PearlieMae's Silicone Tail Journey

[Jessica]

I do a thin layer of untinted dragonskin as a top coat after I finish painting.....it looks nice and glossy. It really makes a difference and helps protect the tail if you scrape it on something :)

[Mermaid Julz]

Wow pearliemae this is looking awesome.I am drooling waiting to see this finished.....

[Mermaid Sparkle]

WOW! I had a busy week and didn't check in on this and I am blown away by the progress you've made! And those scales! :swoon: You're going to look beautiful.

The individual scales are going to make it so realistic, and with the pigmenting you're doing, it's gonna make it even more dimensional. Plus, those colors are just amazeballs.

I wanna see more!

[Mizuko]

Pearlie, I will bow down to you *praises*
The colours and the different textured scales, wow. This is going to be incredible!!

[LaNyah]

You can be crazy and still have a great, beautiful tail. :lol:

Frankly, I think our crazy helps the creativity. (mine at least)

[Jessica]

:jawdrop: Beautiful pearlie!!! I love it! ;)

[Mizuko]

Looks AMAZING!

[Mermaid Tula]

Gorgeous! the only thing I'd worry about the scales being lifted slightly is what would happen when you're in the water. I'd worry about ripping.

[Seatan]

Oh my gosh, I ADORE it, Pearlie! You MUST sell them! I love how it seems like a cross between a scale top and a top made out of dozens of seashells! It's gorgeous, and so natural looking. I'm not usually a fan of "scale tops" because I see no reason why female mermaids would just happen to grow scales over their boobs, but the way that it almost looks like seashells makes them stunning. I, too, like the edges lifting up a bit...

[jazz2453]

Beautiful top!

[MermaidBrittany]

I know what ya mean about the scale boobs.. i think that every time i see a scale top.

Those sea shells are amazing. Where did you get them if you dont mind me asking?

[LaNyah]

That is very nice. I also like the idea of not completely sealing them down.

[PearlieMae]

Thanks!

[MermanZen]

what kind of clay did you use again for your fluke?

[Coradion]

Gorgeous work so far! Loving your creativity!

[Mermaid Cecelia]

New batch of purple scales, and the beginning of a very different scale set...
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oooooooooooooo the new scales look cool :) kinda remind me of those greek blue eye things, don't remember what they're actually called... :)

[Jessica]

Awesome pearlie!! You are so creative ;) the blue ones are so unique and the purple ones are just stunning!!

[Mizuko]

oh wow oh wow! Those blue ones are incredible! Like the eye of a peacock feather! :D

[deepblue]

The scales look incredible. I've been thinking of a tail design for when I make my own, and thought of something similar, but not quite so detailed and breathtaking. I can't wait to see your finished product.

[Mizuko]

Holy mother of pearl. <3 Beautiful!

[Anahita]

Damn Pearlie! These scales are absolutely amazing! I'm drooling over the peacock one!

[Mermaid Cecelia]

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Here's the first peacock design scale.

Ohhhhhhhh peacock feather... Now I get it :) sooooo pretty!

[LaNyah]

So many great ideas. You could make several tails... abalone tail, purple tail, peacock tale...

[JamesGunnels]

wow...you really are so talented!

[spottedcatfish]

Looking great!

[Mermaid Clara]

what kind of resin did you use and is it strong enough for a large/full scale sheet? would you recommend the quilt batting or using fiberglass for strength?
also I love your fluke and scales! I can't wait to see the finished tail :)

[Jessica]

I used Color Cast resin ( http://www.micromark.com/colorcast-resin-32-fl-oz,7899.html ), but I got most of it from where I work... and while yes, it would be strong enough for a scale sheet, it would be cost prohibitive. It's more than a dollar an ounce!

I haven't used fiberglass, so I wouldn't know which to recommend, I just had the batting handy. My fluke mold is probably bulletproof! Jazz and I think Julz used fiberglass, so they might be better able to tell you.

Good luck!


I thought you used this : http://www.micromark.com/CR-600-Casting-Resin-32-fl-oz,7879.html

I'm guessing you've probably used both! I think I'm going to have to order some....it doesn't look like the weather will clear here anytime soon for shell shock, and I need to make some molds!

Which do you recommend/prefer? I'm making a dorsal and large hip fins

[Jessica]

Thanks pearlie! :) I'm so in love with the purple scales by the way!! They're just beautiful!

[LaNyah]

KellyMermaid - Have you seen this thread?
http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?6203-Making-a-Fiberglass-Mold

[spottedcatfish]

Beautiful!!

[Jessica]

:jawdrop::eyepop::O_o::thumbs up::dance::yay::swoon::highfive:

I love it so much!! Amazing work! You just continually inspire me :) It looks even better than I could have ever imagined and I'm so proud of you!!!!! You are changing the world of tailmaking :)

[PearlieMae]

Wow! Thank you so much! I'm honored!

