Merbellas Thread

[Arella]

Aw that sucks! And Raven told me to try a thick strap for the fin pocket which I will try after work :) I tried to put it on with tights on and just put lotion on my feet but which do you think works better the lotion or the tights?

[Mermaid Azira]

I hope you can get it on^^^^ And please when you do pictures

[MerEmma]

Ouch for Raven! She uses the airbrush for spots but handpaints the rest, doesn't she, or am I remembering wrong?

[AniaR]

is yours full silicone? tights will only make it impossible unless they're wet :p

[Delphine]

is yours full silicone? tights will only make it impossible unless they're wet :p

I did it with tights on in my studio a couple times, and once with out. Honestly, both was so hard (out of water) my helper & I weren't sure what worked better. I'd do a test of both, but if you do no tights.. use a lube for full silicone tail, as Raina also suggests. :) Good luck gettin' in your fins!

[MerEmma]

She has a partial basic, so I'm sure Mizuko or the Mermaidens will offer you the best, experienced help.

[Mermaid Isabela]

GUYS I OPENED IT AND GUYS IT'S FANTASTIC AND I TOOK A VIDEO AND PICTURES OMG YOU GUYS!

[Carolina Mermaid]

Post em!!!!!!

[Mermaid Isabela]

Omg you guys. <3 Sorry if they're huge! >.<
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[Phoenix Mermaid]

So pretty!!! :jawdrop:

[Mermaid Isabela]

I tried to get a better shot of the colors, but for some reason the teal and green between the yellow and blue don't photograph very well. Needless to say though, the tail is GORGEOUS. <3
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[Blondie]

AHHHHH SO GORGEOUS

[Winged Mermaid]

SOO pretty!!! Tail colors can be hard to photograph- they do better In the shn, but they're always so much prettier in person. SO happy for you! Congrats! :D *happy dance*

[Azurin Luna]

Ooh! looks like a very nice tail, I love the colors! :D

[Mermaid Tula]

Oh how pretty!!!

[spottedcatfish]

Mermaid Isabela (http://mernetwork.com/index/member.php?1788-Mermaid-Isabela)
Gorgeous. What monofin did you get with it?

[Mermaid Isabela]

Thanks everyone! <3 I'm so in love with it I can't even stand it! I didn't order any special monofin, so I just have the regular finis with it. :) I'll do a full blown review after I swim with it this weekend.

[Ariel-Starfish]

OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!! <3 <3 <3 Aaaarh just so hyper now after seeing all those pictures!! LOVELY!

[Mermaid Nerinae]

Oh gosh I'm dying, here. ;; I gotta finish my tail, already, so I can save money for a silicone tail, amgh.

[WavyMermaidy]

Wow wow wow! Looks awesome!!!!

You may have said this elsewhere, but that is a Basic tail, yes?

[Mermaid Danielle]

Beautiful Isabela!

[MerEmma]

Wow! I love the detail on the fluke, I have yet to see a picture of a fin like that before. <3

[Ariadne]

Swooning here!

[Mermaid Isabela]

Yes. Mine's a basic tail. :) Raven said she worked on my fluke extra hard. She mentioned it being different than others, because she was trying different things with it. The sides of the fluke are extremely thick, and it looks so fishlike! I HAVE to take pictures of the seams for you guys. Or better yet, lack of seams! <3

[Mermaid Varshana]

.....so yeah....totally going to get a basic tail as soon as I can afford it...there's nothing basic about Raven's basic tail....

[Mermaid Pickles]

OHMYGOOOSSSSH. I just need to save up money for one. T^T I have a college fund I could use, but my grandparents (who control said fund until I am 21) are against anything out of their comfort zone. =.=

[Ariel-Starfish]

Yes. Mine's a basic tail. :) Raven said she worked on my fluke extra hard. She mentioned it being different than others, because she was trying different things with it. The sides of the fluke are extremely thick, and it looks so fishlike! I HAVE to take pictures of the seams for you guys. Or better yet, lack of seams! <3


Mooooooorrre pictures please! <3

[Mermaid Dottie]

*faint*

[Mermaid Isabela]

More details! I managed to capture the fluke colors better, and those SEAMS!
(Again, sorry for the size if it's too big. )
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[Ariel-Starfish]

seemless tail 0_0 <3<3 I'm in LOVE

[Ariel-Starfish]

Now a picture of you IN the tail and I'm a happy mer! Xd haha

[XMermaidMarinaX]

Raven.. lets make her queen of the mer-world.. Holy sharks her tails are amazing @.@ -bows-

[MermaidHyli]

Holy cow her new Ariel tail is so awesome!!

Still no word on mine..I cant help but stare at the one on instagram and question if its mine haha

[AniaR]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/969689_527453050644113_370464572_n.jpg

[MerEmma]

WOWWW! I just saw it. Absolutely STUNNING! I wonder who the lucky mer is<3

is this the first custom fluke she's done? I don't recall ever seeing any others.

[LittlePolly]

Omg, the design I made for the first tail I'm going to make really looks like one of Raven's tails (the blue one with the white highlight) I made my design before I was a member of the Mernetwork and saw the pictures. I feel really bad now because I don't want anyone to think that I stole the design. I am not going to change my design either because I fell in love with it so Sorry Raven! (Ofcourse my tail won't look as professional and pretty es hers xD )

[Mermaid Pickles]

I went to Lowes today to get glue for something, and honestly considered trying to make a tail, but decided against it. Too 'spensive for me.

[Mizuko]

Isabela, your tail is INCREDIBLE! <3 I love the rainbow!!! Wait til you swim in it, my first swim I couldn't stop smiling and almost cried (again) haha! <3

And that Ariel tail Raven posted, omg, its just so beautiful <3

[MerEmma]

Did you guys see the purple and yellow tail? I think it's a basic but she mentioned the little heart shaped scale patches and OMG, too cute! I love the colors on that tail, too. Omg. <3 It's so gorgeous. I'm getting so anxious for my bracers! It's been six weeks and I'm just so excited for them to be here already. D:

[Mermaid Isabela]

Thankyou so much Mizuko. <3 When I put it on it fit like a GLOVE. It was nice and tight and it went up just where I wanted it to. (I was so scared about measurements you don't even know!) I plan to swim in it this weekend, and I'm SO excited, I know I'll probably cry again. Hahaha!

[Melanie]

The purple one is mine. (: (:

[MerEmma]

OMG, really! IT'S SO GORGEOUS!! Congratulations, OMG! I love your colors!!

[Ashe]

Really pretty! :)

[Mermaid Allie]

AHHHHHH ISABELLA ITS BEAUTIFUL <3

[Mermaid Dottie]

Woah... those are gorgeous

[AniaR]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/599480_10201219322464773_1211216296_n.jpg

[MerMarla]

The tails here are awesome! But as a relative newbie here, I am "floundering" around looking for the purple and yellow one. Would love to see it too. The pix Raina posted were stunning, with the shell imprint so distinct! I love the work these tailmakers put into their designs! Wow!

Never mind, Raina just posted it at the same time I posted this one! LOL!

[Mermaid Dottie]

I love the hearts! So awesome. So even if you retire a tail, you still have a piece of it for the memories...

