PearlieMae's Silicone Tail Journey

[Mermaid Wesley]

I'm laughing at the image of you putting the mini tail on like a boot and yanking XD I'm glad it's working!


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[PearlieMae]

Hahahaha! I did get a little huffy puffy! Just about to start the big tail now...will try and keep updates coming! But if not, it's because my hands are covered in silicone!

[MermaidBrandie]

This. Looks. A-MAZE-ING.

[Mermaid Wesley]

YAY!


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[Mermaid Lorelei]

Congrats Pearlie! You've been doing such a fantastic job!

[PearlieMae]

Moving slowly and carefully...
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And my assistant, Moochie.
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[Mermaid Wesley]

*bounces* looks great!!!


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[JessieMermaid]

Looking good Pearlie! Slow and steady! Btw cute kitty! What is with mermaids and cats? Lol

[PearlieMae]

Forging ahead!
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[JessieMermaid]

Squeeee!!!!!!!!!

[Mermaid Wesley]

I'm curious, do the pin holes show at all when you pull them out? I know you're doing a slime coat and that should fill them though.


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[PearlieMae]

No, the pin holes don't show at all, the silicone closes up behind them. They could potentially be tear hazards if I weren't putting more silicone on the back and sticking them to fabric, but the addition of new silicone seals everything together, almost fusing it into one big piece, and the power mesh gives added stability.

I could not rip the test piece using all my strength, and I'm pretty strong.

[JessieMermaid]

Pearlie = wonder mermaid

[Mermaid Wesley]

Awesome!


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[Aziara]

Pearlie, you are reinventing tailmaking. Bravo! :hail:

[Mermaid Adriel]

https://31.media.tumblr.com/012fc78df0cb16d9d2f50aa82d29f0d9/tumblr_inline_n3o5z8MEoP1qza6vq.gif

[Ariel-Starfish]

This is so amazingly done!!

[SeaNymph]

Amazing and beautiful, Pearlie. And I love your assistant ;-)

[PearlieMae]

Easter, Moochie helped me work on it outside...
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And now, I'm halfway up the body!
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[Mermaid Lorelei]

First off, woo! Loving this. Secondly, you have a really nice outdoor space!

[Mermaid Wesley]

EEP!! It's really coming together! *applause*


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[JessieMermaid]

I've decided that I have to live with you Pearlie

[Jessica]

Awesome pearlie!!!! Did I ever tell you that you're my favorite tailmaker?! ;) love watching your progress!!

[Echidna]

Are you living on the shores of that lake?

I dimly remember you mentioned it in your intro and elsewhere, but I had no idea you could literally jump from your terrace into the water lol!

[Mizuko]

*faints* You are incredible Pearlie! :D This is looking so amazing! :D

[Mermaid Cecelia]

Oh my god I leave for a month and just LOOK at all that beautiful progress!!! Totally in awe, really. :yay: :dance: :thumbs-up: :hail:

[PearlieMae]

I can't wait to get this done!

Yes, that is my lake! Might as well be, I'm the only one who really swims in it. There are a couple of beach areas, but I like to circumnavigate the lake a couple of times when I swim. Each lap is about two miles. I actually have to walk down about twenty steps to get lakeside, but my dock is kinda warped and dips right down to the water's edge and I can just roll into the water. It's a wonderful thing to have if you're mer. :D Ever year, I swim with mute swans!

[PearlieMae]

Now I'm above the knees!
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[Mermaid Wesley]

:yay: :yay: :yay:

[Starfrit]

omg this is looking so beautiful I'm hyperventilating

http://www.reactiongifs.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/give_it_to_me_stephen_colbert.gif

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdccwzAz9s1rv8jpzo1_500.gif

[Mermaid Jessica Pearl]

So so so inspiring! Eeeeee!

[JessieMermaid]

That's not a tail that's a stun gun...... because it's stunning the rest of us mers with awe and jealousy!

[Aziara]

*grabby hands* So pretty..... *ahem* *comports self* So how are you hanging up the leg mold? It's so funny to see a pair of scaled legs hanging in the air!

[PearlieMae]

The leg mold is a variation on a duct tape dummy. I made one using plastic grocery bags (I ran out of Saran Wrap) and dollar store clear packing tape. I stuffed it with more grocery bags (thank goodness I didn't take out the recycling!), some pool noodles and packing peanuts, and sealed the top with more tape. I had some craft pipe cleaners - aka chenille stems - that I looped through the top and hung it from a hanging plant hanger...it's very lightweight!

I have two beams that run across my living room, and drove in a large screw into the beam and hung it from there.

