Merbellas Thread

[Green Tea Mermaid]

I am on day 290. I haven't heard anything since March 9th when I was updated that they had started working on my fins.

[Vicky Mermaid]

You know that i think the silence is the most annoying. I understand they are busy, but i had a few times now when i checked in that she said i will have more pictures tomorrow. And then i didn't hear for a couple of weeks. Untill i asked again after that. Don't want to be an impatient customer. I'm sure it will be worth it, since i love what i've seen so far.

[AniaR]

yeah it's totally something they know is a problem and struggle to work at just being the two of them. I'm always trying to help them figure it out. I know right now Raven is phone-less and computer less (both destroyed from tail making stuff getting knocked onto them) . So she's doing everything from Tyler's phone and he usually answers emails. So it's entirely possible he said photos tomorrow! and she didnt know... lol

That's not to make excuses for them. I know it's annoying as hell. but she's one of my best friends and even *I* get it that way hahaha. I haven't heard from her more than I think 2 sentences in a good month. The NICE thing about that, is that usually when she's like that it's because she's in full steam mode and shit is getting done!

So I am sure you'll see/hear soon. I'm excited for you :)

[MermaidMichelle]

Ouch; losing a phone and computer is crippling in today's world! This evokes still further the image of Raven as a successful-yet-struggling artiste; let us all continue to remind ourselves of what an honour it shall be to wear one of her creations! :mermaid kiss: :cheerleader:

[Vicky Mermaid]

Yeah like i said, i'm sure it is all worth it since she is a fabulous artist indeed!

[Green Tea Mermaid]

Oh my goodness! Didn't she just get that laptop a little while back?! That really is unfortunate. I can't even imagine trying to work without one. Yikes.

[AniaR]

Raven goes through technology like you wouldnt believe lol. One time I was talking to her and I think she spilled acetone all over her keyboard lol. They also need a new camera I remember. theirs got flooded. risks of the job! We've gone through like 7 cameras since starting mermaid stuff lol >.>

[Venessa Louisiana Mermaid]

So I posted my Merbella review about 3 nights ago and it is not showing. I assume it has to be reviewed or soemthing. How long does this usually take?

[Vicky Mermaid]

Omg are you kidding me?! If i can't find my iPhone for 3 minutes i go crazy :jawdrop:

[AniaR]

all reviews get approved. Just because multiple people joined the site to post fake reviews. So an admin usually goes and just verifies that they are a member of this site and they did indeed get a tail. But Iona is away right now on a trip and I have no idea about Mal he tends to come and go. They usually approve them in batches so I'm sure next time one of them is online here they'll get to it. I think there's a few for other tail makers waiting as well.

[Vicky Mermaid]

last night i received pictures of my tail. How do i add them again? I know it's told before but i can't find it...

[Merman Arion]

last night i received pictures of my tail. How do i add them again? I know it's told before but i can't find it...

you go next to the smiley icone and you click at the one saying "insert image". Then, you choose a file from your computer and click on "upload file".

[Green Tea Mermaid]

last night i received pictures of my tail. How do i add them again? I know it's told before but i can't find it...:D I am so excited. I can't wait to see. I love seeing new tails!

[Vicky Mermaid]

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[Vicky Mermaid]

They are not watermarked, but Raven told me it's oke to share because she is not operating from her own computer. It is love at first sight :mermaid kiss:

[Morticia Mermaid]

WOW. Those are lovely Vicky!

[Mer-Crazy]

Sooo pretty! Like a real fish I love it so much! Now I can go to bed. I was worried I was going to have to go to sleep without seeing it <3

[Mermaid Kelda]

Ahhhh it's stunning Vicky! So so beautiful! Super happy for you!

[Yulia]

It's fantastic Vicky! Congratulations!

[MotorCityMerman]

That's pretty amazing. Very natural looking too.

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[Arella]

That looks fantastic! I love the dorsal fin <3

[Green Tea Mermaid]

Vicky I love your tail! So pretty! Congratulations!!!

[Vicky Mermaid]

Thanks everyone :)

[Silva]

Wow! Such a beautiful tail! I love the color combo :swoon:

[polyhymnia113]

So gorgeous, Vicky! So excited for you!

[Aurellia Gyldenscale]

Yay new tails! That one is gorgeous! So excited for you to have your first swim. :) <3

[ShyMer]

I love seeing that color combo again! Excellent choice all around <3

[Felicia]

Its super beautiful!!

[Merman Arion]

OMG :jawdrop:

That's one pretty tail! :swoon:

[Elodea the Mermaid]

Oh my gosh... the pearl and gold with the green are radiant. Vibrant and natural.

[Keiris]

WOW Vicky! Can't wait to see you in that! It looks awesome!

[Mermaid Syaira]

Congratulations Vicky! Can't wait to see it in action.

[Mermaid Alea]

Soooo pretty!!! Oh my goodness I am looking forward to seeing the unboxing video!!

[Ariel-Starfish]

Wow such an amazing fishy color combo! Congrats!

[Vicky Mermaid]

Thank you all :hail:
And ofcourse i will do an unboxing video and a first swim video :)

[Silva]

Awesome!

[MermaidMichelle]

We're not done complimenting you and your tail yet! The sea-green shimmer of that tail will make you a very natural mermaid indeed! :mermaid kiss:

[polyhymnia113]

The level of anticipation I have to see unboxing videos anytime someone is expecting their tail is maybe a little unhealthy. I'm like a little kid "did you get it yet? Did you get it yet? Did you get it yet?" Vicky, I cannot wait to see your gleeful unboxing of that gloriously beautiful tail!!

[Lily]

The level of anticipation I have to see unboxing videos anytime someone is expecting their tail is maybe a little unhealthy. I'm like a little kid "did you get it yet? Did you get it yet? Did you get it yet?" Vicky, I cannot wait to see your gleeful unboxing of that gloriously beautiful tail!!

LOL THIS! Let us live vicariously through your unboxing!

[Venessa Louisiana Mermaid]

Vicky, your tail is truly gorgeous. I hope, however, that the colors are true to life as they appear in the picture when you receive it. In my case, it was not. I suspect that there is either a filter being put on the photos or the saturation on her camera is set too high. I address the situation I had in the review I just posted.

[AnnaAbyss]

*Swooooooon* :swoon: :swoon: :swoon:

[Mermaid Neri Elvina]

Ahhh so pretty!!

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[Vicky Mermaid]

No i did not get it, it hasn't been send out yet. and it will take a while after that since i live in the Netherlands. Thank you for all your lovely compliments. And Venessa, i also hope the colours are like in the pictures. So sorry to read that you didn't have a nice experience. But afterall i hope you will enjoy your tail. Even if the colours are not what you were hoping for, i think it is beautiful.

[Meronica]

That tail is gorgeous. I love the green, and it looks so natural! Even if the colors aren't as vibrant as the picture provided, you can easily remedy it in any pictures you take with it in Photoshop. (But hopefully it really is that gorgeous in person!)


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[Venessa Louisiana Mermaid]

Thanks....like the mother of a child that didn't quite turn out the way you had hoped, I am loving it for what it is.

[Ariel-Starfish]

I'm over 200 waiting days and just wanted to ask how everything works out with my order atm. But it seems I can't reach Raven or Taylor. I'm patiënt but It's been scince last november that I heard something from them.

[polyhymnia113]

That's pretty normal. I'm at day 385 and I did hear from her a few weeks ago to clarify some things as she's finishing up my tail and top but prior to that it had been months since I'd heard anything. To be fair she was basically done about two weeks ago but it became clear we'd had some miscommunication about colors and so she's presently making the necessary adjustments. So my tail would have been done at about day 371 for those of you tracking wait time averages and such.

[Ariel-Starfish]

385?! Do you have a complicated design? Or perhaps they should change their waiting times. But thanks for letting me know! :)

[polyhymnia113]

My design is somewhat complex, "custom" fluke (sorta custom not really though ...it's a surprise), double ankle fins, a dorsal, and a set of hip fins. That said I know wait times for simpler tails do seem to be shorter.

[Felicia]

My design is somewhat complex, "custom" fluke (sorta custom not really though ...it's a surprise), double ankle fins, a dorsal, and a set of hip fins. That said I know wait times for simpler tails do seem to be shorter.

