Merbellas Thread

[BlueMermaid]

Does anyone have a basic Merbella tail? I'd love to see some pics/videos of them. All I've seen so far are the performance tails.

[MerEmma]

Mizuko does. c:

[Winged Mermaid]

Here are pics of a few:
Basic oceana (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=459368277452591&set=pb.178589958863759.-2207520000.1360619106&type=3&src=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-snc6%2F200048_459368277452591_539259902_n.jpg&size=640%2C480)
Basic finis (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=465546073501478&set=pb.178589958863759.-2207520000.1360619106&type=3&src=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-snc6%2F282968_465546073501478_1164511884_n.jpg&size=449%2C800)
Basic finis 2 (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=465530390169713&set=pb.178589958863759.-2207520000.1360619106&type=3&src=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ash4%2F406600_465530390169713_2015439291_n.jpg&size=449%2C800)
Basics with competitors (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=469252249797527&set=pb.178589958863759.-2207520000.1360619106&type=3&src=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ash4%2F740292_469252249797527_564829679_o.jpg&smallsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ash3%2F530763_469252249797527_564829679_n.jpg&size=1296%2C728), another picture of competitor tails (http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/66163_10151464974396321_1274978110_n.jpg)

The basic tails with competitors belong to the Mermaidens (http://www.facebook.com/Mermaidens?fref=ts). They'll be posting more pictures soon :)

[BlueMermaid]

Thanks! II did see most of those but I kinda wanted to see customer photos so I can see what the seams look like. For instance the last 2 photos you posted, the 1st one, you can't really see that seam toward the end of the tail, but in the customer photo, you can. Rarely do tail makers show you the seams in their photos.

[AniaR]

Actually, a bunch of those photos were seam side that Iona posted. Raven doesn't edit out seams in her photos. I think it just depends on the light how they show up or not. I know mine has only ever shown up in a handful of photos and I never edit out the side seam. I think she's grown in hiding seams since the first few basic and performance tails too

[BlueMermaid]

I didn't mean to imply that she was editing the photos. Yes the lighting makes a huge difference. Also alot of tail makers show the front of the tails but not the back where they seam it up. It's ok, they all want to show their tails in their best light. I had a raven tail for a short time and she is amazing at hiding seams on performance tails. I just haven't seen much customer photos of the basic tails and curious if they are just as good and it can be hard to tell from photos.

[Keiris]

Raina, that made my heart SO HAPPY to see you open your tail!!!! Like watching little kids when they come down around the tree Christmas morning! You look gorgeous in it!!!

[Ariel-Starfish]

I'm getting a bit crazy now. Counting the days my tail would be finished xD still 104 days to go... Can someone post some videos from basic tails in action? <3

[Mizuko]

Mine is side seams :) They are hardly visible and look natural- any imperfections make it look MORE realistic (no living creature is symmetrically perfect!) :D I promise to post pictures soon! XD

[Ariel-Starfish]

Mine is side seams :) They are hardly visible and look natural- any imperfections make it look MORE realistic (no living creature is symmetrically perfect!) :D I promise to post pictures soon! XD

like, pleeeeeaaaaase, I can't wait much longer! XD U are one of the inly mers who has a basic tail from Merbellas and I can't wait to see how it looks like!

[Mermaid_Aurora]

I'm soooo jealous of everyone's tails! I am currently in the process of saving for a Merbella tail of my own, and each new picture I see makes me more and more excited to get one! <3

[MerEmma]

Any progress reports from those with current orders in?

[Winged Mermaid]

Mine is still 2 months out. She said she would make sketches of her ideas for my color scheme, and also send me pictures of the additional fin choices so I could chose which styles I wanted, so maybe that will be soon. I also decided to get a glitter top coat and have added that to my order successfully after talking with her about it :) I know she's really busy getting set up for BARF right now. She has even been training two two other mermaids for performances there. So far she's been super great with replying to all of my emails and answering all of my questions!

[MerEmma]

Those new mermaids are so darn lucky. xD And BARF is just such a great acronym right there...ahaha. It's great that she's keeping contact. I cannot wait to see everyone's tails. So psyched!

[Thalassa]

Any progress reports from those with current orders in?

Nope. I'm DYING. XP

[Mermaid Isabela]

Ahh I'm dying to see the progress of mine too! I'm glued to my email/facebook all the time! It should be soon though I think? I placed my order in December. Either way I'm excited~

[Thalassa]

My order was placed just before December, Cyber Monday. Lol I think we've reached the, "we're so close now, any day something's gonna happennnn" stage. It is very crazy-inducing, isn't it?

[Ariel-Starfish]

Just got a replay about the color scemes...so exited and yeah I'm also 'glued' to my email and Ravens FB page XD Got my order in late january- was taken up for february.

[MerEmma]

Congrats! =D I'm "glued" to her pages too, haha.

[Ariel-Starfish]

Got some great news! : Raven will start with my tail this week! :o *exited* :D WOOHOO!!

[MerEmma]

Woohoo! Great news!

[Mermaid Isabela]

Oohhh! Lucky! I haven't heard anything from mine but hopefully soon! Can't wait to see yours! <3

[Ariel-Starfish]

*does happy dance*

[MerEmma]

Will MerBellas be at all of the BARF fairs? I emailed twice now with no response. She didn't specify on FB...

[Winged Mermaid]

As far as I know they’ll be there every weekend, as when they were posting for auditions they said they would be doing the full run of the fair. They were not going to at all because of the fair wanting them to change too much of their show, but they worked through it and now they’re back on. Keep in mind that depending when you go you may see the other two girls and not Raven.

[MerEmma]

Yeah, I understand. I don't really mind who I see as much as just wanting to see MerBellas. xD I don't know if I'll get to go but I'm definitely going to call up my mom's friend who's huge into Ren fairs (she has a whole separate closet for her costumes) and I'm totally sure she'd take me. Just gotta find a weekend and the cash. xD Thank you a ton though. Now I know!

[Thalassa]

Emailed Raven about the colors for my tail today (just checking on some iridescence stuff), and she told me she was almost to the paint stage with my tail! *dances*

[Mermaid Isabela]

Ooh! I hope I'm in that batch, Thalassa! You ordered yours in Cyber Monday right?

[Thalassa]

Ooh! I hope I'm in that batch, Thalassa! You ordered yours in Cyber Monday right?

That's right! ^_^

[MermaidDiaries1]

Now how to steal/obtain $1,000...:cool:

[Mermaid Isabela]

I placed my order on December 6th. c: So hopefully mine's with yours!

[Thalassa]

I placed my order on December 6th. c: So hopefully mine's with yours!
*crosses fins* ;-)

[Ariel-Starfish]

Will MerBellas be at all of the BARF fairs? I emailed twice now with no response. She didn't specify on FB...

SO AWSOME! Have loads of fun with the Merbella Mermaids! Please take alot of pictures! <3

[Ariel-Starfish]

Mers Isabela and Thalassa : *sings* The finaaal countdoooooowwwn!! XD lol SO exited for u guys!

[MerEmma]

SO AWSOME! Have loads of fun with the Merbella Mermaids! Please take alot of pictures! <3

Unfortunately I won't be able to go. My mom feels like it's too much to do two conventions in the same month, one being three hours away. =\ Aww. Next year, though. I'll be there.

