Top for a fresh-water mermaid

[Mermaid Kelda]

Despite living on the coast, I've always thought that I'd much rather live in a pond, pre-raphaelite nymph style:
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And so I've had trouble thinking of an top design alternative to the basic seashells. Seaweed perhaps? Maybe just a lot of plants all tied on with netting?
Then I found this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Spectre-Latex-Lily-Pad-Bra-One-size-Adjusts-w-Ties-/330156653213):
9872
I've already put an order in. I'm so glad I found it, since I did a search for lily pad bra and it was the only result, meaning once it's sold out I might not have been able to find anything else similar, and I certainly wouldn't know how to make one myself!

What do you guys think? I've never seen anyone with a top like it, so I'm happy I can stray away from the traditional shell top (though I do love them!). It'd be cool if Raven maybe offered something like this in her shop!

[Mermaid Melusinah]

meybe turtle shells? im NOT condoning animal slaughter. PLEASE know where any shells come from... but if a turtle dies, its shell can be reused... i know its morbid sounding, but its really no different then using scallop shells....

[Kanti]

Turtle shells would actually be a nice idea but you'd have to be able to shave all the stuff you don't need off. They might actually look a bit bulky sort of? I dunno never tried it before, but it could look cool!
I LOVE the lillypad bra that seems like an awesome little top!

[Mermaid Kelda]

I'm all for the recycling of dead flora and fauna, and I'm sure mermaids would be very creative with environmental waste, in much the same way that we use mammals and plants for our own clothing (though I like to think they'd be a lot more eco-friendly!)

[Blondie]

Vines would be pretty too! Or pebble like tops. Arrowheads would be pretty neat to incorporate into jewelry as well!

[SeaGlass Siren]

oo how pretty!

[FreshWaterMermaid]

Awesome look!
I'm the same way, and didn't want to go with the typical shell bra.
9876
I really like how it turned out.
Again, I like the lily pads very cool indeed!

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[Lotus]

love the lilly pads!!!!!!

[Lotus]

REALLY love that top!!!!

[Mermaid Avalon]

these are both super beautiful and unique tops!!! bravo, ladies!

[Ariel-Starfish]

Oooh beautyful tops!

[Mermaid Kelda]

Awesome look!
I'm the same way, and didn't want to go with the typical shell bra.

I really like how it turned out.
Again, I like the lily pads very cool indeed!


Oh, that's lovely! Are they little fins sticking out the sides? I love it!

[FreshWaterMermaid]

Yeah a little bit of vinyl, it what I used on my tail fins for my turquoise tail :)
Thanks!

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[Coradion]

You could base something off of pond plants, these are some fun ones I've gotten to play around with.

First up are mosaic plants.

http://www.singingbee.com/song/uploaded_images/mosaic-plant-709667-709730.jpg


Any of the Nelumbo are pretty. The leaves are fun since they repel water.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9nGCUAOvrwU/USL3p0tLFcI/AAAAAAAACUk/yszUDH7KHY8/s1600/lotus_1.jpg


Or the Nymphaea are also pretty.

http://www.waterlilies.com/image/water-lilies/black-princess.JPG


You could do something with reeds, that has a very pond like feel. A lot of water's edge plants can be used for fiber work so you could do a woven plant top that you mount on a bra. To hide the straps wind or braid the plants around them.

[MermaidBrittany]

Wow that lily pad top loos great! I love the look! The Second one is pretty also, but doesn't the chain hurt? I would think that you would need more support.

[FreshWaterMermaid]

The Second one is pretty also, but doesn't the chain hurt? I would think that you would need more support.

Not at all! When you're barely an A cup there's not hardly any weight so the chain is very comfy. As well as not itchy like the fish netting probably would be lol
Thanks!

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[Mermaid Kelda]

Those flowers are gorgeous. I'd love to see someone create a top from them out of silicone!

[MermaidBrittany]

Not at all! When you're barely an A cup there's not hardly any weight so the chain is very comfy. As well as not itchy like the fish netting probably would be lol
Thanks!

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Oh ok :) It looks really cool though, haven't seen many with the shell/scale combo. Love the fins on the sides as well!

[Mermaid Dottie]

Melaina, you don't know how much you ROCK for finding that top! I'm going to flatter you, by copying you and purchasing it as well if they have any left. X) We live so far apart, nobody we know irl will have the same top as us, and I plan on modifying mine, slightly.
Once more, YOU are AMAZING!

[Aino Revontuletar]

Oooh that's what I was thinking of doing for my top too, since I am a lake mermaid. It looks awesome!!!

[Mermaid_Aurora]

Personally, if I were to design a freshwater mermaid top, it would probably be made out of a lot of vines, make it look like algae or moss is stringing down on the sides and add lots of different aquatic flowers for decoration. I'm a fan of the more "busy" looking tops. xD

That lily pad top is stunning, by the way!

[Mermaid Saphira]

O that lily pad top is incredible!
Just as a suggestion..you could use pebbles and lilly pad flowers (forgot their name right now) for jewelry and accessories ;)

[Mermaid Kelda]

Melaina, you don't know how much you ROCK for finding that top! I'm going to flatter you, by copying you and purchasing it as well if they have any left. X) We live so far apart, nobody we know irl will have the same top as us, and I plan on modifying mine, slightly.
Once more, YOU are AMAZING!

