Jazz's Second Dragonskin Tail

[jazz2453]

Hello I'm Jazz, a 12 year old transgender mermaid, and I recently made my first full silicone tail. Here is the thread of my process: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?5525-Jazz-s-H2o-Style-Silicone-Mermaid-Tail-Process Although I'm very proud and it came out great, there were many mistakes I made that I'm hoping to avoid this time. It's all trial and error, and the more your practice, the more you learn. That's why I've been doing tests to make sure this tail will have less flaws. You may me wondering where I'm getting all this money? My past two birthdays have been devoted to being able to transfer into a mermaid. My first experience has led me to love the form of art of sculpture, mold-making, and casting, and I'm hoping to make my own latex mask for halloween. I'm also hoping that within the next year I can sell a few mermaid tails and donate most of the money to my foundation:
http://www.transkidspurplerainbow.org/ to help transkids out there who need our support. The other part of the money would be used for creating more tails. Anyways, for this tail I was inspired by butterflies, and this color scheme-
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This is quick design I made-
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I'm using a wave monofin (generally this isn't the best idea for silicone tails, but my fluke cast is going to be on the thinner side and won't affect the propulsion as much). I've made a pattern of my body as well and my fluke shape SYMMETRICAL trace.
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Although I love monster clay and think it's great, I want a clay it which would be easier for what I like- smoothing. It's overall easier and faster to work with, and gives a better and smoother final result. That's why I'm using a rather cheaper clay called sculptex, which is clay from smooth-on/ reynolds. It just came in the other day, and I just started the sculpting process.
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I like the soft, and I ordered about 12 pounds for $40.

I just started, so much hasn't but accomplished, but before I even started the smoothing process, it's already smooth! The only setback is that it is much more difficult to apply over a large surface opposed to monster clay.-
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I'm making a new scale mold due to difficulty with the other one. This time my plan is to have my scales going from large at the top to small at the bottom. The top layer of my scales may be made translucent. Here are the links to 1 1/2" , 1" , and 1/2" diameter foam circle STICKIES.
http://www.craftsuppliesforless.com/kidscraftsupplies_foamiesstickerpacks.html 1 1/2" soccer balls.

http://www.craftsuppliesforless.com/ladybug-visors.html 1" black circles.

http://www.craftsuppliesforless.com/gem-paperclip-bookmarks.html 1/2" white or black circle stickers.

This progress is going to be slower then my first tail due to school and the fact that I just made a tail. I will take my time and make sure that I make everything to the best of my abilities. It's going to be a fun journey just like the first, and I'm already super excited:)

[Anahita]

Awesome! Your first one was so great, I can't wait to see your new one!

[Mermaid_Dominique]

Saw your thread about your first tail and I was very impressed, I'm definitely going to follow your new adventure :)

[ShyMer]

Good luck! I'm glad to see you've come up with some solutions for the problems you ran into last time.

Are you trying to make the fluke thicker at the base and thinner at the tips again or are you going to make it mostly flat? Either way, have you tried rolling out your clay with a rod and spacers so the surface is consistent?

I love that color scheme. It'll be a nice contrast to your first tail.

[MerEmma]

Woohoo! You're already churning out tails like a tailmaker. :P Great luck to you and I will be following this process too! <3

[jazz2453]

It won't get thinner at the tips due to the way the design is. I've been asking my mom for a rolling pin but she keeps forgetting. Soon I will be using one though. Thanks for the support guys!

[Mermaid Julz]

Good luck Jazz. I love the design.

[Mermaid Oshun]

Yeah Jazz!! Remember school work comes first

[Mizuko]

Cant wait to see more progress pictures! :D Your design is stunning!

[Miyu]

Oh Jazz, I love your fluke design! And your colour scheme! I can't wait to see it!

I like how the fluke looks like a butterfly... I think it will be very elegant! And I'm rather envious that you get to churn out tails like this!

I hope to someday be able to make my own silicone tail, for now that is impossible, so I love watching other mers' progress, and I just loved your last tail! I like how you made the H2O style your own, and I think the "layers" on the end of the fluke are pretty cute as well haha!

Also, I know acrylic rolling pins are supposed to be really good for rolling out clay, as they're heavy and not as "sticky" as wood.

Can't wait to see what you create! ^_^

[Mermaid Dottie]

I so excited for you, Jazzy!
Good on ya for starting another one so quickly!

[AniaR]

you go girl! :D

[Mermaid Danielle]

Looks great so far! And I love the design! Keep us updated!

[PearlieMae]

Fintastic! I will be following your every step! I can't wait to watch your progress!

