PearlieMae's Silicone Tail Journey

[PearlieMae]

How awesome is this? It was posted to my facebook page!

I'm thinking he meant "revealed", but "reviled" is wonderfully cool, too. "Please don't fucking drown." is an actual quote from my kid!

I gotta admit, I love this!

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[Slee]

Reviled, lmao. That's priceless.

[Mermaid Galene]

What a revileation! :lol:

[Echidna]

Even people who never heard of mermaiding before are bound to love your tail ;)

[MarkF]

I didn't know if it was proper to put it here, only because PearlieMae felt this topic was exhausted so I put it on facebook.
Well now I know.

[MermaidMichelle]

...Let it go, let it go, can't hold it back anymore....
(Song queued by Mark's last words, yet also fitting given the matter at hand.)

That magazine cover is precious, the misspelling delightful, and the whole concept fun enough to really capture people's attention....Even if the clerks aren't sure whether to put it in the business or aquatic pets section....

[MarkF]

Due to popular demand. :p I thinking I should include articles next time.

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[PearlieMae]

I didn't know that was you!

[MarkF]

Eyes going blurry reading drawings, needed a distraction.

[SirenaBridge]

I would love to place an order... Countdown to October 1st! Congrats!

[deepblue]

I'm late but joining in the chorus of, "Pearlie that is the most amazing tail" - it turned out incredible. It's obvious how much care and effort went in. So beautiful.

[Mermaid Reiko]

I love that idea, I need to try that with my dorsal ^__^

[MarkF]

Check this-

http://makezine.com/2014/09/21/pearlie-maes-custom-mermaid-tail/

She getting famous!

[Echidna]

And rightly so ;)

*counts pennies*

[PearlieMae]

Not to worry, I'm drafting an installment plan... :mermaid kiss:

[Mermaid Lorelei]

I remember you posting on here what resin you were using for your molds, but for the life of me, I can't seem to find it. Then again, there are 90 pages to wade through. XD Would you mind reminding me?

[Mermaid Lorelei]

No! Don't be sorry, it's awesome! And thank you for letting me know!

[PearlieMae]

Oh carp! I didn't know I had Visitor messages! I'm sorry I haven't replied! I will take care of that now. My apologies!

[Genevieve]

Your tail is fabulous! I've got my eye on you, ma'am'selle.

[PearlieMae]

Thanks, Genevieve!

In other news...Took a break from tail refining to burn new silkscreens for tee shirts and tote bags!

Prints include: Scales Are The New Black; Mermaids Like It Wetter; Aye, Mermaids Be Tough; Why Yes, as a Matter of Fact, I am a Mermaid; Life's Abyss and then You Dive; Mermaid, Merman, Mertender (Professional, too), and Too Much Fish To Eat, Not Enough Woman To Love; plus several scale heart patterns! Samples to view soooooooooooon!

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[Mermaid Wesley]

Woo!


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[SirenaBridge]

Thanks, Genevieve!

In other news...Took a break from tail refining to burn new silkscreens for tee shirts and tote bags!

Prints include: Scales Are The New Black; Mermaids Like It Wetter; Aye, Mermaids Be Tough; Why Yes, as a Matter of Fact, I am a Mermaid; Life's Abyss and then You Dive; Mermaid, Merman, Mertender (Professional, too), and Too Much Fish To Eat, Not Enough Woman To Love; plus several scale heart patterns! Samples to view soooooooooooon!

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"Scales are the new black" sounds great!

[PearlieMae]

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!
Well, I thought I would give you all a quick heads-up...My website is up and I'm offering 10 slots for Pearlie Mae tails! I know I was going to launch it tomorrow, but I wanted you all to have first dibs on spots - if you wanted, that is! Let me know if you have any other questions!

And yes, I offer installment plans to pay off a tail! http://www.pearliemae.net

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(screenshot...click the link to see the page!)

[deepblue]

Almost enough to make me try the lottery... ;) I'm stoked for you, but also for anyone who gets one of your tails.

[Yulia]

Yay Pearlie!! \o/

Will there be any new fluke designs, or will that be up to the customer to design?

[Drake]

~saving and saving and saving... not quite there yet :'(

[PearlieMae]

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!
Well, I thought I would give you all a quick heads-up...My website is up and I'm offering 10 slots for Pearlie Mae tails! I know I was going to launch it tomorrow, but I wanted you all to have first dibs on spots - if you wanted, that is! Let me know if you have any other questions!

And yes, I offer installment plans to pay off a tail! http://www.pearliemae.net

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(screenshot...click the link to see the page!)

*bump*

Yulia, both! I will designing new flukes and fins and will be designing custom flukes as well!

I know they are pricey, but considering the work that goes into them, I really can't do them for less. That's why I have installment plans! :mermaid kiss:

[Slee]

After 11 years as a hearthkeeper, this has me wanting to pick up the job listings. Your work is phenomenal and your pricing quite buyer friendly considering the artistry that goes into your tails. May the who sea be swimming with mers clamoring for your tails.

[Yulia]

*bump*

Yulia, both! I will designing new flukes and fins and will be designing custom flukes as well!

Oh, cool. You'll have to show us the new designs when they come out! <:

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Woot woot! Go pearlie!!

[PearlieMae]

Thanks! I'll be a sculpting fool!