I'm glad I could help! xD was that you who bought the last one?
The top actually came in the mail yesterday! Here's a photo of it on (sorry for gratuitous boobs):

10259

I removed the water lily, because to be honest it looked a little tacky to me. I might replace it with something else, I'm not sure yet!
In any case, it fits nicely. I'm a DD and it covers me pretty well.

[Mermaid Dottie]

Oh Good! Yes, I did purchase the last one, just yesterday. I'm glad it covers well, since I am also a DD.
What does it feel like, if I may ask? And also, that do you think of the straps? are they vinyl or polyester or something like that, or are they stiff, strong cotton, maybe?
I like that when you removed the flower it still looks good. Have you thought about putting the flower on a hair-piece or a headdress instead?
I think some river rocks dangling from the center would look cute. ^_^

[Mermaid Kelda]

There's a soft, bather-like material attached to the latex underneath (I'm pretty sure it's just a bikini top sewn on), so the latex doesn't rub or stick. There's a bit of give in the straps, but they're quite thin, and a little uncomfortable just because I have to tie them so tight to keep my boobs upright! I'm thinking I'll probably replace the straps with slightly thicker ones so they're more comfortable, maybe in a shade of green.

I've bought a fake water lily from a craft shop, and I'll be attaching it to some sort of head dress. The one that was on the top just seemed a bit too flimsy. I'll definitely have to investigate adding pebbles or other water plants when I have the time!

[Mermaid Dottie]

So, I found out that the company that made these tops is no longer making them, which is probably why that ebay listing was the only one that came up.

[Mermaid Kelda]

Ah I see. Lucky us then!

[Mermaid Shayna]

Aww so lucky D: I wish they were still for sale, since I am also a mainly freshwater mermaid (and a 36D). I like shell tops, too, so I would use one of those when I visit my grandmother and go swimming at the beach, but for the rest of the time I'd like fresh-themed plants and flowers.

[Mermaid Kelda]

Aw, well I'm sure you could come up with other beautiful ideas! Maybe even a bunch of aquarium plants stitched on to a bra, with netting wrapped over the top to keep it all together?

[Mermaid Dottie]

Shayna, Raven just put out this gorgeous top
10584 (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=510903975632354&set=pb.178589958863759.-2207520000.1365452633&type=3&theater)
I've linked it all up for you so you can get to the page by clicking the picture. Just What I think a real mermaid would wear.

[Mermaid Dottie]

10586
Here's my alterations to it, so far.
I didn't feel very supported in the water when I tested it, so I attached it to a really good bra with a heap of e600. I also cut of the lily and painted the center like a blue flower instead. ( mmmI love blue...)
The Fabric is some crinkly orange organza, which I plan on layering under a seaweed fish net so it's not so loud. I will also cover the other bra bits with thick seaweed, as well, to hide them.

[Mermaid Shayna]

Oh wow, that's beautiful! Thanks for the link, Dottie!

[Mermaid Kelda]

Looks good, Dottie! I hadn't thought of painting the centre, I might do the same!
I haven't tested mine in the water yet, but probably I'll have to reinforce it too. I might just sew stronger straps on.

[Mermaid Dottie]

I also din't like how the spandex fabric stitched inside made it bend and gap around my breasts. you may want to add a little more fabric inside, too, since it feels kind of gross where it touches your skin.

[Mermaid Kelda]

I tried it on again yesterday and I noticed the bending. The fabric looks like it's sized for a B cup, but stitched on to the D/DD sized latex, it's warping it. I cut it off, and will try to find a bra to glue it on to.

[Mermaid Dottie]

Yes, that's exactly what mine did. The bra that I used is a D cup, I think, and today at my party I kept worrying about falling out again.
What I think i'm going to do is just to take a piece of fishnet and fasten it over the top so that it holds me in better, and then fix it so that when I put it on I can tie a bow in the back, almost like an obi.
I think that'll work best because I continue to shrink because I'm dropping the post-baby fat, and I'm hoping that my breasts will shrink a little as well.

[Mermaid Lilium]

soooo this thread kinda inspired me and I'm going to go out on a limb and share this sketch I did last night... It's just an initial one and it's not coloured or anything (petals could be any colour, I was thinking a graduated rosy pink as I was drawing) and the 'scales' are leaves and fins could be made from leaves or half-fronds of fern.

10766

[Mermaid Kelda]

Ooh, that looks lovely! Reminds me a bit of the leafy flukes by Finfolk Productions:

10780

The petals are a really unique idea, I love them! :) Are you going to base it off any flower in particular?

[Mermaid Marissa]

Awesome look!
I'm the same way, and didn't want to go with the typical shell bra.
9876
I really like how it turned out.
Again, I like the lily pads very cool indeed!
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I love love love this one!!!! where is it from?!?!?!

