended up removing the Flippers I had originally planned to use in the fluke, and replacing them with a Mermaid Linden monofin. I felt like the flippers wouldn't provide enough propulsion in the end and I want to make sure I can swim safely and effectively in the tail. Here is a size comparison on the two different fins types:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49584666557_40f564d27c_w.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ixCnS6)A9DDE2B1-87DA-4032-8C3C-A5DF93119CC2 (https://flic.kr/p/2ixCnS6) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr

That's all that I have for now! I will be getting more silicone next Thursday so I will make sure to update you guys as soon as I finish sealing the mesh and then laying down the scales! Also, do you think I should add additional fins anywhere? Let me know how you feel the design looks. To me, it feels a bit bland so I might end up carving up some ankle fins and possibly some hip fins.

[MerRaeofSunshine]

Omg thank you so much for the kind words! It had been a tough experience, but also incredible rewarding! The things im learning can definitely help me in my future career prospects and it makes me feel proud that i will have something that i made instead of bought! (Though there is absolutely nothing wrong with buying a tail. I plan to buy a finfolk in the future).

[the.tattooed.mermaid78]

This is really exciting. Thanks for keeping us up to date. Cant wait to see the next bit

Sent from my SM-G960F using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[MerRaeofSunshine]

Omg I'm so pleased I came across this thread. I love how you've dont the fluke and cant wait to see the finished tail. I really wanna make my own silicone tail too.

Sent from my SM-G960F using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

Omg thank you so much for the kind words! It had been a tough experience, but also incredible rewarding! The things im learning can definitely help me in my future career prospects and it makes me feel proud that i will have something that i made instead of bought! (Though there is absolutely nothing wrong with buying a tail. I plan to buy a finfolk in the future).

[MerRaeofSunshine]

Okay friends, I am back!

I bought more silicone and I ended up finishing sealing my power mesh body double and I decided to go ahead and attach it to the fluke.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49641822317_43e5046439.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2iCFjhe)0471F523-01AF-4BD4-B6D8-4B6820B396AB (https://flic.kr/p/2iCFjhe) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49646446501_21bdefe485.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2iD61Tx)9F8294C0-59F4-48B3-AC17-58AD9AAFDF52 (https://flic.kr/p/2iD61Tx) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr

starting tomorrow I’m gonna begin the process of laying down the cakes. I also decided I’m for sure going to be adding ankle fins and a waist fin so I have to buy more clay to sculpt those. We’re in the end stretch guys!

[the.tattooed.mermaid78]

Fabulous

Sent from my SM-G960F using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[Lily]

So pretty! Have you decided how you're going to paint it? (I saw your color scheme, which is GORGEOUS, I mean like what process are you going to use to get the color on there.)

[MerRaeofSunshine]

So pretty! Have you decided how you're going to paint it? (I saw your color scheme, which is GORGEOUS, I mean like what process are you going to use to get the color on there.)

Hey Lily! I actually changed the color scheme and ended up going for greens instead, but I plan to keep my original color sheet for future reference when I make another tail! I’m probably going to paint it by hand since I’m not in the position to buy a airbrush system :’( After I’m done with the scales I’m going to get some Novocs. I’ve already bought the mica pigments I’m going to be using and completed a new color sheet and I’m excited. The colors are gorgeous!;


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49652858117_0baf85f90a.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2iDDSQD)5749532D-02B0-4830-8912-B8BF695E1C10 (https://flic.kr/p/2iDDSQD) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49652853132_1e3e4eaf36.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2iDDRmG)CA6EBE71-E302-4BA9-A820-B24FDF7D7F70 (https://flic.kr/p/2iDDRmG) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr

[MerRaeofSunshine]

Also, I realized that there were some baggy places in my tail from where the duck tape double stretched out the mesh material. I’m going to have to hem the ankles, knees and waist a bit. Other than the the tail fits pretty good and feels secure!

[Lily]

Nice! I just got my first Eye Candy pigments too. They are so dang pretty. Your new color scheme is gorgeous - classic but not boring. Can't want to see it come to life!

[MerRaeofSunshine]

Nice! I just got my first Eye Candy pigments too. They are so dang pretty. Your new color scheme is gorgeous - classic but not boring. Can't want to see it come to life!