[Arella]

People who have gotten tails, how often did Raven give an update? I heard it was once for color, when did that email come? Thanks!

[Ayla of Duluth]

People who have gotten tails, how often did Raven give an update? I heard it was once for color, when did that email come? Thanks!

While I was waiting for my tail, every so often she would email me asking for measurements, [she was busy and forgot that she had never asked for them yet] my address, to let me know that the money I sent her had arrived, etc. All of those updates came in the first month after payment.

After that, almost all communication ceased. Granted, I didn't dare bother her with asking for an update, I felt that with all the emails she had, I could be one less to stress her out. Didn't want to sound like a demanding client. There were no updates until one day she said that she had started painting it [about 6 months later] and then a few days after that she sent me pictures of my completed tail and said she'd have it shipped out that week. She did, but it took a few weeks to get here. Something about a storm.

I'm pretty sure that before she sent it out, she asked me if the colors were okay. At that point I had an opportunity to make any final adjustments, but I wanted my tail so badly that I said its wonderful. I don't think there's a single thing I would change about my tail. So you do get updates every so often, but they're not like "here is the fluke, here are the scales, here's the fluke attached to the scales, here's the first layer of paint, etc." kinda thing. its more of a "got your payment, got your measurements, got your design, here's the finished tail, anything need to be changed?" deal. Good enough for me :)

[Arella]

Cool! Mine's been like that I'm at the communication has ceased part (thats fine too, just wanted to know if that was typical I know she's really busy) if you don't mind me asking how long did it take to get you tail after you sent measurements?

[Mizuko]

Ayla and I had the same process, we both didn't hear anything for a while! But we had unknowningly ordered in the huge silicone shortage of 2012! haha! I heard back from Raven about 4-5 months after giving my measurements, but she was backed up with training some new mermaids for an event/waiting on more silicone. You will probably hear from her in a month or two :)

[Arella]

Thx!

[Mermaid Isabela]

My communication with Raven stopped at around the last week of January when she asked me to send her my Tail design again. ( We were having trouble with attachments not working. ) So I'm here super exited for seeing updates. I kind of freaked out today cause mine looked almost like the one she posted today. Though mine has no extra fins. :p

[Ayla of Duluth]

Ayla and I had the same process, we both didn't hear anything for a while! But we had unknowningly ordered in the huge silicone shortage of 2012! haha! I heard back from Raven about 4-5 months after giving my measurements, but she was backed up with training some new mermaids for an event/waiting on more silicone. You will probably hear from her in a month or two :)

I ordered in july I think... right when that shortage came around. also she was getting married, then there were the ren fests, merpalooza, and then I guess she moved shop. So it took 6 or 7 months for me to get the tail. My parents were angry. I hope to order from her again and get another silicone tail, but this one may have to just be a basic. Also, does anyone know if she can add length to a tail? It was a long time to get my tail and I kind of had an unexpected growth spurt so my tail is annoyingly short on me. I can cover it up with my belly dancing skirt, but I'd much rather have extra scales. :)

[Mermaid Isabela]

I don't see why not Ayla, I mean she does take them in, I don't think adding a few patches would be much different. You can always ask!

[Winged Mermaid]

You'd have to ask her! I've heard that horizontal seams are very doable in general though. You'd have to send it in and pay for that cost as well as shipping both ways, so ask about repair costs then save up enough to have it sent in. :)

[Thalassa]

I am dying, lol. Just had to say it. DYing.

Also, for previous customers: how long did it take from the time you got the proof picture to when you got your tail (or when it was shipped out)?

[Thalassa]

As for hearing from her, I've touched base with her just checking in things a few times, but in confident if I'd left it to her I wouldn't have heard from her yet, as she's not to painting my tail. So that's...December, January, and February, 3 months or so.

[MerEmma]

Hopefully you'll hear from her soon!

[Mizuko]

I've written a review about my tail, but I dont know how to post pictures into the Reviews here on Mernetwork. Can anyone help me? :)
I did post my review on my blog though, if some of you wanted to see it before its on here: http://pinkdiamondbluepearl.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/merbella-studios-review.html
Thank you for the help! XD

[Lois]

Mizuko its amazing especially considering its not the most expensive one!

[Mermaid Kelda]

I assume you'd just need to click the little picture icon at the top of the post, and then you can upload from your computer or from a file hosting service. I've never posted in the reviews forum though, so I'm not sure if it's the same as normal posts.

[Mizuko]

Yeah, the reviews dont have a picture/attachment uploader ><

[meremily]

Ok, these are not the best photos cos they were all taken with my phone's camera- and I was so excited I was still in my daggy work stuff XD
9459
This is the tail on. OMG ITS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THING I HAVE EVER WORN!! <3 <3
9460
I got a matching scale bra too! <3
9461
And Raven sent me a BEAUTIFUL hair clip and some really cute shell earrings!!
OMG I'M SO HAPPY <3



wow! i love your tail! ive read on your blog that theres opening at the end of the tail can you take pictures of it and post it here? thanks!!!!

[Mermaid Kelda]

Ah I see. Then maybe try uploading it to imgur/photobucket and use the image tags provided? I'm not sure what format MerNetwork uses, but it's likely HTML/BBCode.

[Mermaid Lorelei]

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/886442_441553045927619_1436578499_o.jpg

I'm sorry that the photo is so huge. Anyways, here's my new octopus top from Raven. I love it!

[Mizuko]

omg that is so cool!!! XD <3

[Blondie]

The top looks gorgous!! It fits you perfectly! How do those tops feel when you wear them?

[Ariel-Starfish]

wooow gorgeussssss!!

[Ariel-Starfish]

omg...hold one..; o_o check out Merbellas FB page!! I think she uploaded a video of my tail and a picture of my scale top! *FREAKS OUT* It looks like SO MUCH like I requested! <3 : A baby blue tail with darker edges and lila in the fluke, skin colored scale bra with blue glitter!!

Tail video

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10200863696214339&set=vb.178589958863759&type=2&theater

top

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=502342703155148&set=a.186311664758255.47942.178589958863759&type=1&theater

[Mermaid Evolet]

wow i'm so happy for you
this tail is amazing, i totally love these colors

[Ariel-Starfish]

wow i'm so happy for you
this tail is amazing, i totally love these colors

I'm so freaking out right now! :D

[Ashe]

They look great Ariel! And the octopus top is to die for Lorelei!

[Blondie]

Completely random and all but, I have to film at my town's monthly farmer's market. And this month's theme was Pirates. So I had a dream the night before I filmed that the Merbellas crew was going to be there with their tank. And I saw it on Raven's facebook. I woke up VERY unsure if it was a dream or not xD

[Mermaid Caspiana]

I so wish I had the money to buy some of this stuff. At least a tip or tail.

