Nerinae's Lionfish Tail

[Mermaid Nerinae]

Ssss, poisonous! :D So, now I have my monofin, it's time to start working on tail designs. I was thinking of doing my own coloring, similar to the one in my avatar picture but then I got to thinking that I'd really like to see something that would come from nature. Specifically, my favorite fish: lionfish! :D
http://mernetwork.com/index/attachment.php?attachmentid=10764&d=1366108767
I was thinking about painting and sealing neoprene and using a zipper to get it on/off (hide it between the dorsal spines and hold the spines together with industrial velcro or eye clips.) For the spines and fins, I was thinking about using a demi-transparent material and using either corset boning or zip ties (probably the cheaper option) and cutting them into thin strips in order to keep them straight.

Now, I haven't purchased any materials yet; this is merely the design stage, where I try and figure out what would look good, be unique, but also be functional and also try and figure out the execution before I take any steps.

Ideas? Have any of you made or seen lionfish tails for other mers? Have any of you made spiney fins for your own tails? How did you achieve the right look? I want to fiddle around with the amount and placement of the spines and see what I can use get the best dramatic look out of in the water and on land. I'd like to be able to sit on the dorsal spines when it's time to take a rest by letting them be able to fold/bend to the side.

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Also noticed that I seem to be unable to press the A key for my username. ;;

[Kanti]

gorgeous!!
I love the idea of a lionfish tail! cant wait to see it!

[Carolina Mermaid]

I think your on the right track using the transparent fabric for the fins, I can't wait to see pictures of how it looks!

[Azurin Luna]

Looks good :D

For the boning, I know there are plastic corset bonings on a roll, so you could cut them in any lenght you need, they are usually in white, light gray and sometimes black. I just need to find the site again.

[Mermaid Saphira]

This sounds like an exciting project! Good luck and keep us posted ;)

[Mermaid Nerinae]

Thanks! I'm looking forward to getting started on it, for sure. Currently, I'm having trouble finding a lighter color neoprene fabric in the right dimensions for a good price. So far what I'm finding as far as prices are like.. $14/yard. Goodness. If I have to, I'd end up going with the black, it would just mean darker colors after priming white or cream colored. Not a big deal, as lionfish come in quite a few shades. Also, after a bit of research, I'll probably be using neoprene glue with a stitch on the inside of the connections in order to give it some more strength. It would eliminate a zipper, but would be a little more difficult to put on the tail itself. Decisions, decisions, lol!

[Winged Mermaid]

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Also noticed that I seem to be unable to press the A key for my username. ;;
I fixed it in the thread title for you :)

I've seen a few mermaids with lionfish tails- they're always so pretty:) For the spines, you may want to look into either tiny PVC or vinyl tubing (found at hardware stores) depending on the rigidity you want. There's also the large zip ties (here's a pic of one next to a regular zip tie (http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc227/winged_mermaid/DDBBD1C8-C7CF-4F02-94F2-D3D81AEACE7E-1284-0000012FBF293016.jpg)). Can't wait to see what comes of your designs :)

$14 a yard for neoprene is actually a really good price. It's usually $20+ a yard. It's not cheap, that's for sure!

[ShyMer]

just checking, where are you looking for neoprene? i want to make sure you don't end up getting neoprin by accident . I'm looking forward to seeing what you end up with, by the way, looks like a great start!

[Mermaid Nerinae]

I fixed it in the thread title for you :)
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$14 a yard for neoprene is actually a really good price. It's usually $20+ a yard. It's not cheap, that's for sure!

Thanks, lol! I usually end up posting late at night since that's around when I get off work. Never the most awake, then, haha.
Also, whew $14 I may have to deal with, then, huur. I'm just used to much cheaper fabrics, I guess. Hopefully the quality comes with the price tag.



just checking, where are you looking for neoprene? i want to make sure you don't end up getting neoprin by accident . I'm looking forward to seeing what you end up with, by the way, looks like a great start!

I'm looking around on diving websites, places like Amazon/Ebay, and hunting fabric stores. I'm making sure it's neoprene and not neoprin, that's for sure. :D

[Mermaid Nerinae]

So I haven't updated in a while. Money got tight so poo. Anyway, I thought I'd share some pictures of my fluke. :3
I was going to finish extending it and, to my dismay, I discover that it appears my husband or his friend threw away the Lowe's bag that had all my tools in it. ;; So I can only cut out the shape for right now, until I get paid next and can re-invest in the equipment.

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Oh my that looks big..

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It's purposefully made a little asymmetrical in order to get more of a real-ish feel. I made some adjustments after I took this picture, but for the most part it's the same.

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A size comparison to my footsies. I wear size tens in women's. Honkin' sasquatch feet.

I also made some smallish accessories like hairclips and such. I got some starfish for either my top or weight belt (not sure, just yet) and I've got to seal those, and pick up some foliage for extra decorating. I feel like it's very bare without some kind of greenery, even if I have pearls and shells and netting. I'll probably share some pictures of those at a later date. So, it's not much of a heads-up, but it's progress. :>

Tiny edit: Upon closer inspection of my sasquatch feet, they look really swollen! XD Maybe I should get a foot massage, or a pregnancy test. :|

[Mermaid Caspiana]

This is so weird. Our names are similar: Nerin and Nerinae. Also I have a drawing for a future tail. A lion fish too! You should check it out. Lol