Are you documenting a new tail soon? If you do I can’t wait to see how the pigments work for you! I used your tailmaking thread a lot for reference when starting my journey and it was so helpful :) Thank you for the feedback! It’s really keeping me motivated ❤️

[Lily]

Are you documenting a new tail soon? If you do I can’t wait to see how the pigments work for you! I used your tailmaking thread a lot for reference when starting my journey and it was so helpful :) Thank you for the feedback! It’s really keeping me motivated ❤️

Aww, you're so sweet! I'm glad my thread was helpful! I don't have any plans to document a tail start to finish any time soon, but I will be hopefully reopening for tail orders next month!

[the.tattooed.mermaid78]

What pigments are you using please?
Hey Lily! I actually changed the color scheme and ended up going for greens instead, but I plan to keep my original color sheet for future reference when I make another tail! I’m probably going to paint it by hand since I’m not in the position to buy a airbrush system :’( After I’m done with the scales I’m going to get some Novocs. I’ve already bought the mica pigments I’m going to be using and completed a new color sheet and I’m excited. The colors are gorgeous!;


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49652858117_0baf85f90a.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2iDDSQD)5749532D-02B0-4830-8912-B8BF695E1C10 (https://flic.kr/p/2iDDSQD) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49652853132_1e3e4eaf36.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2iDDRmG)CA6EBE71-E302-4BA9-A820-B24FDF7D7F70 (https://flic.kr/p/2iDDRmG) by Desirae Powell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161168143@N06/), on Flickr

Sent from my SM-G960F using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[MerRaeofSunshine]

What pigments are you using please?

Sent from my SM-G960F using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)
The pigments I’m using are from a brand called Eye Candy on Amazon. The dark color is Dark Ocean Green and the lighter one is Okinawa Green.

[the.tattooed.mermaid78]

Thanks

Sent from my SM-G960F using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[TheMermaidArtemis]

I can't wait to see this finished! There's a fluke from him that he discontinued that I want to recreate

Sent from my SM-A102U using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[TheMermaidArtemis]

What clay did you use

Sent from my SM-A102U using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[MerRaeofSunshine]

I can't wait to see this finished! There's a fluke from him that he discontinued that I want to recreate

Sent from my SM-A102U using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

Thank you Artemis! What fluke are you interested in?
And as for clay I used the Plastilina Brand which is sulfur free and doesn’t dry. I used a hairdryer to heat it up which made it easier to work with and I smoothed it out with rubbing alcohol and flat paintbrushes

[TheMermaidArtemis]

Thank you Artemis! What fluke are you interested in?
And as for clay I used the Plastilina Brand which is sulfur free and doesn’t dry. I used a hairdryer to heat it up which made it easier to work with and I smoothed it out with rubbing alcohol and flat paintbrushesThe massive fluke he use to have I don't remember what it was called I'll try to upload a pic

Sent from my SM-A102U using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[xaccer2]

прот (http://audiobookkeeper.ru/book/2336)

[xaccer2]

25 (http://cottagenet.ru)

[xaccer2]

Bett (http://eyesvision.ru)

[xaccer2]

Bett (http://eyesvisions.com)

[xaccer2]

Huma (http://factoringfee.ru/t/1114099)

[xaccer2]

Henr (http://filmzones.ru/t/850473)

[xaccer2]

Огне (http://gadwall.ru/t/834012)

[xaccer2]

�луж (http://gaffertape.ru/t/1044628)

[xaccer2]

Влад (http://gageboard.ru/t/989769)

[xaccer2]

Собо (http://gagrule.ru/t/810256)

[xaccer2]

укра (http://gallduct.ru/t/1152085)

[xaccer2]

Кире (http://galvanometric.ru/t/818483)

[xaccer2]

1937 (http://gangforeman.ru/t/856953)

[xaccer2]

Nota (http://gangwayplatform.ru/t/1147092)

[xaccer2]

Tesc (http://garbagechute.ru/t/1143702)

[xaccer2]

факу (http://gardeningleave.ru/t/856540)

[xaccer2]

NX-6 (http://gascautery.ru/t/1143398)

[xaccer2]

Гайд (http://gashbucket.ru/t/503456)

[xaccer2]

Tefa (http://gasreturn.ru/t/1143703)

[xaccer2]

Четв (http://gatedsweep.ru/t/686542)

[xaccer2]

цель (http://gaugemodel.ru/t/1161091)

[xaccer2]

атмо (http://gaussianfilter.ru/t/1159419)

[xaccer2]

Deko (http://gearpitchdiameter.ru/t/925946)

[xaccer2]