[Mermaid Cecelia]

Wow. Just, wow.

[Ilyena]

:jawdrop: holy sweet mother of pearl......absolutely gorgeous....

[SeaSister]

Ahhh I love how shimmery those scales, Pearlie! It's going to look absolutely STUNNING when finished! :jawdrop:

[Soulstrifer]

this is amazing Pearlie

[Azurin Luna]

I love the blue/purple colors colors and the peacock ones :D
for now I find the white ones standing off to much, but that might change when you have more scales :)

[Jessica]

I like the contrast! There are many fish in the sea that have a lot of contrast :) it's just so much pretty on one tail! :O_o:

Every time I think I have a favorite scale, you come out with something new! :) the purple, the pink, the peacock....I could never pick just one! You will be quite the rainbow fish!

[MermaidHyli]

The scale work is stunning! I really can't wait to see how this will finish up!

[Mermaid Adriel]

I-I can't believe :swoon:

[jazz2453]

So FANCY! Looks great!


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[Miyu]

Holy freaking geez! That's so amazing I want to cry! The time and effort are really paying off :D

I also am reminded of the Rainbow Fish... I loved that book SO MUCH as a kid, and took it and my Rainbow Fish plushie everywhere <3

And oooh, can't wait to see the gold scales! I kind of wish you could have a business making and selling small sets of scales... for decorating non-silicone tails in patches, or for embedding in silicone tails, or for accessories :D

[Jessica]

Miyu,
i beat you to it! I'm first in line to get some of miss pearlies amazing scales!!!!

Pearlie you should definitely sell them!!!

I made my little merling go hunting through her book collection until she found this:

[Mermaid Oshun]

Photos:
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I have to sleep now. :)
AMAZING!!:jawdrop:

[Jessica]

I can't tell you much I love working on this and how much fun I'm having!

I looked up Rainbow Fish (my daughter was grown past it when it came out) and at first, he's selfish with his beautiful scales and then learns how to share!

You may be on to something... I have molds in five sizes, over 150 scales in a set... you could get a custom set in your choice of colors, and I will include two bottles of unmixed dragonskin to glue them down!


Yes pearlie rainbow fish! It's time to share your sparkly scales! :)

[PearlieMae]

Hahahaa!

[Mermaid Julz]

:jawdrop::jawdrop: OMG!!!!! I about fainted. This looks sooooo good! Its sooo Beautiful, Fantabulous! I cannot get enough... the rich color!!!

[Mermaid Oshun]

I am utterly in AWE of how beautiful and creative your project is! :hail:
I would like to sit and admire it all day

[PearlieMae]

Whee! I am so happy you mers like it! :dance:

[Mermaid Fenicia]

I don't like it, but I love it ;)

[*Celine*]

seriously woman, you are crazy!!! Your video almost got me crying, it's pure art, no question about it!!! If you ever plan on starting your own tailmaking business I'm definitely gonna be the first to order one because I have a crazy design and I need a crazy tailmaker to help me!!!

[MerEmma]

WOW. It looks great, Pearlie!

[Ariel-Starfish]

Woooooooooow!! :jawdrop:

[Echidna]

From the intense colours and shimmer, this looks more like sequins than silicone.

If you ever set up a tailmaking business, Merbellas would be in for stiff competition ;)

[Azurin Luna]

Oooh! I love the color of those :D

[Mermaid Kenzie]

S-so, b-beautiful! *sobbing* I cannot wait to see this finished!

[Jessica]

They are so beautiful!! (Are you tired of hearing that yet?!) this is going to be one hell of a tail!

[PearlieMae]

You guys seriously haven't caught on to my constant need for attention and approval yet?
:rollover:

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Looking good pearlie. :3

[Jessica]

You guys seriously haven't caught on to my constant need for attention and approval yet?
:rollover:

All hail Queen Pearlie! :hail::hail: < sorry! I couldn't help myself! ;)

[Winged Mermaid]

Thinking of making belts of these that one could slip on over their existing tail where it would cling and help hide the gapping issue.

That's such a good idea! And they're SO pretty!

[PearlieMae]

All hail Queen Pearlie! :hail::hail: < sorry! I couldn't help myself! ;)

Jessica, you crack me up!


Thanks, everyone!

[Mermaid Dottie]

Too dreamy, just too beautiful, Mae. *sigh*

[Mermaid Ellowyn]

This is looking so gorgeous! Seriously, I will probably dream about this tail tonight, haha. Can't wait to see those iridescent scales on, I bet they will blend beautifully.

[Meemerdd]

I need those scales! O.o *steals* Well, I won't steal them, but I need that paint, definitely!In a couple years or so, we're all going to be goin' "where am I gonna get the dough to get one of Mae's tails? Maybe I can sell my legs...." even if you don't sell any, you know, that is still happening.(I'm not taking the fading scale thing from you, you saw my post before postin' this picture, have to say that.)