[Mermaid Lilium]

Ooh, that looks lovely! Reminds me a bit of the leafy flukes by Finfolk Productions:

10780

The petals are a really unique idea, I love them! :) Are you going to base it off any flower in particular?

oh! that's so pretty - in my mind I was basing the petals in my sketch on a stargazer lily but like I said, it could be any petal colour/design. I'm kinda sketching out ideas for silicone tails not just for myself, cause I'm thinking of going into tail making if I can get enough interest. I've done some more sketches today while I've not been well. One is a fluke design using just layered maple-leaves another is just the pointed leaves, and I've also done one which is based on water lillies - with just a small green part at the fluke join, and a spread of petals below. Think I should set up a thread in the tailmaking forum and post a bunch of these sketches?

[Mermaid Kelda]

I think you should absolutely post your ideas! Plant-based tails is an awesome idea and something no one I've seen has done before.
Personally I'd love to see some designs based on seaweed! I can imagine some merfolk having tails like that, considering the leafy sea-dragon:

10798

[Mermaid Lilium]

I think you should absolutely post your ideas! Plant-based tails is an awesome idea and something no one I've seen has done before.
Personally I'd love to see some designs based on seaweed! I can imagine some merfolk having tails like that, considering the leafy sea-dragon:

10798

oh that seahorse is adorable! <3 I've actually been really ill the last few days and as I've been confined to the bed or sofa the whole time, I've had a chance to do some sketching for you =) done a bunch of seaweed based sketches actually - Though I apologise for my terrible skills =( it'd be much easier just to make it out of clay to show you XD I'll make a thread in a moment but I just wanted to give you the heads-up =)

edit: here's the thread - http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?4870-Ok-so-it-was-suggested-I-post-my-designs-%28image-heavy%29&p=67828#post67828

[Mermaid Dottie]

soooo this thread kinda inspired me and I'm going to go out on a limb and share this sketch I did last night... It's just an initial one and it's not coloured or anything (petals could be any colour, I was thinking a graduated rosy pink as I was drawing) and the 'scales' are leaves and fins could be made from leaves or half-fronds of fern.


Holy Cow.... over Valentines day I made a spandex tail with flower petals for scales... Such a fun idea... <3 FaeMerrow

[Mermaid Lilium]

Holy Cow.... over Valentines day I made a spandex tail with flower petals for scales... Such a fun idea... <3 FaeMerrow

:D sounds lovely - I've thought about making a dry-tail from rose petals sealed in resin attached to something. One of my favourite photographers Kirsty Mitchell made resin-petal false nails for one of her most recent shoots which is what gave me that idea. She painted the resin on =)

be sure to check out my thread with my other designs - posting some more coloured work in a sec =D

[Merrow Erie]

This is my problem exactly! My domain is lake erie, and most freshwater clams aren't going to do shit for a C-cup. Everyone makes such beautiful tops for sale, but we don't have pearls or starfish, or any kind of bright-colored shells.

I'm thinking about just finding a simple halter bra or bathing suit, and stitching a lot of used fish netting over top. It would be much cheaper than shelling out (literally) for saltwater mermaid tops. You are all very talented, but I need to represent my lake!

[deepblue]

I wonder how you'd feel about a different approach. I know that there have been a lot of problems with pollution in Lake Erie in the past. While much of it is contaminant from run off, rain, snow, and there is a problem with some invasive species, there's also just a lot of man made junk because of people dumping there.

Would an Erie mer use man-made things her or she finds to fashion her accesories?

Of course, it would give you an opportunity to discuss pollution, if you wanted. Erie last year had more plastic pollution than any oceanic samples on record.

Also, I can see an Erie mer using invasive species, to do their part to rid the area of them. Faux Eurasian Watermill Foil is probably easy to find in aquarium supplies.

But I could understand also why you might not want to go that direction. Perhaps an Erie mer wants to stick to the original spirit of the body of water s/he inhabits.

Another option- have you thought of faux turtle shells? I know shells were mentioned, just wondering is someone makes faux shells that you could waterproof.

A lily pad top sounds great, btw. Could be really pretty.

[Miyu]

I, too, have been dreaming of a lily-pad bra, since I'm about 50-50 on my preference of saltwater to freshwater... I grew up dreaming of the ocean and playing in so many ponds, rivers, creeks and cricks... Actually, my "meditation spot" I go to in my mind is my magical secret crick I found on the property of one of my childhood homes... I would sit there for hours, perched on my little rock balcony over the pool created by a small dam I made.

Hmm, need to find/make fake lily pads now...

[Mermaid Lilium]

I, too, have been dreaming of a lily-pad bra, since I'm about 50-50 on my preference of saltwater to freshwater... I grew up dreaming of the ocean and playing in so many ponds, rivers, creeks and cricks... Actually, my "meditation spot" I go to in my mind is my magical secret crick I found on the property of one of my childhood homes... I would sit there for hours, perched on my little rock balcony over the pool created by a small dam I made.

Hmm, need to find/make fake lily pads now...

If you're still hunting for them by the time I'm selling tails, I'll probably release my own lily-pad accessories to coincide with the release of the 'waterhouse' tail =)

[Miyu]

Kat, that sounds amazing! I love the Waterhouse paintings, so I'm really excited to see your creations now!