Kari (http://geartreating.ru/t/918765)

[xaccer2]

иллю (http://generalizedanalysis.ru/t/847025)

[xaccer2]

ча�т (http://generalprovisions.ru/t/814023)

[xaccer2]

Davi (http://geophysicalprobe.ru/t/813682)

[xaccer2]

Щерб (http://geriatricnurse.ru/t/853759)

[xaccer2]

Пари (http://getintoaflap.ru/t/850185)

[xaccer2]

�ндр (http://getthebounce.ru/t/344550)

[xaccer2]

Gosp (http://habeascorpus.ru/t/1086489)

[xaccer2]

Крут (http://habituate.ru/t/1089537)

[xaccer2]

Кинц (http://hackedbolt.ru/t/676221)

[xaccer2]

Кобз (http://hackworker.ru/t/1109867)

[xaccer2]

Rama (http://hadronicannihilation.ru/t/1101535)

[xaccer2]

Musi (http://haemagglutinin.ru/t/1093555)

[xaccer2]

Stan (http://hailsquall.ru/t/676456)

[xaccer2]

Иллю (http://hairysphere.ru/t/812027)

[xaccer2]

Mari (http://halforderfringe.ru/t/664354)

[xaccer2]

Хова (http://halfsiblings.ru/t/848251)

[xaccer2]

Your (http://hallofresidence.ru/t/623629)

[xaccer2]

�зык (http://haltstate.ru/t/811037)

[xaccer2]

Стук (http://handcoding.ru/t/959559)

[xaccer2]

2956 (http://handportedhead.ru/t/1030151)

[xaccer2]

Evil (http://handradar.ru/t/628755)

[xaccer2]

Tada (http://handsfreetelephone.ru/t/787986)

[xaccer2]

Орли (http://hangonpart.ru/t/832188)

[xaccer2]

Love (http://haphazardwinding.ru/t/566142)

[xaccer2]

Jewe (http://hardalloyteeth.ru/t/566478)

[xaccer2]

Arkt (http://hardasiron.ru/t/567644)

[xaccer2]

Craz (http://hardenedconcrete.ru/t/628936)

[xaccer2]

Alis (http://harmonicinteraction.ru/t/744354)

[xaccer2]

Fisk (http://hartlaubgoose.ru/t/573836)

[xaccer2]

Мазу (http://hatchholddown.ru/t/672222)

[xaccer2]

авто (http://haveafinetime.ru/t/837641)

[xaccer2]

муль (http://hazardousatmosphere.ru/t/639077)

[xaccer2]

Сидо (http://headregulator.ru/t/1002138)

[xaccer2]

Фитц (http://heartofgold.ru/t/1375052)

[xaccer2]

Beau (http://heatageingresistance.ru/t/565782)

[xaccer2]

Емел (http://heatinggas.ru/t/1187758)

[xaccer2]

Sela (http://heavydutymetalcutting.ru/t/1181914)

[xaccer2]

Sela (http://jacketedwall.ru/t/605794)

[xaccer2]

forb (http://japanesecedar.ru/t/608027)

[xaccer2]

Kenn (http://jibtypecrane.ru/t/671825)

[xaccer2]

U-06 (http://jobabandonment.ru/t/635952)

[xaccer2]

Elec (http://jobstress.ru/t/629738)

[xaccer2]

Ð*ека (http://jogformation.ru/t/672055)

[xaccer2]

Vogu (http://jointcapsule.ru/t/1142352)

[xaccer2]

Vogu (http://jointsealingmaterial.ru/t/1147231)

[xaccer2]

Roma (http://journallubricator.ru/t/905488)

[xaccer2]

Сере (http://juicecatcher.ru/t/917826)

[xaccer2]

Vent (http://junctionofchannels.ru/t/1179819)

[xaccer2]

Зино (http://justiciablehomicide.ru/t/1181288)

[xaccer2]

Karl (http://juxtapositiontwin.ru/t/1024089)

[xaccer2]

Ерма (http://kaposidisease.ru/t/1016723)

[xaccer2]

Проц (http://keepagoodoffing.ru/t/834304)

[xaccer2]

Zone (http://keepsmthinhand.ru/t/611390)

[xaccer2]

Deep (http://kentishglory.ru/t/1182540)

[xaccer2]

Спа� (http://kerbweight.ru/t/1014478)

[xaccer2]

Zone (http://kerrrotation.ru/t/607989)

[xaccer2]