[Ariel-Starfish]

Yay! Another tail making process <3
I can't wait! :yay:

[Soulstrifer]

Jazz, Good on you for the things you are doing and keep going strong. I've got a number of Trans friends both male and female and I've told them about you and we are all very very excited to see your next tail!

[jazz2453]

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Finished the smoothing process! Then it's on to adding the spikes at the bottom (there are thin so I decided to do them last) and then detail!

[teeth4u]

Looks great! Can't wait to see more

[PearlieMae]

Very cool!

[Soulstrifer]

Fantastic! Look's great so far love! Can't wait to see more

[marvelmermaid1939]

great work jazz!
your such an inspiration and i hope the tail comes out great!

[jazz2453]

Finished the spiky things!
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[Mermaid Lorelei]

Looking good Jazz.

[jazz2453]

First lines of detail.
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[*Celine*]

Amazing, I followed your first tailmaking experience and you are one talented little mermaid, keep up the good work!!!

[MermaidBrandie]

What would you charge for your first commish? You're doing fantastic!

[jazz2453]

Thanks guys:) I haven't really though about it much since I wouldn't sell tails until I know they're durable, long-lasting, and I've had enough practice perfecting the steps. But it wouldn't be over $2000 unless if the design were very elaborate. I'm just a kid so I really don't need money, so I would donate most of it to my foundation, then the rest would be the cost for the materials in the next tail.

[WillowAnne]

AHH. LOVE this design. You're so stinkin' fantastic! I can't wait to see how this turns out!

[Theobromine]

Jazz, you are one amazing kid! I loved your first tail and I can't wait to see how this one turns out!

[Prince Calypso]

I Love the color and the Design of this tail. I cant wait to see How it comes along.
I am honestly loving your tail making post.
Learning a lot more then with other post

[Mermaid Melanie]

great to see you have such motivation ! wish I had more ! good work ! xx

[jazz2453]

So I found some time today to finally sculpt a little more. I don't have pictures but I basically dented the lines I made and blended them together nicely. Besides that I want to get working on this tail some more so I made a calendar of events.9/20- Order foam circles and scale molding materials9/25- Have mold box ready start placing scales9/29- Fluke mold and scale mold done9/30 Measure out amount of silicone to use10/2- have silicone ordered10/13-finish castings10/20- Finish seaming10/27- Finish Painting/ DEADLINEI may finish before this, but this is just a little thing to go by. I will update as much as I can.Hopefully this will be done before October.

[Mermaid Alea]

I really had fun looking at the topic with your first tail. I need to look back at it and read it more carefully to learn how to make a dragonskin tail. I can't wait to see how this tail turns out. I am sure it will be very amazing and by the way the first tail had a really awesome paint job. :D

[mermaidm]

Oh my gosh WOW. You are so talented!!

[Lotus]

Great work! you're very talented!

[PearlieMae]

Thanks guys:) I haven't really though about it much since I wouldn't sell tails until I know they're durable, long-lasting, and I've had enough practice perfecting the steps. But it wouldn't be over $2000 unless if the design were very elaborate. I'm just a kid so I really don't need money, so I would donate most of it to my foundation, then the rest would be the cost for the materials in the next tail.


Sweetie, you are living proof that there is no such thing as "just a kid". :hail:

[ShyMer]

That is an ambitious set of deadlines! You'll do an awesome job!

[spottedcatfish]

This is awesome! Keep up the work!

[jazz2453]

Okay so I finished the fluke sculpture and molded it in fiberglass.
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[jazz2453]

All righty. We de-molded this morning and it came out great! We did a layer of shell-shock and then the resin and cloth because I just needed to get rid of this test quart of shell shock and it makes the mold prettier! We cleaned it out and measured it out. We will need 2.5 cups of A and 2.5 cups of B for each casting (total of 5 cups x 2= 10 cups out of the 32 cups from the total of part A and B) So I will only need one gallon of silicone (!) since the scale mold will be similar in amount and will have an extra 6 cups from each gallon. I also made the mold box but the foam circles haven't arrived so I'm behind on that. I'm hoping to order silicone tonight and get the scales placed and molded by Tuesday.

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[Ilyena]

That looks amazing ^_^

[PearlieMae]

Spectacular! The fiberglass is nice and stiff, right? My concern is that there is very little mold around where you will be pouring. I would hate to think it might snap, especially in the delicate edge parts.

Your fluke design is so creative!

[jazz2453]

It's very stiff, hard, and LIGHTWEIGHT! I can carry it in one hand. I'm not worried about it snapping.

[PearlieMae]

Great! And ya know what? This couldn't have happened at a better time for me...I had made a stupid casting mistake myself and wondered ACK! What next?

