Andrew's Tail Making Journey

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Hello there fellow mers. While I still think its a little early for me to be posting anything, I was recently encouraged to post my progress so far on mold making etc. and because things are taking so long to dry I thought I might aswell while im waiting :)

I started out with some MonsterMakers Premium grade clay. link here: http://www.monstermakers.com/product/monster-clay.standard-grade-html

First I started on the scales. After some trial and error with different types of seeds I ended up choosing a roasted melon seed that I liked the size/shape of.
Next I began creating a simple push mold of the single seed, pictured here: 752

Basically, I took a styrofoam cup and ripped the sides off so it could only hold about 2 millimetres of liquid. Next I took some Weld-Bond ( a type of glue found at the hardware store) pictured here:753

I filled the styrofoam cup piece with the 2 MM of glue, sprayed the seed with Pam cooking spray(so It could be easily removed). layed the roasted melon seed into the glue so it was only half submerged in the glue. after a couple days the glue was rock hard and I peeled out the seed, leaving the impression of itself in the glue.

With that finished I took out a large sheet of styrofoam and layed it down as a base for my scales. I began picking small pieces of the clay off and pushing them into the push mold I had made, then peeling out individual scales. I layed them in rows on the sheet of styrofoam until it was covered.This is a corner of that sheet of scales done in clay: 754

with those done, I began sculpting the extra fins. First I drew the shape of the fin I wanted on a piece of paper. as seen here for a pectoral fin: 755

I then taped the picture to another sheet of styrofoam and used a fork to poke holes through the paper into the styrofoam along the lines in the fin. When I peeled the paper off I was left with a design I could cut out and begin to build clay onto. as seen here on piece of styrofoam meant for a dorsal fin: 756

To get started sculpting the fins I went out and got a clay extruder. Link here: http://www.walnuthollow.com/28301clayextruderset.aspx
basically it allows you to make long tubes of clay among other shapes. I made a bunch of tubes and started covering my styrofoam cut out fins in the tubes of clay. once the extra fins were sculpted I slid them off of the styrofoam piece underneath and put them aside so I could build clay walls around them later. heres a picture of some of the extra fins once they were sculpted: 757758

Next it was onto the Fluke. I took an image of a real fish fluke and went to blockposter.com( basically a website that allows you to take any image you want and print it out to whatever dimensions you choose. It prints the image off in pieces on several different pages and you can tape them together to put the image together) link to site here: http://www.blockposters.com/

here is a picture of the image I printed out: 759

With that done I layed the image onto yet another sheet of styrofoam and traced it. took the image away and began laying tubes of clay down again to fill in the tracing. when I was done I had this: 760 The tubes of clay start out big and get smaller the closer you get to the center of the fluke, it gives it a nice concave effect that I like.

Finally it was mold making time. I ordered some Shellshock brushable liquid plastic. link here:http://www.smooth-on.com/Shell-Shock=-Bru/c1165/index.html
(Its a brushable liquid plastic that is not only very durable, meaning if I take good care of the molds I can use them over and over and over without damaging them at all and as an added bonus this particular plastic doesnt require a release agent to be used when pouring rubber into molds made from it. I used some anyways to be safe but even the parts of the side of the mold where I didnt apply release agent didnt have rubber stick to them.)

Here is a video showing all the clay sculptures, the clay walls being built around them and them after they are covered in liquid plastic:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=py2KQo__U5U

Once that was dry, I peeled the sculptures away from the plastic ( was some clay left in the molds so I used a scrubby brush and some dish detergent to clean it out) and was left with molds like this one of the scale sheet: 762 or this one of a pectoral fin: 766 this was before the last bit of clay was scrubbed out.

after that I applied release agent to my molds, Pigmented my liquid rubber, and began brushing detail layers into the molds. once the detail layers were dry I poured in enough rubber to fill up the rest of the molds.

after those dried I could peel them out. here is a sheet of rubber scales ( unpainted and untrimmed) they are slightly pigmented with a pearlized white color for one of the tails currently being worked on: 763

Details will be painted onto the pigmented rubber scales/fluke etc. after the details are painted on I will coat the entire tail in Perma Wet. link here: http://www.monstermakers.com/product/perma-wet-gloss-coating.html
its a clear glossy coat that will not only give some added protection to the paint but also it will make the tail always look like its wet even when your not near water which I think is going to be cool ^_^

I had scrap pieces of scales after I cut some of the sheets out to shape, and naturally while other things were drying I couldnt help myself but see how some colors looked on the scales. *Note* These are not the colors I will be using, I was only experimenting with some paint from my art kit :)
heres the pics:764765

So far the plans for the tails color patterns are:

1- A king salmon
2- A Rainbow trout
3- A Musky

Thats all I have to share for now but there will be more in the coming weeks:)

**EDIT** I wanted to post the videos thus far onto this first post so no one has to go searching through pages to find them:

Peeling out scales-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDg054lIxfo

Fin Construction-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuq6onS9L68

Scale Stretch test-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbBnwHaUSXY

Start of monofin-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pD9fldFjmM&feature=player_embedded

Monofin construction(this process has been modified and will be updates eventually)-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsk5oqGNbbw

The bare skeleton of a tail-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByQ3SwA1m7I

a couple teaser vids of the salmon tail:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiAmkobq1UI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_SO8PSsORE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyyPaamVDT0

Swimming in the tail-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHTbhACDg4I

Also I would like to add here on this first post that the latex I am using is called: Monster Makers mask making latex RD-407, Link here: http://www.monstermakers.com/product/RD407-Mask-Latex-for-Halloween-Masks-and-Props.html

[Little_Orca]

I love the scales, Andrew. I can't wait to see more of what you do. :)

[Kanti]

Holy canoli all of this looks amazing <3
I really can't wait to see your finished tails! They look extremely promising o.O
You should consider taking up mermaid tails as a hobby and make them xD

Love the molds so far~
Keep up the great work

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Thanks guys <3 really appreciate the support:)


You should consider taking up mermaid tails as a hobby and make them xD



@kanti- Actually That is what I am working towards. Hoping to become a tail maker for all the wonderful mers in the future :)

[AniaR]

this is so helpful with all your links and videos! I dont make tails but I know the people who do are going to love this. Thanks for sharing <3

[Dr. SeaWeed]

this is so helpful with all your links and videos! I dont make tails but I know the people who do are going to love this. Thanks for sharing <3
Thank you ^_^ and I am happy to share :)

[Dr. SeaWeed]

The side of the fluke I want to show at the moment still is wet in some of the deeper areas , But I couldnt help peeling one of the dry parts up a bit to peek.(there is some residual clay still in the nooks and crannies and you can see the rubber picking it out but that comes right off with a paper towel) This is a bit of the rubber fluke texture you see being peeled out: 767
obviously its not trimmed so that bit after the texture ends is just extra i put there to make it easier pulling out. who knows I may cut right into the texture and make frayed edges for this one, havnt decided yet. the rubber is pigmented grey and is intended for use on the King salmon tail.

More to come as things dry:)

[kazekoh]

I am very excited to watch your journey~! Your tail looks awesome so far :D

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Thankyou Kazekoh:)

[Kanti]

It looks great~
Let me ask you something, do you think the scale forms could be vacuum-molded? It seems the plastic process is very
similar to just having it formed. I suppose the only problem would be if there were any wrinkles in the actual plastic sheet.
Other than that, it seems like it would work

[Dr. SeaWeed]

It looks great~
Let me ask you something, do you think the scale forms could be vacuum-molded? It seems the plastic process is very
similar to just having it formed. I suppose the only problem would be if there were any wrinkles in the actual plastic sheet.
Other than that, it seems like it would work


I actually thought about doing that at first when I was throwing around ideas in my head, because i had seen other things quickly and easily molded like that on Mythbusters (the episode with the Jello Brain) hehe. I honestly am not sure that it would, maybe, maybe not. If I was going to try it that way I would choose a different type of clay or medium to build the scales with rather than the monster makers clay, because it never hardens and your sculpture can actually be easily damaged. if you were to only press on a scale slightly you will easily squish it.... maybe if you got the scales really cold before you used the vacuum on it they would be ok though, like i said not sure if the pressure from the vacuum would be enough to smoosh the details.
The upside to the clay is that it does get hard enough at room temperature to brush on whatever your using for your molds. and when your done you can squish it all back up and use it over and over for more sculptures :)

*edit* like you said though about the wrinkles, I have no idea how those things really work but it may be difficult at least to keep wrinkles out of everywhere .

[jukumerboii]

;)oh iknow for a fact that the tail will be WICKED,,can't wait to see the rest!

[AniaR]

I find myself thinking a bit of Hannah's Tail that's in this photo...
http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs15/f/2007/028/b/e/Hannah_Mermaid_in_Galapagos_Is_by_HannahMermaid.jp g
from http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs15/f/2007/028/b/e/Hannah_Mermaid_in_Galapagos_Is_by_HannahMermaid.jp g (from Hannah's DA)

It's more realistic in that it actually looks like it belongs to a fish. So I see yours somewhere like this only fresh water fish colours!