[Mermaid Lorelei]

The top fits like a dream and it is seriously comfortable. The netting is honestly the most annoying part, but you have to deal with that with any top. XD

[Mermaid Isabela]

I actually saw that tail earlier, when Raven posted it on her personal fb and I had a small panic attack thinking it was mine too, Ariel! Haha, though the colors are eerily similar to mine ( Mine has spots! ) , I think that's one of Raven's personal tails. :( Could be wrong though, did you e-mail her? :D

Also that octopus toppppp <3

[Ariel-Starfish]

I actually saw that tail earlier, when Raven posted it on her personal fb and I had a small panic attack thinking it was mine too, Ariel! Haha, though the colors are eerily similar to mine ( Mine has spots! ) , I think that's one of Raven's personal tails. :( Could be wrong though, did you e-mail her? :D

Also that octopus toppppp <3

Damn! :p But still ^^ haaha would be cool! I did emailed her, but no responce yet ;) i keep trying

[Kanti]

Wait, so how long does a Merbella tail take to get to you after you order?
I thought the whole point was that she only took a few orders at a time so you wouldn't have to wait so long?

[Mermaid Isabela]

Well the tail itself takes from 90 to 120 days to complete. But I believe there's a time period from when you order, til she has all the slots full and starts on tails. She starts a set amount of tails all at once. :) I think she only takes a few orders so she doesn't get overwhelmed.

[Kanti]

I was skimming a few pages earlier and seems like something around 5-6 months for some people to even get back in contact with her after they paid.
She doesn't have some sort of private email for people who've actually paid her? Because I understand she must get flooded with emails because of her performances and all, but you guys paid A LOT of money for something and you at least deserve regular updates and not have to stare at her facebook wall and sort of guess if the tail is yours or not.

[Mermaid Isabela]

5 to six months? That's crazy...! I've had to wait only two or three days, and at most, a week to get replies from her, even after I paid. I know a couple of months back she had her silicone shortage, and her move, and her wedding, so things were pretty hectic. As stated before though, Raven doesn't really update much after payment, she'll update once or twice after the tail's painted, and that's pretty much it. Personally, I'm not worried, but I can see where you're coming from. :)

[Kanti]

*Shrug*
That's what I saw on the other comments a few pages back.
It's nice that you're getting contact but it seems others aren't. Or at least they're not saying when they do get into contact.

I guess I'm more surprised at how everyone is so calm about that, it seems like a very excessive amount to wait for someone who only takes a few orders at a time.

[Mermaid Caspiana]

Thanks. But now you just made me want one more. Lol

[Thalassa]

I was told by Raven I'd get pictures when the tail was painted. Before that, all of the tails pretty much look the same, and taking pictures of every one takes up time she could use to be working on the tails. I'm calm about it because I know the end result would be gorgeous and worth it. I knew this would be the case before I ordered (as would anyone who took the time to research Merbellas before buying). Other tail makers are faster, but there's a reason I didn't decide to go with them: Raven's tails look better to me. No one really approaches Raven's attention to detail, IMO. So yeah, that's going to take longer. I'm cool with it.

[Mermaid Isabela]

I agree with Thalassa. The reason why I chose Raven was because of the fact that I prefer her tails. I paid a bit more than other tail makers, and I'll wait a little bit more than others, but I feel like the wait is worth it. As far as I'm aware, Raven hasn't done anything to warrant doubt either. I trust her, so no big deal. :)

[Arella]

Hey just a little note about an earlier posting, I heard from Raven today :)

[MerEmma]

OOH! What'd she say?

[Mermaid Dottie]

DO tell, DO tell!

[Arella]

Just on track with timing for my tail she got my payment for the top etc.

[Ariel-Starfish]

any other mers who ordered a tail from Raven got any messages lately? :)

[Thalassa]

I asked if I was right about the timing of my tail (120 days is up on the 26th). She said she's a bit behind schedule but plans to have my batch (which includes Iona's) of tails done "in the next few weeks." I quote her there because I don't want to paraphrase and get myself in trouble, lol.

[Thalassa]

Oh PS that was day before yesterday.

[MerEmma]

WOO!

[Winged Mermaid]

She said she's a bit behind schedule but plans to have my batch (which includes Iona's) of tails done "in the next few weeks."

WOOOOOO!!! :yay: I sent her an email a few weeks ago and hadn't heard back yet, but I gather she's pretty darn busy with the Ren Faire and whatnot. My 120 isn't up till the end of April- early is good, but I said as long as I get it for June that would be fine with me. Although in time for my birthday (in May) or earlier would be awesome. I have to admit I am bursting at the seams with excitement for this tail! I think about it every single day even though I try not to cause it just makes the wait seem that much longer XD

[Mermaid_Aurora]

Do any of you know if she takes commissions for belts and headbands and other mermaid accessories? I'd ask her but I know how hard she is to get a hold of and I'd rather not spam her, and my boyfriend already tried sending a few emails asking about it.

[MerEmma]

I'm like 99% sure she does. But you do have to take time to contact her as it is really difficult. Try her Etsy page & email I suppose.

[Mermaid_Aurora]

All right, I'll have to try emailing her. Not sure how often I should re-send it to get her attention, though, as I hear you typically have to resend it a lot for her to see it. I don't want to feel like I'm bugging her.

[MerEmma]

I tried emailing her a bit ago and I emailed her about 8 times and still hadn't gotten a response. :P So, I wish you luck!

[Mermaid_Aurora]

Lol, thanks! Looks like I may have a bit of a long wait xD

[Ariel-Starfish]

I emailed her back a few times again before but no response... Last time she said she was going to paint the first layer on my tail 'within this week' said on february 26 :)

[MerEmma]

Sounds like your tail is probably coming up soon, then! EEEE

[Ariel-Starfish]

You think? 0_o

[MerEmma]

Yeah, seems like it if she said that in February.

[Ariel-Starfish]

I hope so! :) No news is good news i hope ;)

[Thalassa]

I had a nightmare last night that my tail finally came, and I couldn't fit into it! T-T It was too tight! *panics and checks all measurements again*

[MerEmma]

AH. That would not be a fun nightmare. Not like any of them are, but especially not that one. D:

[Ariel-Starfish]

I had a dream like that one a few weeks ago! My tail came: it was unpainted, and made of really thin silicone. It was folded up and sticked together. I tried to unfold it really carfully... And it teared!! :o *total panic and WAKES UP*

[Mermaid_Aurora]

Yeah I also had a nightmare recently where I finally got my tail and it ripped and fell apart while I was trying to put it on. Dx

[Mermaid Isabela]

I find it amusing that we've all had nightmares concerning our tails! Mine was a month ago, though. I got my tail, and it was beautiful at first, and I was so happy! As the dream progressed though, the tail got worse ans worse. Pieces of silicone would fall out, only leaving a thin, crappy fabric behind. :(

[Ariel-Starfish]

Ok... It's official! : I can't wait any longer!! My countdown app says 68 days until my tail is finished) and my patience is over :( I dunno whzt to do! I can't think of anything else the past weeks.

can someone post customer pictures of people wearing a basic tail? That would maybe soften my mood :/ ( i've seen all the pics on Merbellas FB already)

[Mermaid Isabela]

Draw tails, or go swimming! ( It's what I've been doing. ) Work on head pieces or try out new techniques to do underwater. Practice your breath hold, etc! :) Time will pass a lot faster!