[Ariel-Starfish]

OMG ARIEL TAIL!! *dies* :o

loving the (new) fluke on the orange/purple one! is that a basic or performance one?


edit: My countdown says 15 DAYS from now :o :o

[Melanie]

My tail is basic but has a competitor fin in it. I requested something a little different. (:

[Ariel-Starfish]

thanks! I like it!

[MermaidHyli]

So turns out those two pictures on Instagram were my tail! She sent me some update pictures today and is working on my dorsal fin so it should be finished up next week. <3 Sorry the pictures are so big =[ I couldn't figure out how to shrink them..

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[Ariadne]

Oh, that is glorious! Yay you! :)

[MerEmma]

WOW! Absolutely GORGEOUS and AMAZING! Ugghhh it's so perfect and pretty. I LOVE it! So jealous -- you're very lucky, ahhh!

[Echidna]

oh, I don't know...
if I had such a tail, I'd probably never dare to wear it for fear of blemishing it :p

but yea, I'm jealous alright :)
you're so lucky!

[lasserine]

Pretty tails.

[MerAnthony]

WOW !!!:jawdrop: I wish I could have a tail like that. :(

[WavyMermaidy]

BEEEEautiful!!!!! I love the blue and gold, and absolutely love the Angler fluke :)

[MermaidHyli]

Im so in love with it. Raven has been awesome and communicating the whole time. I can't wait to see what it will look like with the dorsal.

[AniaR]

looks lovely :D it's worth the wait! <3

[Mermaid Varshana]

*GAAAAASSSP* :jawdrop:

[Winged Mermaid]

OHMIGOD YOU GUYS! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!! It's my beautiful beautiful fluke!! *continues squeeing in excitement*

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(source (http://instagram.com/p/ZY376gIgZ-/#))

[Winged Mermaid]

Holy cow, Hyli, your tail looks gorgeous! She's cranking out SO many tails all at once, it's amazing :D

[Mermaid Allie]

So many gorgeous flukes!!!!! And tails!

[MermaidHyli]

She is a boss haha

[MerEmma]

WOW! Iona, I love your tail! it reminds me of some designs I've made in the past<3 Gahhh it's gorgeous! I love it!

[Mizuko]

O.M.G.
EVERYTHING IS SO BEAUTIFUL, I JUST CANT !!! *explodes*

[Sea Pearl]

Those tails are just AMAZING! I really want one now :D

[Blondie]

Guuuuyysss!! Your tails are so pretty!

[spottedcatfish]

Iona and Mermaid Hyil: Your tails are both Gorgeous!!

Iona: Do you have a picture of the full tail?

[MerMarla]

I don't know if Stunning or Magnificent has been used to describe these tails and flukes, but... there you are! Yikes! ::: squeee::: does it too! :)

[Ariel-Starfish]

Omg Iona I'm almost Crying of seeing your tail! So pretty! I'm DYING to see pictures of mine!

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Eeeeee! I finally reached the end of this thread.

Augh! It did NOT help my bubbling excitement! I ordered mine on April 30th. I got my fluke sketch (I'm getting a custom fluke design) a week ish ago and now I'm waiting on pictures of the clay sculpture. ^_^

Seeing all the designs only makes me more excited for mine because it's unlike any I've seen! She's just as excited to bring it to life as I am to see it live!

I know I've been gone from here for a while, but I'm going to try to make an effort to be more active!

[Ariel-Starfish]

I got an update from Raven! :D She diden't recieve all my latest email even trough she holds them asside and I'm using the same account all the time.

she said she's making everything ready in one package (tail,scale bra AND bracers) <3

Just asked somz slightly adjustments and hoping to see some first pictures ^^ Everyone else here got them, so I am dying to see mine!!

[WavyMermaidy]

Kailani, how you were able to order on April 30th? At that point she hadn't posted that she was taking new orders, and I've been lying in wait for that post. Just curious!!! :)

[Mermaid Kalliope]

While reading this thread, I was wondering the same thing! I really don't follow her FB much (I am more so now), but I just emailed her at the merbellas@gmail account saying "Performance Tail Inquiry" and she took it! Lucky, I guess!

[Mermaid Kalliope]

So, on April 18th she posted about being ready to take more orders soon. So, like I said... just lucky, I guess!

There were a lot of things that pointed me towards a tail. I got into a car accident March 29th, totaled my car... Turns out my car was worth a whole lot more than I expected! I saw this as a clear opportunity to change my life, my happiness. My living state is not one any mer would desire, nor any person. I don't want to sound "woe is me, my life is so much worse than yours," but it is very tough to describe otherwise. It's very tough to explain, period. I won't bore you here.

All in all, I already had a design I made and was in love with! I figured... eh I'll never have a Merbella anytime soon, but it's still lovely to have a design ready. My job didn't pay me enough to pay bills, take care of three cats and feed myself, let alone save money. So, when I got that extra money, I saw my chance and emailed her straight away! She took my order and my payment went through April 30th.

I'm so excited and yet calm. Reading through this, I know she'll follow through! Doesn't mean I'm not anxious! Haha

[MermaidHyli]

Kailani that is so aqesome, not the car accident, but that finally you can have your dream tail! Are you keeping the design a secret or do you mind sharing it?

[WavyMermaidy]

What a great story, and I'm so glad you are getting your dream tail. Hope you will share your design, as Hyli asked, but if not I look forward to seeing photos eventually :)

[AniaR]

DID YOU SEE MY TAIL UPDATES AHHHHH

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/253212_528166397239445_45792775_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/946996_528173920572026_813336830_n.jpg

[Mermaid Harmony]

Raina, that's your tail? Are you guys the same size? That's beautiful though!!

[MerEmma]

I saw it! uggghhh so pretty! the dorsal looks SO PRETTY!

[AniaR]

yeah we're pretty close in size. She got photos of my tail when she first made it, I asked her to take some more before sending it :)

[Mermaid Kalliope]

I'm trying to keep it secret. >< I'm always so scared of people stealing it! Not that I don't trust you guys!

If you check my instagram, the13thfirefly , you can see a teaser.

I'm on my phone and can't insert photos. :-(

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Raina! I'm so excited to see it on you! Your fringe looks so awesome!

[Arella]

Thats so pretty!

[AniaR]

yeah I am pretty stoked.

[Mermaid Isabela]

Hey guys! I absolutely love my tail. I took it for a swim today, and even though it was a bit of a wiggle to get it on, it was completely lovely aside from it all! You can see some pictures of it on my Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mermaid-Isabela/489383187749453). <3

[MermaidHyli]

Oh my gosh Isabela you're tail looks fintastic!!! Raven did a beautiful job and it looks so real =]

[MerEmma]

SO pretty!!

[Mermaid Isabela]

Thankyou so much. I'm so in love with it I can't stand it! <3

[Ashe]

Oh my gosh Raina, those fins look amazing!!! :D

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Wow, Isabela! Your tail looks amazing! I'm so happy for you! :-D

[Ariel-Starfish]

Hey guys! I absolutely love my tail. I took it for a swim today, and even though it was a bit of a wiggle to get it on, it was completely lovely aside from it all! You can see some pictures of it on my Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mermaid-Isabela/489383187749453). <3


LIKE LIKE LIKE! <3

Please like my page to? ^^ <3

[Mermaid Isabela]

I did a bit ago. <3

[Mermaid Kalliope]

I liked both of your pages! I need to like them with my page, too! Look up Kailani the Mermaid for my page. I need to get my signature fixed.