[Mermaid Jewel]

Wow looks amazing! I can't wait to see more! Looking great so far and I love the scale shapes :)

[Kanti]

Yea, I've actually seen many instances where if the plastic isn't heated up enough or is not put on evenly
enough, it tends to form wrinkles that get sucked down onto the mold. It looks crummy and can ruin your
piece. I've seen people make great molds with VERY intricate patterns, though, you just have to practice
making it go down right.

[Dr. SeaWeed]

the clay will easily melt with only a small amount of heat even in your hands.... so i dunno if hot plastic would completely ruin the monster makers clay.

[MermaidAubrin]

Wow looks awesome i hope my tail will look that cool!

[Kanti]

Oh yea, I forgot you mentioned that xD
You would have to get something that could withstand being vacuumed. Probably
a harder clay or maybe even just the pumpkin seeds themselves.
I don't know, I've been considering purchasing a vacuum former recently anyway so
I might try something out with it soon. But at least the idea you have done works
so if anything that's a good fallback method :')

[RêveD'eau]

Oh my that looks fantastic!! Great job Andrew. I am so excited to see the end result!

[Dr. SeaWeed]

@AniaR, Jewel, Juku,Aubrin, and ReveD'eau, thanks so much you guys <3

@Kanti, Yeah , I looked at clays that hardened at first but I dont personally have an oven I could use to put something so large as a scale sheet in so that i could bake it and turn it hard, unless i made it smaller ... but i wanted it as big as possible for fewer castings hehe.
And as far as seeds Go I didnt have the patience to sit and pick through melon seeds to seperate them into ones that were all relatively the same size and shape, I tried at first but it ended up looking too crowded and was hard to place them because of the bottom half of the seed , unless u remove the bottom half of them all. thats why when i made the push mold of the single melon seed I only pressed it into the glue halfway so i would have the detail on one side and be flat on the opposite side so it was easier to place without looking too too crowded.

[Kanti]

Ohh I see.
I didn't really account for the fact that the seeds could come in many different sizes.
I guess that would be annoying after a while lol.
Either way, if you're willing to sell me a sheet of your latex scales when/if I get the
vacuum former, I'll be glad to make some thin plastic stencils for you.
And, honestly, I'd like to make some myself xD

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Thats a really interesting idea kanti, honestly though I am not really even close to actually selling anything yet, but I will remember your idea for a future time and contact you. Really just posting this stuff to start documenting my own process until I get to the point where I can start selling things.

Ohh I see.
I didn't really account for the fact that the seeds could come in many different sizes.
I guess that would be annoying after a while lol.
Either way, if you're willing to sell me a sheet of your latex scales when/if I get the
vacuum former, I'll be glad to make some thin plastic stencils for you.
And, honestly, I'd like to make some myself xD

[Kanti]

Yea of course!
Only if you want to :'P
I would never want to pressure you into anything. Just offering it if
you're interested~

[Dr. SeaWeed]

ofcourse I understand , and I think its a great idea for later down the road :)

[julessweetie]

Looks AMAZING so far! Thanks for the great info!!! :)

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Looks AMAZING so far! Thanks for the great info!!! :)

Thanks Julessweetie :) and again im quite happy to share :)

[Dr. SeaWeed]

finally pulled out one side of the fluke texture today... keep in mind these are untrimmed(the extra rubber after the texture ends hasnt been cut off yet still debating whether or not to fray the edges.) and no details have been painted on, no mettalic colors or shiny glosses yet. just pigmented rubber, and again this one is grey as a base because its going to end up on a salmon tail. 778779780781



like ive said before some clay bits got pulled out with the rubber but I can just wipe those off..
back to it !

[lynsea]

Your progress is really stunning! You definitely have a talent for this. If you don't mind me asking, how did you go about originally learning mold making?

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Your progress is really stunning! You definitely have a talent for this. If you don't mind me asking, how did you go about originally learning mold making?

Thank you Lynsea ^_^ I dont mind at all, I never went to school for special effects or anything like that, but I have made molds before for use in cake decorating. Honestly I am really big on DIY stuff. some molds i made , I would take the figure to be molded, cover it in layers of icing. put it in the freezer for 1 hour. then take it out and peel out the figure leaving the imprint or mold for me to press malleable icing into and cast pieces from. the molds were only good for 1 or 2 castings but thats all i needed them for most times hehe :)

[inactive account]

I find every detail you put into this thread so far is stunning! What you are doing is strengthening the communities abilty to make mermaid tails inside and out, I will shortly be following your every step after you have figured it out a little and will post like you have been, keep up the good work, stay determined and good luck to how this tail comes along, Im sure once It's done it will be fabulous ;]

[Dr. SeaWeed]

I find every detail you put into this thread so far is stunning! What you are doing is strengthening the communities abilty to make mermaid tails inside and out, I will shortly be following your every step after you have figured it out a little and will post like you have been, keep up the good work, stay determined and good luck to how this tail comes along, Im sure once It's done it will be fabulous ;]

Aww ! thanks Neotail. I am really excited to see how it all comes together too :)

because this is meant more to document my progress and not really a tutorial there may be some small details that i thought might be implied that i left out accidentally but i will try to fix that as i go along.

[taom]

Andrew, your work is so fantastic! You have inspired me to experiment with this. Thank you so much for posting your progress for us!

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Andrew, your work is so fantastic! You have inspired me to experiment with this. Thank you so much for posting your progress for us!

Thank you Taom, wonderful to see all these kind comments from everyone, really makes it easy to keep at it.

[Spindrift]

I can't wait to see how this turns out! :)

[Mermaid Jewel]

That's funny, who knew cake decorating would help with tail making? :D

[Mermaid Star]

Well Done, Sir! Well Done, indeed! Very Nice Andrew! I think I need to look in to that stuff you put onto your tail to make it look wet. That sounds like a fabulous idea! I have been thinking about it since Raven added something like that to her tail (I believe). Thank you so much for finding it and posting it!!! Do you mind if I use some for my tail too? I am kinda going down the same path with the shape of my mermaid scales, only I am using pumpkin seeds. I know a lot of people have used pumpkin seeds before, so I went a little safer I guess. I am using the actual seeds rather than a mold of them, I can see why you went with a mold of the seed rather than the seed it self. lol When I finally mold everything, I too will post pictures of what I have so far. My sheet of seeds has been sitting in my back room for ages (waiting for funds) but I built my box for the molding process so it should be soon! :)

This is a pain stacking process. You must have the patience of a saint to press mold all of those seeds and then lay them one by one! Your stuff is looking great and I love how bold you have gotten your colors to look! I can't wait to see more! :) Thank you for sharing Andrew!!!

[Dr. SeaWeed]

@spindrift - Me too ^^

@jewel - ya all the cakes over the years was good practice for not only mold making but sculpting too ( fondant)

@Star - Thank you so much, yes it was a bit tedious doing the scales but I dont know about the saint bit hehe :P
As for your comment : " Do you mind if I use some for my tail too?"

its really hard to not let my personality show and say something that I find funny about that while others might not...
* paints another coat of sugar onto his words* .......so ill just put it this way... Heck NO i dont mind in the slightest! in the end we are all just emulating nature sooo.... ill stop there. ha.

excited to see what you come up with aswell!

[Dr. SeaWeed]

@Star - When I first started thinking about how I was going to paint these, I found myself going through tutorials and websites related to Taxidermy, and tried to find information on what kind of colors /glosses they use on those realistic wooden fish replicas. Thats what gave me the Idea for the Glossy Coat initially, and there just so happened to be that Perma Wet stuff on the same website I ordered my clay from. -- Here is a link to one of those wooden fish replica tutorial type things-I think it is really good for getting an idea of how to paint scales in general for a more realistic look even if you dont use the same colors.- http://www.fishcarver.com/bluegil_ painting_instructions.htm

[Mermaid Star]

Wow! I will have to look into that when u get a free minute. Thanks for the link! And lol on your sugar. :-}

[Spindrift]

I've talked to and bought from Monster Makers before. The thing you have to be careful with Perma-Wet is that it yellows with age, too high temperatures, or with too much sun, even though it has UV protection. It also needs to be sprayed on correctly, or it will crack and not be elastic at all. Careful! :)

[Dr. SeaWeed]

I've talked to and bought from Monster Makers before. The thing you have to be careful with Perma-Wet is that it yellows with age, too high temperatures, or with too much sun, even though it has UV protection. It also needs to be sprayed on correctly, or it will crack and not be elastic at all. Careful! :)

I would expect a tail ( Perma-Wet or not) to get damaged in some way if you left it in the sun or somewhere too hot like in the car on a blistering day. that being said I appreciate your insight into the matter Spindrift and will be careful:)

[meremily]

hi Andrew!!! im very exited to see what you do!!! im in the making too . i was thinking of way of doing it and bought clay too. but i was thinking of buying flexible tubes and superglued them together and then press the form into the clay to hold it still while the glue set up. then i have a friend who would make a mold of this. but i have a question: doesnt the clay fin that you did crack or break when you demold it from the styrofoam? and when you draw your image on the styrofoam and trace it with the fork, was it clean the form? or you arrange it with a knife?