[Mermaid Galene]

Wow, I'm double jelly! I would LOVE to swim with swans. Hudson, WI, where I live, in on the St. Croix River, and every winter a flock of several hundred trumpeter swans camps out there. It's one of the few spots with open water all winter (due to a power plant downstream). They are so magical! The river's not swimmable for humans in winter, (can you say "hypothermia and frostbite"?), but I've imagined a photoshoot with me in a white tail lounging on the ice with swans all around. It would probably take a blowtorch to get me unfrozen afterwards!

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[PearlieMae]

I'm up to the top of my legs! Each row takes about an hour, it's pretty slow going. But each scale has a matching scale on the opposite side. The line is a ribbon delineating my center line...next, new monofin construction and the application of the fluke!
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(I crop my photos tight so you can't really see the mess my house really is!)

[Aziara]

I think it is a mer's prerogative to have a messy house, lol. And you're so close to finishing! *spazzes out*

[JessieMermaid]

Yay! This is gonna be the envy of every meet out there....

[Mermaid Wesley]

Hooray!! Go Pearlie!


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[Mermaid Clara]

looks absolutely amazing Pearlie! I'm totally shell shocked by how amazing your tail is.

[lollikit]

http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2013/085/5/8/ohwow_by_acfan120-d5zenkr.gif (http://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=dTC3QB-HFQ_J-M&tbnid=rJef_RIEeMRYqM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Facfan120.deviantart.com%2Fart%2FO h-Wow-GIF-361801179&ei=vKBcU5_sGsKLkwWR_4HoDg&bvm=bv.65397613,d.dGI&psig=AFQjCNEW8pTSUsy97NjnpX0O8Qvz6-9AMg&ust=1398665771748166)

[Azurin Luna]

Wow, that is going to be one awesome looking tail :D

[PearlieMae]

I am so close to finishing the body of my tail. I think tomorrow I will be able to try it on for fit!
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[Nicoseamus]

It's so perfect!!! :jawdrop::clap::swoon:

[Echidna]

so pretty.
love the shiny bits!

[AniaR]

Wow

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[AniaR]

You know it is good when I'm rendered speechless

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[Mermaid Melanie]

Looks awesome Pearlie ! Well done you ! :D x

[Mizuko]

ahhhhhh I would scream but I'm at work! Cannot wait to see this on you!! :D

[lollikit]

I can die happy now!

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lgfjy9psIR1qzqsac.gif (http://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=PawuVsvsG-fC8M&tbnid=pbhGM5WvWpIttM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Frandomgiffolder.tumblr.com%2Fpost %2F3731479685&ei=4C1jU7jaL83nkgXw0oCoBQ&bvm=bv.65788261,d.dGI&psig=AFQjCNFdJJga-SaSrxaHYhUPahksHPcgAw&ust=1399095117584948)

[Mermaid Wesley]

AAAHHH! So pumped for you!


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[jukumerboii]

I am beyond jealous!

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Oooo!!

A couple of spray coats of clear glitter and you'll shine at the darkest depths!

[Mermaid Adriel]

I can't believe! *w*

[Mermaid Wesley]

Is it tomorrow yet?? I'm checking this like ever few minutes. I CAN STOP WHENEVER I WANT!!


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[PearlieMae]

I woke up at 4am and almost got up to work on it. Sleep thought better of that idea!

[Ariadne]

Eep! Must touch the sparkle! In lurve with this!!!

[JessieMermaid]

Pearlie this is looking amazing.....can't wait to see you in it!

[Mertara]

it looks amazing!!!!!!! I love the mixed scales!

[PearlieMae]

Believe it or not, but the scales are symmetrical all the way around...

I may make a short video of me struggling to fit into it to see if it fits. Hahaha! THAT should be a riot!

[Merman Arion]

Believe it or not, but the scales are symmetrical all the way around...

I may make a short video of me struggling to fit into it to see if it fits. Hahaha! THAT should be a riot!

I would love to watch that :D


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[Mermaid Adriel]

^me too!

[PearlieMae]

Like watching a walrus wriggle into a sealskin. :O_o:

[Merman Arion]

Like watching a walrus wriggle into a sealskin. :O_o:

Oh come on! It won't be that bad! :)

Think about me doing soon my unboxing video with my terrible English (thank you stupid French accent...)
People might laugh more :p


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[JessieMermaid]

I like French accents....actually I like accents in general....

[PearlieMae]

Oh come on! It won't be that bad! :)

Think about me doing soon my unboxing video with my terrible English (thank you stupid French accent...)
People might laugh more :p


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French accented English and dat ass? :swoon:

(I'll have to shoot it on my bed...it's the only cleared flat space big enough!)