(Omg I checked how many days I have left for my 120 days thing, and it's only 13! I'm dying! )

[Thalassa]

I know the feeling. My 120 day counter is down do 2! TWO, I tell you!!! Since Raven told me she's behind I'm expecting it to be a bit longer, honestly, but in the meantime I'm going NUTS. Serious inbox obsession. I'm distracting myself by teaching and working on my website and crafts to do with kiddo clients.

[MerEmma]

I think I'm half as excited as you, Thalassa! xD I'm SO PSYCHED for your tail too. I love your design and ugh, I'm so excited.

[Mermaid Isabela]

Ooooh I never saw Thalassa's design. I wanna see! :D

[MerEmma]

She's getting a tail based off of the rainbow trout.

[Thalassa]

LOL. Thanks, Emma!

Koral came up with my design (I'm so blessed to have such a talented mersister!) and you can see it here (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=399791216770717&set=pb.339812389435267.-2207520000.1364152189&type=3&theater). Hopefully that link works. If it doesn't, let me know. XD

[Ariel-Starfish]

Wow that's cool! Such a fishy design! Really realistic :o

and to Isabela: what do you think I have been doing lately? :p I swim 2 times a week and just z few mins ago i did my last mer drawing XD

Now I'm dying even more u guys are almost getting your tails :o

[Mermaid Isabela]

Oh wow, that's beautiful, Thalassa! Koral did an amazing job with the design! And so realistic! <3 I know Raven's going to do an awesome job, it'll look stunning!!
Here's my design, I sketched it out myself. :)

[Ariel-Starfish]

Oh wow, that's beautiful, Thalassa! Koral did an amazing job with the design! And so realistic! <3 I know Raven's going to do an awesome job, it'll look stunning!!
Here's my design (http://i.imgur.com/8ox74KS.jpg), I sketched it out myself. :)

damn girl!! Why are you all so good at digital drawing?! <3

could u please re-design mine? Just for fun and more realism ^^
And loving the top btw!

[Mermaid Evolet]

Isabela your design is just amazing. thats just how my dream tail looks like (don't worry i wont copy it :) )
and the rainbow trout is also awesome.

[Mermaid Isabela]

Ahaha! Thankyou Ariel! <3 That's actually a re-draw of the original(messier) design.

I'm actually on vacation at the moment. :D Practicing a lot of swimming and getting really bad sunburns.
But I'll get back the beginning of April, and I'll see if I have time for a drawing for you. :)

Edit: Thankyou Evolet! It originally had extra fins. Pectoral, ankle and dorsal, but she discontinued doing the fins on basic tails, so I had to change it. :) <3 Maybe for next time, when I save up for a Performance tail! :D

[Ariel-Starfish]

Ahaha! Thankyou Ariel! <3 That's actually a re-draw of the original(messier) design.

I'm actually on vacation at the moment. :D Practicing a lot of swimming and getting really bad sunburns.
But I'll get back the beginning of April, and I'll see if I have time for a drawing for you. :)
Thank you sweety! And enjoy your vacation! It's still snowing here in Belguim
and 2 degrees...

[MermaidBrittany]

All of the Merbellas tail look SO cool! Im really jealous right now! I want one so bad! :( But Im excited for you guys! :D can't wait to see them finally make it home. Take pics!

[Mermaid Isabela]

Thankyou Ariel! It's actually 93 degrees Fahrenheit where I'm vacationing. ><

Of course Brittany!!! I'll be taking videos of me sobbing while I open the package, hahaha! <3

[MermaidBrittany]

Ahaa xD Lucky! Can't wait to see!

[Winged Mermaid]

Oh yes, there will be video of me opening my tail as well! I will not be surprised if I cry XD Everyone's designs look so great! I don't have one to share- I basically left it up to Raven cause I suck at color designs big time haha. I just told her the colors I wanted and a gist of what I'm looking for in a design.

I'm also so impatient for my tail on the inside. Driving myself maaaad. I'm basically trying to do things so I'm more ready to go when it gets here. This includes leg workouts becuase I know that fluke is gonna be heavy -I felt Oceana's last time I saw her so I know now just how heavy it'll be. Also amping up for pro stuff and making myself more accessories :)

[MermaidBrittany]

Has anyone ordered the new type of fluke from her yet? The one that looks like this:
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[MerEmma]

I can only imagine how heavy the fluke must be/seem...hm. At least you got the competitor so you'll be able to use it easier. I'm so excited for all of you guys. xD

As far as I know nobody else has gotten that fluke (from here) yet...but I'm anxious too.

[MermaidBrittany]

I can only imagine how heavy the fluke must be/seem...hm. At least you got the competitor so you'll be able to use it easier. I'm so excited for all of you guys. xD

As far as I know nobody else has gotten that fluke (from here) yet...but I'm anxious too.

Thats what I though, but just checking. I hope someone does! It looks really cool.
So are you saying you want that fluke design? :) Or just that you want someone to get one.

[MerEmma]

I think...more so that I want to see it. I can't really judge it with only a few pictures of the fluke. :P

[MermaidBrittany]

Same :) From the pics it looks really cool, but there are so few its hard to tell.

[MerEmma]

Precisely! I love the bigger veins...I think the larger, black veins kind of add a different sort of realism. But it's not as big as the Merbella fluke, lol!

[MermaidBrittany]

Precisely! I love the bigger veins...I think the larger, black veins kind of add a different sort of realism. But it's not as big as the Merbella fluke, lol!

Right, and I really like the bigger flukes.

[Mermaid Maleficia]

Wow that's cool! Such a fishy design! Really realistic :o

and to Isabela: what do you think I have been doing lately? :p I swim 2 times a week and just z few mins ago i did my last mer drawing XD

Now I'm dying even more u guys are almost getting your tails :o

This artwork...these colors....ALL THE CAPTIVATION AND IMAGINATION! I am in love

[Winged Mermaid]

That fluke they call the "Angler" fluke :) For me it was between the Classic one and the Angler one. I thought I knew, till she asked me, then I wasn't sure anymore! Isn't that the way it always goes? :P So I asked 10 of my friends which would suit me better/fit my look and personality better and 9/10 said classic. Which was the one I wanted all along before I got all anxious about it haha, so that's the one I went with. Part of me wanted the new one becuase everyone else so far had had the classic fluke and I wanted something different, but in the end I knew the classic fit me better, different or not. There weren't as many pictures of it then, but since then I'm glad I went with the classic. I just like it better! The Angler is smaller than the classic for sure as well, and I'm a total sucker for big flukes :)

But yeah, the performance tails generally weight 30lbs+, and according to others who own them, 20lbs of that is in the fluke. I'm really glad I got the competitor, becuase it seems there is much more ability to control it (especially out of the water) since the weight is dispersed on a solid monofin. Especially for the Classic Fluke since it's so big. I think since the Angler and MerFin flukes are smaller you'd have more ability to control it out of the water with a foil than a the classic one with the foil.

[Mermaid Isabela]

I reallyreallyreally love the coloring and detail she did on her angler tail. It's just so fascinating. The ridges and shape are just so ugh! <3 Just when I thought she couldn't impress me any more she just slaps me around, hahaha. I am SUPER excited to see what she comes up for your tail, Iona. Did you specify a color scheme or did you leave it all up to her? ;p

[Ariel-Starfish]

waaah! damm those prettyness! And even now I got the chance to get a basic tail, now u guys made me want a performance tail (EVEN MORE)!! XD Like really!!
I love the basic performance fluke WAY more than the fluke on the basic tail :( But even then again; Its crazy engough I got my parents this far they even let buy me a mermaid tail that cost 1000 dollars!