[Mermaid Lilium]

Kat, that sounds amazing! I love the Waterhouse paintings, so I'm really excited to see your creations now!

I have a thread with my designs and such so far - haven't done much cause I've been focusing on my degree work but I've bought tools and a few lb of the clay so I can at least start practicing sculpting - I'm going to start off producing them for bjd dolls to help fund the first full-size tail =)

and I love waterhouse and the pre-raphs - I went to a gallery in liverpool not that long ago and it had a real waterhouse, a rossetti, and even had a beautiful gainsbrough (not pre-raph but still amazing) they had a monet but it was tiny and not that great =/ Lets just say I had a few geeky fangirl moments XD

[Miyu]

I'll have to go take a look at your thread! I so wish I had a BJD, I'd be able to test new designs out on it first before committing to a full-scale version! Also, those things are just soo cute. I'll let my BJD friends know when you start making them!

Pre-raphs are some of my favorite paintings too... I hear you about geeking out at a gallery, my high school art class took a field trip to a local museum where they were having an exhibition of Impressionist paintings (we had just studied Impressionism), and I was leaning as close as I could to all these classics! I leaned in so close I could study the texture of paint globs in brush strokes... It was amazing :) I got to stick my face mere inches away from some Van Gogh... And now, years later, after I've gotten into Doctor Who, I find that so much more awesome.

[Mermaid Dottie]

Here's a list of Freshwater plants native to certain areas. If anymer would like to expand on this list, be my guest.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrilla)
North American Freshwater Plants

Here's an aquarium site with Rocky Mountain native aquatics.
http://store.seacorals.net/romoaqpl.html

Great Plains
http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/plants/vascplnt/

Pacific Northwest
https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/publications/0603004.pdf

North Eastern U.S.
http://www.edgeofthewoodsnursery.com/plants (Scroll a little ways down for their aquatic plants section.)

South Eastern U.S.
http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/node/598

Californian Marsh PlantsRushes (Juncus spp.) (http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/juncus-balticus), Sedges (Carex spp.) (http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/carex-spissa), Bulrush (Scirpus spp. (http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/scirpus-californicus)), Cattail (Typha spp.) (http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/typha-domingensis), Spike Rush (Heleocharis spp.) (http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/heleocharis-macrostachya), along edges are Willows (Salix spp. (http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/salix-lasiandra)), Cottonwood (Populus spp.) (http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/populus-fremontii), Alders (Alnus spp.) (http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/alnus-rhombifolia)

Australian Freshwater Plants
http://www.watergardenparadise.com.au/australiannative.php

Additional Plants

Hydrilla plant (http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/node/183) <<--this species is invasive in North America. It could use some "weeding out". You could use your top to raise awareness.
And here's another, from a page called "digplanet.com".

Elodea is native to North America (http://www.digplanet.com/wiki/North_America) and is also widely used as aquarium (http://www.digplanet.com/wiki/Aquarium) vegetation. It lives in freshwater. The introduction of some species of Elodea into waterways in parts of Europe (http://www.digplanet.com/wiki/Europe), Australia (http://www.digplanet.com/wiki/Australia), Africa (http://www.digplanet.com/wiki/Africa), Asia (http://www.digplanet.com/wiki/Asia), and New Zealand (http://www.digplanet.com/wiki/New_Zealand) has created a significant problem and it is now considered a noxious weed (http://www.digplanet.com/wiki/Weed) in these areas.

And here's a list from the same site for European plants
http://www.digplanet.com/wiki/List_of_fen_plants


Actually, here's their whole index for aquatic plant-life and related subjects.
http://www.digplanet.com/wiki/Category:Aquatic_plants

[Mermaid Lilium]

Here's a list of Freshwater plants native to certain areas. If anymer would like to expand on this list, be my guest.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrilla)
North American Freshwater Plants

Here's an aquarium site with Rocky Mountain native aquatics.
http://store.seacorals.net/romoaqpl.html

Great Plains
http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/plants/vascplnt/

Pacific Northwest
https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/publications/0603004.pdf

North Eastern U.S.
http://www.edgeofthewoodsnursery.com/plants (Scroll a little ways down for their aquatic plants section.)

South Eastern U.S.
http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/node/598

Californian Marsh PlantsRushes (Juncus spp.) (http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/juncus-balticus), Sedges (Carex spp.) (http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/carex-spissa), Bulrush (Scirpus spp. (http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/scirpus-californicus)), Cattail (Typha spp.) (http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/typha-domingensis), Spike Rush (Heleocharis spp.) (http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/heleocharis-macrostachya), along edges are Willows (Salix spp. (http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/salix-lasiandra)), Cottonwood (Populus spp.) (http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/populus-fremontii), Alders (Alnus spp.) (http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/alnus-rhombifolia)

Australian Freshwater Plants
http://www.watergardenparadise.com.au/australiannative.php

Additional Plants

Hydrilla plant (http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/node/183) <<--this species is invasive in North America. It could use some "weeding out". You could use your top to raise awareness.
And here's another, from a page called "digplanet.com".