[Merman Arion]

All hail Queen Pearlie! :hail::hail: < sorry! I couldn't help myself! ;)

Too weak, Jessica! THIS is how to bow down ;)

ALL HAIL QUEEN PEARLIE !

https://www.team9000.net/attachments/notworthy-gif.228/

[Aino Revontuletar]

Wow I just read through this thread and you are incredible! I love your idea of making it in sections rather than doing a whole huge scale sheet. I'm crazy like you and if I decide to go through with my tail I will be also putting a lot of detail in my scales. I will be using ultracal for the molds since it is all I can really afford and I am scared of making a huge scale sheet and having it be too fragile and break on me. I like the idea of gluing the scales down to silicone-infused power mesh. That way I wouldnt have to do as much sculpting either and I could just re-use my molds (I was going to sculpt the whole scale sheet in clay)

[Seraphina Suds]

Wow!! *0* Your progress is so amazing! You have a great artistic vision!

[Mermaid Melanie]

wow Pearlie! these are fabulous ! Well done ! It will look amazing when its all done, can't wait to see it ! x

[Jessica]

:swoon::swoon: They're so beautiful!!! I love, love, love the purple!!!

[jazz2453]

This is looking REALLY great~ !! Your tail looks much different from any others I've ever seen! :rainbow: :thumbs up:

[Seatan]

GORGEOUS, Pearlie! Your work is FANTASTIC!

[Ashton]

I call dibs if you ever start making tails of other people!


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[Aino Revontuletar]

Aino, if you're going to do your scales in sections like I am, you're going to need something more sturdy than ultracal. It just won't hold up. You will need to use something durable, like urethane resin, but on the plus side, you won't be using very much because your molds will be so much smaller.

I thought that might be the case. I guess ultracal is ok for a one-time mold like a scale sheet but it wouldn't work if you intend to re-use the mold a lot. I hadn't really considered urethane resin until reading this thread. Does it matter what type of urethane resin you use? I have been looking at the websites for local suppliers and there are a lot of different types!

[Aino Revontuletar]

That stuff is as expensive as shell shock here. I think I will stick with using ultracal and just doing one big scale sheet (and being very careful lifting it). I know fibreglass resin is cheap here but I do remember someone in another thread saying that the heat let off from the fibreglass curing melted the clay she used for her scales

[Mermaid Clara]

Pearlie what kind of monofin are you planning to use in your tail?

[*Celine*]

Awwwww! Don't cry! :hug:

I'm good at crazy!

Once I get this one done, I'll have to calculate how much I would need to charge as it is very labor intensive. Then you can decide if you want me to make you a tail! ;)

HELL YEAH, I love you!!!!

[Mermaid Tula]

All those scales! *swoon*

[Mermaid Dottie]

Breath=gone

[jazz2453]

Wow some of those are REALLY REALLY STUNNING! :mermaid kiss: :swoon:

[jazz2453]

The bottom left hand corner is my favorite.

[Mermaid Dottie]

I like the ones just below the top right. <3

[OceanRose]

They're so visually beautiful, my eyes are looking at treasure <3 AWESOME WORK!!!!!

[AniaR]

Stunnnnnnnnnning

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[PearlieMae]

Thanks!:hug:

I really mean it! I appreciate how you all are following my progress and like the things I'm sharing here!

There are big things coming on the horizon, and I couldn't have gotten here without the love, support and encouragement from all my fellow network merfriends!

:group hug:

[Fifi Tigg]

Amazing, beautiful and very creative! The tail will look amazing PearlieMae :D

[Ilyena]

The main thing I love about this design , besides how awesome the scales are, is how there will be no such thing as a seem running down each side as each separate scale is 'glued' sealed together.

[*Celine*]

A variety of scales...

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7335/11950598733_bf9e157caf_c.jpg

I would totally hang these above my bed, it's like giant painting!!!

[Jessica]

So many pretty scales!!!! I love them all! :)

[Imogen Finnly]

i just spent an hour looking through this thread;') it is amazing to see how much work and love you have put into this tail. it is really truly outstanding.:cthulhu:

[PearlieMae]

Thanks Jayy! An hour? And you managed to stay awake? ;)

[Vittigera]

Speaking as an artist trying to break into tailmaking, PearlieMae, you are now my idol. Your attention to detail is nothing short of breathtaking and I can't wait to see your tail finished. I'm new to this site and I couldn't be more pleased that yours is the first thread I browsed. Keep being fintastic, lady.

[PearlieMae]

Hi Vittigera! And welcome!

Thank you for the glowing praise! But there are many more tailmaking mers on here to look to as well! There is a deep sea of talent to be found here.

You should introduce yourself here: http://mernetwork.com/index/forumdisplay.php?7-Introduce-Yourself (I'd love to see some of your art!)

You're going to meet some great merfolks!