[Merman Arion]

French accented English and dat ass? :swoon:

(I'll have to shoot it on my bed...it's the only cleared flat space big enough!)

LOL

It's always about my ass with you ;)


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[PearlieMae]

LOL

It's always about my ass with you ;)


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Well DUH! LOOK at it!!! :D

[JessieMermaid]

It is such a lovely ass....it should be considered a work of art!

[Merman Arion]

Can we get back on the main topic here? :D
I dont wanna be accused of trolling lol


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[Ariel-Starfish]

That tail is pure perfection!!

[Ashton]

Lookin' good!

[Mermaid Sabie]

EEeeee!!!! This is so beautiful!

[PearlieMae]

Guess who has a mermaid tail in her lap?

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:mermaid kiss:

[Aziara]

*hyperventilates* http://www.reactiongifs.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/hyperventilating_fry_futurama.gif

[AniaR]

^most appropriate gif ever

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Where's the video? I was expecting the try on video!

[PearlieMae]

I'm going to have to video it tomorrow, I don't have enough light and I don't want to drag out the studio lights tonight...the fluke isn't on it yet, but the fit is phenomenal! I highly recommend making tails over a tape dummy of yourself!

[Kishiko]

OH MY GOD PEARLIE YOURE ALMOST THERE AhHHHHHHH *dead*

[PearlieMae]

It's dark, but it's on! Those are my green socks up there ;)
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[Echidna]

woo!
looking finomenal already.

can't wait for full pic or swim video.

[JessieMermaid]

Gahhhh!!!!!!!!

[Mermaid Wesley]

AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!


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[Delphine]

Aww, but accents are adorable! Plus, it indicates you know more than one language. This is good thing. :)

Yahouzah! I go away for a while & do some stuff &--BAM!!! You did your extra fins, and are attaching your scales together!--You're almost done, Pearlie! It took me a while to go through the 15 new pages, but holy cannoli! Your work is ah-MAZE-ing! Love the shimmeriness. E perfetto! Amo la tua coda! <--practicing my Italian & complimenting your tail work at the same time.

How did the fit feel? Tight but comfortable? Haha, you may want to think about that video. From my experience & from friends on here, getting in & out of a tail is.... lol, awkward.

[Fifi Tigg]

:jawdrop: WOW! :swoon:

[PearlieMae]

Tight and comfy, and I'll need to add to the top but the beauty of it is, I can add rows as I need to. Especially to cover that soft round belly! Hahaha! I'm trying to upload the video to youtube now, but the mernetwork will be going offline soon...and I'm NOT making the video public yet! (if ever!)

:rollover:

[Mermaid Galene]

:swoon:

[lasserine]

The scales were thick enough that they didnt rip?

[PearlieMae]

Okay, it's set to unlisted so you have to have the link...I'm too round to bear the brunt of trolls in public just yet. :D

http://youtu.be/CMatS1wcMEc

[PearlieMae]

The scales were thick enough that they didnt rip?

Oh yeah! I pulled on it as hard as I could and couldn't tear it!

[Mermaid Wesley]

The video is private :(

[PearlieMae]

Try it now...

;)

[Merman Arion]

Your video is awesome, Pearlie! I love it! Your tail is so original and unique.

I had a nice laugh when I watched you jumping around with your tail on ;)

[Mermaid Galene]

This video just made my day! The tail is so very gorgeous, and you look so lovely and deservedly happy. Congratulations! I actually kind of like the whole feet-below-tail hopping thing. It's like you're a human in mid-metamorphosis to mermaid.

BTW, love the view from your deck!

[Mermaid Adriel]

you are awesome, and the tail fits perfectly on you! I can't wait to see all complete! :D

[PearlieMae]

I'm working on the waistline now, and considering making it a mermaid "unitard". That way, I won't have to worry about gapping, or my muffin top!

(new server isn't letting me upload photos)

[Kishiko]

OH MY GOSH IT TOTALLY REMINDS ME OF GALAZY PRINT!!!! It's like a galaxy tail :O

[Nyx]

OH MY GOSH IT TOTALLY REMINDS ME OF GALAZY PRINT!!!! It's like a galaxy tail :O

^^^^ YESS TOTALLY AGREE. Wouldn't it be cool if it had glow in the dark spots? -nudge nudge, wink wink-
Pearlie it looks absolutely beautiful!

[PearlieMae]

I am so psyched! There is some glow in the dark glitter in there, but I don't expect to be doing too much night swimming. My mom already thinks I'm going to look like the biggest, flashiest, fishing lure ever!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Its gorgeous!! And it looks so great on! And youre adorable!