As for the second: I don't do professional mermaiding, It's just a big passion of mine and I'll use my tail for some pictures and outdoor swimming in the summer :)
And it's not that amazinly heavy out of the water. That are the reasons I'd go for a basic tail in the first place. :) and they are pretty realistic to!
I almost can't tell the diffecence from the depth of the scales between a basic and a perfomence one :o :) It's just the shape of the fluke that's bothering me; But the hell with that! I'm 100% sure Raven will make a little masterpiece out of it and forget about the pretty shape of the basic performance flukes :p <3

[Mermaid_Aurora]

The angler fluke is actually the fluke I intend on getting once I can afford it. It's my favorite out of all the flukes.

Raven got back to me on the headdress thing :D I was finally able to send her the description of what I wanted so we could come up with a possible price and all that. YAY!

[MermaidHyli]

I literally just squealed with delight. I just put an order in for a performance tail with the angler fluke...I hadn't seen it in photos yet...I'm dying I can't handle it.too much excitement!

[MerEmma]

WOO! SO EXCITED FOR YOU.

[Mermaid Isabela]

Omigoshomigoshomigosh. Raven just let me know that she's almost done painting my tail and that she'll have pictures for me this week or next aaaahhhhhhhh I can't wait!

[Thalassa]

Omigoshomigoshomigosh. Raven just let me know that she's almost done painting my tail and that she'll have pictures for me this week or next aaaahhhhhhhh I can't wait!

CONGRATULATIONS! *squeals* I'm so excited for you!

...Did we ever get an answer about how long it takes from the time she gets pictures of the tail to you and when it's shipped? I know there's drying/curing time, and want to get an idea of how much.

[Thalassa]

I literally just squealed with delight. I just put an order in for a performance tail with the angler fluke...I hadn't seen it in photos yet...I'm dying I can't handle it.too much excitement!

That's so fun! Get ready for insanity, BTW...all of us that have ordered tails have gone mad lately. XD

EDIT: Love your signature! Ingo almost convinced me to drown myself just to see what would happen if I let go of air...XP (Dangerous book, that).

EDIT EDIT: Okay, whose tail was just posted? Whose tail?!

[Mermaid Isabela]

@Thalassa: I KNOW AAAAAAAHH!!! I'M SUPER HAPPY AND JUST GHJGJSGHJhghjk!!! I also want to know how long it is between colors and shipping... I wonder if I should ask, but I also don't want to be annoying. Hahaha! I want to see if I'll have it in time for my Renfaire. ( The last weekend of April and the first weekend of May. ) If not that's fine too. 8D

I wanna know who's gorgeous tail is that one that just got posted too!!!

[MermaidBrittany]

EDIT: Love your signature! Ingo almost convinced me to drown myself just to see what would happen if I let go of air...XP (Dangerous book, that).

EDIT EDIT: Okay, whose tail was just posted? Whose tail?!

Me too xD
and the angler tail? That was just ravens :P

[Mermaid Kelda]

I think Thalassa means the tail most recently posted to Raven's wall, this one (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=506485722740846&set=a.186311664758255.47942.178589958863759&type=1&relevant_count=1)!

[Thalassa]

Yeah, sorry...I keep forgetting not everyone follows Raven's facebook page as obsessively as I do. :$

[MermaidBrittany]

Ohhhhhh aha noo I definitley watch it frequently and just saw that one :P I have no clue

[MermaidHyli]

That's so fun! Get ready for insanity, BTW...all of us that have ordered tails have gone mad lately. XD

EDIT: Love your signature! Ingo almost convinced me to drown myself just to see what would happen if I let go of air...XP (Dangerous book, that).

EDIT EDIT: Okay, whose tail was just posted? Whose tail?!


Hahahaha I still have all the books and its what really has fueled my love for mermaids since I was young. Glad I'm not the only one that tries to ya know not breathe air underwater and boy do I not trust seagulls

[MermaidBrittany]

I have frequent dreams of being able to breathe underwater, so that doesn't help either. xD

[Mermaid Kelda]

I have dreams like that a lot too. And whenever it happens, I think to myself, that's impossible! and it immediately turns into a lucid dream xD

[MermaidBrittany]

I know! Me too! Lucid dreaming is really cool. I swear I am going to unintentionally drown my self when I go swimming one of these days....

[Mermaid Kelda]

I have a slight fear that if I get too comfortable in the water and learn to hold my breath for a long time, I'll fall asleep in the water. I'm sure my body would wake me up before I ran out of air though. Hopefully xD

[Thalassa]

I know! When I'm concentrating on something else, I literally have to remind myself not to take a breath. Because my stupid body is just like, "Okay, why don't we just take a breath? There's water, so what?"

[ButterflyVision]

I know what u mean. My longest times always happen when I'm not focused on anything and I done notice I'm holding my breath. Then I look at the time and I'm like "whoa! Over a 1:15! Why don't I feel like I need to breath?" and then my body's like oh yeah and I need to breath.

I'm so happy for everyone! Take plenty of pics when you get your tail!

[Winged Mermaid]

I assumed there was only one kind of heel fins (seen here (http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/481119_427751573966740_1004781473_n.jpg)), but RAVEN SAID I COULD DESIGN MY OWN HEEL FINS!!! I'm going to see what I can come up with :) But honestly I suck at designing stuff like this, haha.

[ButterflyVision]

I didnt even know heel fins existed!! Possibilities! I'm sure you'll design something beautiful.

[MerEmma]

Ooh, good luck! <3 :D

[Ariel-Starfish]

@Thalassa: I KNOW AAAAAAAHH!!! I'M SUPER HAPPY AND JUST GHJGJSGHJhghjk!!! I also want to know how long it is between colors and shipping... I wonder if I should ask, but I also don't want to be annoying. Hahaha! I want to see if I'll have it in time for my Renfaire. ( The last weekend of April and the first weekend of May. ) If not that's fine too. 8D

I wanna know who's gorgeous tail is that one that just got posted too!!!


OMG AWSOMESAUCE!!!! :o

[Ariel-Starfish]

Just been away for a few days so I haven't been on Mernetwork lately. My countdown for my tail is still 2 months and 2 days...

[Thalassa]

Omigoshomigoshomigosh. Raven just let me know that she's almost done painting my tail and that she'll have pictures for me this week or next aaaahhhhhhhh I can't wait!

Any updates? :-)

[Mermaid Isabela]

Any updates? :-)
Not yet! So I'm guessing this week! What about you?

Off topic: I flew home today and I've been awake for 21 hours. *__*

[MermaidBrittany]

Not yet! So I'm guessing this week! What about you?

Off topic: I flew home today and I've been awake for 21 hours. *__*

DAAANG! how was your trip overall? :)

[Ariel-Starfish]

aaaahhhrrg!!!! SO EXITED FOR U GUYS!!!!