[Vittigera]

Thank you for the welcome, I need a day or two to get organized but I'll start a thread on the Introduce Yourself page soon with some artwork and such. Pleased to make your acquaintance.:)

[Mermaid Oshun]

Pearlie Mae what are the dimensions of your monofin? I think you and I are about the same size more or less.

[PearlieMae]

I don't have access to it right now (I'm out with The Beau), but I had to buy the 36" x 48" sheet of Lexan, $67 plus tax at Home Depot.

[Mermaid Oshun]

Didnt you draw it on a 24"x36" sheet of construstion paper? Please tell me when you get it because Im trying to decide how small to downsize my fluke.

[Jessica]

Didnt you draw it on a 24"x36" sheet of construstion paper? Please tell me when you get it because Im trying to decide how small to downsize my fluke.

I think that sketch you're thinking of is for me! I asked pearlie to make me a kids monofin and she's been working on the design for awhile! :)

[Mermaid Oshun]

Exquisitely beautiful scales and so organized too!

[PearlieMae]

Thanks! Excruciating attention to detail is going to make this tail a success, I believe.

[Meemerdd]

There are so many different scales here! There all so amazing and beautiful!

[PearlieMae]

I had mentioned my mermaid mailbox before, and remembered to take a photo. I did this with sequins and E6000. It's been out in the elements since 2008. So yeah, E6000 works pretty good.
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[Mermaid Dottie]

Oh my gosh, Pearlie Mae, that is SO great!

[OceanRose]

Dammit *&$@ stop being so awesome! I can't handle it.
I'm having a 'moment'

[OceanRose]

JK. Don't stop, obviously :-D

[Winged Mermaid]

:swoon:

[PearlieMae]

Hehehe! Like I could stop even if I wanted to! My neighbors think I'm nuts, and I'm fine with that. :D

[Aino Revontuletar]

Hahaha I love the mailbox! Oh and the scales are just awesome, but you already know that!

[MermaidBrandie]

omg, that mailbox is fab.

[Kae]

So I've been away for what I thought was a short time and had to catch up on a billion pages of this thread! I can't believe how much I've missed!

These scales are heart-stoppingly beautiful! 17822 I can't wait to see more pictures!

[Taz]

Breathtaking <3

[Mermaid Isabel(:]

Wow your work is so beautiful! I love how you did each scale separately and made them different sizes it looks so amazing! :)

[Ashton]

Just out of curiosity; how much has making this tail cost you so far?

[PearlieMae]

So I've been away for what I thought was a short time and had to catch up on a billion pages of this thread! I can't believe how much I've missed!

These scales are heart-stoppingly beautiful! 17822 I can't wait to see more pictures!

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

[thevirginiamermaid]

I love the mailbox!!! When I get a house I'm definitely pimping my mailbox mermaid style

[Mermaid Sirena]

That mailbox is fantastic & those scales are stunning. I can not wait to see what this looks like when it's finished!

[Mermaid Caspiana]

When you finish you definitely have to tell us how much you'll charge for tails! You are utterly fantastically talented!

[Delphine]

Hmmm....good question. A lot of the things I've already had in my arsenal of craft supplies, but off the top of my head, since I got my silicone...

All costs are approximate.

2 gallons dragonskin - $400 (I won't use all two gallons)
pigments, glitter and Pearlex - $30 (I already had EVERY color, I needed black, purple and interference colors)
resin for molds - $50
clay - $20 (about six pounds)
Lexan - $70 (I can probably get two flukes out of this, but if it's too floppy because it's thin, I may double it up and glue it together in the one fluke, so figure inexpensive monofin, cost-wise)
powermesh - no idea. I had it in my fabric stash.

So far, I'm looking at a cost of around $600 for new supplies - granted, this doesn't take into account incidentals, things I already have on hand or mer-hours...The hourly cost alone - if I paid myself just minimum wage - is already in the thousands, but lots of this time was spent exploring the materials. Once I get the process down, I could probably turn around a custom tail with handcrafted fluke and individual scales in say...three months.

And this is a TOTAL "GUESSTIMATE"! I feel like I am forgetting something crucial, but it's not coming to mind yet.

Wow! I guess because you must have had a lot of equipment already.. the Delphine Tail was definitely $1,000 at least, with almost all new supplies. Yours MUST be thin! My scale sheet is probably about 3/16" thick & I like that. Yours sounds thinner! YES! The Dragon Skin works well as it settles clear onto itself. I basically did the same with glow-pigments and wished I'd don't one last clear "slime" coat. This really helps bring out the depth when iridescence is involved, so your scales are gunna be epicly fantastical. You have quite a following, now, eh? Whoohoo! I feel like if I could do a fist-time silicone-tail within 3 months, you definitely can once you streamline your super-detailed-process. I'm amazed & adoring of all the work you have put into your tail. It's inspiring and wonderful, absolutely fin-tastical work!!! Sorry I went into hermit-mode for Dec., I had to focus on graduating college. ^__^" I really missed checking in with you guys! I'm floored by what you've accomplished in these months. Keep it up, Pearlie! Funny enough, I'm also an Aquarius, so I guess this is a thing. XD I work among the same materials as you, apparently lol!, and would love to discuss specifics at some point. I'm very interested in your use of the Pearl Ex pigments. They're sooooo gorgeous. And you did PEACOCK SCALES! A Mer after my own fishy heart. <3

P.S. And your mer-mailbox is mmmmesmerizing! Love it!
P.S.S. Hm, interesting. why do you feel that shell tops are more suiting to mermaids than say, scale tops? Or, I dunno fabric or animal-themed tops?

