Finally starting my tail.

[Dacora]

Ok so I got my swim fin a few days ago, finis wave. I wanted to do a goldfish tail, mostly inspired by two of my goldfish and a calico goldfish.
The tips of red came from my Ryukin, Kyro.
http://i508.photobucket.com/albums/s323/dakotak_01/IMG_2612.jpg

The white came from my lionhead, Shiro.
http://i508.photobucket.com/albums/s323/dakotak_01/IMG_2048.jpg

Calico goldfish are any breed of goldfish with a red,white and black color combination. I don't have a picture of one but they are easy to find on google.

Here is the final design of the tail.
http://i508.photobucket.com/albums/s323/dakotak_01/IMG-1.png

The tail will be neoprene with shiny paint.
So Im not sure if I should get a white neoprene or a light gray neoprene. Im not sure how I would make the scales stand out with white on white, Im going to hand paint the scales on the neoprene. Suggestions and tips on anything are welcome. Also the black around the white scales will not stay stay, it was just an outline.

Thank you draggersprez for the template you posted.
http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?1917-free-tail-template!%E2%99%A5

[Mermaid Narina]

Thats a gorgeous design! Its really original, i dont think i have ever seen one like that before!! Well done :D Cant wait to see how it turns out!!!

[MerEmma]

Wow, I love the design!

[Ashe]

Really pretty! Love the colors on it. What do you plan on making it out of? And is your avatar based off of your lion head goldfish? :)

[MermaidIvy]

Can't wait to see the tail! The plan looks amazing, and im sure the tail will too! Good Luck & Keep us posted! :)

[ShyMer]

I think your thought about using gray neoprene to help the white paint show up is a good choice. If I were you, I'd also closely examine some pictures of scales to see how the light works. Depending on your painting skill level and how much effort you want to put into each individual scale, you could do flat patches of color (which would look fine) or try to mimic the way the light bends on a fish scale with blending.

Also, Celine has progress photos (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?2487-Another-quot-How-I-made-my-neoprene-tail-quot-thread) of her neoprene tail while she painted it, and the thing I really liked about what she did is the shading on the sides of her tail. Before she painted all of her scales, she put on a long base of a darker color on the thigh area. This helped to add some depth and make it more interesting than a bunch of scales painted with the same colors. It's just something to think about.

I also like how you showed the patches of color. Based on what I see, I think you know anyway, but try to mix the scale colors together some. For example, the black scales should be scattered in with the red areas some. You wouldn't want it to be too uniform though. Try putting some black scales closer together in some parts, but maybe leaving them out entirely in others. This will help to create movement in your design so the eye doesn't just settle in one place.

Like I said, I think you know that already, but I thought I'd point it out anyway, if anything for other people who might be wondering how to pull off colors like that.

I look forward to seeing progress photos!

[Morticia Mermaid]

Thats going to be really pretty. Can't wait to see pics of it finished :)

[Dacora]

Really pretty! Love the colors on it. What do you plan on making it out of? And is your avatar based off of your lion head goldfish? :)

Yes it is. :) They are called fancy goldfish so I gave him a top hot to make him fancy. XD


I think your thought about using gray neoprene to help the white paint show up is a good choice. If I were you, I'd also closely examine some pictures of scales to see how the light works. Depending on your painting skill level and how much effort you want to put into each individual scale, you could do flat patches of color (which would look fine) or try to mimic the way the light bends on a fish scale with blending.

Also, Celine has progress photos (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?2487-Another-quot-How-I-made-my-neoprene-tail-quot-thread) of her neoprene tail while she painted it, and the thing I really liked about what she did is the shading on the sides of her tail. Before she painted all of her scales, she put on a long base of a darker color on the thigh area. This helped to add some depth and make it more interesting than a bunch of scales painted with the same colors. It's just something to think about.

I also like how you showed the patches of color. Based on what I see, I think you know anyway, but try to mix the scale colors together some. For example, the black scales should be scattered in with the red areas some. You wouldn't want it to be too uniform though. Try putting some black scales closer together in some parts, but maybe leaving them out entirely in others. This will help to create movement in your design so the eye doesn't just settle in one place.

Like I said, I think you know that already, but I thought I'd point it out anyway, if anything for other people who might be wondering how to pull off colors like that.

I look forward to seeing progress photos!

I liked the way Celine did it as well, I would like to try the way she did the shading. I would have to practice at that first. I'm not very comfortable in my painting skill yet. But luckily I have live fish models for shading and such!!