[Mermaid Isabela]

DAAANG! how was your trip overall? :)
It was pretty good, thankfully. But I think I need a vacation from my vacation, haha. It was mostly family visits and stuff, so I'm pretty beat. Our airplane adventure was quite interesting, since a rowdy costumer had to be arrested. It was a bit scary and uncomfortable, since I'm a nervous flyer already.

[Thalassa]

Our airplane adventure was quite interesting, since a rowdy costumer had to be arrested. It was a bit scary and uncomfortable, since I'm a nervous flyer already.

Wow, yikes. 0.o

[MermaidBrittany]

It was pretty good, thankfully. But I think I need a vacation from my vacation, haha. It was mostly family visits and stuff, so I'm pretty beat. Our airplane adventure was quite interesting, since a rowdy costumer had to be arrested. It was a bit scary and uncomfortable, since I'm a nervous flyer already.

I know what ya mean about a vacation from your vacation :/
And really?? Arrested? Were you on the ground??

[Mermaid Isabela]

I think he was a person with special needs, since he didn't seem to be too coherent on his actions/word choices. He was travelling alone, which I don't think he should have.
Most of what he did was scream inappropriately at the staff, attempt to smoke, disrespect the flight attendants and run down the aisles. He did this for two and a half hours, out of our three hour flight. Once we landed they brought police personnel and had him escorted out... :(

[MermaidBrittany]

Maybe he was just realllly drunk? Or took something before the flight with alcohol I fly a lot, so sometimes I see weird stuff like this happen. There was a lady that sat next to me and she was really scared of flights so she drank a lot AND tooks meds at the same time... not a good combo....

[Mermaid Isabela]

His speech wasn't slurred, and his vision was focused, he was also steady on his feet, so I don't think he was drunk. I think that he was on medication and an hour into the flight they wore off. He wasn't all that well kept however, so I don't really know... :( I just hope he's okay now.

[Ariel-Starfish]

Did everyone see the customer pictures of Mizuko on the Merbellas FB page? :o <3

[Mizuko]

hehe, I sent them to Raven the other night ^^ I'm really glad she posted them- they really do the tail justice!!

[Ariel-Starfish]

Do you have more? :o <3

[Mizuko]

Yes, but they are mainly portraits and me pulling faces. haha! XD I hope to have them up on my website once its running in a week! ^_^

[Ariel-Starfish]

Yay! ^^

[MerEmma]

They are so pretty. :D

[Mermaid Isabela]

That seaweed top?! I'm FLIPPING OUT! I love it! I had a chance to switch it with my shell top, but I'm saving to order it with my next tail instead. But I absolutely love it! It's so ingenious!
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[SeaGlass Siren]

:O OH MY GAHHH <3 i love it!!!

[MerEmma]

It is SUPER pretty! I love that it's silicone.

[Winged Mermaid]

She said there's a belt to go with it too! I may just have to get myself a birthday present... It looks so pretty and comfy!

[MermaidNerenia]

Im LOVING the seaweed top, its probably one of my all time favorites that I have seen, man I need to hit the lotto and spend it all at Merbellas

[Ariel-Starfish]

She said there's a belt to go with it too! I may just have to get myself a birthday present... It looks so pretty and comfy!


A Seaweed belt to? Omgosh I thinking I'm ging to make z'n extra order !

[Thalassa]

I'm going even more nuts. It's been 129 days. I emailed her last weekend, concerned because my event begins in May and I wanted some time to practice in the tail. According to her estimate (90-120 days) I would have plenty of time...now with shipping time I'm not so sure. She got back to me and said she was painting my tail, was supposed to be finished last Saturday but had an event to go to. She said she'd get me photos at the beginning of this week. It's been nearly a week since...no photos. I am almost literally jumping out of my skin. I'm so worried it won't be here in time, I need to take promotional photos before the event and get them out...

I know she's very busy, especially with her performances and how many tails she's making. I'm also worried, because I should be getting a top and headpiece with my tail and I haven't heard anything about them. I'm not looking to make trouble with anyone, I know she's so busy and does amazing work. I was nervous about posting this because I know some people might point at this and say "See? Don't trust her with your tail!" (Silly.) But I'm really nervous and seriously tearing my hair out with NEEDING to have my tail soon.

[Mermaid Isabela]

I'm exactly the same, Thalassa. I ordered planning a May event. ( April 27 - may 8 ). Tail, top and belt, and I still haven't heard from her. She said that this week she'd have pictures but so far nothing. Yesterday she said she was working on my tail.... but that's it. I trust her, but I also want it for my event. :(

[MerEmma]

Oh gosh that's rough. :\ Hopefully you'll hear from her by the end of the weekend...I think she might have needed some extra time to think on your design (but that's just me) because yours is so unique and sorta complicated (but not really I guess). I dunno. Anyway, like I said, hopefully she'll finish up soon. I'm sure she'll get back to you but I'm positive it's nerve racking.

[Thalassa]

Yikes! I'm so sorry you're in the same (if not worse) boat that I am, Isabela! I really hope you get your tail in time for your event. *crosses fins for you*

[Mermaid Isabela]

Thankyou! I'll be doing the same for you, Thalassa. Though at this point I don't think it'd get here on time for mine... X( Ah well, such is life. ( Btw I just reached my 120 day limit today... )

[Ariel-Starfish]

My countdown saus 55 Days from now. I still haven't heard from her (It's been scince february 25th) In her las email she said she was going to paint my tail. Now, I don't need my tail for a spesific date, but I won't see it in the mail brfore june i guess :s Now I want to let her take my tail in couse I lost a bit of weight. I mailed her several times but nothing... Still am patient but inside i am DYING to get to see pictures of my tail! 0_o

btw, I keep my fins crossed foor all u mers out here! Hoping for u to get your tails before your events! <3

[MerEmma]

Well Thalassa, your seams look fantastic!

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=510890118967073&set=a.186311664758255.47942.178589958863759&type=1&relevant_count=1

Scroll to the comments. Looks like it's yours! (sorry if you already saw, loool). The seams look great though and the green is gorgeous.

[Mermaid Isabela]

:D So excited for you Thalassa!

[Thalassa]

WHAAAT?! *goes to look*

*promptly freaks* ;-)

[MerEmma]

Yay, I'm so glad I found that now! xD It's such a gorgeous shade of green. Sure hope Raven will give you a full picture like, in five minutes. :P

[Ayla of Duluth]

Thal! I love your seams! They're so clean! And the metallic color is gorgeous!

[Elle]

She's just put up a picture of what I have to guess is Thalassa's tail
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[Mizuko]

WOOOWWWW <3 That is so beautiful! :D

[MerEmma]

WOW. I AM SO EXCITED OMG. I've been wanting to see Raven do this design and OMG. WOW. I'm so psyched for it. IT'S SO PRETTY. The speckles look great and the fluke transition is like, gorgeous. Is it a competitor or a foil, I wonder? It looks fantastic!

[Mermaid Julianne]

Thalassa, I AM SO JEALOUS YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW.