Also, three teasers on my instagram!
http://instagram.com/the13thfirefly

[Ariel-Starfish]

Thank you!

<3

I'm thinking, when i reach 100 followers... I'm going to organize a raffle/give-away for my current (old) black tail from The2tails.
It's in pretty good shape!
What do you guy's think?

[AniaR]

Isabella's tail hehe

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/431825_565643873456717_376521415_n.png

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/253230_565594366795001_1574538792_n.png

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/249186_565594273461677_1478980552_n.png

Looks AMAZINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

[Mermaid Isabela]

Thankyou Rainaaaaaaaaaaaa <3 <3 <3 ( I still don't know how to re-size pictures!)

[Arella]

That's so pretty! I can almost get my tail on all the way (my butt still hangs out of it a little) but I'll post pics of just the tail today :) I hope to go for a swim next week (I have 4 days till I'm out of school [yay for graduation] then I'll post pics of me in it :)! )

[Arella]

https://www.facebook.com/TheFreshwaterMermaid?fref=ts
I posted a video of me opening my tail :) feel free to "like" my page

[MerEmma]

Just watched it, ahh! I loved your excitement. The clip is gorgeous, and so is the tail! <3

[AniaR]

yay for unboxing videos! :D

[MerMarla]

Thankyou so much. I'm so in love with it I can't stand it! <3

You should be! I absolutely love it, too! Awesome just doesn't do it justice! Beautiful workmanship and beautiful Mer! Congrats!
me, Mermaid Marla

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Haha I want the puppy! It is quite pretty! I can't wait to see what you do with it!

[Ariel-Starfish]

I LOOOOOOVE unboxing video's! :D

[Jadestone]

Ahhh all these tails! So beautiful!

I have a well-paying job this summer, and I'm really thinking about using the money I earn from it to buy myself a Merbellas tail. It's a lot of money, but I've wanted one so badly for almost a whole year now... x_x

[MerEmma]

I know what you mean, Jade. Good on getting a good job this summer. I'd have quite a bit saved if it didn't have another project's name on it, hahaha. :P

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Go fo it, Jade! It'll be such a wonderous feeling knowing that you worked hard to earn that money and tail!

(Side note, where do you find a pool like that? The one in your signature.)

[Arella]

That's what I did, I nannied over the summer and used some of that money to pay for a tail and a top. The rest goes to college now :)

[MerEmma]

Gahhh I'm getting so excited for my bracers!! Knowing that they shipped today and I'm only a bit northern from her, they'll probably be here tomorrow or the day after. <3 I sent my friend a card once and she's further south than Raina and she got it the next day with regular postage, so I'm getting SUPER excited, gahhhh!

[Mermaid Kalliope]

I just want to hear back from her about my redesign for my heel fins and pectoral fins. I also sent Raven my final measurements. I hope they didn't get lost!

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Yay! Just heard from her. Bet she's been crazy busy. Haha now it'll probably be the waiting game for the next two months or so! Eeeee I can barely stand it! *wiggles with excitement*

[Ariel-Starfish]

113561135611356Haven't heard from her in a few days now. Geuss she don't gets my mail trough again. But Im used to it now :p I'm FREAKING out atm becouse its just 10 days !!!! <3

[Ariel-Starfish]

Oops! Sorry for the spam! Its done using my phone and the upload procces was slow *^_^

[MerEmma]

I'm sure you're SUPER psyched!!

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Eek! Just ten days! You must be bouncing off the walls! I can't wait for pictures!

[Ariel-Starfish]

Eek! Just ten days! You must be bouncing off the walls! I can't wait for pictures!

I'm going CRAZY!! I'm dying (alot, I know lol) to see some first pictures! aaaargh!

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Haha don't die too much! You don't want to pass out from excitement when it arrives!

[Ariel-Starfish]

I think I probably will XD lol

[AniaR]

My tail is set to arrive back here Thursday! I know it went and came back faster than people are getting their tails, but keep in mind it was already made and she was just touching it up ;) also, I paid rush fee annnnnd S+H lol

[MerEmma]

Haha, I totally understand why it's so fast for you. It was in and out in like...less than 72 hours, wasn't it? xD I'm excited to see better pictures of it all, omg, the pictures we saw that Raven took in it looked almost like teasers. :P

My bracers I've been expecting so much today, seriously I've walked out to the mailbox (quite a far walk from our house) thirteen times. WHY IS THE MAIL TAKING SO LONG? I don't even know if it's USPS or UPS or FedEx.

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Yay, Raina! Eee! So excited! I, too, cannot wait for better pictures of it! Those were teasers! Grrr!

[Winged Mermaid]

So excited for everyone! I admit I am chomping at the bit for my tail! Already passed the 6 month mark (5 months since measurements coming up Sun) so I'm like.. GIMME!!!! lol

http://24.media.tumblr.com/981cc7bca106b8c5dcf5eec44da942bb/tumblr_mn6o1evja01ro1sado1_400.gif

I don't want to rush her (don't rush art, right?) but I'm going nuts over here!

[MerMarla]

Already passed the 6 month mark (5 months since measurements coming up Sun) so I'm like.. GIMME!!!! lol
I don't want to rush her (don't rush art, right?)

Sure doesn't sound like art is being rushed! Six months is a long time to wait, I hope your tail comes soon!

[MerMarla]

Thankyou so much. I'm so in love with it I can't stand it! <3
OMG its so beautiful! I absolutely love the colors! Just amazing, I can see why you love it so much! I probably would never take it off! WOW!

[Ariel-Starfish]

Everyone is so exited XD eeeeeeeeeeehhh!

[MerEmma]

Gahhhh, still no bracers. They're taking longer than I thought. D:

[WavyMermaidy]

Aww, man. I could say that will make you appreciate them that much more when they get here, but that's probably not true...anticipation is a killer! :)

[MerEmma]

Hahaha, hopefully it will be! Gahh, the mail came and just had a magazine for my dad. >_>

[Mermaid Kalliope]

We'll probably hear the squeals when everyone gets their stuff. Haha ♥♥

[Jadestone]

Yeah, I'll be using some of the money to pay for housing and stuff but... maybe I could justify spending some of it on something fun?? If I don't spend much else this summer? XD

My friends/mom all just say "but you already have a tail!!" when I mention maybe wanting a Merbellas one. But... they don't understand the difference in type, really, between spandex and silicone.

And the pool in my sig is my college's pool :) It's divided into a lap pool section and a deeper diving section, I was swimming in the diving part.

[AniaR]

my tail maker. Someone once arrogantly said she wasn't innovative. Despite the fact she's constantly doing things first, and breaking the mold. Here she has a 100% swimmable LIGHT UP TAIL. Not glow in the dark. Not black light. we're talking LEDs. She. Is. Unstoppable.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/969898_530290990360319_592771688_n.jpg

[MerEmma]

I saw that a bit ago and about freaked out...that's just so damn cool. It reminds me of the whole circus mermaid idea she has, the way the lights are arranged! I can't even imagine how that works, even, seriously...do the lights have a switch? Is it waterproof (dumb question xD) but seriously just, wow.