Elodea is native to North America (http://www.digplanet.com/wiki/North_America) and is also widely used as aquarium (http://www.digplanet.com/wiki/Aquarium) vegetation. It lives in freshwater. The introduction of some species of Elodea into waterways in parts of Europe (http://www.digplanet.com/wiki/Europe), Australia (http://www.digplanet.com/wiki/Australia), Africa (http://www.digplanet.com/wiki/Africa), Asia (http://www.digplanet.com/wiki/Asia), and New Zealand (http://www.digplanet.com/wiki/New_Zealand) has created a significant problem and it is now considered a noxious weed (http://www.digplanet.com/wiki/Weed) in these areas.

And here's a list from the same site for European plants
http://www.digplanet.com/wiki/List_of_fen_plants


Actually, here's their whole index for aquatic plant-life and related subjects.
http://www.digplanet.com/wiki/Category:Aquatic_plants






ooo nice.

Though I will say the digplanet list is for one specific habitat - large open fens are kinda marshy waterways, much of which was drained in the last two centuries so it could be converted to farmland.

I know there are lots of other uk aquatic plants that are native (though as with most of our plantlife, a great deal are exotics collected from all around the world which I would think of as native now but aren't historically.

I would add wild iris to the list myself =)

[Mermaid Kelda]

All right, so recently I decided to have a crack at actually finishing this top. I was initially planning to make a shell top while I figured out what to do with this one, but I'm having much trouble finding decently-priced, nice-looking shells that'll fit my 32E/34DD boobs -___-

So, this is the top by itself:
http://i.imgur.com/GZBmfDg.jpg?1

Not really something that would work without a lot of bra-adhesive. Also wouldn't offer a lot of support for my size.

Tried adding netting to it, to see what it would look like:
http://i.imgur.com/OKTM061.jpg?1

The netting would add a bit more support, but might be uncomfortable when I tied it tight enough to offer that support.

So I got my favourite bikini top out and held it up to that:
http://i.imgur.com/ka16TOn.jpg?1

I like it much better (cleavage central, though...) but it doesn't fully cover the bikini.

Tried adding some foliage (ignore the fact that one side is hanging down - there was no way I could hold up both sides and take a decent photo, haha):
http://i.imgur.com/jbvKM46.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/v5HJ1ij.jpg?1

With netting added:
http://i.imgur.com/TiW2N2O.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/RPsAw58.jpg?1

I can't decide what I like. I kind of also don't want to use my best bikini top, but it's for a good cause I suppose xD
Any ideas/feedback/advice?

[Carolina Mermaid]

I love the last two!!!!

[Winged Mermaid]

Honestly I wouldn't go with the extra fake plants. The top looks AMAZING (seriously- awesome!), and I think the fake plants would cheapen the look. That's of course just my opinion. My girls aren't as big as yours, but I'm a D cup and I find using a strapless bra with netting halter straps not only gives you loads of support, but also gives it a nicer look than a bikini top :) Sometimes you have to dish out more money (I pay $40 a pop for mine) but it's worth it IMO for that better look!

[Mermaid Dottie]

You could have your netting straps criss-cross in the back. I think that's loads more comfy and supportive. Doesn't kill my neck as much.

[Mermaid Kelda]

Yeah, I like the look of the leaves but they're a shitty colour. They're aquarium plants, so I guess they're super bright so they'll look better underwater. If I could find some that better match the colour of the lily pads I'd give it another shot.

My main problem with using a strapless bra is they tend to cover a lot more skin than regular bras, which means more bra-hiding for me to do. I'll have a search for one that plunges a bit more and has a thinner band across the back. Not as great support-wise, but if I'm using the netting as support that shouldn't be an issue.

Thanks for the advice girls!

[Mermaid Kelda]

Update on my lily pad top:

http://imgur.com/wet0pRv.jpg
http://imgur.com/vGSm633.jpg

Tacked the lily pads to a strapless bra that plunged at the centre (hard to find!), cut the back band off and sewed netting in its place, and glued slightly less fake-looking leaves to the bottom of the lily pads instead of the top like I had originally positioned them.

Next step will be sewing more netting on to make halter straps (there's no way this would stay on as is) and gluing down the lily pads properly. I'm really happy with how it looks so far!

[Echidna]

I love it!
We need more freshwater mermaid stuff.

(I always wondered why there is no name for "freshwater mermaid" in English.
There are tons of different terms in other languages, depending on where the mermaid lives.
So inconvenient)

[Mermaid Melusinah]

I love it!
We need more freshwater mermaid stuff.

(I always wondered why there is no name for "freshwater mermaid" in English.
There are tons of different terms in other languages, depending on where the mermaid lives.
So inconvenient)

Actually, there is. It is called the Melusine. She, Melusine, is the original fresh water mermaid, depicted with two tails. (starbucks logo :p) Her daughters often live in rivers, streams and lakes. They also carry the same name as her by definition, but generally choose alternate names to go by. I myself am a fresh water mermaid, I chose the name Melusinah as a descendant of Melusine. Though, I have spent time in the ocean and it is where my soul resides, I am a fresh water mermaid. Salt water dries me out :p haha

[Mermaid Wesley]

So cute!!