[Dr. SeaWeed]

hi Andrew!!! im very exited to see what you do!!! im in the making too . i was thinking of way of doing it and bought clay too. but i was thinking of buying flexible tubes and superglued them together and then press the form into the clay to hold it still while the glue set up. then i have a friend who would make a mold of this. but i have a question: doesnt the clay fin that you did crack or break when you demold it from the styrofoam? and when you draw your image on the styrofoam and trace it with the fork, was it clean the form? or you arrange it with a knife?

Hi Meremily, thankyou very much. im really sorry im having a little trouble understanding exactly what you are asking. I will do a miniature version tutorial of sculpting with pics and hopefully that will clear things up. ill try to get it up asap.

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Ok so Here is my Mini -Tutorial on how I did my fin sculpting... I know a pro sculpter would probably laugh at my method , but it works just fine for the way I am doing things. I only used 1 size of tubing as im busy and tried to crank this out quickly.. so here we go:

Materials:
-paper & pen
-styrofoam sheet
-clay
-Extruder
-Clay/Pasta machine
-scissors
-knife
-fork

Step#1: Get your fluke shape drawn on a piece of paper and cut it out like this: 894

Step#2: Lay your drawing onto your sheet of styrofoam and use a fork to poke holes through the paper and into the styrofoam along the lines of your drawing, like this:895

Step#3: Take the drawing away and you will be left with holes showing your design on the styrofoam sheet.

Step#4: Use the holes in the styofoam as a guide and cut out your fin shape. like this:897

Step#5: Get out a Clay/Pasta machine like this one:898
(it allows you to make flat sheets of clay)

Step#6: Make some sheets of clay with your pasta machine like this:899

Step#7: Use the sheets of clay to cover your styrofoam cut out fin like this:900
( you will have to use more than one sheet so pinch the seams together and smooth them out)

Step#8: Cut off the exra clay until you are left with this:901

Step#9: Take out your Clay extruder, like this one:902

Step#10: Use the extruder to make tubes of clay to your desired sizes. example here:903

Step#11: Begin covering the fin in tubes of clay to match up with your design. I like to alternate from side to side when I do it. Contine adding tubes until your fin is covered. Pictures of that process:904905906

step#12: use a knife to cut through the clay on the sides of the styrofoam, just underneath the detail layer of tubes you have just layed down. like this:907

You should be left with something that looks like this:908

Step#13: With a cut made around the fin and the excess clay removed, the sculpture should easily slide off of the styrofoam like this:909 and then onto the clay walls etc like in the video.


I hope this clears up any questions on how exactly I did the sculpting portion of the project but If anyone isnt clear on something still, feel free to ask me.

[Dr. SeaWeed]

All that was done very quickly so please excuse the sloppyness of it but hopefully it makes sense.

[inactive account]

That was great! makes much more sense now, thank's! :)

[meremily]

Hi Meremily, thankyou very much. im really sorry im having a little trouble understanding exactly what you are asking. I will do a miniature version tutorial of sculpting with pics and hopefully that will clear things up. ill try to get it up asap.

hi Andrew
sorry im french so its sometime difficult for me to translate my though in english. i wanted to know if the fin you made from clay cracked or broke when you took it off from the styrofoam. it afrait its too heavy and will crack or break?

[Dr. SeaWeed]

hi Andrew
sorry im french so its sometime difficult for me to translate my though in english. i wanted to know if the fin you made from clay cracked or broke when you took it off from the styrofoam. it afrait its too heavy and will crack or break?

No problem Meremily :)
I posted a tutorial on the sculpting process on the previous page here and as you can see the clay I used is an oil based clay that never hardens, so it doesnt really get stiff enough to crack and break. The fin Does Not crack or break when I slide it off the styrofoam.

[Dr. SeaWeed]

**Side Note**
I applied the Perma-Wet onto some of the scales and honestly I cannot see any difference on the ones I did apply it to compared to the ones I did not. So I will do some more playing around with it but its looking like I may have to just leave that part of the process out for now. I still think it was a fabulous idea though!

**Also, I tossed a couple scale scraps into my heavily chlorinated pool. will leave them in there a couple days and do before and after pics to make sure they hold up:)

[AniaR]

eeee so excited mer brother!

[Winged Mermaid]

This thread, and your work of course, is amazing! I'm so grateful you are sharing your process with us- you're the first! All the work you've done so far is just stunning. I can't wait to see more!

[Dr. SeaWeed]

eeee so excited mer brother!


This thread, and your work of course, is amazing! I'm so grateful you are sharing your process with us- you're the first! All the work you've done so far is just stunning. I can't wait to see more!

awww you guys are too sweet <3 I cant wait to have more to share. like I said before I am so so happy to share any and everything that i might learn along the way:)

[Mermaid Marla]

Wow! I just stumbled onto this and find your work in progress fascinating! You are my new hero for tail-making! I doubt I will ever tackle anything as elaborate as what you are doing, but the fact that you are showing us all how to is so wonderful! It really helps for those who are trying to make these tails but don't have the time or money to try and figure out what products work and don't. This is really great of you to share this with the community! I can't wait to watch your continued progress!:D

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Wow! I just stumbled onto this and find your work in progress fascinating! You are my new hero for tail-making! I doubt I will ever tackle anything as elaborate as what you are doing, but the fact that you are showing us all how to is so wonderful! It really helps for those who are trying to make these tails but don't have the time or money to try and figure out what products work and don't. This is really great of you to share this with the community! I can't wait to watch your continued progress!:D

Thanks a lot Mermaid Marla.. my that has a nice ring to it ! really glad you enjoyed what you saw so far hehe :)

[Taylor is a Mermaid]

Tail makers like melbel, Jesse, and YOU are what this community ought to be about. You are happy to share the fascinating behind-the-scenes work you're doing and show us the fruits of your creativity without hoarding information. I applaud you.

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Tail makers like melbel, Jesse, and YOU are what this community ought to be about. You are happy to share the fascinating behind-the-scenes work you're doing and show us the fruits of your creativity without hoarding information. I applaud you.

<3

[AniaR]

Andrew is pretty wicked. Canadians are pretty wicked. Ya know, just saying ;)
hehe :)

Andrew, you should know, several people have contacted me after reading this thread when I linked it on my FB to ask me to let them know if/when you sell because they think your work is going swimmingly

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Oh wow Raina ! what a nice thing to wake up and see :) you can be sure I will let everyone know when im ready:)
<3

[Dr. SeaWeed]

wish I had something more substantial to share today but not yet ! here is some silver scales i pulled out though!
10061007

[Mermaid Marla]

Those are pretty awesome just by themselves!

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Those are pretty awesome just by themselves!

Thanks Marla :)

[Blaze]

O_O wow!

[inactive account]

Beautiful Scales! Its really detailed and pearl like, LOVE IT!!! ;)

[Mermaid Marla]

Now I'm addicted and need updates - LOL!

[Mermaid Jewel]

Wow those look gorgeous. The shape has a dynamic without having to put any other colors :D <3

[MermaidKallan]

This is going to look really great when it's finished~~~

[Dr. SeaWeed]

@Scarlet,Neotail,Marla,jewel, and kallan

Thanks a lot guys :) hard at work here and im sorry I havnt had any updates for a while, I should have some more to show next week though.

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Threw this video together to show a sheet of scales being taken out of the mold:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDg054lIxfo

you should probably mute the sound, I tried to do an audio swapout but it hasnt worked yet.

[Mermaid Star]

What material are you using for your mother mold? I am planning on using the ultracal-30 that is sitting in my back room right now but I am a little nervous about using it as I have not used it before and requires some exact measuring by weight. I think I have it figured out. But I was wondering what yours is made out of. It looks nice and clean. Also did you have any trouble with undercuts or did you just smooth those out before you molded your scales?

(I am getting closer to getting mine molded. I just have to wait until the polyurethane drys in 24 hours and then get the nerve up to mix the ultracal)

Happy casting! :)

[Dr. SeaWeed]

What material are you using for your mother mold? I am planning on using the ultracal-30 that is sitting in my back room right now but I am a little nervous about using it as I have not used it before and requires some exact measuring by weight. I think I have it figured out. But I was wondering what yours is made out of. It looks nice and clean. Also did you have any trouble with undercuts or did you just smooth those out before you molded your scales?

(I am getting closer to getting mine molded. I just have to wait until the polyurethane drys in 24 hours and then get the nerve up to mix the ultracal)

Happy casting! :)

The mold is made out of Shell Shock Brushable liquid plastic. Link here: http://www.smooth-on.com/index.php?cPath=1165
And no problems with undercuts as of yet.

[Mermaid Jewel]

Wow those scales look just the right size too (now that you can kinda see relative size)

[AniaR]

awesome job! how neat to see

[Dr. SeaWeed]

@Jewel/Raina Thanks you two! <3

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Not sure how I left this detail out but the latex I am using is called: Monster Makers mask making latex RD-407. link here: http://www.monstermakers.com/product/RD407-Mask-Latex-for-Halloween-Masks-and-Props.html

So far it seems like a really good quality latex, it stretches an insane amount, and then reverts right back to its original shape. and ontop of that I have had a scrap of scales sitting in my chlorine pool for several days now and have taken it out to check it periodically. It doesnt seem to have had any degradation and still stretches just like before.