Zone (http://keymanassurance.ru/t/610415)

[xaccer2]

Silv (http://keyserum.ru/t/1180348)

[xaccer2]

Migu (http://kickplate.ru/t/781130)

[xaccer2]

пред (http://killthefattedcalf.ru/t/882237)

[xaccer2]

Смир (http://kilowattsecond.ru/t/669971)

[xaccer2]

Tris (http://kingweakfish.ru/t/760152)

[xaccer2]

прик (http://kinozones.ru/film/2336)

[xaccer2]

Топо (http://kleinbottle.ru/t/672307)

[xaccer2]

Bera (http://kneejoint.ru/t/674011)

[xaccer2]

Stev (http://knifesethouse.ru/t/1073656)

[xaccer2]

01-2 (http://knockonatom.ru/t/609100)

[xaccer2]

Кита (http://knowledgestate.ru/t/676181)

[xaccer2]

Emil (http://kondoferromagnet.ru/t/771522)

[xaccer2]

Zone (http://labeledgraph.ru/t/1193874)

[xaccer2]

Корш (http://laborracket.ru/t/882027)

[xaccer2]

Ва�к (http://labourearnings.ru/t/1242476)

[xaccer2]

Кита (http://labourleasing.ru/t/911151)

[xaccer2]

Zone (http://laburnumtree.ru/t/1190041)

[xaccer2]

Zone (http://lacingcourse.ru/t/1188293)

[xaccer2]

Zone (http://lacrimalpoint.ru/t/1187476)

[xaccer2]

Zone (http://lactogenicfactor.ru/t/1186286)

[xaccer2]

фиан (http://lacunarycoefficient.ru/t/1183763)

[xaccer2]

Жарк (http://ladletreatediron.ru/t/857471)

[xaccer2]

Карч (http://laggingload.ru/t/1047344)

[xaccer2]

Zone (http://laissezaller.ru/t/1191335)

[xaccer2]

�обо (http://lambdatransition.ru/t/865260)

[xaccer2]

Соде (http://laminatedmaterial.ru/t/1044949)

[xaccer2]

Кра� (http://lammasshoot.ru/t/1055055)

[xaccer2]

Chet (http://lamphouse.ru/t/1184480)

[xaccer2]

Бона (http://lancecorporal.ru/t/1049976)

[xaccer2]

�тра (http://lancingdie.ru/t/883429)

[xaccer2]

Малю (http://landingdoor.ru/t/986839)

[xaccer2]

ПЗЛ- (http://landmarksensor.ru/t/1184173)

[xaccer2]

Zone (http://landreform.ru/t/1186367)

[xaccer2]

PURE (http://landuseratio.ru/t/1184684)

[xaccer2]

Zone (http://languagelaboratory.ru/t/1190503)

[xaccer2]

шкат (http://largeheart.ru/shop/1159946)

[xaccer2]

розе (http://lasercalibration.ru/shop/151949)

[xaccer2]

Doub (http://laserlens.ru/lase_zakaz/188)

[xaccer2]

откр (http://laserpulse.ru/shop/589150)

[xaccer2]

Прои (http://laterevent.ru/shop/1030402)

[xaccer2]

Hotp (http://latrinesergeant.ru/shop/452672)

[xaccer2]

Myst (http://layabout.ru/shop/99503)

[xaccer2]

прое (http://leadcoating.ru/shop/23930)

[xaccer2]

Серг (http://leadingfirm.ru/shop/66876)

[xaccer2]

Rage (http://learningcurve.ru/shop/181166)

[xaccer2]

Chic (http://leaveword.ru/shop/145034)

[xaccer2]

Кра� (http://machinesensible.ru/shop/69705)

[xaccer2]

Cult (http://magneticequator.ru/shop/194442)

[xaccer2]

Прои (http://magnetotelluricfield.ru/shop/145604)

[xaccer2]

�рти (http://mailinghouse.ru/shop/54205)

[xaccer2]

вход (http://majorconcern.ru/shop/268006)

[xaccer2]

CS37 (http://mammasdarling.ru/shop/146348)

[xaccer2]

Сы�о (http://managerialstaff.ru/shop/159177)

[xaccer2]

ARAG (http://manipulatinghand.ru/shop/612939)

[xaccer2]

Paix (http://manualchoke.ru/shop/468229)

[xaccer2]

боле (http://medinfobooks.ru/book/2336)

[xaccer2]

Coun (http://mp3lists.ru/item/2336)