[Blondie]

That has to be one of the MOST realistic paint jobs I've EVER seen on a tail. You are one lucky chick Thalassa ;)

[Thalassa]

Oh my gosh, you guys! *squeals* YAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!! \^_^/ By the way, she has a few extra fins to add, but she said she'd likely have it shipped by Friday. WOOHOO!!!! *dances*

I can't believe this beautiful thing is mine! I hope the rest who are waiting get pictures soon. :-)

[Mermaid Isabela]

I asked her earlier and she did say it was Thalassa's. I am so jealous you guys don't even know. I want to order another tail from her now. Omg. Ahhhhh!!!!

Edit: She told me my tail is still being painted, I told her she could take her time on it. I decided to skip my mermaid plans for the April/May renfaire. Which is probably for the best since I'm a little tight on money and I won't be able to complete my grotto in time. :) So all is good on my side for now. Thalassa enjoy that tail or I might just snatch it from you one day omg. <3 *__*

[Thalassa]

Oh, PS it's a competitor.

[Kanti]

Congrats Thalassa!
That is a gorgeous tail! I love how it's so shimmery~

[MermaidHyli]

OH MY WORD!!! that is gorgeous! seriously words cannot describe how beautiful that is! makes me all the more anxious for my tail haha

[Mermaid Melusinah]

ZOMG SO PRETTY!!! I'm so jealous of all the lovely tails! I cant wait till mine from morticia is done. the warm weather now has me dying for a swim!!!

[telzey.amberdon]

I thought I was looking at a one piece and I couldn't figure out why it was brown in the middle. Second look, Oh yeah. It is really sweet.

[Mermaid Kelda]

Oh wow, I thought it was a one piece too, and the brown paper had been lain on top of it. Perspective mind blow xD
It's absolutely amazing Thalassa! Just the kind of patterning I like! :D

[MerEmma]

I love the new scale bracelets she just put up, ugh. SO MUCH. I almost wanna ask for them for my birthday but I wouldn't know what color to want!

[Mermaid Dottie]

Oh my gosh, I'm dying.... I know that I have to wait until I reach my health/fitness goals, but I'm so Jelly! Thalassa is always ahead of me when it comes to tails......

[Mermaid Lilium]

I love the new scale bracelets she just put up, ugh. SO MUCH. I almost wanna ask for them for my birthday but I wouldn't know what color to want!

I REALLY want the black ones! I was drooling over them earlier lol sad thing is I'd totally wear them as a fashion accessory too :')

[MerEmma]

I think they'd be the coolest just for regular wear. :P

[Ashe]

Thalassa, that is amazing. Period.

[Winged Mermaid]

I have to admit I was skeptical about how Thalassa's design would look, but it's just WOWZA! Congrats, you must be so excited ^_^

I absolutely LOVE the bracers. I've wanted scale bracers for years, and even thought of pitching the idea to her before she did tails but wasn't sure she'd be up to it. Well I'm so glad she did :) and slap me for having a drop of doubt! I was always the arm warmer queen to my friends, so you can bet I want these SO bad. Raven is going to make me go beyond broke XP

[Mermaid Isabela]

The fact that she said she's able to attach fins to the bracers has me going crazy. Now I want them more than ever.

[MerEmma]

They're just so darn pretty. :P

[AniaR]

Mermaid Ama is really excited to get some bracers some day too! I knew Raven was planning them and couldn't wait to see what she came up with. Loving the new seaweed top too. And Thalassa I am SO excited for you eeee

[MermaidBrittany]

That seaweed top?! I'm FLIPPING OUT! I love it! I had a chance to switch it with my shell top, but I'm saving to order it with my next tail instead. But I absolutely love it! It's so ingenious!
10517

OMGOMGOMGOMG! Iwasnt this SO bad! I have never seen a top this cool. I hope the price is within something I can afford, cuz I really wanna be able to buy it ASAP!
Ne New one with the copper tips is fantastic too!

[Thalassa]

Thank you all so much!

And I totally agree, the seaweed top and bracers are definitely an eventual need! Raven is SO going to make me broke...but I'll look like a pretty mermaid! XD

[MermaidBrittany]

Thank you all so much!

And I totally agree, the seaweed top and bracers are definitely an eventual need! Raven is SO going to make me broke...but I'll look like a pretty mermaid! XD

I know right? xD Just take alll my money. Can't wait till I finally save for a tail.. but the seaweed top is a good start!
BTW your tail looks amaazing. Cant wait to see it in the water!

[Ariel-Starfish]

I just ordered some 'bracelets' last night Skin toned <3

[Ariel-Starfish]

Mermaid Ama is really excited to get some bracers some day too! I knew Raven was planning them and couldn't wait to see what she came up with. Loving the new seaweed top too. And Thalassa I am SO excited for you eeee


Aaand Welcome back Raina! i hope u got my mail? If not, I don't blame ya ;) xx

[MerEmma]

Did you send her a picture of your skin tone so she knows what color to make the bracers? I can't wait to see them!

[Mermaid Lilium]

I think they'd be the coolest just for regular wear. :P

I'd wear them with like a loose sleeved chiffon shirt or something methinks.... I have a kinda wierd gothy-mainstream fashion sense 0.o I love gothic haute couture

[Talise]

Has anyone ever purchased a performance tail from Merbellas with the Finis Foil? When I eventually get my pro tail, I'll want it to have a flowy look to it, and I've read on her Facebook page that the Foil achieves this while still giving good propulsion. I know mostly everyone gets the competitor, but my feet are too little for it, and I don't like diving boots. I know the foil is much smaller than the competitor, and I worry about the outline of the monofin showing through the fluke. :(

[MerEmma]

If you watch some of the Merbellas videos, all of them have the Foil. It's more popular than the competitor, I feel.

Ayla has the foil as well. Some of the Merbellas ones you can REALLY see the imprint but others not so much.

[MerEmma]

Oceana also has the Finis Foil. I know there are others as well.

EEEE! I'm so excited, haha. I just emailed Raven inquiring about the scale bracers and she answered my questions very quickly and nicely. I'm definitely going to see if I can order a pair within this month. They're SO gorgeous and I'm really excited just at the fact that she answered my email. I did put "serious customer" in the subject, and I suppose that may have helped her distinguish my email (perhaps as a future tip to others?).

And as a future reference, she told me that the scale bracers could be repainted later on for $10 + shipping. I'm still just so excited that she replied, haha!

[Ayla of Duluth]

Has anyone ever purchased a performance tail from Merbellas with the Finis Foil? When I eventually get my pro tail, I'll want it to have a flowy look to it, and I've read on her Facebook page that the Foil achieves this while still giving good propulsion. I know mostly everyone gets the competitor, but my feet are too little for it, and I don't like diving boots. I know the foil is much smaller than the competitor, and I worry about the outline of the monofin showing through the fluke. :(

My tail is a performance tail with a finis foil. The outline of the fin doesn't show through the fluke at all. The tail is nice and flowy, and it looks really natural. Originally I wanted the competitor, but I actually like the foil a lot better. I'd link you go my YouTube but I'm on my phone. I have 3 videos of my tail up. One where I do a close up review of the tail, and two vids of me swimming in it. My channel is MermaidAyla.