With the method I am using it takes between 1.5-2 gallons per tail. Im 6'1 so I needed a lot of scale sheets for myself, obviously it may be much less for someone else who is much shorter.

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Put together a video of the fins being peeled from their molds and then put together. Basically a piece of neoprene is soaked in liquid latex until its seeping right through it, and then the 2 texture pieces are pressed onto the neoprene and then left under a heavy object to dry. a more thorough explanation/visual in the video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuq6onS9L68&amp;feature=player_embedded

**Note**
it is important that the fins are fused to the neoprene soon after demolding before they delaminate, basically while they are dry enough to demold but still very sticky. if they do delaminate not all is lost you can just rough up the backside of the latex with a piece of sandpaper and it should help it stick better.

[inactive account]

wow! This is great! you sure put a lot of detail into this its so amazing :)

[Mermaid Marla]

Very nice! Thank you so much for taking the time to make the videos! This is so fascinating to watch! Beautiful job so far and can't wait to see the next phase!

[mermaid hannah]

really amazing so far! can't wait for more!

:)

[Mermaid Lorelei]

This is absolutely fantastic! The detail on your fins came out incredibly well from what I can tell. My only question is, are you making your own monofin or are you inserting a premade, possibly cut monofin? I've been debating for a while now if I want to take on the task of making my own monofins as well as tails, but I haven't seen much success in it. Just curious what your take on the subject was.
Thanks again for all of the wonderful work you've done! You truly are made to make this sort of thing. :3

[Winged Mermaid]

Progress is looking awesome! Although I'd like to suggest something. I know you said you'd put in more latex to cover up the seam of the neoprene showing between the fins. What if you cut out the neoprene to shape then took a little off all around the outer edge? Then the fins would adhere mostly to the neoprene, but around the edges you could adhere them straight to each other instead of the neoprene so it would look more seamless.

[Dr. SeaWeed]

@Neotail, Marla, Hannah, Lorelei- Thanks you guys are so nice :)


This is absolutely fantastic! The detail on your fins came out incredibly well from what I can tell. My only question is, are you making your own monofin or are you inserting a premade, possibly cut monofin? I've been debating for a while now if I want to take on the task of making my own monofins as well as tails, but I haven't seen much success in it. Just curious what your take on the subject was.
Thanks again for all of the wonderful work you've done! You truly are made to make this sort of thing. :3

I am making my own monofins to minimize any bulging areas that would happen if I used finis or something for example and also so that it fills out the entire tail shape. I wont go into too much detail at the moment once I have all the bugs worked out my process on that will surely be posted aswell.

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Progress is looking awesome! Although I'd like to suggest something. I know you said you'd put in more latex to cover up the seam of the neoprene showing between the fins. What if you cut out the neoprene to shape then took a little off all around the outer edge? Then the fins would adhere mostly to the neoprene, but around the edges you could adhere them straight to each other instead of the neoprene so it would look more seamless.

Thats a great idea Winged mermaid, thankyou for the suggestion, You live ,you learn right? :)

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Let me know how your monofin tests run. I truly hope they go smoothly for you. :3

[Winged Mermaid]

Thats a great idea Winged mermaid, thankyou for the suggestion, You live ,you learn right? :)

True! Also another reason it's great to post on here- you get feedback from other people and outside perspectives. There are so many threads of, "What do you think?" and, "Will this work?" ect. I love that we can come together and help each other out, even if it's just small stuff ^_^

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Let me know how your monofin tests run. I truly hope they go smoothly for you. :3

Thanks Lorelei I will let everyone know.

[Dr. SeaWeed]

True! Also another reason it's great to post on here- you get feedback from other people and outside perspectives. There are so many threads of, "What do you think?" and, "Will this work?" ect. I love that we can come together and help each other out, even if it's just small stuff ^_^

Oh my goodness yes, I love the forum and am grateful to anyone who ever answered a question I may of had in the past.

[Dr. SeaWeed]

I wanted to show a little stretching test I did with some scales I had taken out of the pool. These particular ones are just white regular latex scales. and they havn't been fused to neoprene yet( which will take away some stretch but add some tear strength combined with the extra latex used to fuse it to the neoprene.) anyways heres the video :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbBnwHaUSXY

[AniaR]

I could never ever do that with my mertailor tail

[Odette]

you are a smart mer! wearing gloves. and the stretch is amazing! you used the real latex not caulk.its looking amazing!

[Dr. SeaWeed]

@Raina - me either, and keep in mind those scales have been submerged in heavily chlorinated water for 10 days only taken out for a minute to take a look at it once per day.

@Odette- thanks :)

[AniaR]

a true tail maker. I am so freaking excited for you Andrew!~

[Mermaid Lorelei]

That scale test is incredible. I kept waiting for the latex to snap or come back to a funny shape, but it never did. That's fantastic stuff you've got there.

[Dr. SeaWeed]

@Raina- <3, me too i can barely contain myself most days, I love waking up now and thinking oh time to start tail making again!

@Lorelei - I think so too :) I mean its not completely indestructable, it is rubber after all, but it seems pretty quality to me.

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Wanted to make a post, I know im not there yet , But ! when I am at a point where I am selling tails, I would like to call my business: Dr. SeaWeed's Plastic Mer-gery Clinic

[Little_Orca]

You are amazing Andrew! <3

[Dr. SeaWeed]

You are amazing Andrew! <3

<3

[Mermaid Lorelei]

I love the name. :3 Very humorous, and it definetly sticks in the brain. Haha, still chuckling actually...

[Mermaid Marla]

Wow Andrew you are a true Gem and I'm so glad we have you here on this forum! That is amazing stretch! I am very interested in the fusing part as, up to now, most of us have just painted latex directly onto our neoprene, but I have always wondered how to fuse pre-made scales to neoprene. I'm really looking forward to... well anything you have to show us! :D

[AniaR]

Andrew, the original tail maker to get it right. ;) <3

[Dr. SeaWeed]

@Raina Omg rofl...sure I could call myself that... im sure I wouldnt be the first~!haha
Also! i would like to go ahead and take credit for the design and shape of a salmons tail, even though its from nature, I now claim it as my own....*wishes there was a font for sarcasm*

Thanks Lorelei :P

@Marla - thankyou :) in my opinion the most important detail of a tail is: " Does it dramatically increase your swimming speed?." so I am going for sort of a hybrid type tail. I like how fabric tails let you swim around so quickly, as opposed to a tail made completely of a thick piece of rubber where (atleast to me) it seems like even good swimmers arent that fast.... atleast as far as ive seen videowise. But you dont want it to be too thin because after all it is rubber and may rip, so I thought why not make the rubber a lot thinner than a molded tail without sacrificing detail on the scales etc and just back it with neoprene so it has less chance of ripping.

[merboy78xy]

Hey all-- just wanted to say how impressed I am by everyone on here.
Not only is Andrew very talented and ambitious, but he's also very forthcoming about his process, which (as many of us here are artists) is very difficult for us to do! Also, I applaud the community for being so supportive and encouraging with feedback. It truly makes me happy to see everyone rooting for each other!
Brava Andrew!
and Brava merfolk!

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Hey all-- just wanted to say how impressed I am by everyone on here.
Not only is Andrew very talented and ambitious, but he's also very forthcoming about his process, which (as many of us here are artists) is very difficult for us to do! Also, I applaud the community for being so supportive and encouraging with feedback. It truly makes me happy to see everyone rooting for each other!
Brava Andrew!
and Brava merfolk!

aww so much love, thanks Merboy, and you are right everyone has been so kind with all their wonderful feedback.

[Dr. SeaWeed]

I have realized while getting things put together , that when i cut sheets of scales I will be left over with a bunch of pigmented scale scraps from the tail I make. what do you guys think about this: When you order a tail, you will have the option to also have the extra scraps sent with the tail, so that way if you ever did need to do a repair you could simply cut out the couple damaged scales and replace them? I mean the rubber is great and durable as heck but like i said before it is rubber and is not indestructible.

anyways just a thought..

[Mermaid Lorelei]

I think sending some of the extra scales is a wonderful idea for a couple of reasons, if you don't mind my saying them.
1st, repairs, as you mentioned. :3
2nd, if they happen to have some spirit gum laying around, they could make small patches of scales or even possibly bra appliques with the extras.
3rd, modifications. Perhaps they realized later that their tail was a touch to short, or they gained a little weight. Having extra scales on hand could help remedy these issues.

Haha, my two cents of the day.

[Dr. SeaWeed]

I think sending some of the extra scales is a wonderful idea for a couple of reasons, if you don't mind my saying them.
1st, repairs, as you mentioned. :3
2nd, if they happen to have some spirit gum laying around, they could make small patches of scales or even possibly bra appliques with the extras.
3rd, modifications. Perhaps they realized later that their tail was a touch to short, or they gained a little weight. Having extra scales on hand could help remedy these issues.

Haha, my two cents of the day.

Ofcourse i dont mind, love any feedback i get :)
Thankyou I didnt even think of #3 but really that one makes a tonne of sense because for my process the neoprene is sewn together, then fit snuggly over a styrofoam body form, and the scales are applied overtop, so that there isnt any sewing seam visible. If someone wanted to take the waist in a few inches it would be quite difficult to do without creating a seam near the waist... with some extra scales they could take the waist in a couple inches then replace the scales that are caught up in the seam area.