[AniaR]

she's doing a video and photos. Totally water proof and swim safe and no clunky things to see!

[MerEmma]

I figured so but still, it's like, magical. xD :P

[lasserine]

How would you change the LEDs when the power burns out?

[Mermaid Isabela]

I flipped OUT when I saw that LED tail. I couldn't believe it! She's freaking amazing. <3

[Jadestone]

I imagine there's a waterproof pocket inside for batteries, that the wearer can access to replace them. As long as the wires are all coated (and possibly even within the silicone), and the wearer is careful, it should be perfectly safe! And TOTALLY cool.

[AniaR]

good LED have a very long life, I know because my boyfriend was part of the team that invented LED street lights! :) We have two LED street lights in our home actually ^.^; You can tell these are the good ones too, because they aren't shining a bad colour like cheap burn out LEDs :p

[MerEmma]

But how long will they last, is the question. I guess eventually we'll find out from Raven. xD

[OrcaMatt]

Heh, man...this is awesome, but totally ruined my whole day in really pathetic ways not worth going into :p

Cool to see it work, though.

[Ariadne]

This is just ridiculously awesome!

[Mermaid Varshana]

.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/969898_530290990360319_592771688_n.jpg

http://ladyleet.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/do_want..jpg

[Echidna]

imagine THAT, and some more lights along the tail and top, and on the headpiece.
Swimming in a pitch-black room in a tank.

Deepsea Siren all the way!

[lasserine]

good LED have a very long life, I know because my boyfriend was part of the team that invented LED street lights! :) We have two LED street lights in our home actually ^.^; You can tell these are the good ones too, because they aren't shining a bad colour like cheap burn out LEDs :p
We have them here in Boston, and are really bright. They produce a nice white light. Seem to use a lot less energy, which is nice.

The small LED lights, with the 3 small batteries last about 25hrs. They are nice, and look good in balloons.

[Arella]

That is the coolest thing I've ever seen

[Mermaid_Aurora]

If she ever takes commissions for the LED tail, I'm totally going to scrap the glow in the dark lion fish tail idea (It was going to be my second tail) and go with the LED's so it looks more deep-sea critter ish. They look WAY more awesome xD

[MermaidHyli]

Im going crazy with anticipation over here! It was supposed to be shipped out this week and it just so happens this week ive been getting huge packages but its all from my wedding registry..im grateful for it all but man when the box shows up and its not in the shape of a mermaid tail box a little piece of me dies lol

[Ariel-Starfish]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/969898_530290990360319_592771688_n.jpg

It's incredible!! She did it again! <3

[MerEmma]

So I just got my bracers! There's MAJOR sizing issues here, unfortunately. I told her my wrists were 6.5 inches and one is about the right size (but not very tight for some reason? must be my fault) and the other is NINE inches around! :\ The seams look pretty good on the closer-sized one but on the other one they're really gunky. The colors are kinda off too which makes me feel kinda...I dunno, picky? D: I'm going to take some pictures and email her about it, she did include some super cute shell earrings too! <3

And now my camera is missing and I can't find it and I'm getting really upset ungh where is it??

[Ariel-Starfish]

Pictures!! BTW, I did not give any sizing when ordering the bracelets? I know they get shipped with my tail trough. Been emailing Raven over and over again - Seems like she doesen't get my respond on her last mail :(

[MerEmma]

I'm about to upload them now. I specified my size of my wrist being 6.5 inches around, but even though I've been SUPER SUPER careful one of the scales has already been pulled apart. I feel really stressed. Just getting the pictures up now.

[Ariel-Starfish]

Im going crazy with anticipation over here! It was supposed to be shipped out this week and it just so happens this week ive been getting huge packages but its all from my wedding registry..im grateful for it all but man when the box shows up and its not in the shape of a mermaid tail box a little piece of me dies lol


Omg! I would go nuts if i where you!

[MerEmma]

http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l571/ZeezZeez/Scale%20Bracers/DSCN2648_zps1bf6d859.jpg
Here's a good picture of the size difference between the two...

http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l571/ZeezZeez/Scale%20Bracers/DSCN2649_zps82d40e31.jpg
The smaller one fits inside the larger one. I think someone else may have gotten my size plus the nine inch one they requested? I'm not sure, but that may explain the mix up.
http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l571/ZeezZeez/Scale%20Bracers/DSCN2655_zpsfd778727.jpg
A good look at the scales. They're really pretty!
http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l571/ZeezZeez/Scale%20Bracers/DSCN2678_zpse2294b58.jpg
Where the scales have pulled apart. I have only put them on once so far and like I said, I've been VERY careful, so this really makes me upset.
http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l571/ZeezZeez/Scale%20Bracers/DSCN2665_zps5da60caa.jpg
The nine inch one is giant on me.

I uploaded more pictures here: http://s1124.photobucket.com/user/ZeezZeez/library/Scale%20Bracers?sort=3&page=1

For the reference colors I sent her the royal blue and silver from this page: http://www.spandexhouse.com/products.php?page=7&navId=85&navId2=&navName=Metallic%20Spandex&navName2= and I don't know, it just doesn't look like how I wanted. I'm going to email her now and see what we can do, because I just feel weird,

[Mermaid_Aurora]

Any word on if she is taking custom orders yet? I sent her an email about a month or two ago about making me a headdress, and she responded asking me to send the design info, which I did, and haven't heard anything since. I've had to resend the email at least 20 times so I'm a little worried if my email is getting to her or if she's just not reading it because she's not accepting orders. I'm confused because if she wasn't going to accept the order I'd assume she wouldn't go straight for asking me for my order details. :(

I hope I'm not just being impatient..

[Ariel-Starfish]

Any word on if she is taking custom orders yet? I sent her an email about a month or two ago about making me a headdress, and she responded asking me to send the design info, which I did, and haven't heard anything since. I've had to resend the email at least 20 times so I'm a little worried if my email is getting to her or if she's just not reading it because she's not accepting orders. I'm confused because if she wasn't going to accept the order I'd assume she wouldn't go straight for asking me for my order details. :(

I hope I'm not just being impatient..


That is just 'normal' i guess. After I placed my order in February, i emailed her several times until last week : I revieved an answer! Said that this was the first time she heard something from me? Asking I emailed her withthe same adress (wich i still do) and said she keeps them asside. So it's just REALLY weird znd thee is something wrong with her server ir something??

[Mermaid Kalliope]

For the reference colors I sent her the royal blue and silver from this page: http://www.spandexhouse.com/products.php?page=7&navId=85&navId2=&navName=Metallic%20Spandex&navName2= and I don't know, it just doesn't look like how I wanted. I'm going to email her now and see what we can do, because I just feel weird,

Emma - I recently ordered fabric from Spandex house and was disappointed that the colour I received did not, in fact, match what I saw on my phone. On my screen it looked like a black/white tie dye with copper glitter (product numbern look up: FNS-471, in case you want to check. ( http://www.spandexhouse.com/search-result.php?pline=&searchKye=FNS-471 )) but when I received it, it was actually brown tie dye with copper glitter.