[MerEmma]

The only reason I mention the imprint (I can't ever really see it on any other tails) is from this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2XEFgleYWc

[Ayla of Duluth]

Most Merbellas tails that raven owns for her company I think are casted thin to give extra flexibility in the tank, which is why the monofin shows through the fluke so much. My fluke was casted at the normal thickness and is hardly flexible enough to move around in a small area like a tank. The sun shines through the white part, but the monofin still doesn't show up. My fluke is also not as floppy as theirs. It's a bit stiffer and gives better propulsion.

[MerEmma]

I didn't know their tails were casted thinner than usual. Hm.

[Ayla of Duluth]

I'm pretty sure they are, because mine is definitely not that flowy and bendable. They just look really thin to me and it makes sense to have a really soft bendable fluke if they're trying to maneuver in a small space.

[Talise]

Woo, thanks for the insight, guys :D

I'd like my tail to be as flowy as Raven's is; I'm not nearly a strong enough swimmer to do swim in the ocean, so I'll most likely stick to pools and tanks, and something that's flexible will be lovely; a mix between Raven's thin tails and the normal thickness would be perf.

I'll check out your channel, Ayla! :D Thanks!

[Talise]

Just check out your videos, Ayla; your fluke looks just as flowy and flexible as Raven's tank tails do. I'm also super jealous of your tail; so preeeetttyyyyyy <3 Really cool paint job, too! :D Where'd you get inspiration for that?

[Ayla of Duluth]

Once upon a time when I was a wee little lass at summer camp, a lady with a big pickup truck full of 5 gallon buckets of beads would randomly show up around once a week. I've never been an artsy person, so one day when I made a beautiful bracelet, it stuck in my memory forever. It was a bracelet consisting of little silver seed beads. Every 3 or 4 beads there would be a pink heart with a gem in it. 3 beads more and there would be a Purple Heart with a gem in it. (Lol iPhone thought I meant Purple Heart as in the military award.) anyways, yeah. I was making tail designs one day when I was getting ready to order my tail, and I remembered the bracelet. I made a white base tail because I thought it would go better with the pink and purple instead of silver, and then I added the pink and purple spots. I really loved the unique stripes raven had on her orange tail, so I took inspiration from that and made mine black, to also help hide the ses and add contrast.

Tl;dr I got the design from a bracelet I made at camp one year and the stripes were inspired by ravens orange tail.

[Talise]

Hahahahaha well, it's gorgeous :D I think I was subconsciously inspired to have similar (but more fantasy-like) stripes on my personal tail, as well. I like them because the black seams give a slimming effect that I love.

[MerEmma]

So...which scales do you guys like better? I can't decide! I want to buy the bracers but I don't know which style I like better. The Merbella scales are so gorgeous and detailed but the other ones look so...I dunno, mermaidy?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/128903742/scale-bracers?ref=shop_home_active

[Ayla of Duluth]

Honestly I regret not getting the Merbellas style scales. I could have gotten them for free because she had just come out with them. My next tail will definitely have Merbellas scales.

[MerEmma]

I think I'll probably end up getting them, as I do really, really like them. They look so gorgeous up close.

[Talise]

I prefer the rounded scales, personally; I think on a tail that isn't very colorful, the Merbella scales would give it a bit more interest, but with an elaborate paint job (like her rainbow tail), rounded scales give it enough of a realistic look without being too distracting.

I'll probably stick with the plain scales :P Does she still do them?

[MerEmma]

Of course she still does 'em! <3

I can't decide...blah. I guess I'll have to ask my mum for opinions tomorrow. Just...they're both so pretty. I may just leave it up to Raven to decide, haha

[Blondie]

I think the Merbella type of scales are more edgier. They give off a really siren like look. The original round ones remind me of a happy mermaid. They're both perfect. For the bracers I'd go with the Merbella scales because it will give them a little more "unf" to the bracers.

[Talise]

I definitely agree; my mermaid character is more of a happy, fairy-tale mermaid.

The bracers are for more badass, Xena Warrior Princess mermaids >D

[MerEmma]

I like the round scales moreso I think for a full tail but on the bracers I think I prefer the MerBella scales. I've decided on the MerBella scales because when I picture my color scheme, I can't see it on the rounded scales.

EDIT: Except I can't ever make decisions so I'm always going back and forth, lol!

So for those who currently have orders in: which scales did you choose? I'm curious.

[spottedcatfish]

I love the new kind of scales she offers. What are bracers?

[MerEmma]

These babies:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/128903742/scale-bracers?ref=shop_home_active

http://www.etsy.com/listing/128904713/scale-bracers?ref=shop_home_active

I'm planning to get the first pair and DECISIONS ARE HARD D:

[spottedcatfish]

These babies:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/128903742/scale-bracers?ref=shop_home_active

http://www.etsy.com/listing/128904713/scale-bracers?ref=shop_home_active

I'm planning to get the first pair and DECISIONS ARE HARD D:

Doo Want!!

[MermaidBrittany]

Anyone see a price for the seaweed tops yet? I didnt see them on her etsy yet :P

[Phoenix Mermaid]

The seaweed top is $225

[MermaidBrittany]

The seaweed top is $225
Fintastic, thanks a bunch! :P

[Ayla of Duluth]

I still want one of the older octopus tops from her :( they're so gorgeous

[Winged Mermaid]

Dang, I was really hoping the seaweed top would be about the same price as her scale top. No such luck! Looks like I'mma have to keep saving.

[Merman Arion]

About the bracers from Merbella, can a merman wear them or is it too feminine? :thinks:

I'm not sure how it would look on me actually. I can't picture it yet... :(

[MerEmma]

I think the longer ones aren't very feminine.

[MerEmma]

WOOO! I AM SO EXCITED OMG. I just ordered a pair of the bracers, the smaller ones! Royal blue and silver coloring (up to her) and Merbella scales. It took me ages to figure out the scales as I do so much love the rounded ones, uggh. I can't wait to hear from her! <3

[Ashe]

Luckyyyyyyyy!!!! Me and Isis are thinking of throwing in 20 bucks each so we can split a pair of black ones :)

[MerEmma]

I'm so psyched! I'm so happy, lol. I made all that money in one night yesterday so it makes me feel sooo much less guilty about spending money (trying to save for college and such :s). I really hope I'll get to see a picture of it before she ships it, and I'm thinking about getting some glitter to put on it once I get it since I know that silicone is super-duper sticky. :b

I think wearing them as a plain bracelet rather than one on each arm would be pretty great too--you definitely should! Hopefully she'll relist more once she finishes this batch so it won't have to so custom through email. I'm so excited though omg I've been jumping around squealing. I think I might go outside and blow bubbles or something, ahaha.

[ButterflyVision]

I don't thinks its too feminine. In fact. It looks like something a merman of royalty would wear.

[MerEmma]

Raven posted this picture with Tyler wearing some scales!

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/541641_514280035294748_1400736767_n.jpg

[Talise]

Ugh, I wish I had money to spend on gorgeous stuff like this :(

[Merman Arion]

You are right!
Beside, thanks to the picture from Raven with Tyler wearing some scales bracers, it actually looks very good! :D

[Arella]

I don't thinks its too feminine. In fact. It looks like something a merman of royalty would wear.
I thought it looked mermanish too

[Blondie]

Definitely Merman like. It was the first thing that came to my head when I saw it.