Just have to say, your tail sounds pretty BA

[polyhymnia113]

Thank you! :)

[Felicia]

No problem! I love complex tails! Not to say I dont like simple tails too but I love extra fins sooo much lol

[Silva]

polyhymnia113 (http://polyhymnia113), that sounds awesome! I love complex tails!

[Silva]

also, idk why it made your name a link

[shimmygoddess]

Anyone know if Raven is out of town? She messaged me on April 13 saying my top was done and was going to ship it the next day. I still have not received it, have messaged her twice and emailed Tyler twice too. I am worried it was lost. I usually always here back from her so am getting a bit anxious as its been almost 3 weeks now. Am starting to wonder if they are even receiving my emails or if they are lost somewhere :(

[AniaR]

yup she was doing gigs when I checked in with her yesterday. I think all weekend so you'll probably hear in the next few days :)

[Ariel-Starfish]

I'm anxious to these days! Yesterday (while making a fabric tail) i descivered a minor bug from my mesurments and was just super stressed about the fact I haven't heard from her for half a year. Now 5 mins ago, I open up my IG and seeing i got a message from Raven - SHE SEND ME A TAIL SKETCH !!!! Aaaargh so freaking happy!! :yay: Not shure I can post it yet so I don't for now. Ofcourse I replay asap about the mesurment thingie and asked about how far I'm in line atm. :) I hope she reads it! ^^

[shimmygoddess]

Thanks Raina!! Normally I don't nag, but since it was supposedly shipped and haven't gotten it, I am kind of worried. LOL

[Vicky Mermaid]

Yeah i understand Shimmygoddes. My tail should be ready to ship last week, but haven't heared yet. Patience just a little little longer. And Ariel very excited for you dear!!!

[shimmygoddess]

update: got my new top in the mail today...it is a perfect match!! She made my tail last year so only had photos to go by :) Raven rocks!!

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[AniaR]

looks so good!!!

[Vicky Mermaid]

Pretty!!!!!! Looks good!!!

[Green Tea Mermaid]

Shimmygoddess you're top is so pretty! Glad to hear you got it. :D

[Keiris]

It really looks GORGEOUS!

[Merley]

Oh, Shimmy, those colors. I'm drooling. Love how the purple pops.

[Mermaid Syaira]

That's stunning! :jawdrop:

[Silva]

oh my goodness. That top is perfection :eyepop:

[shimmygoddess]

Thanks everyone! I think I will need to make a mermaid inspired bellydance choreography so I can wear it to dance too :)

[Ariel-Starfish]

@ Mermaid Vicky : Any news about your tail getting shipped?

After recieving my sketch on IG I tried to contact her again by answering her message she wrote with it. Nothing. I'm going nuts. Also becouse I have nothing else on my mind atm. :headwall:

[teeth4u]

I love Raven's tails! They're really beautiful but (I know I'll get chewed out for saying this) I have seen a decline in the quality of her products. I've seen several pictures of mermaids with baggy and wrinkled tails from Raven. For the amount of time and money she takes to make these tails, I would expect them to be pretty perfect. That's just my opinion though.

[MerEmma]

Baggy and wrinkled tails? Where have you seen them? Sizing issues I believe are typically on the customer's mis-measurements...I thought you were going to complain about declining customer service, which is a lot tougher to dispute.

[Theta]

Also, there is naturally some bagginess/wrinkles to tails. If you're comparing them to the Splash tail, it was much heavier duty and Daryl Hannah's legs were shrink wrapped to get rid of outlines from knees/ankles and prevent wrinkles etc. That's dangerous unless you've got a safety crew. Also, Raven doesn't photoshop her tails- some tailmakers will touch up their tails (remove wrinkles etc) in their promo pics.

[teeth4u]

Also, there is naturally some bagginess/wrinkles to tails. If you're comparing them to the Splash tail, it was much heavier duty and Daryl Hannah's legs were shrink wrapped to get rid of outlines from knees/ankles and prevent wrinkles etc. That's dangerous unless you've got a safety crew. Also, Raven doesn't photoshop her tails- some tailmakers will touch up their tails (remove wrinkles etc) in their promo pics.

I think it is safe to say that anyone paying $3,000 for a tail would not want their tail to be baggy or wrinkly anywhere. I know there are natural wrinkles, but I have seen several pictures of tails that look far too big. I'm not complaining at all, simply stating an observation. I'm not comparing her tails to the Splash tail. I'm comparing them to every other tail on the market (FinFolk, MerNation, MerTailor, etc.)

[Theta]

I mean, you're seeing what you're seeing, and that's cool. (Not trying to argue.) I don't see it, personally (just looked through a bunch of her customer photos to check.) My tail wrinkles at the ankles when I'm bending them, but there has to be some slack in that area to be able to swim safely.

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Do you have examples or the photos that you're seeing wrinkles in? It might be easier if we saw the same pictures.

[Vicky Mermaid]

No Ariel still nothing....

[MerEmma]

Yeah, I can't think of any baggy Raven tails. MerTailor is whom I particularly see bagginess from but otherwise I feel that the other major tailmakers out there have gotten the sizing generally pretty well. *shrug*

[polyhymnia113]

I'm wondering if the situations Teeth4u is talking abkut is the rare occasion where you see someone in one of Raven's tails that wasn't originally made for them...like mermaid photo shoots or someone who bought or borrowed someone else's tail and so it doesn't fit the wearer perfectly but Raven cannot really be blamed for that.

[teeth4u]

Of course, here are a few examples.

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I know Raina has said that she had wrinkle issues at merfest and figured it out but she has since posted more pictures where her tail has significantly more wrinkles than her previous one. I think it is safe to say these tails appear to be baggy in areas whether due to measurement errors or productions mistakes. However, they are just pictures. I would love to hear from these mermaids about how their tails actually fit.

[teeth4u]

I'm wondering if the situations Teeth4u is talking abkut is the rare occasion where you see someone in one of Raven's tails that wasn't originally made for them...like mermaid photo shoots or someone who bought or borrowed someone else's tail and so it doesn't fit the wearer perfectly but Raven cannot really be blamed for that.

No, I am talking about custom made tails for a specific individuals.

[Yulia]

FYI, Raina ASKED Raven to make the ankle area bigger, so it would be easier to put on.

With the Koi tail, it really looks like the tail wasn't made for her, and then of course it wouldn't fit perfectly.

[Merman Arion]

Actually, there is one tail I can think of.

It was the first gold tail of Catalina Mermaid from Sheroes Entertainment before the new one.

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And here is her upgraded gold tail from Raven where the sizing issue had been totally solved :)

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[Merman Arion]

FYI, I get wrinkles too with my tail from Finfolk Productions in spite of the perfect fit and I'm totally okay with it :)

Truth is that they are unavoidable.

[Theta]

You really can't include Raina's tails in this group because hers are specially made a little looser to accommodate a medical issue.

The koi looks baggy but the mer in question may have lost some weight between giving Raven the measurements and having her tail completed. Raven's production times are notoriously long, and I wouldn't be surprised if there are people whose bodies change during that period.

I've got nothing on the gold one, except that it's been fixed, and the earlier images are not terribly recent, considering.

The ankle wrinkles are what I was talking about upthread. You can see the same things on the finfolk and mertailor tails, too.

[MerEmma]

I don't even consider Raina's to be an example of this; she's explained the bagginess/wrinkles? She didn't get it pulled up high enough since it was her first time with the brand new tail. She's an exception out of those images. especially in the last of her images? There are some positions you will no matter what have wrinkles because of the way the body bends. Her tail fits excellently when pulled on appropriately and it's expected that it isn't perfect every time you wear it. I think it's a case of too-high expectations sometimes.

As for the koi...I've seen some shots before where her tail seemed VERY well-fitted. I don't know what's going on with that one and I won't speculate. Could've been the customer's measurements error, weight fluctuations or a mistake on Raven's position. I don't think she's on Mernetwork either so I doubt we'll find out why it's baggy.

NCmermaid is on the network though and she didn't leave an official review that I saw (may have scrolled past?). I feel like the image you posted was very soon after she received her tail; I remember it being one of the first few I saw of it although I'm probably incorrect haha!