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Thank goodness for my little pocket camera! I dont know how I could explain making this monofin in words and have it make any sense. the only way i can think to describe it is: DiY injection molding lol anyways hopefully have a vid about them put up in the next 2 weeks.

[mermaid hannah]

awsome! i can't wwait to see more!

[Mermaid Star]

Um yeah! That stretch test just sold me on the RD407. I was looking into some others (mostly silicone) but it is so expensive! Over $150 a gallon! But this stuff is only $44 a gallon! Whooo!!!! Bonus!!! Thank you for supplying that stretch and chlorine test. You took a leap with this stuff and it was a good jump! As soon as I get paid from a gig I did last week, I am taking my alex back to the store and getting some of this stuff! :) Thank you so much for sharing! It is taking forever for me to get my scales moulded. I think I am just going to start my thread ahead of time. LOL. Thanks again!!!! I will be sure to referance you in my thread so people know where I got my info from! :)

[Mermaid Star]

Andrew, I am guessing you are doing a two part mould, placing the monofin into the mould and then injecting the mould so it will adhere to the monofin it self? When you said injection I was thinking of doing it this way, but I don't have a fluke buck yet so I am not sure if I will be able to do it. Is this what you are thinking?

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Um yeah! That stretch test just sold me on the RD407. I was looking into some others (mostly silicone) but it is so expensive! Over $150 a gallon! But this stuff is only $44 a gallon! Whooo!!!! Bonus!!! Thank you for supplying that stretch and chlorine test. You took a leap with this stuff and it was a good jump! As soon as I get paid from a gig I did last week, I am taking my alex back to the store and getting some of this stuff! :) Thank you so much for sharing! It is taking forever for me to get my scales moulded. I think I am just going to start my thread ahead of time. LOL. Thanks again!!!! I will be sure to referance you in my thread so people know where I got my info from! :)

yeah it definately is great stuff I think. and it may be a little more expensive than alex but I mean with the money you may end up spending repairing an alex tail down the line , you might aswell just find something that most likely wont need the repairs in the first place. As for the referencing part , I really appreciate that , and anyone who does , but dont feel you have to ! in the end its still your own unique creation and I would be happy with even just getting to see a tail that I may have inspired in some small way. ^_^

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Andrew, I am guessing you are doing a two part mould, placing the monofin into the mould and then injecting the mould so it will adhere to the monofin it self? When you said injection I was thinking of doing it this way, but I don't have a fluke buck yet so I am not sure if I will be able to do it. Is this what you are thinking?

Nope not a two part mold, I was talking about injection molding because the rubber footpockets of the monofin are injection molded onto the stiff blade. I know a lot of monofins have metal bolts etc in them but I would like to avoid that, so at the part of the blade where the footpockets go , holes are drilled so the rubber can in a way "bolt" itself in there.

[Mermaid Star]

Ah I see what you are saying. Well eventually (crosses fingers) I will be able to show you what I am talking about with this. I thought you were talking about the fins themselves rather than the monofin. (That is a really cool idea by the way) I was thinking for my tail to create a two part mold for my fluke and then inserting the monofin inside the mold and then pour the latex around it so it is fused into the fluke itself. What do you think? :)

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Ah I see what you are saying. Well eventually (crosses fingers) I will be able to show you what I am talking about with this. I thought you were talking about the fins themselves rather than the monofin. (That is a really cool idea by the way) I was thinking for my tail to create a two part mold for my fluke and then inserting the monofin inside the mold and then pour the latex around it so it is fused into the fluke itself. What do you think? :)

That is also a great idea, i believe a couple tail makers do that already. I got some great tips on an SPFX site called SPFX lab from a kind man i forget his name though, it was specifically about doing that. You should drill holes in strategic places on your fin before you do what you are saying. That way you will create a seal throughout the entire thing.

[Mermaid Star]

Oh! Thanks! :) I wouldn't have thought of that! SPFX Lab... I will have to go check that out! :) Thank you again

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Oh! Thanks! :) I wouldn't have thought of that! SPFX Lab... I will have to go check that out! :) Thank you again

hmm seems i got the name wrong, sorry! this is the right one: http://www.theeffectslab.com/

The Effects lab.

[Mermaid Lorelei]

No problem, glad I could help! Especially with as much amazing information as you're putting out there!

[Dr. SeaWeed]

^_^

[Mermaid Star]

hmm seems i got the name wrong, sorry! this is the right one: http://www.theeffectslab.com/

The Effects lab.

Thank you!

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Star, you were talking about how the silicone is 150$ plus a gallon and it makes me think, whats the major wow factor of silicone besides its stretch? that it can be made transparent right? Well I have not bought or tested any of this stuff but I wanted to point it out to the community incase anyone else felt like taking a plunge testingwise, otherwise im sure I will end up trying it out at somepoint down the line.

Its liquid latex but it cures crystal clear and is 95$ a gallon. anyways heres the link: http://www.graftobian.com/commerce/product.jsp?prodId=578&catId=2158

[Mermaid Star]

Nice Andrew! Yeah that is the only other thing I can think of. I found some that is seriously crystal clear, It looks like glass, but it was so expensive! A good find indeed! I wish I had the money for it... but alas, I work at Disney and am a poor soul. LOL :D

[Winged Mermaid]

Wow, that's expensive! Usually casting latex is around $40-$50 a gallon. Then again it's not clear.

With silicone it's that it a lot more: stretchy, durable, long lasting. Latex tails break down over time. Silicone takes take a LOT longer and can take a lot more abuse than latex in general. Plus it's far more realistic feeling and won't cause allergies to come up over time and exposure.

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Wow, that's expensive! Usually casting latex is around $40-$50 a gallon. Then again it's not clear.

With silicone it's that it a lot more: stretchy, durable, long lasting. Latex tails break down over time. Silicone takes take a LOT longer and can take a lot more abuse than latex in general. Plus it's far more realistic feeling and won't cause allergies to come up over time and exposure.

Yeah I agree with you, and im sure I will end up with a silicone line eventually but this RD-407 stuff seems good enough to start out with :) and mistakes are much less costly :)

I have the crazy Idea to eventually try to use Hot melt Plastisols..... which are transparent aswell, and are 40$ a gallon but they have to be heated to 350 degrees to pour into a mold. but ive worked with really really hot liquid sugar pouring into molds before... so i dunno ! maybe :) the plastisols can have shiny foils etc embedded into them aswell without the layers peeling away. and they are used in making rubber faux fish for lures( its actually a type of vinyl or plastic i guess but it seems exactly like rubber to me.), so you know it can handle being in water :)

[Mermaid Star]

Oops! I thought it was silicone but it is a urethane called Clear flex. It is amazingly clear but it is $250 a gallon found here (http://www.smooth-on.com/Urethane-Rubber-an/c6_1117_1153/index.html). Though it says it is not for home use. Just thought I would throw it out there in case someone had experience with this stuff and has lots of money burning a hole in their pocket . :)

[Dr. SeaWeed]

yeah i saw that, the not for home use puts up a red flag for me hehe.

[secret_ocean]

this is very amazing and i am very anxious as to the outcome of this. i hope ot be a futur customer!

[Dr. SeaWeed]

this is very amazing and i am very anxious as to the outcome of this. i hope ot be a futur customer!

Oh my goodness how nice, thankyou:) If all goes according to plan I should have several examples of my work (tails) by years end and begin taking orders in the new year :)

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Wow, by next year? You're just rolling right along then! Good for you!

[AniaR]

Andrew, you sure youre happily married? I know we could make beautiful mer babies! LOL <3 j/k. Im just so proud of you man! You're awesome and doing such great things- you know you're great when certain people feel threatened enough to post little jabs on their FB ;)

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Andrew, you sure youre happily married? I know we could make beautiful mer babies! LOL <3 j/k. Im just so proud of you man! You're awesome and doing such great things- you know you're great when certain people feel threatened enough to post little jabs on their FB ;)

Lol Raina :P thank you <3 so much love and support ^_^ as for the jabbing, its better to know where you stand with people right off the bat, then find out later I guess hehe, makes it much easier to completely ignore in the future :)

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Wow, by next year? You're just rolling right along then! Good for you!

Thankyou :)

[inactive account]

Andrew this Whole project is only getting better and better I absoultely love it!:), I have been looking for Clear Liquid Latex but they dont seem to sell it where I live, but has anyone tried a brand of Clear Latex? If so how Clear is it with how thick it is?. Im so excited to see how your tail comes out, I bet it will look just stunning :)

[Mermaid Jewel]

Can't wait to see more progress! It's amazing to see your work :)

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Thanks Neotail, and Jewel.
Sorry nothing new today , but i was surfing around the net and came across something i think is very interesting.
not for trying right now ofcourse but I want to definitely play around with it in the future... Herco fish pond coating.
Its a brushable neoprene rubber coating for sealing the bottom of koi ponds etc. and comes in black, grey, clear, or white.
anyhoo heres the link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Gal-Clear-Neoprene-Rubber-Fish-Pond-Coating-Sealant-/360121954228?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53d8f0efb4

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Oooh, that definitely looks intriguing! Might have to try that myself some day. :3

[Dr. SeaWeed]

I am always searching around looking at new materials and things and I stumbled onto yet another material that I think is very very interesting ! possibly better than silicone?! Blasphemy i know i know but the description sounds pretty amazing.