[Azurin Luna]

It looks stunning :D after if find a new place to live I'm also going to try to make my own silicone tail, after seeing all this eye candy and all the process stuff I'm sure I will be able to make one myself too

[Little_Orca]

Okay, it's set to unlisted so you have to have the link...I'm too round to bear the brunt of trolls in public just yet. :D

http://youtu.be/CMatS1wcMEc


Gurl, slap that tail. <3

[*Celine*]

AAAAAAHMAAAAZING!!!!!! :-D

[OceanRose]

Hell yeah! That looks awesome and awww yew're sew cute!!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Do you use photobucket or something similar? YOU COULD LINK TO THE PICS WHILE THE SERVER IS BEING BUGGY. whoa. I didn't notice I hit caps lock but I'm laughing at how angry I sound about linking photos XD anyways. I cant wait to see how this turns out when you finish up!

[Ilyena]

Compared to other 'putting on tail' videos I've seen, your full silicone tail look really easy to fold over and pull up/adjust.
And Gosh it's stunning :D

[Mizuko]

This is incredible! :D (I keep using that word but I cant think of another one more appropriate, haha!) And you make me look like snail putting on my own tail, you're so fast! XD

[Ariadne]

You are adorbs! Cannot wait to see you in the water!!!!

[Winged Mermaid]

Soooo awesome Pearlie! I love how you were giggling once you had it on, reminds me of the giggle I do when I'm trying on something I made for the first time, and am proud of and/or psyched about, tee hee ;D

[AniaR]

Wow. I literally don't know what to say!

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[Aziara]

Whoa, you got into that thing so quick!! About how heavy is the tail so far? I looks so light the way you can just haul it around, lol.

[Mermaid Aalayah]

Stunning!

[Jessica]

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!! I go away for the weekend and come back to the best surprise EVER! It looks AMAZING pearlie!! I'm so incredibly proud of you and all your hard work. You are truly an inspiration and are changing the world of tailmaking---I'm so so so so happy and excited for you right now!!

[AniaR]

No I just am so floored lol I am speechless. Lol

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[PearlieMae]

Awwww! I know ya love me! ;)

[Ariel-Starfish]

PearlieMae, you are MERMAZING!! I really enjoyed watching the video <3

[PearlieMae]

Thank you, everyone, for all the love and encouragement! I never would have gotten this far without your enthusiasm and support! :mermaid kiss:

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Whoa! Awesome!

A little bit scary when you sat on the chair with your tail on, I was afraid some of the butt scales would get damaged!

You have a lake in your backyard?! I'm so jealous!

[Kishiko]

We have a similar view from our deck! Except my lake is clear in the spring, but covered in slimy algae. Then in summer it's so brown you can't see your hand at the end of your arm /:

[Mermaid Melanie]

Ahhh looks so beautiful Pearlie ! your video was lovely ! can't wait till i get to that stage ! as my wee granny annie would say - A wish ye health to wear it ! :D

[Seraphina Suds]

It's so perfect!! You've done a phenomenal job!

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[PearlieMae]

Yeah, some of the lakes around here are like that. I live in an area called Lakeland. The one I live on is a private lake community and they treat it with chemicals to keep the growth down, but ny the end of summer, the shallower coves are choked with mats of lake weed. They look like giant blob monsters underwater!

But for the most part, it's clear, full of fish that like to nibble on you, and a family of swans every year! I'm very lucky! It's a little over two miles in circumference, so by lake standards, it's pretty small. Where I grew up, it would probably be called a pond!

[Delphine]

Okay, it's set to unlisted so you have to have the link...I'm too round to bear the brunt of trolls in public just yet. :D http://youtu.be/CMatS1wcMEc Pearlie, you are the cutest mature mermaid I know! And oh-so-talented! I'm so thrilled for you! Oh, so the image thing isn't my computer. It IS the new server. Arg! Anyway, you got the tail-base done--yeah! Lol, I totally tried on mine in my studio on my friend's table & people kept coming in & giving me the weirdest looks. Of course, they were amazed when I was done (it looked like a tail, not a.. giant, silicone tube?) and I know we will all be floored with how yours turns out! Congrats on the progress & enjoy the ride. And as a side note about what your mom said, some fishing lures are very pretty and sparkly. I had to get some for Project Delphine to attach to the net for the show.. Hoping your tail outshines your own expectations!!!

[Jadestone]

eeeeEEEEE!!!!! IT IS BEAUTIFUL AND YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL AND I'M SO EXCITED TO SEE HOW AWESOME THIS HAS BEEN GOING!!! I can't wait to see the fluke attached!! :D

Also, you have gorgeous hair :)

[Mertara]

love the shape of the neckline on that!!! /drool

[Kishiko]

beautiful!!!! I LOVE THAT TOP!