[Jeblily]

It's so beautiful!!!!!!:crying:
I'm getting teary eyed just thinking about how this will look when you finish!

[Winged Mermaid]

This is me, the whole time I'm reading this thread XD


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

[PearlieMae]

I am getting really excited about it! Next up, fluke/monofin construction!

[Fifi Tigg]

Lol that is soo funny! :lol:

This is me, the whole time I'm reading this thread XD


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

[PearlieMae]

This is me, the whole time I'm reading this thread XD


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

You might not comment much, but when you do, you KILL me! :mermaid kiss:

[Jessica]

Keep up the good work!! Your scales are so beautiful!!

[Mermaid Caspiana]

This will probably be the most realistic ail I have ever seen! Awesome job, Pearlie!

[deepblue]

Great gods and little fishes, your work is amazing, woman. Holy criminy. Yeah, in the future when I finally get to make a tail, yours is some advice I shall heed.

[PearlieMae]

I feel bad that I'm not moving faster on this!

Thank you! I am so encouraged by all the luv! :group hug:

[lasserine]

The purple scales look so pretty.

Amazing work you are doing

[Imogen Finnly]

I brag to all my friends about your tail!:D

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[Azurin Luna]

I love how it's starting to look :D Keep up the good work!

[Ashton]

Lookin' good so far! I can't wait to see more!

[Anahita]

I feel bad that I'm not moving faster on this!

Thank you! I am so encouraged by all the luv! :group hug:

Shhhhhhh

This level of awesome takes time.... We're willing to wait... even if it is a bit impatiently :D

[Mermaid Tula]

*staring at the new picture in awe* Oh Pearlie! *swoon* So gorgeous!

[MermaidBrandie]

That looks amazing! I love those colors!

[Pascal21M]

When will it be finished?

[Mermaid Adriel]

you're awesome, PerlieMae! *_*

[Sarah Lotus]

This whole thread is glorious. The mailbox... omg.
I would love to make a tail someday.

[PearlieMae]

2:30am and I have Lexan flukes! One is for testing, the other is going inside my tail! I would post a photo, but it is very hard to photograph a sheet of clear plastic! Goodnight!

[AniaR]

beautiful

[Imogen Finnly]

Pearlie!!! Urgh! Haha they are so pretty! Wow. Amazing work. Simply stunning.

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[Mermaid Cecelia]

Ahhh such sparkles! Very scales! Much purple! Wow!!!!

[Fifi Tigg]

Now that is a rainbow tail!!! :D

[Mermaid Cascada]

Pretty!!! Beautiful sparkles!

[jazz2453]

SOOO SHINY! I love it!

[*Celine*]

I can't wait to see your tail finished! It' going to be EPIC!

[Ashton]

What is power mesh?
Scales looks fantastic by the way.


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[Mermaid Dottie]

Either your butt is teeny tiny, or your scales are way bigger than I imagined, or both.

[Jessica]

Your scaley butt looks fantastic! ;) ( haha! sorry I couldn't help myself!)

seriously though...its beautiful! I love love love it!!! I guess being buried under all that snow is good for your creativity!

[MermanZen]

So if you have like a body of your legs you made you can just like pin scales to it and then when it cures you can just peal it off????? I was thinking of that idea to just make a mannequin then position it to look like a Mer rap it with a mesh then paint it with the latex on it and then peal it off and glue latex scales to it. Can I do that

[Ashton]

It almost looks like a galaxy!


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[Mermaid Dottie]

I LOVE it.

[MermanZen]

Thank you PearlieMae my scale sheet didn't turn out so well so I'm looking for other ways to make the body of my tail

[Fifi Tigg]

It's going to look so amazing!! :)

[MermanZen]

Thank you PearlieMae I have the time I just need to get the latex

[Mermaid Cascada]

It's so pretty!!!!!!

[emma11]

Pearlie just so I get this straight! You're using silicone to bond them into the mesh correct? Pinning down to keep them flat, and then you're doing a slime layer over that with more silicone?

Looking stunning as usual!!


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[Jessica]

Your transitions are just so pretty! I can't wait to see how this turns out :)

[Azurin Luna]

Ooh, very nice :D love the colors

[emma11]

Oh my look at that!! How stunning! And you must have molded your feet too!