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[Mermaid Kelda]

I suppose I could call it a "nereid" top, though traditionally they didn't have tails. But it's a top, not a tail, so I think it works :)

[Mermaid Galene]

Love the top! I'm working on a freshwater sequin tail and accessories right now.

[Mermaid Kelda]

Finished sewing the netting on! Unfortunately, due to the large size of the netting and the fact that it's not sewn in a straight line, it warps a bit in some places - but, I don't think it's such a bad thing! It's good to have some quirks :)

Still haven't glued down the lily pads properly - that comes next.

http://i.imgur.com/57LVtZQ.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/Vwj67CV.jpg

The netting ties at the back, but is one long strip around the neck so as to maximise comfort. Hopefully, it's enough support, and the stitches don't break or give at all.

[Jadestone]

I really love this top!! As another mermaid who spends most of her time in lakes & rivers, I really adore the lillypad look :)

[Sonnet]

Ahhhh! Has anyone found anymore of these anywhere? Or something similar?

[Mermaid Kelda]

I haven't yet, but I'm always on the hunt! If I find anything, I'll post it here :)

[Nereid's Looking Glass]

@Mermaid Melaina, I too am looking for lily pads like @Sonnet. Your's top looks awesome btw. I squee'ed when I saw it because it looks ab fab! I don't know if you posted this upthread but where did you get those lily pads? They look like silicone. I've been searching at crafting stores and online for plain lily pads; all of them seem to come with an attached lotus or waterlily so, even if I can detach it, it would have the plastic socket where the flower stem goes in. Also, all of them look to green and dry. I want to make one for myself and my cousins. We're gathering the items for their first tails now so they can have them by the time the lake warms up. Cheers! :)

Nicole

[Mermaid Kelda]

I did link to the one I purchased in my first post, but they have since sold out. I'm not sure who made it - the ebay description just says "By Spectre", and my google-fu hasn't found anything yet. Perhaps you could message the shop? The top itself is latex, but Raven has made a lily pad top recently and she and Finfolk both offer seaweed tops.

Edit: I did a bit more googling and found two places that seem to offer lily pads on their own.

"Ponds, Plants and More" offers 6" lily pads in lots of 2 (I think?):
http://www.pondsplantsandmore.com/Silk_Plants_Summit_Lily_Pad_Only_6_Jma73_p/jma73.htm

"Wild Wings Taxidermy" seems to have fake (or maybe just treated?) water plants that look pretty okay:
http://www.duxrus.com/contact.html

There were other hits but they all seemed to be sold out.

[Nereid's Looking Glass]

Woot! Thanks so much for the links. The taxidermy shop looks like a winner; nice and glossy and just the right green. I'll check out your link upthread too. Your google-fu is right on track!

Nicole

[Nereid's Looking Glass]

@Sonnet, I don't know if you're still looking but, as I am also part of the Midwest Pod, I think I found something. Besides the two links that Melaina did downthread, I found another option. Here (http://www.silkflowers.com/lotus-blossom/fla705-ms). I don't know if it's a little too expensive for you (looks like it for me) but having this arrangement gives you (and me) the opportunity to make something else with the little accent grasses and the waterlilies. I was going to make the lilies into a hair something or the other and maybe the grasses could be used for another hair something or the other. (The golden grasses one of the mermaids has in her half updo in Peter Pan. Ever see that?)
Consider the thing, Zhu Li! ;)

[Mermaid Kelda]

Glad I could help! If you do order from them please give us updates on the quality :) I do sort of worry that if they're real plants that have been treated, they might deteriorate in water/chlorine. But they're not too expensive for testing!

[Sonnet]

Oh awesome! I'll have to look into it! Where in the Midwest are you?

[Nereid's Looking Glass]

In the great Cheesehead state, Wisconsin! More specifically, Stevens Point. Little northeast of Wisconsin Rapids, which smells like a papermill nearly 24/7. And, I've been thinking about making my own lily pads, very similar to the ones that Melaina linked to in the taxidermy shop. Something like drying them out and then spraying them with a clear silicone sealant? I'll let everyone know what I get/make myself and how it works out, but I'm thinking some kind of sealant that will stick to it (even doing some kind of wax sealing) would be okay.

[Mermaid Nerida]

What about fresh water shells like these, if you would want to go for a shell top? 2661926620 There's some pretty big ones out there. BTW That top is gorgeous!!!

[Mermaid Kelda]

Ooh, those are very nice! Not large enough on their own, but one could layer them for a nice effect. I'll look into local freshwater shells - thanks for the idea!

On the lily pad topic, I've thought of getting two lily pads big enough to cover each breast, holding them against myself, and somehow covering them in some kind of sealant so they hold their shape, and then covering them in resin so they're waterproof. I've got a lagoon with water lilies near where my parents live, so I'll give it a go next time I'm there.

[Mermaid Galene]

There are a few older threads on MerNetwork about lilypad tops. Some have made them, and they generally turn out very well. It's on my to-do list...