[lynsea]

I think that mixture of pinks is the most gorgeous color combo ever (and I am NOT a pink girl). It's so subtle and is going to look gorgeous!

[PearlieMae]

I wasn't sure about the candy pink at first, in fact, they were just going to be placeholders until I made more of the mother of pearl scales, but they were just so sparkly! And I like how they transition to the nude colored ones...and those are pretty translucent. They seem to blend into my skin nicely.

[lynsea]

It will definitely blend into your skin! Are you going to add any purple at all to have it tie into your tail as well?

[Coradion]

You're a rockstar. Please move to Hawai'i so you can be a member of our pod!

[Mermaid Adriel]

THAT'S SOOOO STUNNING! *ç*

[MermanOliver]

Wow! Stunning doesn't do this justice. Gorgeous is more like it. And in combination with the tail one would just be blown away! :clap: This isn't just a tail and top, this is a piece of art.

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[PearlieMae]

Thanks! Theres a bit of a surprise I can't wait to show, but I'm going to wait until I have the fluke in place!

[Kishiko]

You're a rockstar. Please move to Hawai'i so you can be a member of our pod!

*MERMAID HISS*

BACK OFF SHES MINE

[PearlieMae]

Hahaha! I'll have to come visit everyone!! Aunt Pearlie Mae's World Tour!

[lasserine]

Ah wow, the strength of the tail, and still easy to put on. Looking great. :)

[JessieMermaid]

I'm dying over here! This it's awesome!

[Ariel-Starfish]

Wow! Just wow.

[Mermaid Adriel]

Wow! Stunning doesn't do this justice. Gorgeous is more like it. And in combination with the tail one would just be blown away! :clap: This isn't just a tail and top, this is a piece of art.

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yeah, you're right! ;)

[Ashton]

looking great!!

[PearlieMae]

The top is all siliconed together...

[AniaR]

stunning. congrats on all your hard work!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Oooh! It looks great!


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[Mermaid Galene]

Spectacular!

[Mermaid Danielle]

This is incredible!

[Azurin Luna]

Oh, very nice :D

Normally I don't like how scaled bra's look, but I like yours

[JessieMermaid]

Pretty!

[Ariel-Starfish]

The close-up of the scale bra looks so... freaking real! like, I almost smell fish when i look at the picture! :D *hmmm fish*

[PearlieMae]

The color is a bit off, the brownish scales on the side are pretty nude and blend into my skin. It'll look even better once I get a little tan!

[Ashton]

Snazzy!!


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[seamaiden]

hello miss Pearlie Mae!
first time poster, long time fan! I just wanted to say that that I have been following your thread since I joined the site, you are truly talented, this has been by far one of the most informative and fun to follow progress threads. In case you didn't know, you've inspired a lot of people with your method for tail making. I'm very thankful that you were kind enough to include so much useful information. I have wanted to post on here for a long time now, but I'm a little shy. you have given a mer renewed hope in her goals (I live and travel year-round in an rv, so theres not much space for scale sheets haha.) I was wondering if you'd consider making a slideshow or timeline post, or maybe even a tutorial? your thread has gotten so popular, its hard to sift through all the compliments and the informative posts... best wishes, I look forward to seeing your completed tail and top in all of its glory soon!

[Mermiah]

Haven't been in to drool in a whole but OH MY GOSH! I love that top, and the video made me (and my mom) smile :) I love love love how the scales came out, it has so much give to it you can tell :3


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[Little_Orca]

*Whines restlessly to see it all complete.*

*Plays with her food to pass the time*

http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view5/2412521/orcas-o.gif

[Echidna]

The top looks stunning.

If you decided to sell tails, I'd be very tempted to order from you :p

[Mermaid Jessica Pearl]

I keep checking back over and over hoping to see the fluke attached. Can't wait!

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[PearlieMae]

Well, it IS the weekend...chances are I am getting close to that point! Had to pick up some supplies, but I'm ready to move forward with some pretty big steps that I will have to commit to!

[PearlieMae]

My beautiful, blue, fluttery betta, Jiro, swam his last, today. The same fish I thought was dying last year, got better and has made me happy all these many months. Today, he shrugged off this life and swims among the stars. He had loads of personality and was a helluva nice fish.

He will be missed.

[Mermiah]

I'm so sorry to hear :/ the term "fighting fish" defiantly applies to him, the world lost a great fish today


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[Mermaid Wesley]

I'm sorry for the loss of your finned friend. :hug:

[MermaidKatrina]

When you attach the fluke can you give a in-depth description of how you did it and what you used?