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[emma11]

Your feet look so tiny!


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[Ashton]

This might be a dumb question, but how are you going to get the pins out but retain the placement of the scales before the slime coat?

[lasserine]

The sparkling of the scales look lovely.

Great work on the tail. A lot of work, but the look will be worth it.

[Mermaid Mhara]

I've been following this for so long now - How is the fluke going? Not heard much about it for a while.

it looks amazing so far and I can't wait to see it done! :D

[Ashton]

Ah gottcha, thank you for clearing that up, I really love your photos!

[PearlieMae]

Thanks! They are just cell phone pics, I'm also chronicling the process with my big camera. :rollover:

[MerEmma]

Oh my gosh. WOW.

[MermaidHyli]

Seriously I am really excited to see how this turns out!

[Mizuko]

I've been gone too long!! Pearlie this looks INCREDIBLE!

[PearlieMae]

Thanks!

I hope it's been worth the wait!

[Mermaid Caspiana]

Jeez this is stunning!

[Elle]

I love that Edward Scissorhands is playing in the background of that video :)

The tail looks awesome too!!! :)

[Nicoseamus]

This looks SO FANTASTIC! Wow, reading the thread, I knew it was going to be good, but not this AMAZING! Congratulations, it looks spectacular!

[Mermaid_Dominique]

It looks amazing! :O Can't wait for more pictures!:D

[PearlieMae]

Well, I took the prototype monofin for a swim tonight, and IT SWIMS AWESOMELY! I have a scant few tweaks and it's ready to go between my cicada wing fluke halves!

I'm practically done!

[Pascal21M]

Do you can make a video of this swim??

[Mermaid Adriel]

that's sooo AMAZING! Congrats!:swoon:

[Mermaid Julz]

PearlieMae! Wow! I've been so busy lately with school I haven't been able to keep up. I really love this....your tail is going to be marvelous! I am gone for a bit and you just explode with progress! i wanna see more!

[Miyu]

SO MANY PRETTIES :swoon::crying:

I am loving the progress...

[Melosyne]

Your design is so unique and beautiful. :hail:
I can't wait to see the final result.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Gorgeous tail! Also looking forward to seeing you swim in it.

[MerEmma]

There are no words, Pearlie.

No.
Words. <3

[Mermaid Dottie]

*stands on head from awe*

[MermanZen]

OMG PearlieMae that looks amazing I hope I have the same success with my tail wonderful work

[MermaidBrandie]

Thats amazing, Pearlie!! Omg. I can't WAIT to see it finished!

[Echidna]

You're such a tease, Pearlie :p
I bet you only wanna see us drool.

It's gorgeous.
Now will you excuse me, I'm going back to snivel into my crochet tail.

[Jessica]

All right miss pearlie, name your price. :drool::drool:

[Ashton]

All right miss pearlie, name your price. :drool::drool:

Jess I am with you on that!

[Lorelei]

Pearlie, this is so beautiful! :o I seriously cannot wait to see how it turns out when it's done.

[Mermaid Sparkle]

:jawdrop: Amazing. If this is what the body is going to be like, I cannot wait to see what magic you're going to do with the fluke. You're going to be the prettiest mermaid of us all.

[PearlieMae]

Aww! Thank you! But we are ALL beautiful!

(I might be the prettiest 54 year old mermaid, though! :dance: )

[Mermaid_Dominique]

OMG so excited!!!:jawdrop: It all looks amazing!!!

[AniaR]

man oh man!

[Azurin Luna]

Looks really stunning! I love it :D

The photo that was taken from beneath reminded me of the Chinese carrot flowers we get here at the Chinese restaurants :)

[MermaidBrandie]

that color gradient....

[Delphine]

Wow wow wow! :pearl:-ie-may! Love it!

[Anahita]

OMG!!!!!! :yay:It's coming together so beautifully! I can't wait to see it finished. I'm in love! :swoon:

[Jessica]

Love love love love love!!!

[OceanRose]

hyperventilating

[Ashton]

I kneel before you and your artistic brilliance!

[Mermaid_Dominique]

It looks spectacular! congratulations!!

[MerEmma]

WOW. It's GORGEOUS.

[Kishiko]

:jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawd rop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop:: jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdr op::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::j awdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdro p::jawdrop::jawdrop::drool::drool::drool::drool::d rool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::dr ool::drool::drool::drool::drool::swoon::swoon::swo on::swoon::swoon::swoon::swoon::swoon::swoon::swoo n::swoon::swoon::swoon::swoon::swoon::swoon::swoon ::swoon::swoon::swoon:

[Jessica]

:jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawd rop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop:: jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdr op::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::j awdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdrop::jawdro p::jawdrop::jawdrop::drool::drool::drool::drool::d rool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::dr ool::drool::drool::drool::drool::swoon::swoon::swo on::swoon::swoon::swoon::swoon::swoon::swoon::swoo n::swoon::swoon::swoon::swoon::swoon::swoon::swoon ::swoon::swoon::swoon:


My feelings exactly!