That very minute, you posted about fiberglass. THANK YOU! :D

[jazz2453]

So I used ultra cal again for the mold. Sealed it with acrylic spray. Applied release, the n casted and did burlap reinforcements. Here is the scale sheet.
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My favorite were the 1/2" scales but they took long to lay out
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The 1" were perfect size and I will probably use them again.
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And then the soccer balls just seem too big now, so blehhh
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Making the mold
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The finished product
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Small scales There are tiny pieces of Ultracal from material that got under neath the scales that I hammered off. I will spray water and clean the mold later.
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Medium scales and more bits of plaster
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And the big scales I didn't get a good pic of, but they look similar just bigger. There are few air bubbles but I'm not worried. Silicone is on the way, crossing my flippers that it'll be here by today since it said "out for delivery" on the status. I will cast my fluke halves tonight if it does come.

[Jessica]

So exciting! Making your mold the shape of your body is a great idea. I actually used a paintbrush to brush silicone in my scale mold in the shape of my body. It saved a lot of silicone. I love the shape of your fluke and can't wait to see it in silicone!

[jazz2453]

Alrighty so I finished castings! And I'm officially 13 now as of October 6th! WOOT! lol but i didn't take the best pictures so sorry about that. I will paint soon and then seam.
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[jazz2453]

There is some clay on a few scales cause I filled in the air bubbles. It easily comes off though, and the tiny balls really helped!

[Jessica]

Looks great jazz!! Happy birthday to you! You're officially a teenager now :) I can't wait to see this painted...your fluke looks amazing!!!

[Anahita]

Wowowow Jazz! That fluke came out gorgeous! I can't wait to see the finished tail. And happy birthday, too!

[PearlieMae]

Awesome work, Jazz! You're going to have to post detailed painting photos so I can learn all your secrets!

And I hope you've had a wonderful birthday, too! I'm going to really be ticked off when you come out and reveal you are really in your mid 30s. ;)

[Mermaid Oshun]

Congratulations Jazz!!! Great work girl!

[Mizuko]

Happy birthday! :D The tail is looking great so far- and you haven't even put it together yet! haha! The fluke design is perfect :)

[jazz2453]

thanks everyone!:) Btw the scale pattern was just a test to see which one came out the best. I really like the small scales but they took hours to lay out and it will take long to do a whole sheet! I don't like how they transition (kinda looks like a seam line) But I knew that would occur and I just went through with it anyway.

[MerEmma]

Wait, I have a question. Pro tail makers don't remake the scale mold every time, right? They can use the same mold for multiple clients?

[Jessica]

Jazz,

i have an idea....when I was patching my tail I used a lot of single scales to cover seams. After you paint they blend right in and are hard to detect. What about making a handful of very thin 1/2 " scales and adding them to the row directly above the seam? You would have to trim them down, but you could layer them right over the seams where the 1" circles meet. Let me know if this makes sense....I know it would work and could help hide the transition. :)

meremma,
yes you can reuse molds! It's just fun to make a new mold and have a different fluke or scale mold :)

[MerEmma]

Okay, good. For a second there I thought Raven and Eric and all the makers had to remake the scale mold a lot...I knew the fins and fluke molds could be reused but I wasn't sure about scales xD

[mermaidm]

Great work :) scales look great!

[jazz2453]

So I painted the first scale side tonight!'
Here is an okay pic of the overall view-
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[jazz2453]

^Yea there are a few airbubbles

[PearlieMae]

Sweet blends, Jazz! I love your palette, and the transitions are niiiice! Where does the green come in? The first photo looks like a blue to purple gradient. Is it just my screen?

[MerEmma]

WOW. Those COLORS<3

[AniaR]

wow you are getting better and better!!!!

[jazz2453]

Yea the first photo really doesn't show the right colors, it's not the best photos. The greenish is the second color, it's kind of bluish too, aqua type.

[mermaidm]

oh my gosh your colors and scales are gorgeous!!!!

[Winged Mermaid]

:jawdrop:!!!

[MermanTyphoon]

TOOO PERFECT!:jawdrop:

[Seatan]

Wow. I know people have said it again and again, but it's so true that I have to add! You are CRAZY talented!!!! I mean, SERIOUSLY! Wowza, it looks fabulous!

[jazz2453]

Although I'm new to this and wouldn't be confident selling anything without any more tests, I'm really looking forward to putting these out there and supporting my family's foundation. I began a website, and I hope to start a kickstarter type of thing in the near future. But I just wanted to share some design templates I made. Some are kinda weird and they are all pretty different, but I like them:) I was really hard to draw on a computer and it took a lot of time.