Oh yes I know that about the black scales, I messed up a few times with the black scales on the drawing, adding to much or to little in some places so that's why it looks like that so I just went with it for now. I'm glad you pointed it out though. :)

Thanks you guys!! I will definitely update as I progress. Just gotta find neoprene now. XD

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[Dacora]

So I want the fluke to look more mermaid like without cutting the mono fin itself and have it stay solid when it comes out of the water but still have a bit of floppiness in the water. I have read that plastic binders and duct tape work well but I have also read that the neoprene itself would be sturdy enough that it wouldn't fall over. Is that true? Should I still use the binder and duct tape or can I just leave the neoprene?

[Koral]

Hey sugar, Jade modified the end of her swimfin, and said it's holding up great thus far. I would try it if I wasn't so thrilled with Oceanika.

Go have a look!

http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?2548-First-time-tailmaking-Jade-s-attempt&p=38039&viewfull=1#post38039

[Dacora]

Hey sugar, Jade modified the end of her swimfin, and said it's holding up great thus far. I would try it if I wasn't so thrilled with Oceanika.

Go have a look!

http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?2548-First-time-tailmaking-Jade-s-attempt&p=38039&viewfull=1#post38039

Thank you Koral for linking this. <3 This is perfect since I already have all the materials. Get ready for more updates soon!!

[Koral]

No problem, I'll be keeping an eye out. ;)

[Mermaid Petronella]

Looks gorgeous! Love your drawings! Can't wait to see the final product!

[Dacora]

So I found all my stuff and finished it. ^^ I'm going to smooth out the duct tape and maybe add a bit more where it meets the mono fin for added support. I'm wondering if I should try it out now or wait until its wrapped in neoprene. Its not exactly like I wanted it to be but I do like the way it came out.
http://i508.photobucket.com/albums/s323/dakotak_01/IMAG0433.jpg
http://i508.photobucket.com/albums/s323/dakotak_01/IMAG0434.jpg
Thanks to Jadestone who came up with this way of doing it and thanks to Koral for linking me to it.
Jadestone's thread: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?2548-First-time-tailmaking-Jade-s-attempt

[Dacora]

Looks gorgeous! Love your drawings! Can't wait to see the final product!

I cant take credit for the tail drawings themselves. draggersprez made the template for people to use. I just colored in my design. :)
daggersprez template can be found here: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?1917-free-tail-template!%E2%99%A5

[Koral]

That looks great! Definitely makes me think "goldfish" with the shape it has.

I would test it before and after neoprene. Just to make sure you've got everything covered, then to see how it reacts to the skin on it. :) But that's just me, I think Jade went straight to skin. You could probably PM her if you have questions about the mod, though!

[Dacora]

I think I will test it before and after. Mainly because my grandfather is closing our pool down for the winter next week and wont open it till this summer and I wont get the neoprene in time before he closes it. :(

[MerEmma]

Love it so far. Can't wait to see your progress.

[Jadestone]

Heya! Glad to here the monofin mod is working out for you so far :) I would reccomend adding a few more strips to attach it to the fin itself--long ones going all the way from the tips of the duct tape part of the fin to well onto the yellow blade will give the most support.

I absolutely adore your design! It looks so bright and fun. And I love that you're using your fish as inspiration :) But yeah, I definitely recommend testing it out to make sure it's how you want it before you cut the neoprene to shape it. Can't want to see more progress!

[Dacora]

Heya! Glad to here the monofin mod is working out for you so far :) I would reccomend adding a few more strips to attach it to the fin itself--long ones going all the way from the tips of the duct tape part of the fin to well onto the yellow blade will give the most support.

I absolutely adore your design! It looks so bright and fun. And I love that you're using your fish as inspiration :) But yeah, I definitely recommend testing it out to make sure it's how you want it before you cut the neoprene to shape it. Can't want to see more progress!

Thank you!! I will do that when I find more duct tape. XD
I went to try it out today but the water was sooo cold. Unless I find an indoor pool I will have to wait until it gets warmer. :/

[Dacora]

I ordered the neoprene today!!! It will take a few weeks to get here since they didn't have it in stock but they are custom ordering it. I cant wait!!

[Koral]

Congrats!! How much did that dent your wallet? I want to order some myself, but I'm looking at 75 to $90 (not including s&h).

[Dacora]

The sales Lady said it would be around $45(I cant remember what she said excatly) but around that. I got 4 yards worth. Im surprised it was so cheap.