Nonetheless, though. I think it's just not pulling it up high enough or the way she is laying. Look how well it fits in other pictures of her tail (although photoshop could often be at play in any mermaid's photos):
https://scontent-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1511688_802481466450331_2934784252325559845_n.jpg? oh=ca3ce78fbd7ee8ea9fbc33b8eaa0e8f5&oe=55DADEA2https://scontent-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/10551063_802481376450340_6367414012767998263_n.jpg ?oh=8ff725f6b543c00c6e4e2d000b921eab&oe=55CF479Fhttps://scontent-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/983745_802481343117010_5134716942223731110_n.jpg?o h=e55e359a4ed70e3b2f7ae517e08e9607&oe=55D31053

SAME photoshoot. Wrinkles happen, and I'm not saying that none of Raven's tails are ever baggy (there is evidence supporting that they are sometimes) but Shimmy's I think is a case of a VERY well fitted tail. Most of her images on her Facebook (credit! https://www.facebook.com/MermaidAmara/ ) are wrinkle-free and beautiful. :)

(Also, despite wanting to NOT be speculative...I feel like I was. If this post has stepped out of line in some way, I apologize.)

EDIT: Also! Wow. That gold tail, the updated one, is beautiful. Gahhh. The first one was a partial with neoprene lining I think, that may have influenced it some. Who knows, though.

[Mermaid Wesley]

In my opinion, unless you are there for the tailmaker to actually use your legs, there will be wrinkles. And even still. The koi tail, I remember we all notice sizing issues. The reason the merbella tails seem to wrinkle more than other tailmakers imho is that they are a bit thinner. This is good for range of motion, drag, weight, and getting tails on, but it does cause wrinkles when you twist.
The mertailors are really thick, so when they wrinkle, it's more like a ~ shape than a MW shape. Finfolk too. Their tails are thicker.
After seeing a ton of these tails in person though, the thicker ones still wrinkle, and the most I'll-fitting tail can be made to look good with camera angles, certain sitting positions, and even stuffing- yes I've seen mers stuff their tails lol. ;)
I mean do you have a pair of jeans that don't wrinkle when you bend your knee? I don't mean to like ruin the magic but no tail looks 100% real in person. Even Pearlie Mae's form fitted perfect tail wrinkles when she twists or bends her knees and ankles. That's not a bash to pearlie at all, because it's so beautiful in person let me tell you, but that's how it is. I do see some sizing issues with the gold tail and the koi tail, which I don't know anything about but you can see in the pic of mermaid ginger in her finfolk, she has ankle wrinkles too.
Those are usually caused because the mer didn't spend too long trying to get the tail pulled up all the way. (It takes flippin forever ugh lol)
so basically, what I'm saying is: the only tails I have ever seen without wrinkles would be one of the following: h2o, cgi, most fabric tails, and the mertailor lobster and whale tails. Those are constructed differently than other tails, and are 2-part molds. Maybe moo's tails too. I totally get what you're saying but it's really sortof a universal mermaid problem. I know at merfest, Raina was struggling a bit with adjusting to the new waist and getting the tail on, then she cut her hand, and then she tore it so now is being really careful getting in and out, so hers is sortof an isolated case anyways.
So yeah. In my personal opinion, the way merbella tails wrinkle is sortof typical, but as they're thinner, they wrinkle in smaller folds that are more noticeable on camera, but I would say the thicker wrinkles are more noticeable in person.
What am I even talking about. Sorry for the wall of text I got into it lol


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[AniaR]

Lol I love it when a brand 'new' member jumps in to critique... Lol

Not sure where you see wrinkles in my photos lol

[AniaR]

My tail is skin tight. It couldn't get any tighter. I think you're confusing seams with wrinkles and bent knees and bent ankles with wrinkles. I think you're a case of never used a tail or maybe even seen one in person

[teeth4u]

My tail is skin tight. It couldn't get any tighter. I think you're confusing seams with wrinkles and bent knees and bent ankles with wrinkles. I think you're a case of never used a tail or maybe even seen one in person

Raina, I really don't appreciate you jumping to assumptions about me and who I am. I was unaware that you asked for a tail that would be somewhat baggy due to your health issues. I'm a new member but that doesn't mean I'm a new mermaid.

I think everyone here has very valid points. No tail will Be 100% perfect and it is nearly impossible to avoid wrinkles. However, a tail like the koi one or gold one should not be acceptable in my opinion. All tail makers have probably messed up at some point and made a baggy tail or two. I'm glad those who have recently purchased a merbella tail feel they got their money's worth.

[Mer-Crazy]

Not to mention you keep blaming the tail maker for the wrinkles when it's all about the measurements they're given. A tail can only fit as well as it's measured and Raven is implementing new techniques for clients to measure tails with to make sure they fit better. But most mermaids report weight loss after recieving a tail and swimming in it for a while, even Raina whom I consider to be very slender lost weight on her first tail, which leads to baggage. You can't really blame us for getting defensive when you came in here with a comment that seemed to only be for the purpose of conflict and seemingly very little knowledge about how things like this works.

[MerEmma]

Raina, I really don't appreciate you jumping to assumptions about me and who I am. I was unaware that you asked for a tail that would be somewhat baggy due to your health issues. I'm a new member but that doesn't mean I'm a new mermaid.

I think everyone here has very valid points. No tail will Be 100% perfect and it is nearly impossible to avoid wrinkles. However, a tail like the koi one or gold one should not be acceptable in my opinion. All tail makers have probably messed up at some point and made a baggy tail or two. I'm glad those who have recently purchased a merbella tail feel they got their money's worth.

That's the thing though...none of us are assuming the koi tail is or isn't Raven's fault. The koi tail is very recent; I'm certain Raven knows how to put measurements accurately into a tail. While accidents can happen, you are still putting the blame on Raven with:


However, a tail like the koi one or gold one should not be acceptable in my opinion.

We don't know. Maybe the customers gave wrong measurements. Maybe the customers wanted them baggy so they could be removed quickly/easily. We simply don't know. There are a lot of different reasons for a tail to be baggy. *shrug* It could be Raven's fault, but that is only between Raven and the customer. Not for us to decide what happened. What we do know is this: Raven reliably creates skin tight tails. She has made a LOT of tails and knows how to put the measurements together. That's about all we know for absolute certain.

[teeth4u]

Not to mention you keep blaming the tail maker for the wrinkles when it's all about the measurements they're given. A tail can only fit as well as it's measured and Raven is implementing new techniques for clients to measure tails with to make sure they fit better. But most mermaids report weight loss after recieving a tail and swimming in it for a while, even Raina whom I consider to be very slender lost weight on her first tail, which leads to baggage. You can't really blame us for getting defensive when you came in here with a comment that seemed to only be for the purpose of conflict and seemingly very little knowledge about how things like this works.

its very interesting that you view my comments as a conflict. That's not why I came here. I'm genuinely interested in the development of the mermaid community. I'm also not blaming the tail maker at all. It's a hazard of the job, not necessarily the creators fault. My comments are not a reflection on anyone's skills or talents. I was just stating an observation and wanted others opinions. I'm not heated about this at all. I'm a new member and so far I have received a lot of passive aggressive comments. You said yourself that you are being defensive. That's not necessary.

[teeth4u]

That's the thing though...none of us are assuming the koi tail is or isn't Raven's fault. The koi tail is very recent; I'm certain Raven knows how to put measurements accurately into a tail. While accidents can happen, you are still putting the blame on Raven with:



We don't know. Maybe the customers gave wrong measurements. Maybe the customers wanted them baggy so they could be removed quickly/easily. We simply don't know. There are a lot of different reasons for a tail to be baggy. *shrug* It could be Raven's fault, but that is only between Raven and the customer. Not for us to decide what happened. What we do know is this: Raven reliably creates skin tight tails. She has made a LOT of tails and knows how to put the measurements together. That's about all we know for absolute certain.


i should have clarified! It should not be acceptable if it is the fault of the tail maker but like you said, we do not know.