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[Mermaid Galene]

So sorry to hear of your loss. I've loved every fish I've ever had just like I love my dogs. It's so hard to lose them.

[JessieMermaid]

I'm sorry about Jiro. I have a blue Crown-tailed Betta. We named him Blue (very original I know). I'd hate to lose him. I will light a candle for him and you.

[PearlieMae]

Thank you, everyone, I appreciate your kindness.

As for attaching the fluke, I'm still waiting for inspiration to strike, or stumble across someone else's tutorial on the very subject. I don't want to get this far and fuck up the fluke!

[Mermiah]

Eloquently put ~claps like a sir~


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[MermaidKatrina]

Have you watches JKrisO on YouTube?


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[PearlieMae]

Eloquently put ~claps like a sir~


I try to be succinct. ;)

[PearlieMae]

Have you watches JKrisO on YouTube?


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Yes, but Julz's latex tail and my silicone tail are very different, and since I have a translucent fluke, I have other constraints to consider.

[Mermaid Wesley]

I'm thinking about flukes too. I'm thinking it shouldnt be too hard, that you could just silicone it down and then maybe do a few more little coats on the inside/outside. Hm. You know I've hit a snag where i start trying to problem solve for other people XD

[PearlieMae]

The silicone won't stick to the Lexan...I don't want to glue lace to the fin, then silicone the fluke to the lace, as I've read elsewhere, because I don't want the lace to show through. I have a couple of theories and am going to try them on the prototype fin, first. Fingers crossed!

[Mermaid Wesley]

oh no! *fingers crossed*

[Mizuko]

I've used the silicone glue from Smooth-On, Pearlie, and it worked really well sealing the silicone to my competitor monofin in my first tail! :) I plan to use it again for my next one!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Sil poxy, right? It's so expensive D:


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[Mizuko]

But it works ;)

[jazz2453]

OUTSTANDING work and effort you put into this! I'm so happy for you! :)

[PearlieMae]

Hey Jazz! Long time no see!!!

I have a few fluke attachment ideas up my sleeve... next step: testing!

[PearlieMae]

I had a little setback with the prototype monofin today, nothing major, so while I was pondering a solution, I kept my hand busy working on a shell top, with some beads and sequins...a work in progress and far from finished. My modest bust is going to look HUGE!

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[Mermaid Julianne]

HOLY JESUS THAT BEADWORK IS STUNNING.

[Azurin Luna]

Damn... that is one good looking shelltop! :D

[MermaidKatrina]

That is almost surreal- it's so beautiful. You are truly an artist! [emoji173]️


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[PearlieMae]

Wait! I didn't DO the beadwork! I cut it off an old bridesmaids' dress! The sequins just happen to go with my tail!

[Mermaid Julianne]

Whoops! Well either way, its still some gorgeous beadwork. It'll go amazing with your tail!

[Mermaid Galene]

Pearlie, where did you get your abalones? I'm working on a top with abalones I got on Etsy, but they're a little too small (5") to look well proportioned on my top. I'm compensating by adding more greenery and stuff, but I need a source for wider shells!

[Mermiah]

Ugggghhhh can you just stop being perfect for a few seconds please lol seriously though what can't you make!


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[PearlieMae]

Pearlie, where did you get your abalones? I'm working on a top with abalones I got on Etsy, but they're a little too small (5") to look well proportioned on my top. I'm compensating by adding more greenery and stuff, but I need a source for wider shells!

I got these on ebay... I can tell you the seller tomorrow efren I get on my other computer.


Ugggghhhh can you just stop being perfect for a few seconds please lol seriously though what can't you make!


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Money. I can't make that very easily :lol:

[PearlieMae]

Today, we try and pull it all together!
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[Mermaid Adriel]

YEAH!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Hooray!


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[MerEmma]

WOW! That top!

[Ashton]

I cant wait to see more!

[Mermaid Galene]

Thanks, I'd love to know who you used on ebay. And I am SO stoked to see your tail coming together!

[MermaidBrandie]

That tail is so pretty!! :)

[PearlieMae]

Coyote, I have not forgotten your mini tail!

[MermaidKatrina]

Oh my goodness!


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[Echidna]

stunning.
you're going to be mer royalty!

[Kamanaka]

This is amazing!!! Jaw dropping stuff, eep so excited to see it completed!!!

[Fifi Tigg]

Oh my goodness! The whole package looks beautiful :mermaid kiss:

[MermaidKatrina]

If you don't mind sharing, how much $ do you estimate you've put into your beautiful tail project?


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[Nicoseamus]

WOW THAT'S INSANE!