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[Jessica]

Jazz,

your tail looks great! I love the colors and the tiny scales look really nice. I can't wait to see what you do next! Your sketches look great too! :)

[Mermaid Allie]

BRB DYING. AAAAAH i can't even get over how beautiful those colours are and how awesome it is that the scales get smaller as you go down the tail. I literally can't even get over this its too cool. Your fluke shape is SO COOL too!!

[Mizuko]

WOW! Those colours are just PERFECT, Jazz!! :D So pretty!!

[jazz2453]

Thanks guys:)

[BayouMermaid]

OOOooooh I LOVE the sabertooth design. Also, your colors for the new tail are beautiful! I can't wait to see everything come together.

[jazz2453]

Thank you!

[MerEmma]

Hey Jazz, you know more about silicone than me! Is it possible say for a topcoat of some sort (whether it be glitter or UV or w/e) to mix it in the silicone and paint it with like, a brush? Or would it need to be mixed in with the silicone before casting? I don't know much about the consistency of it besides what smooth-on says.

Also I know you haven't done any fins yet, but what can you tell me about attaching extra fins?

Your tail is looking AWESOME so far and I can't wait to see more. :D

[jazz2453]

Well I've never used a top coat (like glitter) but if I did I would do what you said, or your just pigment it into the silicone when your casting. What you said is correct. I recommend experimenting everything in tiny trials before the real thing. For extra fins, the easiest way is to have an extra rectangular shape on the side:
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I would fold that rectangle down a narrow cut in the silicone where you want it, then just seal it with more silicone. Hope that helped:)

[MerEmma]

Thanks! That helps a lot, especially for the extra fins since my own favorite fin design has that rectangle already sorta built into it. :P Seriously, thanks! My mum and I have been playing around with the idea of making a tail in a year or two. Your first one (and second one!) look so great it makes me feel more confident in the idea. :3

[jazz2453]

OOO I hope you go through with it! I'm here to help along the way:)

[MerEmma]

Me too! I'm currently way busy with a raptor costume but that'll be finished up early next year. I plan to get some spandex soon for a tail but I also want to do a sequin tail before a silicone but I don't know if I'll get to that, haha! :P I appreciate it very much! I just saw on the other thread how you forgot about power mesh...with how thin your tails have been casted it's kinda crazy to imagine!

[AniaR]

Jazz I am so freaking proud of you, you have inspired me so much :D I wish I could meet you some day, maybe I should write Ellen about that haha. P.s. I'd still love to send you a book :)

[jazz2453]

I really do hope we meet one day. I'm not sure if you got it or not, but I confirmed that I would LOVE a copy and gave my address. If you didn't receive it I can send another message,

Tail Update-
So Next morning (Saturday morning) One of my friends slept over and we were pumped to paint the other side. So we set up, mixed the silicone and we were ready to go. Then the color didn't even come put so we took the silicone out and stuck it in the freezer. Later on we found out that there was a large glob of cured silicone stuck around the needle. The manual had no instructions on how to take apart the gun and ge tout this piece so we spent hours taking a paper clip (we unfolded it) and tuck it inside and shifted it around. We ran out of mineral spirits the night before so we mainly relied on water to get everything out so it was basically our fault. We never got it out and could've find anything online so (as kids) we threw the gun out on the street in anger. Luckily I have a regular airbrush though that was ordered a few weeks ago and I bought an adapter to connect it5 to the compressor (which was very cheap) so no real harm done. It was just really frustrating and I'm mad we were immature and got impatient.

[PearlieMae]

Oh no! Don't feel bad, I've trashed more than one very expensive airbrush in fits of anger, and that's as an adult who should know better and is still facing coming deadlines. They can be a real bitch.

I hope by now you've found how to deconstruct your brush and ream it out without damaging the mechanism! :D

[PearlieMae]

For extra fins, the easiest way is to have an extra rectangular shape on the side:
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I would fold that rectangle down a narrow cut in the silicone where you want it, then just seal it with more silicone. Hope that helped:)

If you notch that extra rectangular piece a few times, almost all the way to the bottom of the fin, fold each tab in opposite directions and glue them down, you might be able to get the fin to stand up on its own. :)

[jazz2453]

Or use dragonskin 30 or one of harder, stiffer surface?

[PearlieMae]

Ah, now you're swimming into my secret weapon territory! Actually, I'm running some concept tests to find out if that will work. ;)

Please let me know if you beat me to it!

[AniaR]

Yes please. I must a lost that message. :)

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

[Ashton]

lookin good

[Fifi Tigg]

Wow! I love those double fins!