[Fifi Tigg]

Such a talented lady! :mermaid kiss:

[Mizuko]

INCONCEIVABLE! (you keep using that word, I dont think it means what you think it means)
But seriously, soooooo amazing!!! XD Pearlie, this is just gorgeous! I cant wait to see it finished!!


^ I was hoping someone would get that reference, but now that I think about it, if people dont get it then I sound like a crazy person. lol.

[AniaR]

holy. fuc*ing. amazing. I'd buy one of those! wow! Can't wait to hear how it all comes out! Test er good now ya hear!

[lasserine]

Looks great.

How many scales would you say you used?

[ShyMer]

I love that idea!

[Jessica]

Thank you, everyone!

I think there are between 800 and 1000 on here so far. I've made well over a thousand scales, I have lots that ate not going to make the cut, and I've used a couple of boxes of pins that claim to have 400 in them, but I've also used some of a partial box one pin per scale.

On another note, I just read the children's book Rainbow Fish...I'm afraid kids are all going to want a shiny scale! Maybe I will have to make some that are detachable!

I think you have bigger problems than a few kids wanting a scale......more like a whole pod of mermaids wanting them! ;)

[Jeblily]

In a perfect world...
18843

[Mermaid Cecelia]

So many princess bride references.... And such a SPECTACULAR tail pearlie!! It's coming together awesomely!!!

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Ooo! I love the colors you chose!

[Morticia Mermaid]

Wow. Loving watching the construction of this tail Pearlie. And the uniqueness of the body construction is incredible. I never would have thought to do something like that. The coloring is great too!

[spottedcatfish]

In a perfect world...
18843
*sigh* He's sooo dreamy... :drool::swoon:

[MermaidMyrthe]

:jawdrop::jawdrop: :jawdrop: :drool: :drool: :drool: :swoon: :swoon: :swoon: OMG Pearlie! This is absolutely gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!

[MermanZen]

I love it Pearlie!!!! :D

[Jessica]

Beautiful!! I'm in love :)

[MermaidBrandie]

so....um...you're gonna sell these right? lol

[PearlieMae]

Um...I hope so! :D

(And I didn't forget your little tail we discussed!)

[Mermaid Adriel]

I'm speechless... *_*

[BayouMermaid]

It is so beautiful! I love the green and purple together. Keep up the awesome work!

[MermanOliver]

:jawdrop: Absolutely gorgeous! The amount of work and attention to detail you put in that tail is incredible. Can't wait to see it finished and swimming. Awesome!

[MerEmma]

How is the weight on it? Although the fluke is huge so it'll probably be most of the weight anyway :P

[MerEmma]

Sounds great! It looks amazing. :D

[Kishiko]

We some job pearlie mae! Maybe one day I can buy from you!!!(:

[lasserine]

This is looking great.

Cant wait till it is done.

[MermaidBrandie]

Um...I hope so! :D

(And I didn't forget your little tail we discussed!)
Haha, no worries and no rush. :) Just keep posting these pretty photos of your big tail, they're amazing. ^.^

[Delphine]

Hahaha, lovin' the Princess Bride quotes, all! <3 Whoa, almost done adding all those scales! Ah, you will be the Rainbow Mermaid Queen, Pearlie May!:swoon::rainbow:

[Trident True]

This just goes to show HOW MUCH TIME AND EFFORT has gone into the creation of this tail. the long pain staking long nights and days working on each individaul piece and not to mention the process work. Most people would take something like this for granted. But as an artist you can see your creation process and how your brain decided on how it was going to achieve the desired goal. this will look fabulous once complete, you know that , i know that everyone knows it. pretty much cliffnotes version (so I don't bore people to tears) is all the hard work as paid OFF. everything has come together. YAY. now....... If only i could get my ass into gear and get my tail done. :)

[MermanZen]

OMG
beautiful

[PearlieMae]

Wow! Thank you! I have learned so much through this process...and the art of the process is what I truly live for...I love the problem solving. I have a terrible habit of getting an idea for something, like the annual mermaid parade, and waiting too long to get moving, and not getting my vision to come together by the deadline. Conversely, another bad habit is that I will NOT have a deadline and a project I am enthusiastic about languishes nearly done because I'm afraid I will ruin it in the last stages.

But, you know what? Life is too short. I'm going to finish this tail, and if it's not perfect, that's okay. If it fails, I will try again. But I will have one finished tail that will be filled with energy, with sincere effort, with solutions, and with love for the creative process. And until the next -and presumably better - tail is done, I will happily swim in the imperfect, well loved project that has brought me so much joy.

And with every push through the water, every shimmer of light that plays off the surface, every joyous laugh from me or others, I will take with me the love and support of you all, this unique community. I hope you all know how much I truly appreciate your thoughts and enthusiasm, your questions and advice, and I thank you all from the depths of my mermaid heart.