[xaccer2]

Vali (http://nameresolution.ru/shop/144743)

[xaccer2]

Slin (http://naphtheneseries.ru/shop/103900)

[xaccer2]

Bead (http://narrowmouthed.ru/shop/448957)

[xaccer2]

неза (http://nationalcensus.ru/shop/155016)

[xaccer2]

Кита (http://naturalfunctor.ru/shop/17394)

[xaccer2]

упак (http://navelseed.ru/shop/100457)

[xaccer2]

Sale (http://neatplaster.ru/shop/123295)

[xaccer2]

Auto (http://necroticcaries.ru/shop/27124)

[xaccer2]

wwwd (http://negativefibration.ru/shop/175999)

[xaccer2]

Unit (http://neighbouringrights.ru/shop/97697)

[xaccer2]

Фред (http://objectmodule.ru/shop/108104)

[xaccer2]

supe (http://observationballoon.ru/shop/446489)

[xaccer2]

Phil (http://obstructivepatent.ru/shop/97990)

[xaccer2]

штан (http://oceanmining.ru/shop/457871)

[xaccer2]

Plan (http://octupolephonon.ru/shop/1149746)

[xaccer2]

Quie (http://offlinesystem.ru/shop/147365)

[xaccer2]

XVII (http://offsetholder.ru/shop/199307)

[xaccer2]

�уди (http://olibanumresinoid.ru/shop/30691)

[xaccer2]

XVII (http://onesticket.ru/shop/378722)

[xaccer2]

Erro (http://packedspheres.ru/shop/578927)

[xaccer2]

Дзик (http://pagingterminal.ru/shop/585640)

[xaccer2]

ЛитÐ* (http://palatinebones.ru/shop/201065)

[xaccer2]

ЛитÐ* (http://palmberry.ru/shop/204313)

[xaccer2]

ЛитÐ* (http://papercoating.ru/shop/580126)

[xaccer2]

ЛитÐ* (http://paraconvexgroup.ru/shop/684395)

[xaccer2]

Форм (http://parasolmonoplane.ru/shop/1165736)

[xaccer2]

(ГИТ (http://parkingbrake.ru/shop/1165802)

[xaccer2]

Step (http://partfamily.ru/shop/1067413)

[xaccer2]

Ð*льÑ� (http://partialmajorant.ru/shop/1167519)

[xaccer2]

�нге (http://quadrupleworm.ru/shop/154223)

[xaccer2]

Emil (http://qualitybooster.ru/shop/153942)

[xaccer2]

Harr (http://quasimoney.ru/shop/593316)

[xaccer2]

Piog (http://quenchedspark.ru/shop/586721)

[xaccer2]

Norr (http://quodrecuperet.ru/shop/124671)

[xaccer2]

Бари (http://rabbetledge.ru/shop/1070381)

[xaccer2]

Pain (http://radialchaser.ru/shop/124427)

[xaccer2]

Голу (http://radiationestimator.ru/shop/80735)

[xaccer2]

ADHD (http://railwaybridge.ru/shop/336996)

[xaccer2]

Bori (http://randomcoloration.ru/shop/508938)

[xaccer2]

поль (http://rapidgrowth.ru/shop/634933)

[xaccer2]

Jean (http://rattlesnakemaster.ru/shop/127281)

[xaccer2]

Davi (http://reachthroughregion.ru/shop/125735)

[xaccer2]

Worl (http://readingmagnifier.ru/shop/171131)

[xaccer2]

Завг (http://rearchain.ru/shop/336743)

[xaccer2]

Хаки (http://recessioncone.ru/shop/512563)

[xaccer2]

�тер (http://recordedassignment.ru/shop/14156)

[xaccer2]

Patr (http://rectifiersubstation.ru/shop/1047186)

[xaccer2]

Соде (http://redemptionvalue.ru/shop/1058503)

[xaccer2]

Step (http://reducingflange.ru/shop/1067840)

[xaccer2]

Stei (http://referenceantigen.ru/shop/1692245)

[xaccer2]

Кузн (http://regeneratedprotein.ru/shop/1208113)

[xaccer2]

Соро (http://reinvestmentplan.ru/shop/120655)

[xaccer2]

авто (http://safedrilling.ru/shop/1320139)

[xaccer2]

Lise (http://sagprofile.ru/shop/1034957)

[xaccer2]

Меде (http://salestypelease.ru/shop/1064243)