[AniaR]

Sorry but when the first thing you do when you join a forum is make ignorant statements about a tail maker it raises red flags. And before you jump to calling me biased I've said the same things about people who have joined and jumped right to bashing mertailor or others. You also seem to personally fixate on me which is also another red flag
I'm not buying it honestly. Imma just ignore you ;)

[Mermaid Mystery]

Sorry but when the first thing you do when you join a forum is make ignorant statements about a tail maker it raises red flags. And before you jump to calling me biased I've said the same things about people who have joined and jumped right to bashing mertailor or others. You also seem to personally fixate on me which is also another red flag
I'm not buying it honestly. Imma just ignore you ;)

[emoji122]🏻[emoji122]🏻[emoji122]🏻[emoji122]🏻[emoji122]🏻[emoji122]🏻


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[teeth4u]

I'm not making ignorant statements. I was just expressing my opinion. I don't see how I've personally fixated on you either but oh well. I'm really bummed that I've basically already been shunned by the most popular mermaid (and basically everyone that supports her) here for stating my opinion.

[teeth4u]

I'm not bashing anyone! Why is everyone getting so defensive? You guys really know how to give a warm welcome.

[Yulia]

I'm not bashing anyone! Why is everyone getting so defensive? You guys really know how to give a warm welcome.

Make an introduction and I'm sure this slate can be wiped clean. ;)


A quick search gave me these pictures:

https://scontent-fra.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/t31.0-8/10257324_620292388089834_6781170327655253112_o.jpg https://scontent-fra.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10599439_10203140629624603_6677865998178765199_n.j pg?oh=21027176430400865b0ce556869fc4ca&oe=55DE030F



Baggy =/= Bad

I totally agree that the Koi tail looked very big, but we don't know why it is big as others have said.
Sometimes models not used with wearing tails don't put their feet in the footpockets, and that usually lead to a baggier look.
Unless there's a tail story with proof that a tail was made bigger than measurements sent to the tailmaker I don't think there's arguments that the tails are badly made or that a tailmaker is bad. It's just a big tail.

[Fifi Tigg]

Sorry but when the first thing you do when you join a forum is make ignorant statements about a tail maker it raises red flags. And before you jump to calling me biased I've said the same things about people who have joined and jumped right to bashing mertailor or others. You also seem to personally fixate on me which is also another red flag
I'm not buying it honestly. Imma just ignore you ;)

I've been reading this whole thread and it seems as though teeth4u was baiting AniaR from the start :confused:

[Mermaid Wesley]

Yeah it came off as very accusatory and aggressive when you said: "I have seen a decline in the quality of her products" there's nothing wrong with the product, other than fit. This suggests that you thought something she did was wrong. And again: "I think it is safe to say that anyone paying $3,000 for a tail would not want their tail to be baggy or wrinkly anywhere." Assuming again that somehow Raven is the one messing up the sizing. And of the photos that you posted, as mers who are experienced in silicone can tell you (not meant as a backhanded thing I swear) all but one tail fits perfectly. I believe that you didn't mean to start anything, just explaining why everyone kinda jumped.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[shimmygoddess]

What a surprise to see all my pics posted here..LOL...I don't mind though :) All the beach photos posted were a photoshoot in Mid May 2014. My non photographer husband was taking them ( I had to set it, give him the camera, then take it and check to make sure pics were coming out) Being both model and photographer are not easy. It was at sunset and we had limited time due to light. I had to work fast, the water was super cold, so my tail was not on properly. I gave Raven pretty accurate measurements and it fits very snug. Tails are going to be a little baggy in the back side, simply b/c we have a butt and it sticks out and the silicone cannot cling to all parts like spandex. Even my spandex tails are a bit baggy in the back of the legs. If you have a curvy butt, you cannot avoide that. It bunches a bit by the heel, but from what I see that is pretty normal when sitting. Also probably bc I have small ankles and the monofin is just huge. There will be creases and wrinkles in certain positions, very normal. All this said, I am very happy with my tail. :)

[Mer-Crazy]

They're actually discussing wrinkles over in the mer nation thread too haha and basically same thing, everyone has it now and then. The mernation girls even said it has to do with ankle width. If your ankles are thinner than the monofin/ foot pockets this can also cause distortion and wrinkle.

[shimmygoddess]

NCmermaid is on the network though and she didn't leave an official review that I saw (may have scrolled past?). I feel like the image you posted was very soon after she received her tail; I remember it being one of the first few I saw of it although I'm probably incorrect haha!

Nonetheless, though. I think it's just not pulling it up high enough or the way she is laying. Look how well it fits in other pictures of her tail (although photoshop could often be at play in any mermaid's photos):


SAME photoshoot. Wrinkles happen, and I'm not saying that none of Raven's tails are ever baggy (there is evidence supporting that they are sometimes) but Shimmy's I think is a case of a VERY well fitted tail. Most of her images on her Facebook (credit! https://www.facebook.com/MermaidAmara/ ) are wrinkle-free and beautiful. :)

(Also, despite wanting to NOT be speculative...I feel like I was. If this post has stepped out of line in some way, I apologize.)

EDIT: Also! Wow. That gold tail, the updated one, is beautiful. Gahhh. The first one was a partial with neoprene lining I think, that may have influenced it some. Who knows, though.


No worries about sharing the pics. Yes, this photoshoot was less than a month after receiving my tail...I didn't have it on all that well...just fast enough to get these pics. Heck I still have a hard time getting it one. LOL. the water was freezing and was trying to hurry. Honestly, my heel bulge I think b/c the monofin is just big and my ankles are really small. You can see the monofin in that last photo it is much bulkier than my feet are...there is nothing to do about that. These particular pics were only edited for creative effects but I didn't alter my body or the tail in any way.

[shimmygoddess]

They're actually discussing wrinkles over in the mer nation thread too haha and basically same thing, everyone has it now and then. The mernation girls even said it has to do with ankle width. If your ankles are thinner than the monofin/ foot pockets this can also cause distortion and wrinkle.

Exactly!! Was typing this at the same time..you beat me :)

[teeth4u]

I guess I need to be more specific. I was making a comment on her product not her abilities to create. I love her tails and think their gorgeous and I was bummed to see some of these baggier tails. I still stand by my statement that if someone was buying $3,000 for a tail you would want it to fit pretty perfectly but obviously most tails don't for whatever reason. I think we can all agree that wrinkles are inevitable and very normal, especially at the ankles.

It makes me happy to hear that I was wrong about a decline in quality!

[AniaR]

In my 7+ years experience dry gigs produce wrinkles thanks to lube that dries up and an inability to smooth the tail out in the way you can when its wet. But what do I know lol.

[Keiris]

I guess I need to be more specific. I was making a comment on her product not her abilities to create. I love her tails and think their gorgeous and I was bummed to see some of these baggier tails. I still stand by my statement that if someone was buying $3,000 for a tail you would want it to fit pretty perfectly but obviously most tails don't for whatever reason. I think we can all agree that wrinkles are inevitable and very normal, especially at the ankles.

It makes me happy to hear that I was wrong about a decline in quality!
First of all, WELCOME to the forum, teeth4u! You are certainly entitled to your opinions and comments just as much as any one else here. Those tails do look baggy in some of those unflattering photos! Whether it be the fit , the pose, weight loss, incorrect positioning, whatever. I agree, if one is paying 3000 bucks for anything, the best you can get for that is not unreasonable. I think MVD, Raven, Finfolk and a few of the other artists really try to create the very best product they can because they are in fact, artists and their name is on every piece so to speak. Raven, in particular, takes her time to make sure each thing she cranks out is as beautiful as she can make it and from what I have heard is VERY concerned that each person be happy with their purchase. If only more businesses actually functioned like that!

Most here that have worn silicone will tell you they have some degree of wrinkling but it is usually minimal in a well-fitting tail.

Hope your swim with us here is fun! :)

[Theta]

I guess I need to be more specific. I was making a comment on her product not her abilities to create. I love her tails and think their gorgeous and I was bummed to see some of these baggier tails. I still stand by my statement that if someone was buying $3,000 for a tail you would want it to fit pretty perfectly but obviously most tails don't for whatever reason. I think we can all agree that wrinkles are inevitable and very normal, especially at the ankles.

It makes me happy to hear that I was wrong about a decline in quality!

