Making my own! Yay

[AniaR]

So, as some of you know I have a few illnesses, one of them is a neurological disorder that acts a lot like MS. So I have a lot of problems with my fine motor and pain in my hands. I decided I wanted to start trying to make my own mermaid accessories- sort of a personal goal. I bought the materials from Michaels tonight and I made my first pair of earrings! I also fixed up a necklace Raven had made me and replaced some plants that had broken off a while ago.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/398302_407090172659065_183327321702019_1254680_184 0111096_n.jpg

opening and closing the jumpers was hard, and Im still not happy with the wires I did for the pearls. So I'll probably still tinker with them a bit, and I may add a few light beads that are orange if they don't make it too heavy. Anyway, I'm going to make a belt too, I'll make a post with those too if it works.

[Aradia]

Woo! Congrats Raina, those look lovely. Its always nice to see someone crafting their own gear :)

[SeaNymph]

Hi, well done, they look very sweet. I love mermaid jewellery, especially when things fit together like your plants and perls. I look forward to see your future belt...

[babsannee]

That's so inspiring! and beautiful. you should try selling some! I know I would buy some.

[AniaR]

thanks for the vote of confidence. I dont think I could sell, simply because I'd be more comfortable making things at my own pace and not being worried too much if they come out a little messy lol

[courtneymermaid]

Very beautiful! Lovely work Raina!

[Mermaid Star]

Yay!!! You did great!

[Mermaid Lorelei]

I dont think I could sell, simply because I'd be more comfortable making things at my own pace and not being worried too much if they come out a little messy lol

Don't let that be all that stops you, hun. I don't make pieces very quickly, (nor usually up to my unreasonably high standards) but people still show interest in them. I think you'd do great selling as long as you went at your own pace. :>

[Mermaid Dottie]

Sweet!

[AniaR]

process pics of making a belt!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/533062_408772502490832_183327321702019_1258749_143 2065196_n.jpg

I bought the netting while I was in Florida, the shells Ive collected, and I got the plants from Michael's fake plant department and I just cut them up. The beads and pearls are a recycled necklace that broke, and a bracelet that too :( but I hung on to all the pieces! I coated the shells inside and out in silicone and let them dry so they'd be less likely to break and chip, I used small and large jump hoops (though my hands dont wanna work the large ones I relied on the small ones) and I really struggled with tying off the end of the wire I used to thread everything.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/398328_408772572490825_183327321702019_1258750_171 9749052_n.jpg

my BF drilled holes through the shells (before I siliconed them) with a dremel. (sp?) and I kinda got frustrated with all the tiny hoops and wire so I started just threading stuff right through the shells

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/541266_408772642490818_183327321702019_1258751_156 7158510_n.jpg

I used a variety of colour, shape, and sizes with the shells

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/163303_408772715824144_1368291784_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/540216_408772742490808_183327321702019_1258753_200 764009_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/521521_408772809157468_183327321702019_1258754_199 8969814_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/575308_408772889157460_183327321702019_1258755_876 631677_n.jpg

they aren't aquarium plants, just some ones that were on sale and came in a big bag so I took em apart.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/541104_408772945824121_183327321702019_1258756_703 375800_n.jpg

finished for now. I left a bit of space at the top because I tend to roll the netting down a bit to help make it tight enough and tie it easier. I may add more, Im not sure yet. Testing it out tomorrow at a mer-gig :D along with the earrings and now repaired necklace.

[LittleTreasure]

Nice job! It's really cool that you're adding those broken pieces of jewelry onto the belt - it gives it a bit of a backstory you know? It's really sweet.

[Kanti]

Super cute!
Bah I'm so bad at making jewelery and junk xD
Looks like you have a knack for it though! Looks great! :'D

I assume you got the netting from a craft store right? o_o
I got some at Michael's once, but it was some sort of seasonal thing.
Haven't been able to find anymore since!