So, basically, taking colours off the internet and sending them to people is not always the most reliable. The colours can come up different on different screens. I ran into this a lot when ordering wigs for cosplay. It may look like the right colour on my screen, but another... who knows.

So sorry about the size problem, though!

As for her e-mail, I know that I sent her my measurements and two emails with redesigns for two different fins. It took her a bit to get back. Also, about a week ago, she said she would have pictures of my fluke sculpture "soon". So, I'm simply assuming that she is quite the busy mer and giving her space. I'm anxious to see it, but I don't want to be a bug. Haha I'm also used to the Blizzard "soon", so a Raven "soon" is no problem. :-D


Last note: Wowza! Light up fluke! I saw it when she posted it and was blown away!

[AniaR]

Emma- it looks like your bracers got mis-matched by mistake! I'd def contact her and show her the pics. I know she's been working non-stop now, so I wouldn't be surprised if in the rush to get things out it got matched with the wrong one. For the one that is correct, they're not hard to take in or fix ;) I'm sure Raven will do it for you but if you PM me I can explain how! Sorry yours got mixed up, total bummer. They do look pretty though! Hopefully it gets sorted out!

In my tail news... IT ARRIVED... sneak peek! I am working on uploading a video ;)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/942535_606961852671895_582166709_n.jpg

The colours are much much much more brighter than this, but whenever I used the flash it washed them all out so I took the pics without flash. I think outdoor pics will certainly show the colours better :)

I am over the moon!

[AniaR]

So, basically, taking colours off the internet and sending them to people is not always the most reliable. The colours can come up different on different screens. I ran into this a lot when ordering wigs for cosplay. It may look like the right colour on my screen, but another... who knows.

this is true :) unless screens are calibrated colours will look differently. I had to edit my cover photo for my book on a different computer that wasn't calibrated and I ended up with weird washed out white lines on the printed cover.

[MerEmma]

Emma - I recently ordered fabric from Spandex house and was disappointed that the colour I received did not, in fact, match what I saw on my phone. On my screen it looked like a black/white tie dye with copper glitter (product numbern look up: FNS-471, in case you want to check. ( http://www.spandexhouse.com/search-result.php?pline=&searchKye=FNS-471 )) but when I received it, it was actually brown tie dye with copper glitter.

So, basically, taking colours off the internet and sending them to people is not always the most reliable. The colours can come up different on different screens. I ran into this a lot when ordering wigs for cosplay. It may look like the right colour on my screen, but another... who knows.

So sorry about the size problem, though!

As for her e-mail, I know that I sent her my measurements and two emails with redesigns for two different fins. It took her a bit to get back. Also, about a week ago, she said she would have pictures of my fluke sculpture "soon". So, I'm simply assuming that she is quite the busy mer and giving her space. I'm anxious to see it, but I don't want to be a bug. Haha I'm also used to the Blizzard "soon", so a Raven "soon" is no problem. :-D


Last note: Wowza! Light up fluke! I saw it when she posted it and was blown away!


Oh I know the colors wouldn't be the same on all computers! I was really hoping though that it would work out though because I wasn't really sure how else to try to get across the colors I wanted. I think part of what happened too though was that I didn't consider how hard a color silver would be to paint--the main color issue, really is just that silver is a difficult color to mix/make look like silver and I hadn't considered it. That's just kinda the feeling I get when I look at the bracers--it looks like the silver was...I dunno, tried, but the mixing just didn't come out right. I don't know if that's the correct way to describe it, but that's kinda the feeling I got from it.

Raina: I did contact Raven just a bit ago and I got a response within about five minutes, which made me very happy! She offered me a refund and I replied back asking if it would be possible to instead replace/repair the current pair because generally I still like the product and really want to receive what I originally ordered. On the top, the dark blue is very pretty and the tighter pair is a lot closer to fitting (but still kinda baggy) so hopefully I'll hear back from her again in a little while. Mostly the sorta icky feelings I have right now are from my mom being pretty dissatisfied with it all--for someone I one day dream to give $3,000 to, she doesn't seem to be acting all that great and is general discouraged. Totally understandable, but it discourages me too from her emotions. Hopefully it'll all get fixed up soon enough! I love the little shell earrings Raven included (no pics posted yet but I want to eventually).

Also, OMG YOUR TAIL. THE FINS. OMG. They're SO pretty.

[AniaR]

Well I'm so glad she offered that. I know it's scary for parents, when I first dropped all my money on my tail my dad was like "waaaaah?!"

[MerEmma]

Yeah, it did comfort her too but my mom also really likes the bracers and would too like them to fixed/replaced/something. I'm super anxious to hear back, hopefully the email didn't get lost or anything. Earlier though I was in a bad mood already and I got really stressed and felt really, really terrible about the bracers. Then I couldn't find my camera and was afraid I had lost it or something, but then it all brightened up for me, haha.

(I also just emailed my mom the link to your book telling her to pleeeeaaaasssseee let me buy it. I just heard the Mac bing from the email. xD)

As far as the color thing, http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l571/ZeezZeez/Scale%20Bracers/DSCN2669_zpsefa1877a.jpg
This is more of the blue I wanted, the top, but it's kinda the lighting because it doesn't really look that bright to me unless it's in the picture? In a bit I'm going to take more pics so I'll see if I can get a more accurate picture.

http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l571/ZeezZeez/Scale%20Bracers/DSCN2653_zps3529d49d.jpg
Then here's the silvery-blue mixture on the bottom she tried to mix. Like I said, I think the color thing is mostly my fault for having not considered silver as being a difficult color to mix or paint.

[Melanie]

I am positive that she needs to hire someone to only deal with the emails. There should be an automatic reply set up that answers 90% of the emails that she receives as well as a person that does nothing but go through the emails and flag which ones need replies. That would make the BIGGEST difference to me in the whole experience of ordering a product.

Heck, I would do it. I've worked for online companies before basically doing just that. I know it's possible.

[MerEmma]

Okay, well, damn. Just as I went into the bathroom for better lighting to take pictures...the battery died. And then I tried the spare battery and I remembered that I forgot to charge it last time it died. lol. Guess that'll be a tad bit delayed, haha.

Yeah, an automatic reply system would definitely be beneficial for her. It's sad that she even needs one, that the younger crowd can be so...annoying about it sometimes, haha. Luckily I haven't had too bad issues getting through to her but I really hope this one went through.

[Melanie]

Someone just has to watch the emails. That's all they should do.

[MerEmma]

That's the hard part too though, haha.

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Wow, Raina! That's just! Can't wait more video and pictures!

Emma, I hope everything works out. Summer is a busy time for tail makers. She must be so swamped!

Stop making me anxious for mt pictures! Haha *buries herself under the sand like a ray*

[MerEmma]

I know she's wayyy busy, I hope it all works out too! <3

[AniaR]

Someone just has to watch the emails. That's all they should do.