I think that's the point I was trying to make earlier. The tails that fit absolutely perfectly, the Splash tail, the H2O tails, are not practical for general consumption. They're not safe to use without a whole team in the water with you, and they're hideously expensive. I think the closest any solo mer has come to a wrinkleless, completely form fitting, natural looking tail is Linden, and she worked with a Hollywood SFX team and sunk 10k into it. See below:

29518

Also, most tails do fit very well! I think you need to adjust your expectation of midlevel silicone tails (and yes, Raven, Mertailor etc. are midlevel, when you include all the true SFX tails.) The tails R, M, etc. make are not only not made from body casts, they are made without the recipient even being in the room, so there's no from life tailoring going on.* They are absolutely worth every penny of $3k to $6k. They are not worth $10k. The reason the $10k+ tails aren't brought up much on this forum is because they're prohibitively expensive for 99% of Mernetwork users.

*generally. There are probably a few instances where customers are within driving distance, so the measurements/fit would be more precise, and I think Pearlie has customers send her a form of themselves for her to work on, but that's unusual in the tailmaking world. I think Eric's Famous Adult Tail was sculpted from life, but I remember hearing that that tail cost around $9k.

[Theobromine]

I think everyone is bringing up some really interesting and important points about silicone tails and fit and expectations here! I'd love to add my 2 cents as well, but I also feel like maybe this discussion should be in its own thread (both for easy reference and also so we don't totally hijack the Merbellas thread--I'd post some examples of how even my perfectly-fitted tail still wrinkles in certain positions and not others, but I have a Finfolk tail and I'm not all territorial about tailmakers, but it would be nice to have a more neutral place to discuss everything).

[Vicky Mermaid]

You know you can't avoid wrinkles. It happens with every tail. In some positions it will happen even if you have a perfect fit tail My Thom Shouse wettail (made from latex and urethan) wrinkled too in some postions. And also... Raven is not to blame anything, because she makes what her customers provide...

By the way, i just payed the shipping invoice So my tail will finally come home!!!!!!:yay::yay::yay::yay::yay::yay::yay::yay:

[Ariel-Starfish]

Omg Vicky THIS IS INSANE!! :yay: Can u please pm me the shipping invoice? So i know I'm having the right amout of funds ready when it's my turn ^^ (Thinking my basic tail costs less due weight etc.)

anyway : revirling my tail sketch Vs the one Raven send me: 29526

Apart from the green belly and a bit less green on the fluke I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!

[MermaidMichelle]

Thanks everyone! I think I will need to make a mermaid inspired bellydance choreography so I can wear it to dance too :)

*Ignores pages of conflict* I'm glad you're remembering to make mermaid bellydancing a thing! :mermaid kiss:

[polyhymnia113]

Michelle gets us back on track with grace and ease every time. :D

[MermaidMichelle]

Michelle gets us back on track with grace and ease every time. :D

Merci beaucoup, polyhymnia! :mermaid kiss: Seriously, they should make a "Pandora's Box" smiley for situations such as this....

Also Ariel, I quite like your sketches and Raven's sketches of your sketches!

[Merman Arion]

Apart from the green belly and a bit less green on the fluke I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!

I think you should keep the green belly. It's a neat idea from Raven for doing something different and unique :)

[AniaR]

I like the spots

[Keiris]

I like the green belly too, nice point of contrast especially if she picks the color up in the fins.

[Felicia]

I love the green/teal but I'm also a bit biased towards it lol

[polyhymnia113]

I love how the green color only spots / speckles on your origjnal sketch on the fluke except on the very edges. I think it's a lovely way to keep the green more subtle if you want less than in the sketch she made for you, but I have to kind of echo everyone else that the added green really does look lovely.

[Ariel-Starfish]

Thanks everyone! I Can't wait to see this design come to life! :swoon:

[MermaidAmestris]

Neither can we, Ariel! I agree with everyone about the green, but of course it's your tail, not ours. Whether you keep it or not, I absolutely cannot WAIT to see it in real life! The creative shape of those stripes has been swimming around in my head since I first saw them <3

[MermaidAmestris]

It's probably not healthy for me to get so excited over people's tails that aren't even mine, but until I can quit being poor and buy a monofin and some fabric, I'm living vicariously through all of you!

[AniaR]

Aside from the colors nothing edited from this shot (because it was super cloudy) . As you see ... no wrinkles. You too can be wrinkle free by pointing your toes inside your tail and holding yourself just... so. LOL ;) it's a behind the scenes shot from a big group photo shoot we did recently. It was spontaneous. I actually didn't get my turn with the main photographer because I was just too cold and had to bail so Seanny got a few shots instead. (only 4 degrees c. it was so cold it HURT to touch the sand! lol)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t31.0-8/11182722_1050926508275425_7486714746356522335_o.jp g

Also, here's an animated gif showing how lovely that fluke moves!

https://38.media.tumblr.com/0e862f6fd27699c7785f6c85251652fc/tumblr_no5uv2LzfO1r0wgkuo1_400.gif

Here's a gif from the shoot...

https://31.media.tumblr.com/52ad3d42898b0ec1da554ec38e6f35ad/tumblr_no5t3r6CHj1r0wgkuo1_400.gif

Usually if I get any wrinkles it's at the ankle area because as people mentioned here, I had it made bigger to accommodate getting in and out of the tail fast. I'm so glad I did.

https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11150258_944255245605932_7283425518264648014_n.jpg ?oh=b2821917eda5825c13087d8d287688f8&oe=55DD9552

^ You can see the patch job I did on my waistline there.

[Rocky Mountain Mermaids]

Holy crap Raina, your wasitline is impeccably blended! Is it photoshopped or just a really good color match?

[Mer-Crazy]

Holy crap Raina, your wasitline is impeccably blended! Is it photoshopped or just a really good color match?
That's Raven's new blended waist upgrade :D

[AniaR]

no photoshop. though I damaged my waist at a dry gig went I bent over and it hooked on something sharp that I didn't see and split it right open. So I've since fixed it and because there is a seam now from the patch it's a bit more obvious lol.

[Vicky Mermaid]

Seam or no seam, wrinkle or no wrinkle, the tail is gorgeous. And like i said before. It doesn't matter wich tail you have. At some positions you will have wrinkles. I have seen them in every tail!
oh and by the way.... Since i didn't hear from Tyler if the payment went well, i emailed him to ask if they received the payment, he responded right back telling me that he forgot to get back to me that they got the payment right away and that the tail was send out the same day! So in a few days, i will be the proud owner of my Merbella Studio's tail!!!!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Congrats!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mer-Crazy]

So excited for you Vicky! :D

[Merman Arion]

I can't wait to see your tail, Vicky! :yay:

[polyhymnia113]

Excellent News, Vicky! Congratulations! How exciting! Can't wait to see your unboxing video and photos. :)

[Ariel-Starfish]

SO SUPER EXITED FOR YOU VICKY!!! :yay:

[MermaidMichelle]

Congratulations to you, Vicky :mermaid kiss: and I appreciate how you suffer for your wrinkle-free work, Raina! :mermaid kiss:

[Mer-Crazy]

Congratulations to you, Vicky :mermaid kiss: and I appreciate how you suffer for your wrinkle-free work, Raina! :mermaid kiss:
:lol: Michelle! You're so classic. :thumbs-up:

[Mermaid Syaira]

Congratulations Vicky!!

[AniaR]

got some of the photos back from the photoshoot thought I'd share a few

https://36.media.tumblr.com/696329c53f36c20ca6d4e39d0b137e28/tumblr_noibqd7QZt1r0wgkuo1_1280.jpg

https://41.media.tumblr.com/76ad258803d40c3ce57c459fc5210830/tumblr_noibqd7QZt1r0wgkuo3_1280.jpg

https://36.media.tumblr.com/1a45cf054ec17621f8526369f9ed0aaa/tumblr_noibqd7QZt1r0wgkuo2_1280.jpg

https://36.media.tumblr.com/bc884c28447dbd33c58529f99e0f201d/tumblr_noibqd7QZt1r0wgkuo5_1280.jpg

https://36.media.tumblr.com/83a16fd2ea02aba54ad9cf7c510b63f4/tumblr_noibqd7QZt1r0wgkuo4_1280.jpg

https://40.media.tumblr.com/3b727eac00f1a6318832acfa1ea903e7/tumblr_noibqd7QZt1r0wgkuo6_1280.jpg

[polyhymnia113]

Lovely

[Felicia]

You look incredible!