[ShyMer]

Here's some netting- 20 by 8 inches for 14 dollars on amazon (http://www.amazon.com/20x8-Fish-Great-Wedding-Decor/dp/B00136NAD4). There's a bunch of sizes and prices there that I didn't really look at. Joanne's (http://www.joann.com/decorative-fish-net/prd39467/)and ACMoore (http://www.acmoore.com/p-30086-decorative-fish-net-approximate-size-200-square-inches.aspx)both have a 200 square inch pack listed on their website for around five sixty or something. Joanne's specifically says it's only available online, but I don't see if ACMoore carries it in store or not. I couldn't find anything on Michaels site for netting.

[AniaR]

I assume you got the netting from a craft store right? o_o
I got some at Michael's once, but it was some sort of seasonal thing.
Haven't been able to find anymore since!

Actually, I got it at a touristy shop in Florida but I couldnt tell ya which one lol. I tried buying some at art stores here first but none had it except one and only had a small piece :/

[Mermaid Sirena]

Those look beautiful!

[Mermaid Rillia]

That belt is beautiful Raina! Keep up the amazing work. :)

[AniaR]

the earrings and necklace held up at a gig, the belt did not! Coating them in silicone certainly helped, but my main problem was pieces of the plants actually broke off a lot!!!

[ShyMer]

that's kinda disappointing :( did they break because of the shape of the plants, the way they were attached, or something?

[Prince Calypso]

They're amazing.
can't wait to see more

[AniaR]

yeah i think it was the way they were shaped, easy to break off :( a lot of the seashells crushed too even coated in silicone. the silicone just helped there not be a million little pieces.

[~Molly~]

AniaR---LIKE! i think its a neat look to have a spray of grasses coming from out behind the shell. looks good. as far as breaking shells...anyone try dipping shells in acrylic???

everyone else--if you seriously want some netting like AniaR is using i could check into getting some. i live by one of those "small towns" and can price out pieces and ship to you.-no extra fees of course.

MermaidHaru--MS stands for Multiple sclerosis.

[ShyMer]

Also did they actually break or just come apart? After looking at the plants again I see that they look like they have those funny joints that easily pull off, though I have no idea what you'd call that. How did the connectors hold up?

[AniaR]

the connectors on the plant were the parts that broke. Only a few of the joints actually broke.

[AniaR]

did some work on my belt tonight, took all the plants that fell off and broke off and put them on a bit better, cut some of the longer ones down so they'd be less likely to come off. Put some more shells on- didnt bother siliconing them this time I figure they break either way I just gotta remember to be careful. Recycled some beads and feathers (tested the feathers earlier to see how they held up getting wet them see to be okay, thought it would be unique) and really just added a lot more stuff to fill it out.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/168887_426212060746876_229746781_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/535717_426212164080199_482555063_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/165918_426212110746871_183327321702019_1302355_102 3694109_n.jpg

I also tried making some hair clips with the left over star from my recycled necklace and a shell. They look cool but didnt end up being too practical they dont stay in very well. Oh well, lessoned learned, Im proud of making them anyway

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/246525_426212184080197_2020616560_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/398885_426212227413526_533527186_n.jpg

[Mermaid Saphira]

Beautiful Job! :D

[SeaVixen]

Oh yeah beach gift shops are the best places to get mermaid type things like netting and shells and I think I've even seen fake seaweed in bags. I made a "lame" seashell necklace (before I got a chance to buy my beautiful Raven pieces) and got the necklace part and shells I added to it from a gift shop when I was at the beach here where I live. I just drilled holes in the shells and used fishing line to tie them onto the necklace. Wasn't real pretty though which is why I bought Raven masterpieces so I feel like a real mermaid and also had to buy one of her amazing tops to complete the part and then my tail got all ghetto and so once again I'm half mer (stuck a human with legs) :mad:. Raven is just saving me all around from accessories to top and then later tail! She's hooking a mer up! So thankful for her!!!! I wish money grew on trees! I would pluck a few thousand off right now

[Mermaid Jewel]

If you tie a little ponytail in your hair then clip the clip into it, it'll stay a whole lot better! I use that technique to put my gypsy/pirate hair beads in and I wore them all day and they stayed!