People always say that but they don't know how hard it is to actually do that in real life. My emails go directly to my phone even and I can't stay on top of them, and I am sorry but I don't have the budget to hire someone else, nor do I feel comfortable passing over my email to someone else. I think many tail makers feel the same. Plus, there's accountability to consider.

Emma, Raven is a perfectionist so I know she'll be all over this and I'm sure she'll do it quick :) I sent my tail to her and got it back to Canada in under 3 weeks! (which sounds like a long time but consider customs, and all the work I had done... lol)

Speaking of which, at the request of some of my fans I made an updated unboxing video hahaha


http://youtu.be/We6867SabjA

[Mizuko]

I dont know if this is rude to ask, or has been asked before, but does anyone know what kind of paint Raven uses? XD its just so... beautiful! My tail literally GLOWS when I'm in the ocean, its so luminescent! I'd love to use similar paints when I make my own tail eventually.

Raina your tail looks incredible!!! XD I cant wait to see swimming footage of it! It will be so flowy and wonderful! <3

[MerEmma]

Omigosh, the FINS! Raina, the FINS! They're SO gorgeous, ugh, I love the fringe to them. That's SO gorgeous. Sean is also so shy and sweet, haha! Gahhh, your tail looks amazing. Have you tried it on again yet?

Also, I want to thank Raina, and really all of you guys, for the encouragement. It makes me feel a lot better about it because I just got myself so upset earlier, gahhh. I feel a lot better now. Thank you so much. <3

All I know, Mizuko is that Raven mixes her own paints. I'd ask her though to see what she can share with you, as far as I know she hasn't let out specifics.

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Oh wow! Raina, you'll look awesome! Fringe isn't my personal favourite, I prefer stiffer fins, but it looks gorgeous on your tail! It totally is a mohawk for your tail. Hahaha rocker-mer!

[Jadestone]

It's beautiful! Oh wow. Love the bright new coat of paint!

Also, in my head I know you'e Canadian, but every time I see a vid and hear your accent it always catches me by surprise! It's so cute lol.

[AniaR]

haha I know I have such an accent >.> haha. Not nearly as bad as some, but still lol

[Jadestone]

Aww well I think it's adorable. Reminds me of my old hockey coach :)

[Mermaid Kalliope]

@Jade - ugh so jelly about that pool

@raina - you have an accent?!

[Ayla of Duluth]

I dont know if this is rude to ask, or has been asked before, but does anyone know what kind of paint Raven uses? XD its just so... beautiful! My tail literally GLOWS when I'm in the ocean, its so luminescent! I'd love to use similar paints when I make my own tail eventually.

Raina your tail looks incredible!!! XD I cant wait to see swimming footage of it! It will be so flowy and wonderful! <3

I've been wondering this too, she has so many colors available, and the purple on my tail actually looks like a purple chrome color. I should ask around at hobby lobby.

[MerMarla]

at the request of some of my fans I made an updated unboxing video hahaha

Oooh! Raina! Thanks for the vid! I had so much fun watching your first one! You were like a little kid in a candy shoppe! The work Raven did was really outstanding! She is a consummate artiste! The refreshed colors are sooo vibrant, its going to be really lovely in the water!

Enjoy!
Mermaid Marla

[Ariel-Starfish]

Yay for unboxing video nr 2 <3

<3 7 DAYS <3

[WavyMermaidy]

Argh!!! Emma I'm so sorry to hear about the bracers...and you were so excited too :( Well, hopefully you and Raven can work it out and get it fixed up!!

And Raina, your tail looks quite nice and spiffy with the new paint and all the fins, although like you said it didn't seem to shabby when you sent it in...pretty good for all that usage! I'm just in the midst of reading your book, and it's quite a pleasure so far :)

[inactive account]

aawwwwwww Raina your tail looks amazing! :)

[MerEmma]

I was really hoping to wake up to a nice email from Raven...except I forgot that it's only eight AM xD

[Mermaid_Aurora]

Arg, darn. So does that mean I should keep resending my email? I know she's a busy lady so I don't want to pester her, but at the same time I have no idea if she has received a single one of them, and I REALLY want to finish the order we started. I need the headdress for a photo shoot I'll be scheduling as soon as I get it, I JUST got the seashell top my boyfriend ordered for me from her etsy <3

[MerEmma]

I'd say to send it again. Sometimes she seems to get emails IMMEDIATELY but other times I've re-sent an email four times and she still hadn't seen it.

[Mermaid_Aurora]

All right. Do you know what a good time to send her emails would be? She's on the opposite side of the country from me (I'm Pacific timezone) so it's really hard to time my emails so that there's a good chance she'll actually see it. I think that might be one of my main problems, I might be resending my emails after she's already done looking at them, or too early in the morning.

[Ariel-Starfish]

I'd say to send it again. Sometimes she seems to get emails IMMEDIATELY but other times I've re-sent an email four times and she still hadn't seen it.


Exacly!! I always do a *happy dance* and get a mini heart attack at the same time when I recieve mail from her xD

[MerEmma]

I don't know...it seems kinda like I've had luck getting replies about 3:00 in the afternoon (my time, eastern)?

[Mermaid_Aurora]

Ah, so generally about afternoon/early evening. No wonder, I think I've been sending my emails a lot earlier/later than that xD I'll have to try again.

[WavyMermaidy]

You know, when I was initially trying to email her and getting no response (which I wasn't really surprised as it was my first email) I messaged her via Facebook messenger on the Merbellas FB page and let her know that I had sent an email, what it said, etc...she responded to that and she she'd star my email, and the next time I sent an email she got right back to me. So I think, and I've seen other post this as well, it doesn't hurt to reach out through FB messenger if you feel like your emails are getting lost.

[Mermaid_Aurora]

After reading this I decided to try that. After resending the email for 2 months I really dont want to spam her if she got it and just hasn't responded yet, so I'll see if the message I sent her over facebook gets through.

[MermaidHyli]

A very close friend of mine is recieving the most recent lace scale top, mint green tail and other scale top haha its a surprise fron her now husband while they are in florida! So excited for her!! And I hear theres a secret photo shoot ;)

[MerEmma]

Wow, she's super lucky! A whole tail as a surprise. Hope she likes it! :P Super cool.

[Mermaid Dottie]

A very close friend of mine is recieving the most recent lace scale top, mint green tail and other scale top haha its a surprise fron her now husband while they are in florida! So excited for her!! And I hear theres a secret photo shoot ;)
Oh my gosh, this one? She is SO so lucky!
11403 (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=531042236951861&set=a.186311664758255.47942.178589958863759&type=1&theater)
That is GORGEOUS!

[AniaR]

Beautiful stuff.

In terms of emails I wouldn't email her unless you're a current client, and maybe I suggest putting in the subject line: CURRENT CLIENT. I've been talking to her a lot this week and I know she's been doing nothing but working on tails, I'm not sure she's got time to check emails for anyone but the people she's currently working on. Not defending or anything, I just get the inside line haha so I'm sharing. The thing about Raven is she is a perfectionist and will work her ass off and re-do something as many times as she has to, to get it right. It's only her and her husband usually making the tails, I think they recruited another person recently. The basic tails actually take longer to make than the performance ones, and only Raven can make the basic tails.