Earlier in the thread i mentioned my crazy idea of eventually using Hot melt Plastisols for tail making at somepoint in the future.....
Well this next material I stumbled onto has the unfortunate similarity to the plastisols, that it has to be heated to 350 degrees in order to pour it into a mold.. ...

However some of the physical properties sound just too amazing to not give it a second look.....
-Clear rubber.
-2800% stretch with complete memory return as opposed to dragonskin silicone with 1000%.
-High tear strength beyond any silicone.
-140$ for 10 pounds of it.
Its called Elastigel, here is a little part of the description put on the product:

Elastigel is one of the most lifelike, synthetic flesh compounds to come along in a great while. This is actually a water clear, hot melt, elastomeric polymer gel. Elastigel stretches up to 2800% with complete memory return and has a super high tear strength that is beyond anything we have seen in silicone.

heres a link: http://www.monstermakers.com/product/elastigel-cyberskin-hotflesh-thermal-gel-polymelt.html

anyways just another thing I thought I would point out to everyone. I really hope to end up using this stuff someday !

[Mermaid Lorelei]

That has to be some of the coolest stuff I think I've ever come across. Completely clear?! That blows my mind, mostly because I've been looking for something like that. Goodness, that may just become the stuff of tail legend. Good find!

[Dr. SeaWeed]

That has to be some of the coolest stuff I think I've ever come across. Completely clear?! That blows my mind, mostly because I've been looking for something like that. Goodness, that may just become the stuff of tail legend. Good find!

I know it sounds really cool! :)
Luckily there are A LOT of manufacturing/moldmaking/prototyping places in my city.
definitely going to look into getting some of my molds reproduced from metal for this elastigel stuff down the line!
oooh so exciting! ^_^ *does a flip*

1217

[AniaR]

aww I love that photo

[Dr. SeaWeed]

aww I love that photo

thanks Raina <3

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Haha, nice flip!

[RenegadeMermaid]

I'm dying to see how the tail comes out! :)

[Dr. SeaWeed]

@Mermaid Lorelei - thanks :P

@RenegadeMermaid - first off love the name hehe :) secondly, Hopefully soon I will have more to show, working out a few things still.. and lastly holy cow another Mer from ontario! how awesome :)

[RenegadeMermaid]

Thanks Andrew. :)
I was born in California, but I've been in Ontario for 17 years. Once you're done your tail we should do an underwater shoot (http://www.flickr.com/photos/amuse-photography/sets/72157622033632786/).
Looking forward to seeing more of your progress.

[Dr. SeaWeed]

@RenegadeMermaid- sounds good to me hehe :)

[Dr. SeaWeed]

I wanted to go ahead and Post a link to the FB page I have created for myself.
I apologize that it is so bare but it should fill up before the end of the year:)
for now I have linked my videos and pics from here onto there. Everyone's gotta start somewhere right? hehe
anyways here's the link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dr-SeaWeeds-Plastic-Mer-gery-Clinic/241134609255540

[inactive account]

hahhaaaa I LOVE the name! ;)

[jukumerboii]

the BEST mer fan page name EVER!!!!!

[Mermaid Marla]

I have definitely "Liked" your FB fan page! Love it!

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Neo,juku, and marla- Thanks you guys <3

[Dr. SeaWeed]

So I have a little sneak peek at the monofin, in this portion of the video there arent any footpockets added yet but I am hoping to finish the editing etc on the rest of the video in the next day or so and have a tutorial up:) anyways my fishy friends heres the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pD9fldFjmM

[AniaR]

<3

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Wow! How much does that bend and does it have any of the same cracking and snapping problems that some homemade monofins do? It looks perfect as long as it wouldn't crack and cause jagged edges that could tear the silicone (or flesh).

[Dr. SeaWeed]

@Mermaid Lorelei -That monofin in the video is for my tail, i wanted it a little more stiff so i went with 3/16" thickness, it still bends but its much stiffer than say a freediving fin.. personally I dont do any of that, I am more interested in being able to exert a lot of energy and sprint around underwater. but I can just use different thicknesses for peoples preferences.

As for the jagged edges cutting the silicone or flesh I dont think lexan does that? I think thats only an issue with acrylic or similar materials. still will be testing things for a while so plenty of time to make sure nothing like that happens anyways.
I have some backup plans just incase this one didnt work out anyways but Im confident this is going to be ok.

[Dr. SeaWeed]

speaking of backup plans........ I am very tempted to experiment with this stuff at somepoint.: http://www.polytek.com/cart/index.php?target=categories&category_id=263

could possibly make the entire fluke in one piece(minus the footpockets) out of it and just paint it. I know some people like really floppy flukes but thats just not my preference.

[Mermaid Lorelei]

I personally prefer a more flexible, life-like fluke, which is why I was curious about the flexibility of the lexan. It does sound like it will work just as you want it to though, which is wonderful!
As for the poly-flex, it's very interesting looking stuff. Who knows, maybe it would make a great tail material. It certainly seems like it would reduce the amount of knee and ankle creases just because it looks like stiffer stuff.

[Dr. SeaWeed]

I personally prefer a more flexible, life-like fluke, which is why I was curious about the flexibility of the lexan. It does sound like it will work just as you want it to though, which is wonderful!
As for the poly-flex, it's very interesting looking stuff. Who knows, maybe it would make a great tail material. It certainly seems like it would reduce the amount of knee and ankle creases just because it looks like stiffer stuff.

If you get thinner lexan its really really flexible. like I said its just a matter of preference. when I get pictures taken and im laying on my stomach with my tail up in the air , I dont like how some tails the 2 points of the fluke fold over on themselves so thats why i went with the thicker stuff aswell...

As for the polyflex, I dont think it would be suitable for scales, I meant making the entire fluke out of it since its stiff enough to offer propulsion but still has a slight flex to it. so im thinking there wouldnt be a need for a monofin inside that stuff atall.

[Mermaid Lorelei]

If you get thinner lexan its really really flexible. like I said its just a matter of preference. when I get pictures taken and im laying on my stomach with my tail up in the air , I dont like how some tails the 2 points of the fluke fold over on themselves so thats why i went with the thicker stuff aswell...

As for the polyflex, I dont think it would be suitable for scales, I meant making the entire fluke out of it since its stiff enough to offer propulsion but still has a slight flex to it. so im thinking there wouldnt be a need for a monofin inside that stuff atall.

Oh really? I might have to look into Lexan afterall. :P By the way, have you ever noticed that in some silicone tails, especially MVD tails, the mermaids seem to 'float' by their flukes towards the surface? I was curious how heavy the lexan was, or if you've tested it in the water for buoyancy? In any case, the stuff looks awesome.

Ah, I see. Yes, that does make sense.

[AniaR]

latex tails are buoyant no matter what site says I think everyone's had that experience and I know aloha mermaid who's had MVD tails agrees that his are heavy and latex ones are positively buoyant. Mike doesnt have monofins either he has a special foot pocket

[Dr. SeaWeed]

I was curious how heavy the lexan was, or if you've tested it in the water for buoyancy? In any case, the stuff looks awesome.
.

I dont think its that heavy as far as some monofins go, because mine is a little thicker like I said it does have a little weight to it.

I will try to get some videos of me swimming in it shortly. I have used it in my pool already and it seems to be holding up great so far!

I will have a video of what I could manage to videotape onehanded of the process for making the monofin up in the next hour or so stay tuned for that hehe :)

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Ok so I managed to get a somewhat coherent explanation of what I did to make the monofin edited. I am severely sleep deprived so I will keep it short for now and head off for a power nap, here is the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsk5oqGNbbw

[Mermaid Lorelei]

It looks like you've done a fantastic job on your monofin! It looks very well put together. My only question is, how difficult is it to put your feet in the foot pocket? It doesn't look like it would be too hard, especially without a tail on, but I'm just curious. :3 Overall wonderful job and thank you for putting everything up!

[Dr. SeaWeed]

It looks like you've done a fantastic job on your monofin! It looks very well put together. My only question is, how difficult is it to put your feet in the foot pocket? It doesn't look like it would be too hard, especially without a tail on, but I'm just curious. :3 Overall wonderful job and thank you for putting everything up!

Thankyou:)
its not any more difficult to put the monofin on than any other monofin I have tried, definitely slips on easier than my Finis since there is no strap to contend with.

[jukumerboii]

ur craftmenship is amazing dude,,i swear once u get comfortable with tail making more,,im totally going to have u make me a tail!!!

[Mermaid Lorelei]

You're very welcome. :)
Well that's good to hear! It sure looks comfortable, and definitely less finicky than straps.