[Vicky Mermaid]

Nice pictures!!!

[AniaR]

had another shoot today

https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/t31.0-8/11262504_10155611354035425_8090610977418700361_o.j pg

https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/t31.0-8/11148835_10155611304105425_5413593097242536298_o.j pg

[Ashe]

:swoon:

[Fifi Tigg]

I like your style of photography Raina :D

[AniaR]

Thanks. Sean took these- I am teaching him. I do the post work. We just switched from Canon to Nikon as our Canon gear died and we were gifted with Nikon. reallllly steep learning curb. Things that took 1 or 2 buttons on Cannon take 3 and a dial on Nikon lol. I also find the white balance controls drastically different so a lot of my skin tones are too pink or yellow and still trying to master that kind of correction in post lol. These were super harsh sun but because of the angles and rocks around us we still needed the flash otherwise I had stark shadows. So they all came out really bright and had to be lowered in post. But good poses and framing. We only JUST figured out how to manually move the focal point on the nikon after watching some online videos because it was like a rubix cube trying to hit all the right buttons and dials at once haha. I swear to God it's like I've never done photography before just from switching brands. I had NO IDEA they were so incredibly different.

[AniaR]

whoops deleted my post. I made a video and just realized it rendered with 2 minutes of footage and 6 minutes of black... lol

[Vrindavana Starfish]

Thanks. Sean took these- I am teaching him. I do the post work. We just switched from Canon to Nikon as our Canon gear died and we were gifted with Nikon. reallllly steep learning curb. Things that took 1 or 2 buttons on Cannon take 3 and a dial on Nikon lol. I also find the white balance controls drastically different so a lot of my skin tones are too pink or yellow and still trying to master that kind of correction in post lol. These were super harsh sun but because of the angles and rocks around us we still needed the flash otherwise I had stark shadows. So they all came out really bright and had to be lowered in post. But good poses and framing. We only JUST figured out how to manually move the focal point on the nikon after watching some online videos because it was like a rubix cube trying to hit all the right buttons and dials at once haha. I swear to God it's like I've never done photography before just from switching brands. I had NO IDEA they were so incredibly different.

Are the lenses compatible between Canon and Nikon? I haven't worked with Nikon much because it's more purist photography, and I do mainly video. But I've worked a lot with Canons, and I have a Lumix GH3 and GH1, soon to get a GH4. The controls between the Lumix and Canon are very similar, but the lens mounts are different.

Sorry, didn't meant to hijack the thread. Those photos are excellent, and I would have guessed you had a bounce board and not a flash. No creepy flash shadows. :)

[AniaR]

Nope. And we have some dope Nikon lenses which is why we stuck with it

[Maethor]

had another shoot today

https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/t31.0-8/11262504_10155611354035425_8090610977418700361_o.j pg

https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/t31.0-8/11148835_10155611304105425_5413593097242536298_o.j pg
I love how your eyeshadow matches your tail here! It looks so simple and beautiful!

[MermaidMichelle]

Everything matches very well here, though what impresses me most is how you have mastered that gentle and feminine mermaid look which is most attractive! :mermaid kiss:

[AniaR]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNxQSRi7yTE&feature=youtu.be

video works now. Had to put the tail on dry cuz the water stank and was too cold. dry rubber is a LOT of fun in the heat...

[Ariel-Starfish]

Urgh so much prettyness :swoon: And with the foil your tail looks so realistic, like it's not a 'costume' but a real tail. URGH I want my tail so bad when seeing this :p Just 3 more months I hope!! (228 days now for anyone who wants to know - lol)

[Ariel-Starfish]

Oh and before qi forgot to mention: the part where u where sitting on the rock reminded me of the original little mermaid! :D to cute!

http://www.videoreportages.be/files/gallery/94/94_28_large.jpg

[Vicky Mermaid]

I agree with Ariel!

[MermaidMichelle]

I suspect Raina was going for that very look...and she obtained it! :mermaid kiss:

[MerEmma]

I love your hair so much in that video. You're such a beautiful mermaid, Raina. <3

[AniaR]

Thanks! I curled my hair it was hard lol

[AniaR]

29864298652986629867

[Mermaid Kassandra]

Wow this is the tail Raven revamped this February?
I thought it was already sold!

[Mer-Crazy]

Wow this is the tail Raven revamped this February?
I thought it was already sold!
Nah she was going to sell it but then they needed it for the Wikki Wachee (I so spelled that wrong sorry) calendar shoot, and was going to sell it once it was over. I believe it's already sold though lol. The things that happen when I'm sleeping haha.

[MerEmma]

WOW. Beautiful EVERYTHING! Her hair looks blue in the first image and the top and everything. SO. GORGEOUS. <3

[Ashe]

It looks amazing <3 I've always loved her rainbow tails!

[Yulia]

OMG RAVEN IS A GODDESS

:fallover:

[Mer-Crazy]

OMG RAVEN IS A GODESS

:fallover:
I so wish this forum had a like button haha. This will have to do :thumbs up:

[Vrindavana Starfish]

:jawdrop: its so pretty!

[MermaidMichelle]

WOW that tail is magnificently, breathtakingly gorgeous! The mermaid and the photography are epic too; each picture (especially the first and second ones) looks like a fantasy painting by Boris Vallejo or Julie Bell...yet with more clothing on!

[Vicky Mermaid]

The girl is born to be a mermaid!!!!

[Winged Mermaid]

Sooo amazing :swoon:
Katie Scott (Katie Scott Art) snagged this tail apparently!

[Merman Arion]

Sooo amazing :swoon:
Katie Scott (Katie Scott Art) snagged this tail apparently!

That's right. She confirmed it on her Instagram.

[Merley]

Raven's rainbow tail was the first tail of her's I ever saw. It made me fall in love with Merbella tails and I knew as soon as I saw it I needed my own. <3 Love this tail.

[Ariel-Starfish]

These pictures are breath-taking! Wow! Now this is the reason
why I choose her as my tailmaker! Actually I'm very happy with this new content - new phone wallpaper and super for drawings. And drooling for another tree months (makes the tail waiting esier. Lol)

[Little_Orca]

Just hit my 100 (+2) day mark. :)

[Mer-Crazy]

Just hit my 100 (+2) day mark. :)
That's so exciting ^_^ I'm 281

[Ariel-Starfish]

Just hit my 100 (+2) day mark. :)


Yay! I just hit 230 days today ^^

[Ariel-Starfish]

Mer crazy: when did u just order? :)

[Mer-Crazy]

Mer crazy: when did u just order? :)
I paid on the 14th of August last year (which is the date I count as my order starting) but I don't expect my tail to be finished until August or September, partially because Raven is working on a new-ish technique with mine that is being really difficult and also because I've been so indecisive about the design (it's still being worked on haha) and since it's getting colder here now I've told Raven that I don't mind waiting longer.

[Merman Arion]

I paid on the 14th of August last year (which is the date I count as my order starting) but I don't expect my tail to be finished until August or September, partially because Raven is working on a new-ish technique with mine that is being really difficult and also because I've been so indecisive about the design (it's still being worked on haha) and since it's getting colder here now I've told Raven that I don't mind waiting longer.

I see. Are you still swimming with your first tail from her?

[Mer-Crazy]

I see. Are you still swimming with your first tail from her?
I swim in it every now and then :) The tail doesn't fit me very well, I measured way too tightly so sometimes it's actually painful to swim in because its too tight and it's a little short so I sometimes flash mer-booty which is why there are no videos of me in it because I don't particularly like the idea of showing my butt off to the world. But I made a duck tape dummy for this one, so it'll hopefully fit better.

[Ariel-Starfish]

Hmmm.... And I was HOPING to get my tail mid august. Guess not. :headdesk:

[AniaR]

Maybe once you get your new one you can sell the tight one. My new tail is skin tight. It looks good but I prefer less tight. Hard on my hips to have so much compression. I'd rather wrinkles lol

[polyhymnia113]

Day 407. I found it was most helpful to let go of any expectations of arrival times.