For people wanting to make an order, just keep watching her FB, and of course this thread. Even if you send an email saying "ready to pay" to try and get ahead before whenever she is ready to take orders, she literally gets hundreds. So I think you have a better chance of getting a new order if you check to see. She usually does let people know when she'll be taking new orders soon.

And now... pictures

this is a BASIC tail, it looks like performance!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/970722_531042506951834_569098933_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/984224_531030943619657_696406723_n.jpg

[MerEmma]

Yeah, it seems like the neoprene/silicone tails often take more effort than the pure silicone...which just sounds crazy!

[Mermaid_Aurora]

I have no idea if I'm a current client. She asked me for my details so she could come up with how much the item would cost, so I assume since she didn't say "I'm not taking orders right now" that means she would have taken it if I had actually gotten a response... Still nothing. So, I really don't know what to do. I don't want to start getting frustrated but I gotta admit I'm starting to get a little frustrated.

[MerEmma]

As am I, haha, it's hard to be patient but we've got to try, right? :) I'd say just to keep emailing her...use subject lines like "READY TO ORDER" or "NEED REPLY" or "Important Inquiry" I suppose.

[Mermaid_Aurora]

I have the title currently set to "READY TO ORDER" though I think I can stretch my patience to 2 more weeks before I may decide to change the title to your "NEED REPLY" idea xD I'm normally a very impatient person when it comes to these things but for someone as awesome as raven I should give myself a medal for how patient I am being LOL

[MerEmma]

Haha, well, feel free to pat yourself on the back then! Hopefully we'll both hear from her soon. :3

[AniaR]

I have no idea if I'm a current client. She asked me for my details so she could come up with how much the item would cost, so I assume since she didn't say "I'm not taking orders right now" that means she would have taken it if I had actually gotten a response... Still nothing. So, I really don't know what to do. I don't want to start getting frustrated but I gotta admit I'm starting to get a little frustrated.

I don't think she's able to give attention to inqueries until she's able to take on orders. That's what I'd do anyway. I think there's just no time to reply to inquieries until the people who have paid and are waiting get their orders shipped out. I mean if you think about it, people who have already paid for stuff would be pissed if their stuff was late if she was spending loads of time on people who haven't. I know to an individual it may not seem like much to answer your one email, just know there are hundreds of "one emails" sent over and over, plus spam, plus emails that have nothing to do with ordering, plus bookings, plus those "give me a free tail" emails to get through etc. I think her main priority right now is finishing and shipping out the orders she's already got on time. Then I hope she takes a break before taking on more orders personally, cuz I know she's exhausted, has no time for herself, in pain, and keeps getting sick! They aren't "cookie cutter tails" in terms of they just have a bunch of basis pre-made and ready to customize like other tail makers do. All from scratch from start to finish!

Hopefully everyone whose paid and awaiting tails and exchanges hear back asap, and hopefully everyone else hears back in a timely matter :) I know Iona's still waiting for her tail, several others in this thread, and I'm sure there's people who aren't on mernetwork too!

[Mermaid_Aurora]

Oh yeah I understand perfectly her craft takes time and she gets spammed a lot, and her current orders need finished. Just like I said it had been 2 months, was in the middle of completing an order and my first email she got back to me rather quickly. I'll just continue resending the emails and see what happens. Luckily what I'm ordering isn't something as major and time consuming as a tail lol. Cant afford that yet though I really wish I could.

On another note I JUST UNBOXED THE MERBELLA BLUE ABALONE SHELL MERMAID TOP AND ITS SO PRETTY AND SHINY AND OMG IM GONNA TRY IT ON

[MerEmma]

Oh wow, new top! I can't wait to see pics? :P She makes amazing tops, seriously.

[AniaR]

lol you guys all replied while I was typing, so I missed your replies sorry

[Mermaid_Aurora]

One picture, coming right up! <3

http://i44.tinypic.com/331q9te.png

I cant help but want to be REALLY careful with it when I put it on because me and my clumsy self I would DIE if I damaged it lol. The shells are REALLY shiny and they look like they're coated with something to give them extra shine and strength. She was VERY generous with the glue which is only noticeable at my angle when I look down at myself, so it's rather obvious the decorations aren't going anywhere. Its got quite a bit of weight to it, but I kinda like that, it feels more supportive like that somehow, if that makes sense. I need to lose a LITTLE weight so it fits better because it's a bit tight, but not so much that it's uncomfortable or I can't move around. The edges of the bra are a bit itchy from the plants but I kinda expected that lol

The only thing I noticed that one abalone shell is significantly thicker than the other, making one breast look way more busty than the other at a frontal view. But, you know, no two seashells are alike lol. I wont do anything about it if no one notices but if they do I might stuff one side a little so the bust evens out. Not complaining, just little details I noticed xD

I LOVE IT! I am literally squeeing at myself. I see myself in this bra and look even more forward to getting my tail, because it's going to be the same color, and I'll match perfectly. I don't know if its just me but I look like I was made for this top LOL

I cant wait to try this out in the water! This makes me want to get even more of her tops!

[MerEmma]

WOW! It is SUPER pretty! Congrats on it, just, eeee! It's so pretty and shiny. The decorations look so nice. <3

[AniaR]

it looks great, and I have put my merbellas shell top through hell haha and nothing has come off it yet!

[Mermaid_Aurora]

the picture doesn't do it justice, it is a VERY vibrant blue and the picture makes it look blue-green. But eh, that's cell phone quality for ya xD

first thing my grandmother said when I received the shell top and put it on was "Your not going to be able to do the mermaid thing!" and used my asthma as an excuse to never be able to hold my breath under water. First it was I cant just because I cant and will fail and get discouraged and will never be able to succeed, then it was I cant because I cant swim, now its my asthma, what next?

Well. She may think the top is stupid but I love it <3 though I'm almost afraid to have anything mermaid sent to me in the mail because she complains and has this "You cant do it" talk every single time I get something. I'll probably hear it once I get the headdress, and I'll probably hear it again once I get the tail. But I love Merbella, so I'm not going to stop buying her stuff <3

Now I want her octopus bra but I don't want to buy it because I need all the money for the tail xD

[AniaR]

tell Grandma I have stunted lungs with 1/4 the capacity. You'll be fine. I got to 2.30 minutes.