[jazz2453]

Yea they do like nice Fifi, but I didn't make them. Laamberry did, I was just using those a an example. Thanks alarson.

[MerEmma]

Hey Jazz, I sent you a PM and I wasn't sure if you got it or not. Could you check your inbox? :P

[MerAshlee]

If you ever retrieved the paint gun from the street i might suggest googling HVLP (high volume low pressure) paint guns must paint guns now days are. basically the same in how to take em apart to clean theWhich is rather easy actually to disassemble them to clean them. As the nozzle tip just unscrews and comes right off. And the airflow/paint nob/needle/pin/spring just unscrews too

[Mizuko]

Hi Jazz! I hope you dont mind me asking, but how similar is working with Ultra Cal to Shell Shock? I'm re-making my scale mold and here in Australia Shell Shock is $200 a gallon, whereas Ultra Cal is around $50! I used Shell Shock previously on my fluke/fin molds and they turned out fine, but the scale mold failed (no details were captured). How do you work with Ultra Cal? :) Thanks so much!

[Trident True]

Hi Jazz! I hope you dont mind me asking, but how similar is working with Ultra Cal to Shell Shock? I'm re-making my scale mold and here in Australia Shell Shock is $200 a gallon, whereas Ultra Cal is around $50! I used Shell Shock previously on my fluke/fin molds and they turned out fine, but the scale mold failed (no details were captured). How do you work with Ultra Cal? :) Thanks so much!


have you tried plaster of Paris? plaster brings out fine detail especially if its thin enough. ive done my flipper and fins in plaster. the detail came out very well + its cheaper. i paid 12.95 for a 5kg tub on flea bay.

[jazz2453]

Plaster of paris works, but it is less strong then Ultracal. Ultracal picks up excellent detail (if you brush vaseline it will pick up the brush strokes), it's a huge mess, you'll need a mold box, and it's much heavier then shellshock. Mixing it isn't as simple as shellshock, but I just did estimates and it worked out fine. II think I like shellshock better but Ultracal works. You also need to apply it in layers as you have to with shell shock. You also must reinforce it with burlap to keep it strong and durable. If you would like more details I can help:)

[Oceana]

I love what you've done so far! The colours blend so seamlessly, and the fluke is to die for!

You're an inspiration to all of us <3

[jazz2453]

Thanks so much:)

So I still have to blend the purple out into the pink, but what do you guys think?
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Sorry for the weird angles.
Here's a little blending, but I still need to fix it.
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[Jessica]

Looks beautiful jazz! You're doing such an amazing job!

[jazz2453]

Thanks Jessica! Yours is coming along great as well!

[PearlieMae]

So many awesome new tail makers! I feel like I'm falling behind! I love the colors you chose, Jazz! I can't wait to see it in action!

[Anahita]

:drool: I love that color blend at the top! You've got crazy skills.

[Nyx]

Jazz your tails are amazing! How do you do this, I'm amazed! I can't wait to see what it's going to look like <333

[Mermaid Oshun]

Lovely saturated colors. Great craftsmanship! kudos to you.

[jazz2453]

My favorite part! xD Jk...

Starting the seaming process, I will have paint the side a little more after so the colors align nicely.

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Yea I go a little crazy with the pins.

[Jessica]

Looks GREAT Jazz! You're seams are lined up really well...that's the toughest part! I'm so proud of you!!!!

[MermanTyphoon]

Looks GREAT Jazz! You're seams are lined up really well...that's the toughest part! I'm so proud of you!!!!

Ikr! Jazz is amazing!

[Mermaid Julz]

Jazz, you are doing such a wonderful job. I am loving looking at the progress you are making. I will confess, when you mom posted the pics of your first tail via FB, which was before I found this site, I was inspired to try making one. I needed something to focus on badly. This gave me that chance. To make something I would love forever and get me back into using my artistic skills that for so long I let sit and do nothing.

For that, I do thank you.

Your tail designs are beautiful. Keep up the wonderful work

[Mermaid Danielle]

Jazz, this is amazing! Thanks for keeping us updated! I can't wait to see it finished!

[Mizuko]

Thank you for the info, Jazz! :D I think I'll have to go with UltraCal, just because its the cheepest/strongest option :)
LOVE the colours on your tail!! Amazing!!! :D :D

[jazz2453]

Thanks everyone:) Thought I'd share a preview, hoping to finish this week!-

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I hand painted the black while my friend airbrushed the blue. Time to add purples and pinks!

[lynsea]

WOW. The colors and blending on this tail are fantastic! Not to mention the original design.

[Jessica]

So beautiful jazz! I love it! The fluke looks just amazing with the black on it...I can't wait to see pics of you in it!