[PearlieMae]

Go big or go home, amiright? ;)

[Mermaid Galene]

Pearlie, you are SO right! :thumbs-up:

[PearlieMae]

Pearlie, where did you get your abalones? I'm working on a top with abalones I got on Etsy, but they're a little too small (5") to look well proportioned on my top. I'm compensating by adding more greenery and stuff, but I need a source for wider shells!

This is who I bought my shells from: http://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?_odkw=&_osacat=0&_armrs=1&_ssn=worldwidewildlifeproducts&_trksid=p2046732.m570.l1313.TR11.TRC1.A0.H0.Xabalo ne&_nkw=abalone&_sacat=0&_from=R40

[Mermaid Galene]

Awesome. Thanks, Pearlie!

[Mermaid Mhara]

Saw this and it's feathers reminded me of your scales! hehe

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[PearlieMae]

Ooooooh! So pretty!

[MermaidBrandie]

I would love to have a tail from you, pearlie!! It's soo pretty!

[Ariel-Starfish]

such amazing work! :drool:

[PearlieMae]

Well, major setback with my monofin prototype, it fractured across the middle, left to right, just beyond the toes. It didn't snap all the way across, but it's a serious break. Now, I've been trying to break it for three months now, and the abuse I gave it would be at least ten times more than I would ever put a tail through. The stress on the fin is the same place I broke my Rapid, as well.

So, I decided to cut down the size of my final fin some, and while I will be sacrificing some propulsion in the long run, I want to modify the shape to negate some of the stress in that part of the fin. I think my modification will also add to the flowy-ness of the fluke, and be less likely to injure anyone I might bump into. I'm just glad it happened now, and to the prototype, rather than rushing to complete my tail and having the final fin break once it was inside the fluke!

It may sound flaky, but I've found that when I have had trouble with this project, instead of trying to force it, I step back and wait, like the Universe was telling me to hang on, be patient, and inspiration/technique/supplies/information will come to me. The fracturing of the prototype, and not making much progress, was another message telling me I had to wait, because there was a problem on the horizon.

I think, now, I can move ahead. Fingers crossed!

[Mermiah]

Oh my goodfish! It sounds like you had a horrible day :(
It sounds like you have things figured out now though :) and I (and the rest of this site) know that you're going to make what will possibly be the best tail in the history of ever. :3


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[Mermaid Galene]

Pearlie, you have a great attitude! Success will ultimately be yours, I am confident, and that gorgeous tail is worth all the work and patience you've put into it.

[Winged Mermaid]

Awesome attitude to have Pearlie :) Being so patient yet dedicated will make this a truly fantastic tail :)

[Mermaid Wesley]

I'm glad you go to see a design flaw! (Now I'm a teeny bit worried and am definitely going to put a double layer in that problem area) kick this tail's butt!


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[Mermaid Wesley]

Thanks! I definitely test it


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[Trident True]

Well, I'm extremely overwhelmed with your progress and work. it looks FABULOUS so much time and effort and you can see it. the whole piece is going to make you look like a goddess. I haven't been on here in 3 months as iv had a lot of troubles with my project. but to view your thread and see your progress is simply WORTH IT. :)

[PearlieMae]

I was wondering where you'd gone off to! Hope everything is okay. :D

I tested the new shape of the monofin last night, and while I expected a loss of propulsion, it was minimal...but the big surprise was how maneuverable the new shape is! So the final fin gets cut tonight and - I know I've said it before - I HOPE TO FINISH IT THIS WEEKEND!

Which is good, because I have a little over two weeks to make a dry-event tail for the Coney island Mermaid Parade on the 21st. Whew! :O_o:

[Fifi Tigg]

You can do it! I have all my digits crossed for you xx

[Ashton]

Hey Pearlie,
where did you buy your pigments?

[PearlieMae]

I got the PearlEx 24-pack at Michaels a long time ago, but Blick Art Supply has the bigger bottles of single colors and different sets at a competitive price: http://www.dickblick.com/products/jacquard-pearl-ex-pigment-sets/

[PearlieMae]

The beginnings of this year's walking costume for the Coney Island Mermaid Parade... (no, not wearing the silicone tail!)

It's gonna be cool! ;)

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[Mermaid Wesley]

Ooooh it reminds me of a jellyfish in that picture :)


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[Mermaid Adriel]

*.* I love it!

[Mermaid Galene]

Beauteous!

[PearlieMae]

I get a one-page webpage with the purchase of my domain... http://pearliemae.net/

The rest of the site is :rollover: (being built)!

[JessieMermaid]

I love that the background is your tail up close!

[PearlieMae]

I didn't put all that work into those scales for nothing! ;)

[Kishiko]

If you go through Gybo.com you can get a domain name free for a year, then use weebly or something and redirect the domain to that page! Thats how i did www.MermaidKishiko.com (:

[JessieMermaid]

lol I know and I'm totally thinking of doing my own tail like that once we get the house settled!