[Ariel-Starfish]

About tight tails: I mesured the knee area WAY to tight on my basic tail and always had major bruises after every swim. I also mesured my ankle area (new tail) a bit wider now. :)

[Aurellia Gyldenscale]

I'm at 150 days out of the quoted 200!

[Felicia]

Day 258 for me

[Mer-Crazy]

Maybe once you get your new one you can sell the tight one. My new tail is skin tight. It looks good but I prefer less tight. Hard on my hips to have so much compression. I'd rather wrinkles lol
I'm probably gonna sound super selfish or stupid when I say this but I don't think I can part with the Starry Night Tail. I would love to send her back to get upgraded over selling her, mostly because there aren't too many mermaids around where I live, so I'd love to have it as a loan tail or a spare one. Perhaps not the smartest decision for someone in my position, but I am too sentimental to sell something so personal that Raven put so much time and effort into for me.

[AniaR]

I think upgrading is a great idea :)

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/11377133_954417917922998_6420998841588544207_n.jpg ?oh=5ade46b264f4270e13834b4814912bbb&oe=55CD3979

Oh no we didnt! yes we did ;) bought used raven's personal tails for our company woo woo I tried one on but these will replace for the other girls.

[Mer-Crazy]

:O ^_^ You DID get the She Creature tail! I was wondering about that on your FB page! That's so exciting! Are you still going to add a tank to your company arsenal? (wow best sentence ever. Look at that double entendre haha)

[Yulia]

So odd seeing you in a non-orange tail haha. All the tails are so pretty!
Do they fit well? Since not being made by measurements.

[AniaR]

the fit varies they arent made to our personal measurements but I am confident we can manage it wearing tights underneath. I actually really love the fit of the she creature tail sooo comfy. yes still planning on tank it just has a 6 month construction time! we used part of our funds for two new tails, 3 tops, and raven sent my birthday tail too :) all used/recycled tails

[Arella]

Those all look great!

[Mer-Crazy]

Okay so I got super bored today and made a playlist of all the Merbella unboxing videos I know of. If there are any I've missed if people could tell me so I can add them that'd be great ^_^
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy18RbPC-z-jzbKIF0fNRrXifI5KWhvt7

[MerEmma]

SO AWESOME! OMG! Congrats, Raina! I'm SO happy for you! What a surprise to everyone too, I couldn't even recognize you in that photo for a short moment because I just expected it to be someone else. Those tails are SO beautiful! Please share your frankentail too, I wanna see it!

[Merman Arion]

This is just amazing! Congrats! :clap: :clap:

[Ashe]

That is amazing!!! Ah, and you bought one of my favorite Merbella tails <3

[AniaR]

I will do better photos we having a photoshoot Sunday

[Vicky Mermaid]

Ahhh so cool Raina congrats i am so happy for you!

[Ariel-Starfish]

This is so amazing! Just watched all the pictures on IG so thought I might swim over here! :D And the Unboxing playlist looks awsome! <3

[MermaidMichelle]

I look forward to the results of today's photosession, Raina! I think the purchase of the used Merbella tails was a wise move; it shall ensure a high-end (pun!) uniformity among your mermaids. I look forward to working with you when the time comes! :mermaid kiss:

[AniaR]

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/t31.0-8/11146640_1621350401445759_7627222216615733865_o.jp g

my babies!!!

Victoria is wearing my birthday splash franken tail, Mutiny is wearing a blue tail that has been remade and used for product design testing multiple times. BUT THEY BOTH STILL LOOK AMAZING.

Also a few cute behind the scenes:

Victoria honestly looks so good in the Splash look. Can you believe this tail is recycled pieces?

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-9/11350464_1607839122827798_503328817225541916_n.jpg ?oh=7443529600ae1abfacb0e41eff8958f9&oe=55C3C5DD

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1661914_1607839159494461_209455074900993190_n.jpg? oh=6a36c4f8d3209551846d5a4bad88463e&oe=55F8B1A8

[AniaR]

A few more behind the scenes, these are just crappy cell phone pics can't wait to show the good ones!

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-9/11209511_1496306367326310_836121174742470067_n.jpg ?oh=c47105050ad0bd464088f2530f2edb15&oe=560D3CAF

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11295547_1496306453992968_5605341809761288058_n.jp g?oh=1eae7328934138e04bafbe23e7b42090&oe=55FCFA2A

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11058526_1496306497326297_508129254485565473_n.jpg ?oh=5583655c4b172b2e037aa1509c86c07e&oe=55C4E43C

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-9/10690091_1496306293992984_1904687388792058192_n.jp g?oh=5e303f33cd17c8443952656dc484b4a3&oe=55FB80B1


there was a sandstorm and within minutes this happened...

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/11329799_1496306683992945_8560358718049239514_n.jp g?oh=4100820676b2bf9990d31e789bd55720&oe=55C6514A

[MerEmma]

OMG! The poor buried tails! :lol:

I can't wait to see the image results from the shoot, and Raina, you look so good in the whiteish gold tail. It's a beautiful look for you; it looks so nice with your hair.

[MermaidMichelle]

That is the She-Creature, I presume, and it suits you very well! All of the tails look excellent and so do the mermaids in them! :mermaid kiss:

As someone who clocked in 30 years' worth of 'man hours' though, my sympathies go out to your long-suffering Mermaid Wrangler. He's handling three immobile ladies, each 30+ pounds heavier than normal due to their tails, and quite far from any body of water it seems!

[Ashe]

So much envy :swoon::swoon: You all look amazing with them though :) Can't wait to see some more!

[Little_Orca]

You all look so lovely.

It pains my heart with envy. :cry:;)

[Varga]

So pretty, can't wait to see the finished pictures! :D

[SeaMonkey]

i really want a Merbella tail, i just cant stand the wait time. im like a little kid. her flukes are amazing and the paint jobs, well, the tails speak for themselves. eish i had gotten more feedback on my new tail i posted just to see wut everyone thinks about it

[Mermaid Neri Elvina]

That franken tail looks amazing! Raven is so talented

Sent from my Tablet using Tapatalk

[Yulia]

Wow, all three of you fit so well in those tails! Perfect styling!

[AniaR]

i really want a Merbella tail, i just cant stand the wait time. im like a little kid. her flukes are amazing and the paint jobs, well, the tails speak for themselves. eish i had gotten more feedback on my new tail i posted just to see wut everyone thinks about it

Keep an eye out for when she sells used ones! i try to post them here when she does!

[Vicky Mermaid]

Gorgeous! The SheCreature tail looks realy good on you. The Frankentail is Amazing too! So is the other tail! My god, they all are!

[lynsea]

Man you rock that she-creature tail! It really suits you. Those tails are spectacular by any accounts and given that they are recycled and test pieces, it's really astounding. It's amazing how much of an upgraded look the blended waist gives any of these tails.

[MerEmma]

What monofins are in all the tails?

[AniaR]

She creature is foil, blue is competitor, mini me is a wave

[polyhymnia113]

All of you look stunning.

[Mer-Crazy]

Anymore updates on your tail polyhymnia? The picture in your avatar looks awesome :D

[polyhymnia113]

As far as I know she's still repainting. I'm losing my mind with anticipation. Thank you! It is a little snippet of a sketch she sent me for the fins that I added the blue bit on while we worked to revise the color issue. Raven really dug the idea and I'm pretty stoked about that. :) Believe me as soon as I have the watermarked photos of it I'll be sharing them with y'all. I know I've been pretty mysterious about my design so far since Raven did do something a little unexpected and out of the ordinary for me, but I will say / share that based on some recent posts in this thread it looks as if I'll have a fluke twin up in Halifax. ;)

[Merenneito Nerissa]

Omgosh AniaR when I saw that blue one I almost fainted, it's damn beautiful <3 And oooohhh this envy... XD Congrats to you guys!

[AniaR]

I know she's just finished up a huge project with weeki. One of the reasons we got our tails is because someone flew down and got em for us lol

[Vicky Mermaid]

Oh that is nice Raina. At least you didn't have to let them go trough customs... Where mine still is....