Also, with the jump rings, do you use two pliers to pry them apart? I open a lot of jump rings (I make necklaces to sell and etc.) and I used to use only one pair of pliers, and I seriously got the worst little bruises on my fingers from holding them. The two pliers are way easier and might be helpful if you're not already doing so :D

Your belt looks amazing though :) I hope you can find a way to not shatter seashells continuously xD

[Lyna]

siliconing seashells.....k, apparently i need help. i LOVE LOVE LOVE how my first attempt top ame out. it's gorgeous (as seen in avatar) buuuuut.....as i was making it, i kept going wow...i really should have wased these or something first...i hope the glue holds...cuz they let off a bit of white powder. seems fine. but i have never heard of siliconing. i'm assuming you paint it on? what kind of product is it?

[AniaR]

yeah I painted it on, just get a clear quick drying silicone caulk from your local hardware store

BUT I will say I have lost just about every shell I put on this thing, everything else stays on but even siliconing they still end up breaking or falling off no matter how careful I am.

[Lyna]

good to know. i already went and bought some. :) thinking of making a mermaid "anklet" lol. like a belt to drape my fluke. ive been buying craft supplies nonstop for an epic self made mer-drobe

[Lyna]

p.s.. should i wash and dry the shells before applying the silicone?

[AniaR]

nah

[Lyna]

the silicone after all night is still tacky feeling and it should have been fully dry in 3 hours. so....i'm headed back to the store.

[Lyna]

new silicone substitute has much longer drying time, but so far happier with the results. kind of a pain in the butt...so i'm thinking....why bother? also made another order to get back to the drawing board on this belt. everything i've tried to accomplish my design with the netting i have has failed. and ive done 4 trips to the store in 2 days for more and more stuff to make jewelry. agh....i should be working! but i can't. because i'm too preoccupied with my mermaid love and prepping wardrobes for photoshoots for whne i finally get my tail and transform for the first time in my life into what i've spent my life wanting to become: A MERMAID!!

[AniaR]

you should start your own thread and document the process with photos :)

[Sea Specter]

Do you have any tips about how to keep metal from rusting in the water?

[Mermaid Celissa]

Get some stainless steel, it doesn't rust

[Sea Specter]

I have this pair of earrings shaped like starfish that are silver - I've thought about putting a coat of clear nail polish on them, but I don't want to ruin them, is there anything for that?

[AniaR]

they're pewter

[AniaR]

Made some more things!!!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/574699_462423347125747_1434336330_n.jpg
^ Upcycled extralong mermaid chain features plastic burgundy beads, plastic ocean plants, 1 large and 2 small sea shells, and netting. This design is intended to be long and hangs down the stomach. Can be worn in the water. For sale in the future

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/428816_462423403792408_1091170646_n.jpg
^ Pearl blast upcycled earrings. Featuring multi-sized pearls, and longer fuller plants. For sale in the future.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/578936_462423417125740_1269792061_n.jpg

^ upcycled beaded choker featuring sea plants and medium shell. For sale in the future.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/264702_462452057122876_1546257198_n.jpg

^ a headband mermaid crown for a new mermaid who will be revealed soon. A strong wide headband, recycled beads and pearls are varying sizes, tiny glass multicloloured beads, a starfish, many shells, netting, wood pieces, and sea grass. This item is not for sale, but handbands/crowns will be for sale in the future.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/603396_462452097122872_642115103_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/386947_462452113789537_161745859_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/420037_462452150456200_429012131_n.jpg

The crown was very much inspired by the one lexi made me. It's really the only thing I had to work with. I liked the idea of having a starfish on the side, and this will be for someone close to me. This way we'll have sorta matching headbands but still unique.

[SilverSiren]

I dunno if it would help, so just a suggestion, but have you ever tried those little gloves they sell at JoAnns that help people with joint pain? They are like these little stretchy gloves that massage your hands when you move them. I gave a pair to my mother in law cause she has debilitating arthritis and she uses them for days she want to get more use out of her hands without so much pain. They may work for you? Worth a try?

[AniaR]

I didnt know they existed. We sadly dont have a joannes here

[AniaR]

what do people think are reasonable prices for me to sell things?
Materials are expensive here, we ONLY have michaels. A few things I can get from our dollarama but I dont want things that are too cheap they break.