Kishiko you are adorable! Such a cute website!

[PearlieMae]

If you go through Gybo.com you can get a domain name free for a year, then use weebly or something and redirect the domain to that page! Thats how i did www.MermaidKishiko.com (http://www.MermaidKishiko.com) (:

Thanks, but I already have non-branded hosting just waiting for me to flesh it all out...been busy making the tail! :D

[PearlieMae]

It IS a work in progress...my walking tail costume for this year's Coney Island mermaid Parade is well underway! (ignore the tee shirt)

Not going to let the parade kill me, like it almost did last year!

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[JessieMermaid]

Looking good!!

[AnnaAbyss]

I am SO excited to see your tail when it's all finished. Looks like you've put tons and tons of effort into it. Also that top is freaking amazing and I want one. XD

[Mermaid Ayla]

I just read through this whole thread today, this is amazing Pearlie! I cant wait to see the finished tail and I definitely want to order from you if you decide to sell custom tails!! :swoon::drool:

[PearlieMae]

I just read through this whole thread today, this is amazing Pearlie! I cant wait to see the finished tail and I definitely want to order from you if you decide to sell custom tails!! :swoon::drool:

Excellent! I just finished this year's parade, so I am back on the silicone tails as of today!

[Lily]

Spent the last few days reading through this thread - you're doing amazing work! I can't wait to see everything come together.

[PearlieMae]

Thanks everyone! Here's a pic of my walking mermaid costume...Now that the parade is behind me and I've recovered ;) , I will be trying to finish my silicone tail THIS WEEK. YAY!!!!!!! :yay:
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[Mermaid Galene]

Love that picture! And I can't wait to see your finished tail.

[Blaze]

Gorgeous costume! I *LOVE* how you did the flike; that iridescent fabric is a staple of mine (I make a lot of Labyrinth dresses) but now I want to make abubble gown with color underneath it! So lovely! Really hope to make the mermaid parade sometime!

[Mermaid Cascada]

So pretty! Pearlie, I'm so glad your documenting all your progress! It's such a huge inspiration! Awesome work

[AniaR]

haha you look awesome! Love the hair too ;)

[PearlieMae]

Thanks!

I think you might be mistaking the tulle on the edge of the hat for hair, though! :D

[AniaR]

Lol that's what viewing from the tablet gets me ;)

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[Mirabelle le Mergirl]

Giving me motivation :) I'm making mine this year, out of silicone,with a bit of fabric too :)

[PearlieMae]

Excellent, Mirabelle!

Just last night, I had a breakthrough with my monofin design, so I'm ready to put the final touches on this project and pull it all together.

However, my daughter and her boyfriend are coming over for a barbecue and swimming, so I won't be working on it today! :)

[Pascal21M]

When you think you can finish your tail?

[Echidna]

I think you might be mistaking the tulle on the edge of the hat for hair, though! :D

I was thinking this too, and I have a large monitor xD
Since purple is your colour :p

[PearlieMae]

Pascal, any minute now!

I did have purple extensions I was going to braid into my hair but I just ran out of time!

I may still add them just for fun!

[Esmerelda]

Hi! I've been reading this thread almost since the very beginning, but I've been too shy/nervous to post anything up until now.
I just wanted to say that your progress is amazing, and that your scales and fluke are GORGEOUS!! I hope to one day have a tail that's even half as beautiful as yours :)
I just had a quick question about your leg form: you made it out of duct tape, and then covered it with power mesh, right? Did you just pin the power mesh in place, or did you sew it to fit the form and then pull it onto the duct tape dummy? Also, did you pull the fabric so it's completely stretched, or is it loose on the form?
Sorry for all the questions, and I wish you the best of luck in pulling it all together soon! :)

[Mermaid Galene]

Breathless with anticipation! :drool:

[Mermaid Wesley]

*Bounces* pearlie do it I want to see it I wanna seeeeeee itttt doooo it I liiiike ahhhh


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[PearlieMae]

Lexan makes a heartbreaking sound when it snaps.Something said ' try it out once more before attaching the flukes'. Good thing I did. I was about half a mile from my dock, pulled a 180° half barrel roll, a hard turn to be sure, and heard just a click, and saw it plane away from me into the darkness. F*CK. I limped back to my dock, took forever, and I'm happy I still have my prototype. I had tried to elongate the footplate but it just put too much stress on the wide part on the fin.

[Mermaid Cecelia]

Ah man that stinks! At least it didn't break in the tail, so you got that goin for you! :) you'll get it!