Swimmable Shell Tops

[HBMermaid_Angela]

Hi, I don't know if anyone has asked this, but does anyone know where I can order a swimable shell top? Do any of you make them? Thank you!

[Mermaid Star]

I just started making my own. It still isn't finished, BUt I think anyone can make them! There are several places that sell lions paws for pretty cheap. I just attached my shells to a bra with a marine sealant. You can use a household aquarium sealant as well. I will post what I used and hopefully it will help you in your quest. It is much cheaper to make your own as well.

Here are most of the things I used for my top. I also added a string of shells as well. Careful, the sealant in this picture dries white and may or may not be good for the environment. It is used for boat hauls and because of this is meant for use in the water and is very strong. (which is why I chose it)

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/284075_10150328164270289_503510288_9728072_4334593 _n.jpg


Here is another sealant I used that dries clear and is safe for Fresh and Saltwater fish!

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/283823_10150340754360289_503510288_9867602_670993_ n.jpg

And my top so far. I still need to add more shells to the top and on the straps and such. This is not an original design. I drew from many mers in the community along with costumes I work with at work at Disney and a little bit of my imagination thrown in.

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/226175_10150340752820289_503510288_9867581_703594_ n.jpg

And one more to show more detail.

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/216677_10150340752900289_503510288_9867582_7207833 _n.jpg

Hope that helps!

If you have any questions that I know the answer to, I would be happy to help!

Star

[Blaze]

Love that top Star!

[Winged Mermaid]

Awesome top Star! :highfive: Gotta LOVE Michaels! I love that type of "seaweed" myself and have bought lots of it :P
You can DIY a top like that (bra based) or drill holes in it and have hemp ties, or glue the shells to netting and use the netting as ties. Lots of options. You can also use Gorilla glue for that if you have it around.

Buying them is a bit more expensive. The Mertailor charges $58.30 for a hemp and shell bra. Merfolk Tails (Foxmoon Productions) also sells real shell and hemp tops for $50. I think these prices are pretty ridiculous considering how cheap they are to make.

If you're looking at tops for cheaper price and/or with a bit more personality several people in the community make seashell tops. Cydney (Splash of Magic Etsy (http://www.etsy.com/shop/SplashOfMagic)) makes really nice tops! See in her FB Page galleries HERE (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.125065244241590.31804.125049947576453&type=1) and HERE (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.145205028894278.37501.125049947576453&type=1). She doesn't have anything listed on her Etsy right now but she does custom top orders. Raven also makes some amazing tops! She can do regular or bra based and takes custom orders- Etsy: Strange Cup Of Tea (http://www.etsy.com/shop/StrangeCupOfTea).

[AniaR]

you guys get way cooler stuff at your michaels than we do! I tried 3 times to make a top. Once with pasties, once with a strapless bra, once with a triangle bikini. Then I gave up and hired Raven to make one for me. lol

[HBMermaid_Angela]

WOW!! That is beautiful!! I have thought about just using the lion's paw shells since I am not that well blessed in the top department (if ya know what I mean), but I just don't know if that would be comfortable to swim in. I may have to start getting artsy and try your design. I am just blown away by how wonderful it is!

[HBMermaid_Angela]

winged....i don't think I will order from those sights...I love Mermaid Raven and Mermaid Cydney's items...If I fail at making my own...i will ask them! THANK YOU EVERYONE!

[meremily]

does someone here knows if i glued a starfish on alex plus silicone bra with e-6000 glue , when i swim will the star fall or worse tear the silicone? thanks

[Thelma]

Do NOT get natural sea stars wet. They will start to stink and fall apart. Dried sea stars are pretty much just dried dead fish. :/

[RêveD'eau]

639640641642643 newest tops for a client. They will not be using these in water. The 1st, 4th, and 5th would be fine for water. The 2nd and 3rd have natural animals that would either fall apart or become damaged if gotten wet. Working on a new way to make bra based tops without glue. I'll let you know how that goes (;. Thanks Winged Mermaid!!! :)

[meremily]

oh thanks. since its the only starfish ive got, i figured i cover it with silicone on both side and then stick in , maybe this way it will not stink or fall apart.

[mermaid hannah]

oh those are amazing! i love the first, second and last top. could you make the second swimmable? how much do you pay for one of these? there amazing!

[Mermaid Jewel]

Those are amazing! I love the first one! How much would it be to buy one? :D

[Mermaid Star]

Wow! I just found this topic again. Thank you for all of the complements. :) Everyone's tips look so great! I am sure you will do very well angela

[Mermaid Saphira]

I made a shell top with lion paw shells and pearls on a bra that can be worn in the water if your interested : )
PS: I'll try and find a picture tonight...

1741

[Anita Mermaid]

Jeez your tops are beautiful. And I didn't recognize your username. HI!!!!! This is Anita. Uh. Is starfish a bad thing? (referring to my top)

[taom]

Well, since they we once alive but are now dried, when you put them in water they rehydrate and begin to decay. Same with sand dollars and other real marine life.