[AniaR]

:jawdrop:

[Merley]

That fluke is insane. Never seen one that looks so much like a butterfly before. Love the colors too.

[Mermaid Oshun]

:cool:

[AniaR]

the colours really worked so much better on this one, and you lined up the seams so well! hair dressing clamps and industrial clams are also good for that too :) the seams on my mermaid creations tail pulled apart in some places and we used industrial clamps. Didnt have to worry about holes that way

[Yulia]

That fluke looks great! Cool seeing it all together. The black makes nice contrast. :)

[jazz2453]

First half basically done!
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[jazz2453]

This tail is extremely vibrant and colorful! Next one I do will be more subtle.

[Ilyena]

Jazz, you're incredible, your tail look amazing. I love the shading on the top of fluke and the black ends make it so unique. ^_^

[jazz2453]

Thank you so much! Yeah it's a pretty different design. It's not the first thing in your mind when you think mermaid.

[PearlieMae]

That is freaking awesome, Jazz! I can't wait to see it in the water!

[Jessica]

Jazz this is so unique! I love all the bright colors! Awesome job! :D

[mermaidm]

oh my gosh oh my gosh YOUR TAIL!!!! This is crazy original and super beautiful!!!!

[SIF]

How much did you pay in overall material costs? Where did you get the shturff?

[teeth4u]

This tail is incredible! You're extremely talented, Jazz. I love the colors and especially how you incorporated black. You impress me more and more every day :hail:

[Winged Mermaid]

:eyepop::eyepop::eyepop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop ::swoon::swoon::swoon:
It's so beautiful!!
:hail:

[Azurin Luna]

Wow! Very nice! :D Love the shape of your fluke.
I wish I had your crafting skills :$

[MerEmma]

SO unique! It definitely reminds me of a butterfly--can't wait to see it in the water! The tips flowing is going to look so graceful. <3

[Nyx]

WOW YOUR TAIL LOOKS STUNNING. Jazz, your tails are absolutely fantastic, I've said it before and I'll say it again! Amazing job!:yay:

[Mermaid Muir]

That is beautiful! The detail is amazing! Fantastic job!

[Blondie]

Holy smokes I can't wait to see that baby swim!

[Patches]

HOLY MOLY MASTACHOLI that is some pretty sick artistry right there. :O

[Merman Arion]

:jawdrop: HOLY TAIL!!! That's some crazy stuff right here! OMG! :jawdrop:


*ahem*

Jazz, sweet Jazz, in behalf of the LGBT community, i take my hatt off to you :hail:


Edit : Looking forward to see you swim with this beauty! :dance:

[jazz2453]

The tail is done!!! Pictures will be shown later.

[MermanTyphoon]

Yayyy i cant wait for pictures! Are you gonna do a swimming video!?

Sent from my VS840 4G using Tapatalk

[PearlieMae]

What do we want?

PICTURES!

When do we want them?

NOW!

[Fun123joker]

· (⊙△⊙✿)

http://media.tumblr.com/717cac9ebfd64215e7ec6c79e24ddc88/tumblr_inline_mwdopv4k8a1rzmbd2.png

looks someone sold their soul to satan

its amazing
touch it....for us (´；ω；`) 。

[AnnaAbyss]

Oh my gaaaawd, how do you make such awesome tails? And you're only 12? O: (Not judging you at all, I just think that's amazing). Congrats.

[jazz2453]

So here are the pics I promised. We would've gotten videos but my friends camera died, and the charger she had was the wrong one:( We only got one good underwater shot.

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[Blondie]

:jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop:

:eyepop:That looks SO amazing! It looks EXACTLY like your drawing!

[sashiyoop]

That is amazing! After seeing how well it turned out for you (and you're 12! I applaud, I really want to try this, too. You are amazing.

[Theobromine]

Amazing, Jazz! It's so beautiful and unique! I wanna be just like you when I grow up :P

[PearlieMae]

Yeah, I'll say it...YOU ARE INSANELY TALENTED!

Awesome job, Jazz! And when I say awesome, I mean the "omgicantbreathethatissofreakingamazing" kind if awesome.

BRAVA!

[MerEmma]

OH MY GOSH.

It is SO gorgeous. THOSE COLORS.

[Anahita]

Wow... Jazz... That tail is absolutely stunning! What an awesome job!

[Trident True]

it turned out really well, all your hard work payed off. what i can see from this tail is you have come along way since your first tail. the colouring is nice it blends quiet well. it also amazed me of the colour underwater as opposed to on the surface. The whole design reminds me of faires.... great work.

[Ashton]

looks great!