[Dr. SeaWeed]

ur craftmenship is amazing dude,,i swear once u get comfortable with tail making more,,im totally going to have u make me a tail!!!

aww thanks Jukumerboii^_^

[AniaR]

Andrew I want you to know how proud I am of you. I think everyone else here feels the same too. :) You started out from scratch and you've been figuring this out as you go, doing your own tests, experimenting, you're really taking your time and being as original as possible. One of the things I like about your work is that it speaks for itself. You don't hide behind excuses or lines. You honestly wont need me to promote it when it's all said and done because your product will be great and everyone will see that easily enough. Keep on doing your tests, keep on experimenting (and thank you for sharing that process with us!) and feel proud of your accomplishments :) You're one of the few people I know who can actually say "I did this myself!" (not that it's a bad thing to have help, I just hate when people get to a certain place because of the help of others then pretend they dont even know em)

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Andrew I want you to know how proud I am of you. I think everyone else here feels the same too. :) You started out from scratch and you've been figuring this out as you go, doing your own tests, experimenting, you're really taking your time and being as original as possible. One of the things I like about your work is that it speaks for itself. You don't hide behind excuses or lines. You honestly wont need me to promote it when it's all said and done because your product will be great and everyone will see that easily enough. Keep on doing your tests, keep on experimenting (and thank you for sharing that process with us!) and feel proud of your accomplishments :) You're one of the few people I know who can actually say "I did this myself!" (not that it's a bad thing to have help, I just hate when people get to a certain place because of the help of others then pretend they dont even know em)

I dont even know what words could describe how appreciative and grateful I am to you for the kind words and just being there for me in general, like when i was feeling blue earlier today!
And to everyone else here in the community that I have been so happy to be a part of.
I try to be as open as I can about anything I am doing, and who knows, some things that I do may entirely fail but I will figure out the problem, modify my design and try to fix or improve it. I certainly Have asked questions about materials etc from other mers in the community and you are right there is nothing wrong with getting help. I do not claim to be a pro anything, I just have loved swimming in tails/merfolk forever, this is what I want to do with my life and anything I want to do I give it my all.......

*edit* this is completely unrelated but im going to post it anyways hehe :P
a big thanks to my sister who was looking through some old boxes at my parents house and found a little toy I used to play with at bathtime:) Honestly I dont remember where I got it or even what its from but I remember it none the less ! 1274

Does anyone recognize this? id love to know what its from.

[MermanJesse]

Andrew.... you are hired to be my new design manager!

I have been using it for months, and swear by the Dragon Skin you and I use. I am upset I did not think of this design myself! UGH. *head on desk*

[Mermaid Jewel]

Wow simply amazing :)

[APhishOutofWater]

1274

Does anyone recognize this? id love to know what its from.

I think it's from a cartoon called Merbabies.

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Andrew.... you are hired to be my new design manager!

I have been using it for months, and swear by the Dragon Skin you and I use. I am upset I did not think of this design myself! UGH. *head on desk*

Lol jesse im flattered :)
You, and anyone else who is thinking of attempting something like the one I made should know that while it is holding up great so far, everything really is still in testing/prototype phase so the design will most likely be altered slightly before its perfect. for one thing on future models I will be adding some additional small drilled holes in a few places to keep it tighter to the blade, Its not absolutely necessary, it hugs the blade just fine but it could be a little tighter.

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Wow simply amazing :)
thanks jewel ^_^

[Dr. SeaWeed]

I think it's from a cartoon called Merbabies.

I googled it and Im sure you are right, watched a little video of them it was really cute. thanks lol

[MermanJesse]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APWOu41R4mg

Here it is!

[AniaR]

omg those little bums. lol. Reminds me a bit of Ponyo too. Elephant octopi= love.

[Winged Mermaid]

Wow, that monofin looks amazing! Everything I'm seeing tells me more and more that you have lots of practical genius- very creative and out of the box! The more posts I see the more excited I get :)
I also agree with what Raina said- so proud of you and very thankful you're being so open about everything. Can't wait to see more!

[Mermaid Lorelei]

I haven't said much for the last few days, so I thought I'd wish you well. Hope you're enjoying life and not keeping too terribly busy!

[Mermaid Photine]

Your monofin is amazing! I have a few questions about it: does it slip off when you swim? I wonder about the stretchiness of dragonskin, especially because of your strength test from a previous video, that it might just stretch or slip off one's feet. Also, how do the small holes in the lexan, filled with silicone hold up? Did you need to file down and round out the edges to prevent ripping?

[Mermaid Marla]

Altho I'm not posting on here much I am following you on here and and FB and am so excited for you! It's so rare to have someone share as much as you are doing and it really helps us to know exactly what goes into making a professional tail. When you get to the point of possibly selling your designs people will know they are made extremely well and are sturdy, besides works of art! This is really exciting for the community as a whole so I continually thank you for all that you are doing and sharing with us!!

[RenegadeMermaid]

Andrew, that's brilliant! It makes so much sense rather than securing your feet to the fin using any of the other methods. Very cool.

[Syrenia]

I know you said in a previous post that you're selling tails now. I don't have money right now, but I would love to know your pricing so I can save up for one! I'm trying to make my own tail right now, and it came out gorgeous.... except the fact that it's too small... So I think I should order one first. P.S. Your tails are so frikkin' gorgeous! I've been stalking your thread since it started. :)

[Dr. SeaWeed]

@Winged Mermaid- Thankyou, you are too kind:) its definitely not the final design There are some flaws I would like to work out but I think its a good start!:)

@Mermaid Lorelei - Thanks :) I have been pretty busy, between last week and next week got 5 birthdays in the family to deal with so things have been a little hectic and delayed around here. it is a busy time for someone like me who enjoys making cakes ! hehe

@Mermaid Marla- Thankyou, I am excited too, I hate how long its taking but I really wanna put all this stuff through the wringer to make sure it doesnt fall apart later:)

@Renegade Mermaid- ^_^ thanks, like i said before the design needs some improvement but it shouldnt be too extensive.

@Mermaid Pandorah- The stretch test video was of Latex scales, The footpockets are made from silicone. you are right the dragonskin is a little bit slippery when wet but its so snug onto the front portion of my feet the only problem so far I have had is my heel popping out which I believe I have fixed with a modification that is working a lot better so far. I have extended how high above the ankles the silicone goes. Now its almost like a snug silicone sleeve that goes up about 5 inches above the ankle.
as for the stretchiness of the silicone, I made the layers thick enough that it lost some of its stretch compared to a thinner piece, but like I said before there needs to be rows of small drilled holed added inbetween those larger holes I have created because I think that will keep it tighter to the blade. in the end if I end up not liking it I will just try it with a firmer rubber or god forbid just add some straps.
The drilled holes were made with a rotozip, and the attachments I used for it left a pretty smooth surface to begin with but you are right I did go in afterwards with my dremel tool and round everything out nicely. I have been putting it through hell and I dont see any sign of a tear or anything in the rubber bolts as of yet but we will see.

@Syrenia- first off thanks alot im happy you enjoyed what you saw so far, I Think you might of misunderstood one of my posts , no problem though. I am not selling any tails as of yet, I should have 4 or 5 examples of my work finished by the end of the year and I will begin to take on a few orders in 2012. atleast thats the plan.
as for the pricing, maybe its a little bold of me to be posting anything about prices on here just yet when I havnt even shown 1 complete example of my work yet, I get that... however I think of myself as just another Mer in the community before I think of myself as a tailmaker at all and I have already got multiple messages asking me about it so I will post about it regardless of any flak I may get.
For an average sized tail The price of materials comes out to around the $500 range.
I will be charging 750$ + shipping for a basic tail package.
This will include:
-1 latex tail with custom made monofin inside.
-A custom paint job
-5 additional fins (Hips,heels,Dorsal)
-All the scale scraps leftover from the production of a tail.

[Alveric]

Remember to count your time as an expense. :-) Don't sell yourself short.

Alveric

[AniaR]

I agree with Alveric :D

[Mermaid Lorelei]

it is a busy time for someone like me who enjoys making cakes ! hehe
I bet! But yay cake!!

And I agree with both Alveric and Raina. With the amount of work you're putting into these, remember to give yourself a bit of credit!

[Dr. SeaWeed]

@Raina,Alveric,MM Lorelei
My husband agrees with you guys and says I am selling myself short, but on the other hand I find it hard to charge a lot for something when im having as much fun as I am^_^
I appreciate all your support in me guys<3, I think I will stick with 750$ for the latex tails.
I have also been quietly working away on the sculptures for my line of silicone tails and those will end up costing a lot more with the design I have in mind. I really truly honestly am not out to make a lot of $$, be a big business, or anything like that, I just want to do what I love doing :)

[Dr. SeaWeed]

OMG so I know leather does not go well with water but how amazingly cool is this stuff? link: http://marinefabricatormag.com/articles/0111_nps25_salmon_upholstery.html

Salmon skin upholstery;D

[AniaR]

haha that's all kinds of wicked.

[Mermaid Marla]

Andrew I've run into that salmon skin stuff many times and really wanted to use it...but of course, it's not practical for water - LOL!

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Salmon skin upholstery... well, I never thought I'd hear the words. It's pretty cool looking though. I especially like it in the blue.

I'm glad to know you're enjoying yourself with all of your tailmaking. :3

[MermanJesse]

Materials x 2 = final cost.