[AniaR]

We still go through customs. Just at the airport. It is usually quite an ordeal. But we did a party for the officers daughter lol!! So he rushed it through

[Ariel-Starfish]

I know she's just finished up a huge project with weeki.
I hope it's for a new calendar or something? :D anyway- I'm going nuts again! I dreamt of visiting Raven asking her (very shy and ultra polite) where my tail was
. Lol I have no life:cry::lol:

[Mer-Crazy]

I hope it's for a new calendar or something? :D anyway- I'm going nuts again! I dreamt of visiting Raven asking her (very shy and ultra polite) where my tail was
. Lol I have no life:cry::lol:
Oh my gosh Ariel I had a dream about meeting Raven the other week! Haha.

[teeth4u]

Raina, the tails look great on your girls! I think the gold one is especially stunning on you. May I ask how much you paid for the collection?

[Sherielle]

Raina, the tails look great on your girls! I think the gold one is especially stunning on you. May I ask how much you paid for the collection?Seriously?

[AniaR]

Nope! Lol ;)

[teeth4u]

Nope! Lol ;)

No worries! Just curious. I think Raven did a fantastic job.

[Aurellia Gyldenscale]

What color is your new tail...is it gold? Only asking because mine is supposed to be gold too. Just wondering if that's what it looks like...so pretty! In my sketch drawings she substituted yellow for the gold since its hard to find a good gold in her design program. She assured me though that the gold was awesome and would look great though. :)


I think upgrading is a great idea :)

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/11377133_954417917922998_6420998841588544207_n.jpg ?oh=5ade46b264f4270e13834b4814912bbb&oe=55CD3979

Oh no we didnt! yes we did ;) bought used raven's personal tails for our company woo woo I tried one on but these will replace for the other girls.

[Mer-Crazy]

Raven has made a 'gold' tail before, we discussed it in the thread a while back but I can't remeber who owns it. You can maybe check merbellas Facebook and see if there is a picture there, or go searching through the thread though I'm sure someone lovely will come along and tell us who bought it and provide pictures ^_^ it's 5am for me and I'm on my phone so I'm not really in a place to do it myself right now haha.

[Yulia]

Do you mean this tail?
http://www.sheroesentertainment.com/catalina-mermaid

[polyhymnia113]

There's another one that's more of a pale gold...she is in Germany I think?

[AniaR]

yes this matches the germany colors a lot more. its almost yellow. not bright like Catalina's. We dont have many photos of this one yet and I dont feel the pics capture it at all. Always washed out.

[Vicky Mermaid]

Please feel free to take more pictures LOL

[AnnaAbyss]

You mean Daniela from Munich?

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[polyhymnia113]

Yep, that's the one.

[Ariel-Starfish]

Haven't seen this picture before! :p Daniela Is so awsome! I love her so much!

[MermaidMichelle]

I thank you for delving into the various golds as you have; for my tail is to heavily involve a combination of fiery reds and shining gold, for I am...well, look at my sig.... \/

(And like The Hunger Games'​ Cinna, Raven is also working a surprise into my tail.... :pearl: )

[Ariel-Starfish]

Michelle, any new 'secrets' u can show US from your tail? I can't remember when u ordered anymore - it's been so long! :D

[MermaidMichelle]

As of today (May 30th; happy Feast Day of Joan of Arc everyone!) I am on Day 477; but I have unlocked an achievement of sorts...lol. That is to say, Raven has called me her "peach" and is giving me a free blended/transparent waist upgrade! She tells me it will go well with my "halo".... Oh dear, I do believe I gave away a bit of the secret.... ;) :saynothing:

I haven't heard from Raven since late 2014, however, so all I have to show en ce moment is the conceptual sketch which she sent me in the middle of last summer:

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[Maethor]

As of today (May 30th; happy Feast Day of Joan of Arc everyone!) I am on Day 477; but I have unlocked an achievement of sorts...lol. That is to say, Raven has called me her "peach" and is giving me a free blended/transparent waist upgrade! She tells me it will go well with my "halo".... Oh dear, I do believe I gave away a bit of the secret.... ;) :saynothing:

I haven't heard from Raven since late 2014, however, so all I have to show en ce moment is the conceptual sketch which she sent me in the middle of last summer:

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Today is my birthday and I've always loved that it falls on St. Joan of Arc's feast day!! YOUR TAIL LOOKS INCREDIBLE
Will you tell us a bit of the color scheme? [emoji7]

[polyhymnia113]

Oh Michelle...it's magnificent!

[MermaidMichelle]

That is so wonderful; happy birthday Maethor! :mermaid kiss: My birthday is March 15th of 1979, but my Birth Certificate was registered on May 8th (the Joan of Arc celebration in Orleans, also Katniss Everdeen's birthday amusingly enough) and my Birth Certificate number adds up to May 27th of 1979: the day a Church of St. Joan of Arc was finally dedicated on the site of her martyrdom!

Thank you and thank you polyhymnia113! :mermaid kiss: The colour scheme involves lots of red and shining gold in a flame pattern, and sections of pearlescent white which create the shape of...something else...something rather appropriate to today's Feast Day....

[AniaR]

I was going to have similar scales on my tail but Raven decided she needed to refine them to be stronger and better. So I opted out. I know michelle is waiting and I just know it'll pay off in the end. I think it'll be one of the best tails ever produced.

[MermaidMichelle]

:mermaid kiss::dance::mermaid kiss::highfive::mermaid kiss::hug::mermaid kiss: Merci beaucoup you beautiful Arch-Mermaid! I should say it shall pay if, whilst I am waiting for the dragon scales, you are waiting for your traveling tank! I am extremely impressed by how well you lead the mermaids of Canada and am ultra-glad that I voted for you each day on the contest's web site! I thank you also for your assessment; it is an honour I could not have imagined when I first ordered your book and came to Mernetwork! True, it is Raven who is doing all the actual work, but it shall be my honour to display her masterwork upon my body! Enjoy more mermaid kisses than I have every posted before!! :mermaid kiss::cheerleader::mermaid kiss::rainbow::mermaid kiss::pearl::mermaid kiss::fallover:

[Ariel-Starfish]

Thanks for all the updates Michelle! :mermaid kiss:

[Ariel-Starfish]

Question for Raina: is it true the newer 'classic' scales are thinner than before? If u see the used blue tail and your Rapidash, i see difference in the tickness of the scales. Personally I like them more thicker- so they pop out more. Do you know I can ask Raven is she uses this exact mold?

3014830148

[AniaR]

Yeah older tails had smaller scales. I dont think too many were made like that though. The blue tail was made shortly after my original Rapidash.

[Mizuko]

Ive been offline for too long! So many beautiful tails to catch up on! Haha!

[AniaR]

Couple more pics:

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-9/p320x320/11109279_10155684075435425_2264340370957397800_n.j pg?oh=07326072deb7d1a0f7cb8e6b798c4619&oe=55FE8337

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t31.0-8/s960x960/11270276_10155684069790425_663457855051604329_o.jp g

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/t31.0-8/s960x960/11249023_1622453554668777_1810930217202946659_o.jp g

[MermaidMichelle]

Oh, they all look beautiful! :mermaid kiss: That Splash! tail looks very authentic...yet brighter than the film tail! The darker one has a cool deep-sea look and the third pic is just so romantic!

[Merman Arion]

I'm confused.
Wasn't the Franken tail meant to be a tail for dry shoots only? Is it okay for Mermaid Victoria to wear it in the water?

[Mer-Crazy]

I'm confused.
Wasn't the Franken tail meant to be a tail for dry shoots only? Is it okay for Mermaid Victoria to wear it in the water?
Well it's made out of silicone and has monofin, so I don't see why it can't be used in the water :) I think Raina said it's primarily for dry shoots because it's lighter because the fluke is smaller but it can also be used in water.

[Ariel-Starfish]

So in love with that blue tail! ❤️ great pictures Raina!

And : THEY GOT STARTED ON MY TAIL!!!! *does funny dance* :yay: :yay:

http://a.fod4.com/images/GifGuide/dancing/1tumblr_lgp6q5NhE21qcjtu8o1_500.gif

Tomorrow i'll hit the 8 months mark. ;)