new tail for photos--rainbow fish?

[shimmygoddess]

So we are going back to the beach in May and decided to make my daughter another tail for photos. I have been looking at pictures for inspiration and finally decided on a different technique. This will not be waterproof or swimmable, but used mostly for photos. I made the scales, cut them out and glued them to the fabric. Once both sides are complete I will work on the fluke. I bought a shiny lame that I will put over the leftover satin fabric and line with a thicker fabric to make is more sturdy. The process was actually not that hard. I bought satin type fabric for the scales and used a fabric stiffener, heated in the microwave for 30 sec, then cut them out. **Tip do not put lame in the microwave. LOL (Everything caught on fire). I think once I am done, I will go over some scales w/ metallic paint to change the look of some, and them put some of the lame scales in between. I cannot use many though, as the lame still has threads that come undone even after the stiffener is on. Here are some pics in progress. I am so excited!! I think the colors look like ' The Rainbow Fish'.

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[Mertara]

Its a real shame that can't be a swimmable tail! It's so pretty!! Lame caught on fire bc it's made with metallic threads :X Same reason you can't put a fork in the microwave. You could try this stuff called Fray Check for the lame edges, I use it on everything!
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[SeaGlass Siren]

oh wow it really DOE look like the character Rainbow fish! have you considered attaching slitter to some of the scales? it looks amazing!

[shimmygoddess]

LOL, yep, I realized it afterwards. I have had a migraine for a week and I think it affects my thinking. LOL. I have to dig out the fray check.

[shimmygoddess]

Silver would be cool. I did a mock mini one and painted over some of the scales w/ metallic paint and if did change some of them more shimmery. I will try some silver too and see. I am working on side 2 now..oh how I wish it was swimmable. I would be scared to even try it. Maybe if I sewn all the scales, but I dont think the glue would hold up.

[Ariel-Starfish]

ooh it looks so pretty! I adore the colors! (ones of my favorite!) to bad it isen't swimmable :( Maybe something for the future? would be cool! :D

[Mermaid Julianne]

Ooh I love the Rainbow Fish! That tail will look absolutely beautiful. Also, I agree strongly with Tarapotamus. Fray Check is amazing. At my school, I work in the costume shop, and we just fray checked about 120 feathers we made. So far, its the best I've seen. Anyways, can't wait to see more pics!

[shimmygoddess]

thanks everyone. I might have to test the scales, ect with various things to see if I can make it waterproof

[MermaidBrittany]

Wow that is going to look so cool! The Rainbow fish was my favorite book when I was little. Can't wait to see the finished product! :D

[shimmygoddess]

I got one whole side complete about 3/4 done w/ the other side. Keep running out of bigger scales and having the make more. LOL. My hand is sore

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[MermaidBrittany]

Wow looks great so far! What will you do for the fluke?

[shimmygoddess]

I plan to use a turquise lame but have something inside as a lining to make it thicker and sturdy. I wish I could figure out how to do something w/ latex, but I havent gotten any yet, and I dont know if I could paint on it. does anyone know if you can paint on liquid latex, or what is the right stuff to use? I thought I would just use fabric for now. LOL

[Mertara]

yes you can! all of my fins in this costume are liquid latex painted onto spandex/lycra. Just mix half latex with half acrylic paint and it will be ok! I don't know how waterproof it is though, never tried it in the water! Also it will ruin your brush, be warned.

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[SeaGlass Siren]

What about micro iridescent glitter? :gaaasspp: I think I just had a heart orgasm.

[shimmygoddess]

cool, maybe I will just try that. Glitter!!!!! love glitter, might try that on a few scales. with my test strip, I glittered on top, but it was too much, but if I get extra fine I think that would work. Now off to find liquid latex. LOL..Thanks everyone

[shimmygoddess]

How many layers of latex did it take approx to make the fins sturdy? did you mix in the paint from the beginning to tint, or only at the end when you had to paint it?

[shimmygoddess]

ugh...went to three places looking to liquid latex and couldnt find any. Guess I will have to buy it online now...disappointed as I was hoping to start the fluke today :(