[Azurin Luna]

Wow! Very very nice! I love how the color is different underwater than at the surface. :D:D

[JamesGunnels]

wow...I didn't realize you were so young. You have a seriously wonderful talent for this. You should think about going to school for this :D It is a beautiful tail! I cannot wait to make mine lol congrats on an amazing job.

[LittlePolly]

OMG! The tail you made is beyond words... You're indeed verry talented! 😄


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[Toxotes]

Awesome work!

[Nyx]

HOLY FISHSTICKS THAT'S AMAZING!

[Merman Arion]

BEYOND INCREDIBLE!!! :hail::hail::hail:

[jazz2453]

Thank you all so much! I started an indiegogo to raise funds to begin selling tails. With the money I will donate at least 50% of the proceeds to the Transkids Purple Rainbow Foundation. The other portion with be used for purchasing the advanced materials. Please support us along this journey to creating change!

http://igg.me/at/purplerainbowtails/x/5272826

[Jessica]

Jazz this is awesome! Your tail turned out beautiful! Good luck with your new tailmaking business! :D

[Mermaid Melanie]

wonderful Jazz ! Your tail turned out so beautifully ! Ive learned so much from reading your tail making process that I started my own, just finished the scale sheet ! if i can make a tail half as good as yours id be delighted, really well done ! x

[mermaidm]

Oh my gosh! that's one of the most beautiful and unique tails i've ever seen!

[Mermaid Shayna]

I want to try to make a tail (you are so inspiring xD) and I was wondering if I could just do it in one big piece, with the seam in the back instead of two at the sides? I was wondering if it were flexible enough.

[jazz2453]

You sure can! But some who did this are saying that this method was extremely difficult, and instead of shaping your body, it will be just straight lines on the side if you know what I mean.

[jazz2453]

Also. UPDATE: The campaign has already raised $465 on the second day! About 1/4 of the way there! Thanks for all the support! Please spread the word:)- http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/purple-rainbow-tails-changing-the-world-one-tail-at-a-time/x/5272826

[Mermaid Shayna]

You sure can! But some who did this are saying that this method was extremely difficult, and instead of shaping your body, it will be just straight lines on the side if you know what I mean.
Oh really? Hahaha my plan was to hide a zipper in the seam, make it easier to mut on. I wonder if I could do that on the sides, then...
:thinks:

[jazz2453]

You can! Or you can just cut a long line done the back, place the zipper, and glue it in. Please experiment first xD

[Mermaid Star]

You are amazing, Jazz! You inspire us all! <3

[jazz2453]

That means a lot coming from you Star! You are a huge reason for inspiring me to start my first tail!

[jazz2453]

Thought I'd share a picture of the seam. Not invisible, but I'm working on my method:

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[Azurin Luna]

Looks already really good, though :D

[jazz2453]

I'm blown away that $1,510 of the $1,800 goal has been raised. I couldn't have done this without you all! :)

Check out this website (needs improvement still) that I created: http://jazzmergirl.wix.com/purplerainbowtails

Here is the Purple Rainbow Tail Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Purple-Rainbow-Tails/251897471628500?ref=hl

I hope to sell by March 1st for $800! I still need tons of practice before I'm confident to sell but I've been testing some new ideas:)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ghye7UkQYj8

[MerEmma]

I really love that video. <3

[MermanTyphoon]

Nice video!

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[Mermaid Octavia]

Jazz, you are so inspirational. <3

[jazz2453]

So $1,685 has been raised and there are still about 40 days to go...! But the goal hasn't been met yet so I still need your help! http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/purple-rainbow-tails-changing-the-world-one-tail-at-a-time/x/5272826

Also I have a video of me swimming in the second tail! In some parts I look really bloated because I was! I ate a lot of junk today xD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnQxrO7edDY&amp;feature=youtu.be

Check out the Facebook Page for Purple Rainbow Tails!- https://www.facebook.com/jazzmergirl

[Mermaid Adriel]

About the video... I can't believe you're only 12 °.° you're so talented, Jazz! <3

[Ashton]

very snazzy!

[Mermaid Caspiana]

So, I'm sure you are probably tired of hearing this, but I can't believe you are only 13! You're only 2 years younger than me as of December 16th. And I'm pretty sure you have inspired me to at tamper making my own silicone tail in the near future. If you have any tips, advise, or steps to share I have a thread about it. :)
I'm in love with your tail and I want it! I love the color scheme and the shape! Fintastical job Jazz! I'm sure you're going to do great things one day! :)

[Mermaid Esther]

Well I've never used a top coat (like glitter) but if I did I would do what you said, or your just pigment it into the silicone when your casting. What you said is correct. I recommend experimenting everything in tiny trials before the real thing. For extra fins, the easiest way is to have an extra rectangular shape on the side:
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I would fold that rectangle down a narrow cut in the silicone where you want it, then just seal it with more silicone. Hope that helped:)


I think I saw this on the Merberry facebook. Or something mer...