Oh, wait. This is one of those threads. lol! Time to wake up, Galene...

[Mermaid Kelda]

Haha, don't worry Galene, happens to me all the time! Sometime's I'll have knowingly opened a thread and still forget where I am when writing a reply...

[Mermaid Nerida]

Ooh, those are very nice! Not large enough on their own, but one could layer them for a nice effect. I'll look into local freshwater shells - thanks for the idea!

On the lily pad topic, I've thought of getting two lily pads big enough to cover each breast, holding them against myself, and somehow covering them in some kind of sealant so they hold their shape, and then covering them in resin so they're waterproof. I've got a lagoon with water lilies near where my parents live, so I'll give it a go next time I'm there.

Thanks! I'm thinking of making one myself. And that's a really good idea about the lily pads...

[Elodea the Mermaid]

Looks like I'm late to the game, lol! Mermaid Kelda directed me to this thread after I posted my top in the "Show Off Your Tops" thread. I'm a freshwater mer through-and-through... my tail is inspired by a goldfish, and my name was inspired by my mom, who is a botanist. Elodea is near and dear to my heart because we used to do simple experiments with it. I took its common name as my fictitious last name, and Nymphaea from the theme of my accessories... waterlilies! So here's my lily pad top. I used the foam lily pads (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C6QBI70?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00) for floating in spas or water gardens. I used a heat gun to shape them to the bra cup. I also have a waterlily on the parasol, but you can't see it in any pictures.
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[Mermaid Kelda]

Such a cute outfit, and what a great idea for the parasol! Thanks for the link to the lily pads, too :)

[Seraphina Suds]

Gorgeous! And the parasol adds the perfect touch~ I'm glad to hear that those lily pads worked out well for you. My mom got some for the pool and I really liked them and wondered if I could turn them into accessories. Now I know!

[Elodea the Mermaid]

Thanks, guys! It was my first top, and I'm glad with how it came out, but I can't wait to try again and learn more on future projects.

[Mermaid Wesley]

Yay! I love the look of lily pads but mine just didn't hold up to swimming :(


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[Elodea the Mermaid]

Bummer. I'm a little worried about mine too. I'm about to test it in Lake Tahoe. I did seal the lily pads with PlastiDip so I'm hoping that helps.

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[Mermaid Mystery]

Lake Tahoe is sooooo cold omg good luck

[Elodea the Mermaid]

Hahaha, I know, I'm deranged. I swam and kayaked here same time last year.

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[Mermaid Mystery]

last year I kayaked to the tea room at vikingsholm, and I was walking on a tree that fell into the water and I slipped and fell in with all my clothes on. needless to say I was freezing.

[Elodea the Mermaid]

last year I kayaked to the tea room at vikingsholm, and I was walking on a tree that fell into the water and I slipped and fell in with all my clothes on. needless to say I was freezing.

Oh my. I would probably cry! Tahoe was quite warm this weekend, and my top seems to be holding up well. Once it dried, I looked it over, and everything is still vibrant and snugly in place.

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[Nereid's Looking Glass]

That top looks perfect, Elodea! Did you Plasti Dip it before or after you blasted it with the heat gun?

[Elodea the Mermaid]

That top looks perfect, Elodea! Did you Plasti Dip it before or after you blasted it with the heat gun?
Thank you! I sprayed them after I re-shaped them with the heatgun.

[Nereid's Looking Glass]

That makes sense. I guess otherwise you could potentially char the plastic. I'm quite the overzealous user of a heatgun. I don't use it often for crafts (although I'm gonna have to bust it out again because there's a stubborn bit of stickers and crayon that won't come off of a wood desk I'm trying to recover) but when I do, I space out and have burned holes in things. Still have my original one from when I was seven and my mom held a Stampin' Up party :p Nearly set a Valentine card on fire!
ETA: One time I tried to blow-dry my hair with it. It was a learning experience.

[Mermaid Whitney]

I've been thinking about my own top a lot after looking at this thread! I venture out to sea only on rare occasions, mostly residing in rivers and lakes fed by said rivers, so a top that reflects that was needed!

This is the design I came up with!
http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t633/Prolix33/04f652b3-ef5c-491f-b230-1ec55047e48e_zps3zs5o880.png
It's longer and covers more, a bit more warm for the cold temperature around here. The base material is a lightweight one, with netting crossed in front and a few ropes tied about my waist. A few long, stringy plants here and there, and voila! My top!

I really can't wait to make it!

[Mary Marine]

Elodea, those lily pads are perfect for my muddy lake mermaid tail! I just ordered some, thinks for the tip.

[Elodea the Mermaid]

ETA: One time I tried to blow-dry my hair with it. It was a learning experience.

Oh my gosh! Did you char your hair? My heat gun gets, well, hot!!




This is the design I came up with!
http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t633/Prolix33/04f652b3-ef5c-491f-b230-1ec55047e48e_zps3zs5o880.png


I love the idea of a fabric top. I actually wear a watercolor-dyed green tunic when I work with kids and a regular bikini-sized top isn't appropriate. I love how this top has, like, a graceful survival feel to it, if that makes any sense.