[Dr. SeaWeed]

@Marla - I know too bad :( cant get much more realistic than that hehe:)

@MM Lorelei - Yeah the blue one caught my eye too :)

@Merman Jesse - its not completely set in stone, if I end up needing to make more modifications the price could go either way down or up a little depending on how things work out. I want to try and make the latex line affordable as possible and I dont think the 750 range is too bad for what I will be offering. I realize other people price things differently but atleast for this first line of tails I am sticking to my own method although I respect and appreciate your thoughts.

[Dr. SeaWeed]

changed my painting method a little and wanted to share with everyone. Im using http://www.monstermakers.com/product/latex-paint-base.html

[Mermaid Jewel]

Wow I think you're selling yourself short too but I know what you mean. And I'd like to be able to afford something for once anyways xD

[Aquatica]

Took me a while to read and watch it all. Love your works so far :D
I may pick you brain some time.

[AniaR]

regardless of what you charge, mermaid tail without the drama = priceless :D

[Aquatica]

regardless of what you charge, mermaid tail without the drama = priceless :D

YUP
what else can i say

[Mermaid Jewel]

Agreed with that too!

[Dr. SeaWeed]

<3


and @Aquatica- Feel free to pick my brain anytime.. like I said before im no expert by any sense of the word. The background I do have is in Mold making for Cake decorations and casting pieces from those molds made from icing and liquid hot sugar.

[Maple]

I haven't commented too much on this thread, but I gotta say WOW! This thread has been amazing to follow. I can't wait to see the finished product!

[Mermaid Star]

changed my painting method a little and wanted to share with everyone. Im using http://www.monstermakers.com/product/latex-paint-base.html

Yeah when I saw this stuff when I was surfing around, I figured that I would use it too since I already had my paint picked out and it wasn't latex based. This online store is great! Thank you for sharing it with us!!! :)

[Dr. SeaWeed]

@Star <3

@Maple- Thankyou very much for the encouragement:)
I have had to make some modifications here and there and it has held me up but
I should have a finished example of my work by the end of this week :)
Painting my little heart out :)

[Dr. SeaWeed]

In the meantime here are some clips I put together of what the bare skeleton of a tail looks like ( the neoprene/monofin)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByQ3SwA1m7I

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Woohoo! Still can't get over that fantastic fluke.

[jukumerboii]

WOW i am so amazed,,,im getting so..."whats the word im looking for"??!! for this tail to be finished!!!! *flips fins with excitement*

[Dr. SeaWeed]

hello everyone, sorry for my abscence these last couple weeks, I had a death in the family and have been preoccupied. I want to thank all the merfolk for your continued support and kind words shared with me here and my facebook pages it all has really helped bring a smile to my face in an otherwise sad time for me. I am getting back on track as best I can, and I have a few teaser videos from my facebook page I would love to post on here. so here goes:
The Salmon tail:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiAmkobq1UI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_SO8PSsORE

[AniaR]

*splashes around like a man merwoman* eeeeee!!!

[Spindrift]

This looks awesome.

[taom]

SOOO EXCITED!!!! I just showed your tail to some friends who do not understand why I am so excited.

[New York Mermaid]

Like i said before, Awesome sauce..lol You have an awesome talent there, I love it.

[AlohaMermaid]

Love the realism to your tail's design! So sorry for the loss in your family!

[Dr. SeaWeed]

thank you everyone<3

[Mermaid Star]

I have said it so many times before but you amaze me Andrew! Seriously I thought the tail was a headless fish at first. So real! Fabulous job Andrew!!! Wow! :D

[merpirate]

Wow! I can't wait to see what else you come up with, like a rock fish

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Thanks Star and merpirate! ^_^ I hope to tackle as many species as I can ;D I like the rock fish who knows maybe one day :)

[inactive account]

Andrew what paint/pigment do you use if you dont mind me asking :)

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Andrew what paint/pigment do you use if you dont mind me asking :)

not at all Neotail, I have been using a line of paints called Folk Art by Plaid. They come in a wide range of colors. ofcourse the normal opaques etc, but they also have metallic colors and a line called Extreme Glitter which I have also been playing with.

I just mix the paint with some latex paint base or in some cases I mix the paint with the latex itself and use that to paint.

I dont recommend trying to use any of the metallic paint to pigment the latex that goes into a mold. you will end up adding more paint into the rubber than the actual amount of rubber you are using before you achieve a metallic pigmentation all the way through it. You are much better off trying a powdered pigment if you are trying to achieve a metallic color throughout the entire piece of rubber. ( thankyou selene ) hehe.

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Wonderful job! It looks extremely realistic!
And I pray for your family. Losing someone is never easy.

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Thankyou Mermaid Lorelei,
This was the second uncle I have lost to cancer while they were in their 30's. thankyou for your thoughts and prayers<3

[AniaR]

Dr Seaweed can you re-post your latest video again plz? Some posts were recently lost!

[Dr. SeaWeed]

reposting this video :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyyPaamVDT0

[New York Mermaid]

WOW, Beautiful tail. some great work there!

[Dr. SeaWeed]

-Thankyou Lanai^_^

Ok so , Im definately not going to be getting into a pool atleast for the next few days , and so I really cant wait but post some pics of me on the living room floor :( i know i said I didnt want to but I cant wait anymore hehe ^^
there will be a nice swimming video made as soon as I can but for now , here is some video stills from me: 130913101311

[Spindrift]

Jaw dropping-ly awesome, good sir.

[Mermaid Hamant]

Wow! It looks totally real! Love it!!! :) :) :)

[BlueMermaid]

Wow, I am a fan! That is just awesome! It's so unique and realistic! I've been waiting for a tailmaker who does this kind of painting!

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Spindrift,Mermaid Hamant, and BlueMermaid- thank you guys so much ^^ im really happy with my first attempt, mistakes and all! *giggle*

[jukumerboii]

this is sooooooo amazing to me..it's so real looking and just an aw to look at! great work Andrew!!

[LindseyLu]

I have been trolling this thread from day one, and I have to say...Andrew, you are my own personal hero!!!!!!! I think you are just absolutely fabulous!!!!!!!!! What you have done with this tail is incredible, seriously! You have totally earned all the praise, love and admiration you are getting from everyone! I am awe struck!!!! <3 Your creativity is truly inspirational!!!!! :)

[Maple]

I cannot wait to see the tail in action! It's gorgeous!!

[Psychic Tideborn]

It looks Amazing! I can't wait to see how it looks in the water!

[Mermaid Jewel]

<3

[Lorelei]

Don't mean to sound like a broken record lol But, absolutely amazing work! I LOVE it <3 Can't wait to see what tails you'll create in the future!

[AniaR]

it really is so impressive for a first try!

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Wow ! so much love, sorry to be mooshy but thankyou all so so very much , I love you all really!!

I will be visiting back and fourth with my parents over the next week but I will have a swimming video during that time for sure. And I am already hard at work on my second creation, and will start up and album for that on my facebook page:)

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Can't wait to see the new creation and I'm dying to see your swim test!
Have fun with your parents!

[AniaR]

<3

[Mermaid Saphira]

Omg! If you EVER decide to sell, I will be a custo-mer no doubt about it!

[AniaR]

He's hoping to sell next year :)

[Mermaid Saphira]

YESSSSSSSSS! I had better save up! I <3 his tails!

[taom]

AHHH!!!! SO EXCITED!!!!

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Heya guys, sorry I have been MIA , having too much fun at with family, and extended my trip. Out in the middle of nowhere with dial up so I havnt been online much at all. anyways, when I went to do my swim video, I quickly realized I should leave the photos/videomaking to my real mer-models, while I enjoy swimming as a mer, I am far from a model/underwater performer, so I had to cut most of the video as it was pretty embaressing heh :P ohwell practice makes perfect, better things to come, :) thankyou everyone for your support, here is a little video/slideshow:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHTbhACDg4I

[AniaR]

it's so awesome and amazing and you look so cool AND IM SO FREAKING PROUD OF YOU. Can't believe this is your first try at a tail. Way to go my fishy doctor

[taom]

Is there anyway to install a "like" button? becausse i would have clicked it for both of those posts. XDDD

like raina said, sooo super proud of you!! wonderful work!!!

[malinghi]

Is there anyway to install a "like" button? becausse i would have clicked it for both of those posts. XDDD

like raina said, sooo super proud of you!! wonderful work!!!

If you have your profile on here linked to your facebook profile there's a like button for the thread.


Andrew, that tail is fantastic. So are you planning on going into business?

[New York Mermaid]

Great work there :) I love love love it !

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Thanks everyone <3

@Malinghi - Yes hoping to start up in the new year:)

[Mermaid Star]

Eee! I am so excited for you!!! <3 Question for you... did you fill the fluke with latex to keep it from bubbling?

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Wonderful!

Star - from what I could see, it looked like he joined the latex to the lexan (monofin blade). This would keep water from filling empty spaces (mostly because there would be no empty spaces...)

[Dr. SeaWeed]

Eee! I am so excited for you!!! <3 Question for you... did you fill the fluke with latex to keep it from bubbling?

The fluke is Lexan, then there is a neoprene sleeve that I glued to the lexan using a combination of Aquaseal Urethane adhesive, and Seal cement, then I soaked that neoprene sleeve in liquid latex and stuck the 2 fluke texture pieces ontop of that.