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[Dacora]

So I think I am going to use glue instead of sewing the neoprene(ill add a quick blanket stitch just to be safe). http://www.mcnett.com/Seal-Cement-Contact-Cement-for-Neoprene-P388.aspx
I was think about this product and doing what Capt Nemo said in this thread. http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?3438-What-is-the-best-way-to-hand-sew-neoprene/page2

I sew it just to give it some extra reinforcement. But the glue is the same as used for triathalon wetsuits. Properly bonded, it's stronger than the neoprene. You could also glue the neoprene and then glue a strip of lycra over the seam instead of sewing. I have used the glue for replacing wetsuit zippers before sewing, and the nylon/zipper joint is really solid and doesn't really need sewing.

If I can get the pant to work right maybe I can blend it on the strip of lycra and make it look seamless.

[Koral]

Yeah, I want to glue my neoprene too whenever I do start my sequin/painted hybrid of a tail. As for the cost of the neoprene, that is insanely cheap. So cheap, I'm worried you might be getting neoPRIN... study the fabric carefully.

[Dacora]

Im sure its neoprene. I can always call to make sure it is before they charge my account. This is where I am getting it from.
http://www.macrointlco.com/home.jhtm

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[Mermaid Caidence]

What exact type did you order? Like the thickness and backing? I'm trying to find a good place to buy neoprene. :)

[Mermaid Saphira]

Mermazing design! lol I am super excited to see how your tail turns out :D

[Dacora]

What exact type did you order? Like the thickness and backing? I'm trying to find a good place to buy neoprene. :)

I got 2mm nylon on both sides. :3

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[Dacora]

Mermazing design! lol I am super excited to see how your tail turns out :D

Thank you! Im excited too. ^^

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[Mermaid Caidence]

Thanks! I can't wait to see how it turns out. :D

[Dacora]

Well the fabric is taking longer than expected. The sales lady said she won't charge me until they ship it so I'm not afraid of being ripped off.

Meanwhile, I am working on my top. I should have it done tonight so I'll post pics when it is done. ^^

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[AniaR]

oh pooey, well hopefully soon

[Dacora]

They just called me, they have the fabric and are shipping it now. The total came out to $64.39, a little bit more than I thought but cheaper than a few places I have seen online. Im so excited. ^^

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[Mermaid Celissa]

Yay you!! :D

[Dacora]

My fabric is already at my house. (*^﹏^*)
All I need now is the paint. I'll start on the tail when I get home. :D

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[Mermaid Wesley]

Keep us updated!!

[Dacora]

Well I got home a few hours ago. It's too late to do anything now. I did order the paint though. I couldn't find lumiere or createx paint anywhere near me in stores.

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[Dacora]

Finished the pattern for my body and went to start cutting the fabric and realized I don't have any lube to put on the needle for the sewing machine. So I might have to hand sew it. x.x

[Mermaid Wesley]

:o well either way it's gonna be gorgeous!

[Dacora]

I got my paint in today. I realized I will need way more pant than what I got and I forgot to order the black paint. -.-

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[Dacora]

So I have been experimenting with the paint and this is how I'm going to do the white scales. I'm still trying to figure out how to get the red and orange to fade into the fabric like the white does but I may leave it and make them stand out but then they look plain.
Any tips and criticism are welcome. I won't paint the tail until I get the black paint comes in and that won't be until after Christmas.

http://i508.photobucket.com/albums/s323/dakotak_01/IMAG0603.jpg

[Mermaid Momo]

with the red and orange, use a brush with a small amount of paint on it and paint the bottom edge of the scale stencil with the paint then smudge it with your finger upwards towards the center of the scales. This should work with any color paint. sorry if this doesn't make any sense, I'll upload a little diagram of what i mean.

[Mermaid Momo]

8299

[Mermaid Saphira]

cool!

[Dacora]

with the red and orange, use a brush with a small amount of paint on it and paint the bottom edge of the scale stencil with the paint then smudge it with your finger upwards towards the center of the scales. This should work with any color paint. sorry if this doesn't make any sense, I'll upload a little diagram of what i mean.

Thank you so much for showing me this. I don't know if it is the fabric or me but it wont blend. I found a way to make it look nice without blending it.
I ordered more paint and got the black this time. Im thinking about ditching the dorsal and pectoral fins.

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[Dacora]

The paint is in! Ill also be buying a airbrush to do the fluke. Depending on how well it goes I may just do the whole tail with the air brush. I'll be sewing the fabric together as soon as I figure out if I can use the sewing machine or not.

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[Mermaid Saphira]

Oh! Do take pictures :eyebrows:

[Dacora]

Oh I will. :p I have a new camera and I have been itching to use it.

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[Dacora]

Woo I got my airbrush in!! Its all shiny and cool looking. I cant wait to use it. I'm gonna glue the seams instead of sewing, the glue should be here tomorrow!! Yay!! :D

[Mermaid Danielle]

Neat design! Please keep us all updated!

[Dacora]

So Im thinking about cutting the fluke part out and having velcro attach it to the main part of the tail so the monofin will be removable. It will be like a little fluke pocket that I could take on and off. Good idea or no? Im a bit afraid to try anything since I dont have enough neoprene to fix any mistakes. Im also afraid that water would fill up the "pocket" and make drag. Unless I made tiny holes in the bottem to allow water to escape.
I also made my pectoral fins a few days ago out of shelf liner and E6000. The glue for my tail is in and now I have to take a few inches off of the fabric since I wont be needing the seam allowance for glue. Now I just have to wait for a warm enough day to work outside. XD

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[Azurin Luna]

I used Velcro to at the bottom of my tail so I could take out my monofin, if you leave like 3 or 4 spaces of an inch free of Velcro you should be fine. The water has then enough space to escape and it doesn't show

Good luck with your tail :)

[Dacora]

I used Velcro to at the bottom of my tail so I could take out my monofin, if you leave like 3 or 4 spaces of an inch free of Velcro you should be fine. The water has then enough space to escape and it doesn't show

Good luck with your tail :)

Thank you!! I will try this.
So its starting to warm up but its too windy for an airbrush. XD I'll be trying again later this week so I can paint the fins and glue them together.


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[Ashe]

Yay! Can't wait to see more :)

[MerEmma]

Me either. =)

[Dacora]

Finally an update! XD
I glued it all together today except the fluke. I cut that out and I am going to attach it with velcro so I can remove my mono fin. The glue is so so. It holds but I think I am going to sew the inside for extra support. The glue is super goopy, I suggest wearing gloves and so far it does not dry clear, its yellow.
Next I need to attach the fluke, paint then add the pectoral fins.

[Dacora]

Its now warm enough to swim! So i tested my monofin out and its awesome! So flowy but still nice and stiff. Ordered my heat gun so i can set the paint! I should be done soon!

[ShyMer]

Glad to see you're back to work! You're so close!!

[Mermaid Danielle]

So excited for you!

[Taylor is a Mermaid]

I don't think you can smudge on fabric like that. At least, it doesn't work on spandex, and I assume neoprene will be a similar deal. What you CAN do is use a stippling effect. Make sure there is not much paint on the brush and dotdotdotdot out from the solid color tip of the scale. That's how I blended mine. :)

[Dacora]

I don't think you can smudge on fabric like that. At least, it doesn't work on spandex, and I assume neoprene will be a similar deal. What you CAN do is use a stippling effect. Make sure there is not much paint on the brush and dotdotdotdot out from the solid color tip of the scale. That's how I blended mine. :)

I will have to try that. I was able to kinda blend it with the white but Its not the best.

I got my heat gun a few days ago, I am so nervous to paint it though. I still need to play around with my airbrush a bit or just hand paint it. Gahh I dont wanna mess it up. x.x

[Dacora]

So after being on hiatus for awhile im back at this. Though im having issues setting the lumiere paint on swatches, im just going to cave and buy the stuff made by Jacuard that let's the paint set itself. :/

~The goldfish mermaid~

[OceanRose]

Hi Dacora,

I asked the people at Jacquard about heat setting swimwear fabric (because I can't iron nylon/lycra), and she told me to place a thin towel over the fabric and iron that way :-)
Just thought I'd pass the info on to you in case it helps in some way ... I'm not sure if this would work for neoprene.

[Dacora]

Thank you Rose! I did try that, maybe my iron is just not getting hot enough, its not even melting the neoprene.

~The goldfish mermaid~

[Fun123joker]

I really love your tail design! but can i get other mer's reassurance about shaping a monofin with duck tape? no im not judging you! i like the idea and maybe want to try it becuase im all about shaped monofins and im too worried of cutting one and im nervous that the tape would peel away. i wonder is there is some type of sealent that can assure that it is sealed. im only asking it here becuase this is the only time i seen it here

[Dacora]

I actually got the idea from Jadestone, Koral linked to her thread on the first page, hers is much tider than mine. XD
I totally understand, the great thing about duck tape and zip ties is if it does not work out your monofin if not messed up. Aslong there is no holes in the duck tape where water can get under its fine. Well it was fine for me.
Idk about any sealant, but I just put more duck tape over any holes or open creases.

~The goldfish mermaid~