Elodea, those lily pads are perfect for my muddy lake mermaid tail! I just ordered some, thinks for the tip.

Yay! I can't wait to see what you do with them! I hope they work out for you as well as they did for me.

[Elodea the Mermaid]

ETA: One time I tried to blow-dry my hair with it. It was a learning experience.

Oh my gosh! Did you char your hair? My heat gun gets, well, hot!!




This is the design I came up with!
http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t633/Prolix33/04f652b3-ef5c-491f-b230-1ec55047e48e_zps3zs5o880.png


I love the idea of a fabric top. I actually wear a watercolor-dyed green tunic when I work with kids and a regular bikini-sized top isn't appropriate. I love how your top has, like, a graceful survival feel to it, if that makes any sense.


Elodea, those lily pads are perfect for my muddy lake mermaid tail! I just ordered some, thinks for the tip.

Yay! I can't wait to see what you do with them! I hope they work out for you as well as they did for me.

[Mermaid Saoirse]

I'm going to post the photo of my lily-pad top here for the collection. :D
It's a painted bra with a centerpiece and halter strap made of painted neoprene. It's really comfy and fits nice in the water.

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[Ottery]

Since I finally have time, I'm posting a photo of my current top and hat.

33060
I just took some 2$ leaves from Michael's, removed the hard plastic veins, and then glued it onto a nude strapless bra. :)

33061
This is basically a silk lily pad glued to a strip of black elastic. It's fading and falling apart, so I'm going to remake it using a special lily pad that's made to take the sun and water, and I'll see how it stays on with a headband. Steve the frog is staying, of course. XD Please ignore the photobomb from my rainbow trout body pillow Ziggy Stardust.

[Elodea the Mermaid]

All us lilypad mers need to form a pod! Lilypod mers unite! [emoji1]

PS- I love Steve the froggie.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/18/5d4cc5d69c5ac7b4eda8c2dfe8b048e3.jpg

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[Ottery]

Heck yeah! We can share different decorating ideas like how I have fishing bobber earrings and a lure necklace. ^_^

[Elodea the Mermaid]

Oh my gosh, that is too cute! I love accessories with a little humor in them.

I hereby dub participants in this thread The LilyPod :-P

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[Mermaid Tory]

Elodea I love that hairpiece! It goes so well with your hair! I'm thinking this upcoming winter will be filled with designing and creating tops and accessories. My hair is kinda reddish from my princess work as Anna so I'm thinking of maki going something with lily pads as well. Love the tops as well. I have a clam shell bra that I love but it's so heavy I. The water and the netting hurts my neck from the weight.

[Ottery]

Yeah, I've noticed that a lot of mers mention shell bras being heavy. It's the reason why I'm going to be taking the shells I have, making molds out of them, and then cast a copy in flexible dragon skin.

I'm going to be adding more to my top even though I do kind of like that it matches my skin and makes it look like I just glued leaves to my breasts. I would like to wear it with other costumes like my fawn satyr or pond fairy. I'll probably make a halter top out of moss and either add the leaves on top or decorate it with a few water plants.

[Ottery]

I forgot to mention that I had a bad reaction to the metal in the lure necklace and had to go to urgent care to get some steroid cream and stop it from covering all of my chest. XD It was fine when I wore it a few weeks ago, but I think it ended up breaking the skin so my immune system went "Jesus tap dancing christ on a cracker, we've got an intruder!"

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[Elodea the Mermaid]

Elodea I love that hairpiece! It goes so well with your hair! I'm thinking this upcoming winter will be filled with designing and creating tops and accessories. My hair is kinda reddish from my princess work as Anna so I'm thinking of maki going something with lily pads as well. Love the tops as well. I have a clam shell bra that I love but it's so heavy I. The water and the netting hurts my neck from the weight.

Thank you so much, Tory! Your tail and top are just gorgeous.


Yeah, I've noticed that a lot of mers mention shell bras being heavy. It's the reason why I'm going to be taking the shells I have, making molds out of them, and then cast a copy in flexible dragon skin.

I'm going to be adding more to my top even though I do kind of like that it matches my skin and makes it look like I just glued leaves to my breasts. I would like to wear it with other costumes like my fawn satyr or pond fairy. I'll probably make a halter top out of moss and either add the leaves on top or decorate it with a few water plants.

Lyra, I think we are the same mer, haha. I also do a fawn satyr (well, I call it my "fawn faun" because I think I'm HILARIOUS) and a pond fairy/naiad!

[Elodea the Mermaid]

Also, HOLY GIANT PICTURE BATMAN! Could I have posted a bigger picture of my huge face, lol? Sorry, guys. I posted that pic from my phone and had no idea it was colossal:$.

[sirenrayla]

http://mernetwork.com/index/attachment.php?attachmentid=9872&stc=1
I am a mermaid at an aquarium and for events and this looks so awesome! Where did you order it???

[Mermaid Kelda]

Hey sirenrayla! The link for this top is in the first post of this thread, but I believe Mermaid Dottie and I snagged the last two. If you do manage to find another for sale anywhere, do let me know!