[jazz2453]

Yes that's where it's from:) I mention that in a later comment.

[Mahi Mermaid]

Jazz your inbox is full!! I have a few questions for you if you don't mind answering :) I'm currently working on my own silicone tail and have questions on how you secured your monofin to the fluke? I already sandwiched the three together, like around the monofin but there's nothing between the silicone and the monofin and I know that's just going to fill with water.

Also how did you get your colors so vibrant? I just purchased an air spray gun from Harbor Freight and also have PearlEx pigments but as I've handpainted my tests so far, the colors are never as vibrant as I really want.

Another question (sorry for so many!) I went to look for the toluene and the napatha that you use to thin the silicone before putting in the gun but the home depot people just looked at me and said they had no idea what it was...so do you know what it looks like, what section it's in??

Thank you SSOOO so much! This will be my first time using an airbrush so very nervous about it!!

[Lily]

Hey Mahi,

Can't answer your questions about color saturation (haven't done my own tests yet). But as for keeping your fluke from filling with water, you can cut a few small drainage holes along the bottom edge of your fin so the water has somewhere to go. And naptha/toluene/xylene are probably near paint thinner. They're rectangular cans, usually with a blue and white or blue and brown label.

[Mahi Mermaid]

Thanks Lily, I'll go and check it out today! But for the monofin/fluke, I was trying to figure out how to attach the actual monofin to the silicone fluke, because although I sandwiched all the way around the monofin, there's just nothing to get the monofin to adhere to the silicone. Since more silicone won't work, was wondering what others used?

[Mermaid Alea]

I haven't made a silicone or a latex tail, but from what I have read I think once you swim the tail and the silicone will just stick due to the pressure. It is like how when I wear my fabric tail, the monofin is not attached to the fabric at all, but when I swim in it the fabric clings to the monofin anyways. The drainage holes help create that suction with the fluke and the monofin. I think usually when people make their fluke, when they go to sandwich the two sides together they use around 4 plastic straws in between the halves which will create channels for the water to escape. Once the fluke is done drying you can pull out the plastic straws. That is just what I have read hope this helps.

[Dancing Fish]

Somewhere on here is a post saying you can glue lace to the monofin with glue (E6000 maybe) and then the silicone will have something porous to stick to, but I don't remember details. But searching "lace" and "monofin" together will probably lead to you it!

[Mahi Mermaid]

Yes! I just did that, and it worked! :)

[Lily]

Hey Jazz, looks like your inbox is full but I was wondering what type of spray gun you use for painting? Looks like a gravity feed? Is it HLVP? Also omg the one in this video is purple (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-S84MnmW4Q), I love it!

[Mermaid Eywa]

Wow! I am impressed that you can do with 12 years what others can do when they are much older than this :O
Without words, good luck to your new project!

[Theobromine]

Jazz is amaaaaaazing!

[AnnaAbyss]

Jazz you are a huge inspiration. And you're so talented!

[jazz2453]

Thanks everyone! <3

[Imogen Finnly]

Liked your Facebook! ;) waaah! You are oooozing talent from every pore!

formerly jayy

[Dancing Fish]

My kid totally thinks you're the greatest! (well, so do I) It wasn't until I read your tail making post that I got up the guts to make one myself. I think you're doing wonderful things and I can't wait to see where else your life takes you. :)

[PaolaMF]

anyone know the amount of paint thinner to be added to paint with airbrush? that percentage? Thank you.

[Mermaid Wesley]

You have to test it out yourself.


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[Mermaid_Cheyenne]

Hey jazz I'm new to mernetwork and I'm about ur age and I want a silicone tail but I can't afford to buy one so I've decided to make a silicone tail. Can u please make vidioes in how to build the body of the tail and how to attach the fluke/dorsal fins? If so I would really appreciate. Also if u know of any vidioes on how to build the body of the tail or attach the fluke/dorsal fin, could u please post the link it the comments?

Thanks, Mermaid Cheyenne

[lynsea]

Mermaid Cheyenne, Jazz is just one of the fine examples of a silicone tail maker on this forum. I suggest you look around the forum for pages and pages of exactly the information you are looking for.

[midwesternmermaid]

A nice little cheat when it comes to smoothing out a base layer of clay is to melt it. I used Van Aiken's Plastina clay - which can melt, built a clay dam and away I went. I think I used a couple blocks. I still need to clean my pot. Hope that helps.