-plastic plants are insanely expensive in my opinion. I've tried shopping around or waiting for sales, and it ends up being just as expensive to buy online when it comes to fees and shipping. I paid 20$ for a small, I derno what you'd call it, bushel?
-beads I try to buy on sale, but a lot of the time I cant and try to stick around the packs that are 4-5$
-Shells I can buy filler ones that are unusable for anything else from the dollar store
-the big shells are 30$ a bag, or 5-15$ for individuals depending on the shells. I go to beaches to collect some but we dont have big variety here
-starfish are 6-12$ each depending on size , bigger ones are like 15$
-the jewellery pieces I need (hoops, clasps, etc) range from 4.99-10.00 a pack.
-glue for gluegun is about 5$ a pack if I get it on sale

I did have to go out and buy all the tools, I spend a lot of time searching for things I can upcycle, and these things can take a long time to make with my hands.

I see people selling online things for like 5$ and that just seems way too low for me.

What do you suggest?

Earrings- minimalist style
Earrings- elaborate
Belt- Minimal
Belt- Elaborate
necklace- upcycled small
necklace- upcycled large
necklace- original small
necklace- original large
Crowns
bracelets

I'm also going to be offering screen painted tights with mermaid scales, doing all the screen printing by hand. I can sometimes get deals on tights like 4 for 15$ or something along that line, and I'll be doing the same on recycled shirts to try and keep costs low.

Suggestions?

[SilverSiren]

I didnt know they existed. We sadly dont have a joannes here

I would be more than happy to send you a pair for Christmas. Or if someone wants to, send them to AniaR now if you like. I wont be in the states till Christmas, so, yeah. :)

[AniaR]

I made some more!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/319328_462747323760016_376496199_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/524358_462747293760019_1643679275_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/559113_462747253760023_595626075_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/422451_462747227093359_1889169029_n.jpg

brand new earrings I just made. Extra spiney shells inlaid with a single pearl in each, embellished with tiny yellow and white glass beads, and sea grass. They're hanging earrings and they were super hard to make because of how difficult it was to drill them! These are a prototype- I learned a few things. I think I'll make some in a variety of colours to match a variety of tails :)

[AniaR]

made some more

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/418755_464167643617984_307142545_n.jpg

I made this necklace to look similar to a necklace Mermaid Raven's Etsy (https://www.facebook.com/MerBellaStudios) made me. It has the same design e.g. shell in middle, shell on each end, plants, but I added my own unique touches by changing the shells and adding netting. it's meant to match the necklace I wear, as it's for my sister. Just like being sisters, we share things in common and in other ways we are different.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/558444_464167693617979_1249800753_n.jpg

upcycled black market freshwater pearl bracelet. Feature a trio of different shells and sea plants.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/527006_464167713617977_1866039584_n.jpg

[Mermaid Arianna]

Raina those are so gorgeous! All of them! :D

[Lyna]

i really need more motivation. and more money for supplies.

[AniaR]

Just finished making this belt for my sister, Mermaid Ama

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/533483_510660988968649_744532622_n.jpg

It's an upcycled belt :)

[-Annwyn-]

I derno what you'd call it, bushel?


A Bushel is around 9 gallons. That's quite a lot.

I suppose in collective terms for plants, real or synthetic, it'd be bunch, bouquet, posy, etc...

[Ariel-Starfish]

Do you have an etsy shop? <3 Or any webshop to buy any of these items?

[Mermaid Jewel]

I love all of them Raina! :) I would certainly buy something :D

[Ariel-Starfish]

Like I mentioned before: I would basicly buy all your stuff! It's just to gorgeus and just the things I'm looking fir! <3

[AniaR]

yeah it's all pretty much fallen apart and needed to be repaired a bunch. I don't think I could sell something knowing it wouldn't last. So I'll just keep working away and see if I can come up with the magic formula

[Mermaid Danielle]

Beautiful!

[drucilla]

Those are all so beautiful!

[Lotus]

that belt is wicked cool, Raina!