I just thought you should know. :mermaid kiss:

[Mermaid Adriel]

^ well said, Pearlie! :D And we all can't wait to see the finished project *3*

[Mermaid Sabie]

This is beyond beautiful. At the very beginning stages of making my first tail (latex and neoprene) I hope that I can put as much effort in the details as you, and have it turn out so lovely!

[Mermaid Sabie]

Also it is the weekend! Could this be THE weekend!?!? :D I really hope so!!! :D

[Echidna]

Looks like fairy wings :)

that's gonna be one helluva tail.

[teeth4u]

This is beautiful!

[Azurin Luna]

Wow! Those fins look super cool. Keep up your fantastic work :D

[PearlieMae]

Thanks, but those are really scrap fins, I don't care for them and am sculpting a new set. They do follow te design of the fluke though, so I'm using then as a testing ground. I'm not even sure if I'm adding extra fins yet.

[Mermaid Caspiana]

Love all of the Princess Bride quotes and such! <# But seriously Pearlie! You are flipping amazing!!! I so cannot wait to see this completed! :D

[Ariadne]

So. Much. Talent. I am loving this!!! xoxo

[*Celine*]

o my god, o my god, o my god!!! Almost there PearlieMae!!!!!!

[Delphine]

Wow! Thank you! I have learned so much through this process...and the art of the process is what I truly live for...I love the problem solving. I have a terrible habit of getting an idea for something, like the annual mermaid parade, and waiting too long to get moving, and not getting my vision to come together by the deadline. Conversely, another bad habit is that I will NOT have a deadline and a project I am enthusiastic about languishes nearly done because I'm afraid I will ruin it in the last stages.

But, you know what? Life is too short. I'm going to finish this tail, and if it's not perfect, that's okay. If it fails, I will try again. But I will have one finished tail that will be filled with energy, with sincere effort, with solutions, and with love for the creative process. And until the next -and presumably better - tail is done, I will happily swim in the imperfect, well loved project that has brought me so much joy.

And with every push through the water, every shimmer of light that plays off the surface, every joyous laugh from me or others, I will take with me the love and support of you all, this unique community. I hope you all know how much I truly appreciate your thoughts and enthusiasm, your questions and advice, and I thank you all from the depths of my mermaid heart.

I just thought you should know. :mermaid kiss:

Aww, you're very sweet. I shared a similar sentiment when nearly done with mine. Super excited for you. It is an AMAZING feeling to look at your handmade, COMPLETED tail. Think of all you've learned from this experimentation!!!! And you must be pumped for that first test swim!!! Eeeeee! It'll look so like-like in the water!!! I swear the tails look sooo much more "real" in their element. ;)

Looked at your test fins. I know you said you are scrapping them, just wanted to make a note. The current design will be attached at the top back & lay flat against the body, right? They look is similar to mine with a flat bottom & sculpted front-surface. Well, that's how I did mine. Are you planning on more 2-D or 3-D style fins (You said are considering none, as well)? My new designed ones will stick out the other way off the hips & be connected on a different point-of-contact. Where both the front is made of right & left sides that are sculpted, then cast, & the back gets attached via more silicone to the body of the tail. I've seen both done on MN, so I know either works!!

[Delphine]

You're welcome, Pearlie!

That's cool. I remember you were happily saved from scraping out all the clay from your mold. Phew! :phew: Yeah, try some tests with that for the side fins! It'll fit better with your design, perhaps. Ooo, yeah I'm also a fan of his mermaids! They are so sparkly & absolutely lovely. Breathe! I know the anxious feeling at the end--excited to be done, nervous to be done, terrified of somehow "ruining" the whole project. I know you can move fast, I just hope you don't rush yourself. You've been so great at keeping up a pace!!! I'm excited to see where this takes you. Best of luck in the pondering.

[Mermaid Isabel(:]

Wow it's looking great! Can't wait to see the whole thing finished :)

[Mermaid Clara]

oh my SCALES!!! this is absolutely amazing! your tail is probably going to be the most beautiful mermaid tail ever made!

[lollikit]

:jawdrop: :jawdrop: :jawdrop: :jawdrop: :jawdrop: :jawdrop: :jawdrop: :jawdrop:

[MerEmma]

SO gorgeous. You have such a unique, creative mind, Pearlie--people tell me I'm creative all the time but man, you SERIOUSLY take the cake!

[Fifi Tigg]

Speechless......... just beautiful!!!! :mermaid kiss:

[Mermaid Dottie]

*brain explodes from awesome overload*

Sent from my C6916 using Tapatalk

[PearlieMae]

Thanks, everyone! I'm so excited!

Emma, You are AWESOME! I might have some neat ideas about the scales for my tail BUT YOU ARE BUILDING A FREAKING DINOSAUR!!!! :hail: