my first tail (sequins tail)

[starlite]

Well ... there are so many times that i dreamed about a mermaid tail but where i live nobody think about this (am i anormal ?) lol then i drop until i fall some week ago on Hannah's tail. Then i was obsessed to make mine.

I bought neoprene 3 mm, nylon to sew, shell sequins (carrdright sequins), shelf liner, monofin.

I have a problem with the sequins shell as the coating come off when it is in contact with the water, do you find a mean to avoid that ? Also the sequins are a little transparent so the color is different when i sew it on my red neopren, do you have a tip ?

Here's my first tail, not perfect don't juge me :-)

my dream comes true or i coming true.

Here's the final color.

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/1285/dsc03353r.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/820/dsc03353r.jpg/)
http://imageshack.us/a/img39/5536/dsc03355dy.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/39/dsc03355dy.jpg/)

[AniaR]

it's nice! good for you!

[Ashe]

Woah! Beautiful design, can't wait for more updates! :)

[Mermaid Saphira]

lovely design! I am excited to see the final product! :)

[starlite]

thanks, i'm still sewing but i have less time at the moment... i will post picture later :-)

[Mermaid Miel]

Yay! I adore Rainbow Tails.

[starlite]

an update ... sewing sewing ... I've just received my zipper. I don't know if i will have enought sequins, anybody knows ?

http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/6540/img3042c.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/818/img3042c.jpg/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[Spindrift]

I like it a lot! It is very ambitious. Good luck!

[Merrow Fair Isle]

Lookin' good!!!

[starlite]

I like it a lot! It is very ambitious. Good luck!

oh yes lol ! a lot of work !! i keep my fingers crossed :-)

[Mermaid Wesley]

wow! keep us updated! I wonder if I will ever have the patience for a sequin tail... probably not hahaha

[MermaidAlaina]

I love the sequins! Where did you find it?

[starlite]

I bought them at http://www.ccartwright.com/ i have a friend in Usa who send them back to me because they does'nt ship to France. I will post picture later of my tail.

[starlite]

Here's where i'm today, i need to paint it because the sequins are clear (more work for me).

I have ordered 12 000 sequins around but it won't be enough, i need more 8324!

[Mermaid Celissa]

Beautiful Star!

[azaiya]

Wow!! It's looking great! I'm sure will be amazing when it's finished.

Beautiful things take lots of time to make :)

[Mermaid Momo]

was it hard to sew in the vinyl and the zipper (if you have a zipper on the dorsal side) because i'm a bit worried that my machine won't be able to handle the neoprene, vinyl, and zipper and for the fluke the velcro i'm going to be sewing in.

[MerEmma]

It's so gorgeous. o_o

[Mermaid Saphira]

lovely job! this is looking so good!

[Mermaid Wesley]

uggghhh now I'm super jealous! can't wait to see more!

[Mahi Mermaid]

Did you use nylon for the body and neoprene for the fluke or neoprene all throughout? Looks great!

[starlite]

was it hard to sew in the vinyl and the zipper (if you have a zipper on the dorsal side) because i'm a bit worried that my machine won't be able to handle the neoprene, vinyl, and zipper and for the fluke the velcro i'm going to be sewing in.

No it is not hard at all, i have all hand sewed because i do not have a machine, i'm using a thimble (hope it is correct) and the neoprene is very stretchy.

Krystal Patrick : i used neopren for all.

Thanks evreybody, it is very long but i think it will be over before summer 2013, i can't wait to see the result !

[starlite]

a little update today, i have ordered around 20 000 sequins and this is where i am, i have made both sides the same....
I need to sew the sequin closer to each sequin for not to see the fabric.



8664

[MermaidBrittany]

Wow that looks amaizing! I am very jealous :P So did you say you are sewing the sequins on?

[starlite]

Yes i'm sewing (sorry for my bad english) sequins on it.

[MermaidBrittany]

Yes i'm sewing (sorry for my bad english) sequins on it.

Oh dont worry about it :P Cant really tell its bad. But wow, so how long has it taken you to get this far? Do you sew them individually?

[MerEmma]

It's coming along so well, just, wow.

[starlite]

Oh dont worry about it :P Cant really tell its bad. But wow, so how long has it taken you to get this far? Do you sew them individually?

I started in september if i remember well (when i posted this topic). The sequins are sewed on line, i mean that i don't make a node between each sequin, it is what you mean ?

[Mermaid Danielle]

Starlite, your tail is gorgeous! Keep up the great work! It's going to be amazing when you are finished!

[NatalieMermaid]

WoW your tail is looking great! I would like to make one as well.
Are you stiching each individual sequin on individually?
Did you find something to cover the sequins in so they do not loose their color?
How many sequin bags did you buy?
How many sequins in a section 2inches by 2 inches?

Keep up the great work! cant wait to see an updated picture

[MermaidAlaina]

I can't wait to see what it looks like finished! You are doing an awesome job!

[starlite]

WoW your tail is looking great! I would like to make one as well.
Are you stiching each individual sequin on individually?
Did you find something to cover the sequins in so they do not loose their color?
How many sequin bags did you buy?
How many sequins in a section 2inches by 2 inches?

Keep up the great work! cant wait to see an updated picture


Sorry bu i didn't find the meaning of "stiching", what's that mean please ?

I sew the sequins by line, each one is attached with the neopren. No i didn't find any product waterproof to cover and protect the sequins, i have look for but in vain. We will see if the color will go over. I bought 12000 sequins (60 bags) but it's not enough then i have just ordered more 22000 this time (110 bags), i think it will be good this time.

I advised you to sew the sequins very closer, this way we won't see the fabric but you will need more sequins. A sequins measure is 12 mm so if i'm not wrong around 25 sequins by sections of 2 inches by 2 inches .

Thanks everybody for your compliments :-) I can't wait to see the result too !

[Mermaid Momo]

Stitching means the same as sewing, its a bit hard to explain how it's used because I'm not at all a teacher LOL but here's a few examples:
i stitched this heart on the sweater. OR this dress has some nice stitching on it. (It sounds weird if you replace it with sewing huh? )

[Jadestone]

I really love this so far!! I admire your dedication :) It's going to look amazing when it's done.

[starlite]

Stitching means the same as sewing, its a bit hard to explain how it's used because I'm not at all a teacher LOL but here's a few examples:
i stitched this heart on the sweater. OR this dress has some nice stitching on it. (It sounds weird if you replace it with sewing huh? )

yes i understand now, thanks you. Therefore yes i'm stitching shell on neopren ^^ one by one.

[Mermaid Allie]

that is an INSANELY amazing and ambitious freaking awesome tail!!!

[Lotus]

Have you found a way to keep the coating from coming off yet? I am starting a tail too, but I don't want to spend a ton of money on sequins that'll be ruined as soon as they get wet

[MerEmma]

Did you get the holographic sequins? I thought the iris shells didn't rub off.

[Spindrift]

Wow that is some amazing work! It's going to look absolutely gorgeous and shimmery in the water!

[starlite]

Have you found a way to keep the coating from coming off yet? I am starting a tail too, but I don't want to spend a ton of money on sequins that'll be ruined as soon as they get wet

No i didn't find a meaning and i saw that Hannah Fraser has the same problem too. I found another provider of sequins and they seems to be more resistant but it is more pricy to order.

Thanks everybody :-)

I have choose the iris sequins, not the holographic one.

[MerEmma]

Oh gosh, darnit. If the iris sequins from Cartwright rub off, my design is pretty...out the window, lol.

[FreshWaterMermaid]

I'd stick with it MerEmma, even if your sequin's iris film comes off, its still sewn on the neoprene with the sequin as well.
And since you're stitching them each on individually like I am with my turquoise tail, http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/17/va9azaqe.jpg they should at least stay with the tail and add a kind of molten look... hard to explain. But for some reason I'm not worried about it. So I think you should stick with it! ^_^ don't give up!

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[MerEmma]

I haven't started on mine yet, but I was planning on using the Cartwright. I think I'll wait and see how yours turns out before I buy the monofin (don't have plans to until April-May). I do love the sequins you're using though; the Carnival color, right?

[FreshWaterMermaid]

Carnival, Bahama blue, and a green one, sea green? Or something like that yeah. :)

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[MerEmma]

Ah, pretty cool. The colors I was planning to use were Carnival, Bahama Blue, Mermaid Green & Deep Blue Sea for the fluke and then maybe just Crystal Clear for body...I dunno. Thank you for answering my questions, and sorry for rambling, haha.

[starlite]

i think it will be good, i positive :-)

It's a pity that cartwright doesn't have red sequins ...i have found some but it is hard.

[Mermaid Petronella]

Such a gorgeous design!

[NatalieMermaid]

Did someone say there was a special knot they were doing after each sequin?

[FreshWaterMermaid]

I used square knots with each sequin.
But I might change to a figure 8. Might stay tied better. Dunno...

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[starlite]

still sewing... one side done now ! I hope it will be ready for summer 2013 !

[MerEmma]

Woo! Good luck. Can't wait to see the finished product.

[starlite]

almost finished !!!

[MermaidAlaina]

Let's see!! :) :)
I know it's gorgeous!

[MerEmma]

Finished?

[FreshWaterMermaid]

I agree! Let's see some pics! My camera is down on my phone otherwise I'd show all of you guys my tail too! :)

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[Stefani]

What is that stuff? It is plastic? right? Sequins are very nice to me I find it hard to get them, just buy online

[Kanti]

Holy JESUS
Is this tail still being made? It's beautiful!
Something about rainbow tails is just so attractive to me I have no idea O_O

[starlite]

I will post picture this week, it's ready for my trip to the maldives :-)

[mermaid_nixie]

How exciting!! Post a picture when you can!! ^_^

I've always wanted a sequin tail but it looks so intimidating xD

[Jadestone]

I'm so excited to see the finished product!!

What color/kind of sequins did you use at the top? The red, orange, and yellow ones? I'm looking to make a tail in those shades but I can't find any type that has the same shapes as well as good colors : /

[starlite]

11266Hi girls, sorry for the delay but i've just come back from my trip to maldivian island, here's a pic, but i will post more tomorrow. My top is not done because i didn't find a red bra, so i use an old red top that i had. My tail needs a lot of modification, i want it perfect. More scratch, more sequins on the fins and zip and on and on....

With the water the sequin are more clear and we can see the dressmaking (i hope it's correct), then i must find something to avoid that, if you have any suggestion, don't hesitate ! I also have to "tighten" the belt.

I was ill when i arrived in the island so i didn't enjoy full of my holidays :-( but it was wonderfull, my dream comes true : being a mermaid on an island. It was my first swim in a mermaid tail, and it was very cool, i was confortable but i need "entertainement".

11265

[Spindrift]

Wow!!! Congratulations, you look awesome!! :) Glad to see that someone on the forums completed a sequin tail!

[Mermaid Tula]

Beautiful! Can we see some close up pictures?

[MerEmma]

WOW! Looks GORGEOUS!!

[Mermaid Allie]

That tail is AMAZING. I can't believe how much work must have gone into that!

[Mizuko]

your tail looks so beautiful <3 I love the colours! :D

[starlite]

Here's a close up, thanks for the compliment.

11211

[Go2Jena]

I'm impressed. Love the fins

[FreshWaterMermaid]

Gorgeous Starlite!

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[ShyMer]

Great job!

[MermaidAlaina]

Beautiful!!!!!!!!!! :)

[Ariel-Starfish]

wow what a masterpiece!

[Mermaid Tula]

Seriously gorgeous! You are epic. Pure epic win!

[starlite]

thanks you very much, you know it's my first tail, i'm a begginer, i think everybody can do it but it is a hard long job because you have to hand sew. I'm very happy happy she's just like i wanted :-)

[MerMarla]

Starlite, You did a stunning job! Absolutely beautiful! I love how the colors blend thru the rainbow! Hope you had fun swimming in it! Congratulations! Job well done!
Mermaid Marla

[Winged Mermaid]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/earthfairymagic/tumblr_mbqr1fzZBn1r2e4eh_zpsbe7992d6.gif

That's AMAZING!

[Azurin Luna]

That is rally amazing, I would never be able to complete that as I dont have that kind of patience XD

[meremily]

love your tail!
im a pony collector too! im from canada! :)

[starlite]

Thanks you everybody. Meremily happy to find a mlp collector here ;-)

[devilkitten1]

Oh! It came out lovely. How many sequins did you end up using?

[Jadestone]

Stunning stunning stunning stunning stunning! I am SO in love with your tail--it's absolutely wonderful. And your picture is beautiful!! Do you have any more to share? :)

[starlite]

Oh! It came out lovely. How many sequins did you end up using?


I use around 15 000 sequins...

Jadestone : my picture are too big to be attached, i will post more when i'll find how to reduce them.

[Jadestone]

You can always try uploading them to imgur.com and then linking them if need be :) Can't wait to see them!

[starlite]

pic on my facebbok

[Mermaid Kenzie]

If anyone is still looking for something to keep sequins from rubbing off, (I haven't tried it yet, but will post and tell everyone if it does when I try it soon) but I found that monster makers sells this stuff I have called Perma-Wet Gloss Coat. Basically it coats latex and other parts of prosthetics, while waterproofing them when it's dry and giving them a glossy "wet" look.

[devilkitten1]

If anyone is still looking for something to keep sequins from rubbing off, (I haven't tried it yet, but will post and tell everyone if it does when I try it soon) but I found that monster makers sells this stuff I have called Perma-Wet Gloss Coat. Basically it coats latex and other parts of prosthetics, while waterproofing them when it's dry and giving them a glossy "wet" look.


Please do! Some of the sequins I might be the type that rub off (but i really love them!)

[Mermaid Kenzie]

*nods* okay! I'm ordering my sequins tomorrow, so i will try it when I get them in. (I'm also getting holographic one's, to see if the won't rub off.)

[Usagi]

C'est très jolie! Vous avez travaillé beacoup, n'est-ce pas?
I don't know if that's exactly right, I don't speak French, well. :P

[Mermaid Marissa]

So pretty!!!!! :jawdrop: :drool:

[AniaR]

that's really breath taking. Kudos to you on all your hard work. I always say, it impresses me the most when people try for a sequined tail. It's so much work. This is just amazing.

[Cordelia]

The whole fluke, too?! That is one gorgeous tail! Erm. You know what I mean. ^^

[Mermaid Danielle]

It looks fantastic! Congrats on finishing it!

[starlite]

Yes girls many thanks you, it was a long hard job. Mermaid kenzie i will be interested in your coat, after the first bath no coating rub off but it will be coming soon... Now i need to make a red bra but i'm still looking for one.

[merline]

what is the name of the clear striated plastic you used for fins please? where do you get this material... Also please tell me how to emboss scales in neoprene.

[FreshWaterMermaid]

@Merline, given that you haven't introduced yourself and only have about 8 posts. I'd say do some research. All the information you're asking about is in this forum. Do some searches, won't be hard.
You just can't expect everyone to answer questions that have already been answered a billion times.
Have fun, and good luck creating your tail... Happy web/forum browsing :)

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[Rebekah.fish]

Here's a close up, thanks for the compliment.

11211Wow that is so gorgeous!

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