[Ariadne]

It's gorgeous! And yes, looks perfect for you. I'm sure Grandma is just worried about you - just smile and nod and keep on mermaiding! ;)

[MerEmma]

So, a day later I finally got around to taking more pictures of my bracers. My batteries took 6 hours each to charge, hahaha. At least they last a long time!

http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l571/ZeezZeez/Scale%20Bracers/DSCN2704_zpscdcfdbf3.jpg
On a few scales, there are little gold dots. I'd say it's some sort of paint-mix-up dealio and it's only noticeable when I go up close to them, but I dunno. I feel really nitpicky about it, and my mom and sister aren't helping. xD
http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l571/ZeezZeez/Scale%20Bracers/DSCN2700_zps847d1e97.jpg
I think the colors (and my preferences with them) are a lot of my fault. I didn't specify enough that I wanted more blue than silver, and they seem to be more silver than blue.
http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l571/ZeezZeez/Scale%20Bracers/DSCN2697_zpsbc838faa.jpg
Seams! They're so neat. o:
http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l571/ZeezZeez/Scale%20Bracers/DSCN2698_zpsf79cbd1a.jpg
On the smaller one.
http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l571/ZeezZeez/Scale%20Bracers/DSCN2699_zps0b25bd3f.jpg
The larger one.
http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l571/ZeezZeez/Scale%20Bracers/DSCN2688_zps5a450c65.jpg
I'm so in love with the scales, though, seriously! I still feel like on full tails I prefer the other scales but ungh, these are just so gorgeous and detailed and squishy! I was trying to compare the silicone to a friend and the only thing I could come up with was the Wii Remote covers (besides silicone baking trays, which she has none of).
http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l571/ZeezZeez/Scale%20Bracers/DSCN2682_zps3f7f90b7.jpg
And as promised, the pictures of the earrings! They're so tiny and cute, I also really like how she used some scales to attach them.
Sorry about all the pictures, ahaha. I love to take them, perhaps too much. xD :P

[Mermaid Kalliope]

I agree, Emma. I think those scales look great on the bracers, but I prefer the "traditional" scales on my tail.

Bah! Keep mermaiding, Aurora! I've had so many people look down on this! But it's because they just don't understand. You look great in that top and you'll look even more awesome when it has a tail to go with it. :-D

Augh... I have received so many emails today and get all jumpity that it'll say "Merbella Studios" on it. >< Gah! I need to cool my fins. It's been 11 days since "soon" for the fluke sculpture. PATIENCE, KAILANI, PATIENCE! *flops over* I really don't want to bug her, especially because I'm seeing her crank out so much right now.

[Ariel-Starfish]

Finally got to read all the replays in this tread ^^ Just can say one thing : Good luck to everyone! <3 I got a replay from Raven yesterday, saying i get my pictures around next week (6 days to go) and telling me she's working her fins off to get every order done in time. (Well not litterly but u know what i'm talking about) So my tail comes "soon" :p ^^

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Eeek! Yay Ariel! I can't recall what your design was. >< Too many float in my mind. Haha

[Ariel-Starfish]

Haha x) Check the design a few pages back <3

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Ooooooh! Haha neato! Purple ish blue, right?

[Ariel-Starfish]

Ooooooh! Haha neato! Purple ish blue, right?
Yesh ^^

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Sweet! You must be bouncing off the walls being so close!

[MerEmma]

Every time I get an email I've been going pretty crazy too, haha. I woke up this morning and had nine emails, all from a friend, which I thought surely one would be from her. xD Nope!

[Mermaid Varshana]

How long does the average person wait for a Raven tail? About 6 months?

[MerEmma]

Up to 120 days typically unless she's super busy (like lately). Which is about 4 months, ish.

[Mermaid Isabela]

I got mine at the five month mark. :) But she's actually been keeping up with "due dates" recently. So, less than five months!

[Ariel-Starfish]

I got mine at the five month mark. :) But she's actually been keeping up with "due dates" recently. So, less than five months!


Did u get my last pm sweety? :)

[Mermaid Isabela]

Yes!! Sorry I forgot to send the reply. So scatterbrained of me. >.<

[AniaR]

yeah she's working hard to make sure she does the due dates, previously she experienced delays for a number of reasons, but she's better prepared this time around! :)

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Just so long as she paces herself and doesn't get sick! She needs to take a bit of a personal break. Haha poor girl. ♥♥

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Okay, I'm going to ask on here before I bug her or forget...

What is the difference between having a "blended waist", an inch or two of clear silicone, and having the colour right up to the top?

[MerEmma]

What do you mean about the difference? I mean, it looks different but otherwise I don't think there is much of one. Personally, I don't really like either effect but sometimes they can be done really well. I'm not sure what you're asking. :b I know that silicone yellows over time, which makes me think the clear effect may not last as long but I've not seen any evidence of that.

[Mermaid Varshana]

I love the blended effect. I want to do that with my realistic tail.

[Mermaid Kalliope]

I love the look of the colour fading into the skin rather than the abrupt change of skin to scales

[Mermaid_Aurora]

Uuugghh I'm dieing over here. It's a mix of anxiously awaiting emails, and saving up for my tail. Half of me wants to just go with the basic tail so I don't have to save up as much money, thus, allowing me to be ready to order the tail sooner. The other half of me wants me to start off with my dream tail, because I want the angler fluke, some pectoral fins, and a dorsal, and I'll still be hungry for my dream tail even if I go with the basic first xD

It's driving me crazy! Either way saving money for the tail is taking sooooooo long!

[Mermaid Kalliope]

That is tough! You can do it! I have faith in you!

[Mermaid Allie]

That top is AWESOME!!

[MerEmma]

Wooo! Raven emailed me. She said I could send them back and she'd make a whole new pair, which makes me so happy to finally hear back! I haven't responded yet but I will in the morning, as well as prepare them to return. <3 So happy to finally hear from her!

[WavyMermaidy]

Yay Emma!

[MerEmma]

I'm very happy. My mom was getting impatient, and I was trying to be patient myself. xD

[Ariel-Starfish]

Wooo! Raven emailed me. She said I could send them back and she'd make a whole new pair, which makes me so happy to finally hear back! I haven't responded yet but I will in the morning, as well as prepare them to return. <3 So happy to finally hear from her!


YAY <3

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Huzzah! *throws confetti*

[Ariel-Starfish]

Any updates on someones tail? :)

[Ariel-Starfish]

Btw; I haven't seen any pictures of Thalassa in her new tail after the message she recieved thectail and tried it on. i wanna see! <3

[MerEmma]

Me too, gahhh! D:

[Mermaid Dottie]

I just went looking, I can't find any. I don't know if there are any of her in tail from faire.

[Mermaid Kalliope]

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o143/meow-woof/IMAG0294-1-1_zps520625b4.jpg

That's my fluke sketch from Raven. I finally figured out how to do it on my mobile. XD

[MerEmma]

FOR Raven or FROM Raven? :P It's gorgeous either way!

[Mermaid Kalliope]

FROM Raven. I'm getting a custom fluke. :-D

[Mermaid Kalliope]

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o143/meow-woof/20130429_145759-1-1-1_zps9f040155.jpg

Just a teaser of my design. That's my design for my fluke.

[AniaR]

I think what she's asking is, did you draw this or Raven ;) lol

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Haha Okay. The first photo, not coloured, Raven drew. That is what she sent me. She sent me a different one first, and that was the final design. (2nd try!)

The colourful one is the one that I drew and mailed to her. Well, that's a cropped part. Heehee

So, to clear things up:

1st fluke design by Raven after receiving my design:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o143/meow-woof/IMAG0291-1-2-1_zps72c7b552.jpg

2nd (and final) design, also drawn by Raven:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o143/meow-woof/IMAG0294-1-1_zps520625b4.jpg

Aaaaaaand MY design that I drew:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o143/meow-woof/20130429_145759-1-1-1_zps9f040155.jpg

Hope that helps?

[MerEmma]

OH. I get it now xD VERY cool! I love your design--it's very unique!

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Thank you, Emma! That's why I'm so nervous about sharing it. ><