I thought quoting would make the pic show up on this page...
http://www.pearliemae.net/order-your-tail.html
http://www.pearliemae.net/payment-and-installment-plans.html

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[AniaR]

SO PROUD OF YOU I was sure to share! Looks awesome

[PearlieMae]

Thanks so much!!!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Awesome!!


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[Genevieve]

Congratulations on your grand opening!

[MermanOliver]

Congratulations! :yay:
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[Mermaid Galene]

Hooray, huzzah, and a hearty congrats! :clap:

[Mermaid Wesley]

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/30/deb770cb3ac1bf7314a98c6ab42ea6f4.jpg
GUESS WHAT
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/30/840c5fb92e79a019a5dcd623c1b40f3c.jpg
GUESS WHAT
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/30/cbadd70dd875cd79104f2ee5067383a9.jpg
ITS HERE


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[Mermaid Kelda]

Aaaah Wesley you make me google xD

[Mermaid Kelda]

Now, that was meant to be giggle, but I like google better, I think :P

[Echidna]

Almost enough to make me try the lottery... ;) I'm stoked for you, but also for anyone who gets one of your tails.

Been trying the lottery for months!
I've even used tarot, but I'm always 2 or 3 numbers off.
I'm beginning to think tarot isn't as accurate as I used to believe :p

anyway, I'd splurge on one of those tail spots if I could.
My parents, however, would be even less palatable if I bought a tail ("f*cking childish nonsense you do all day") while they are up to their ears in bills and loans they have no money for.

[Mer-gal]

If only I had the money:money:

[Merrella]

oh wowza, that is going to look stunning when thats finished!!!!!! :D

[PearlieMae]

Wesley, it might take some lube, but it's dragonskin, it'll stretch! :lol:

[Mermaid Kelda]

Okay, it's settled. I need a Pearlie Mae tail!

[PearlieMae]

Okay, it's settled. I need a Pearlie Mae tail!

:yay:

[MarkF]

I'm think'in your going to need Regina to help make scales.
:) We're talk'in lots&lots of scales.

[Chrissy]

The website looks amazing and I still can't get enough of your tail!!! It is so beautiful I can't wait to see what creations you come up with for your clients!!!!

[MermaidMichelle]

Oh wow it is wonderful to see your business take off, PearlieMae! :mermaid kiss:

Also, you look ADORABLE with that little sparkly tail, Wesley! :mermaid kiss:

[lasserine]

Congrats Pearlie. Good luck with selling the tails.

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Welp, I've officially added you to the list of tailmakers I need a tail from. <3

[PearlieMae]

Thank you, everyone! I am so excited to be starting this new chapter!

Monday, I'm going to Smooth-On in Pennsylvania (and taking my tail with me), to talk with the tech reps and take a tour of the plant! :yay:

[Sherielle]

Thank you, everyone! I am so excited to be starting this new chapter!

Monday, I'm going to Smooth-On in Pennsylvania (and taking my tail with me), to talk with the tech reps and take a tour of the plant! :yay:That is beyond cool!!!!

[Sandra Siren]

I know this is totally hijacking your thread, PearlieMae, but here's a monofin that I think would work super-well for that ghostly tail:

http://www.scubastore.com/scuba-diving/so-dive-hydra-clear-flow/31962/p

It's clear, so your fluke could be kind of translucent... Actually, I think the way it dries "clear" (you know, not actually clear) would lend well to the "phantom" effect.

Thanks for posting this! I'm right about to start my first silicone tail and was wondering how to make a translucent fluke, so thanks so much!

[Seraphina Suds]

Woah, that's super cool! Take pictures!

[PearlieMae]

I hope I will be able to! Pictures, that is...

[PearlieMae]

Just heading back from a day at Smooth On with owner, Clay Western, spent lunch talking mermaids, new products, and the huge new facilities they are moving into soon!

My tail was a big hit with the staff!

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[MarkF]

R they going to use your tail in their ads?
Makes a hek of an example! Likely the most complicated silicone item they've ever seen.

[PearlieMae]

R they going to use your tail in their ads?
Makes a hek of an example! Likely the most complicated silicone item they've ever seen.

Not by a long shot, but that would be cool! I'm a tiny minnow in a huge silicone pond!

[AniaR]

Im so glad you got to meet them :)

[Mermaid Narina]

that translucent fluke though <3 <3 <3 looks amazing with the light through it!!

[Harpress]

My the detail on those scales and the iridescence of that Fluke! Just Beautiful PearlieMae. You make truly gorgeous tails :)

[Merman Jamie]

Just read this thread over the last 2 days and this has been an AWESOME read and your tail has turned out AWESOME.

All i can say is WOW. You are a great tail maker.

[PearlieMae]

Thank you all! I haven't done much video editing before, but I'm pleased with it. I wish the water were more clear, though. Of course, all I can see are the flaws in the tail! Ha!

[-Annwyn-]

Thank you all! I haven't done much video editing before, but I'm pleased with it. I wish the water were more clear, though. Of course, all I can see are the flaws in the tail! Ha!

Reminds me of my mum. She's an incredible knitter/crocheter and if she's making something that she's almost at the end of and sees a mistake right at the beginning - OUT the stitches come and she will redo them over. She always said that when she made something for us she always saw the flaws, even if we didn't see them.

I think your tail is very pretty, PearlieMae :)

[Echidna]

Did you take the video down?
Coz it says not available :(

[Mermaid Galene]

Nice! Very artistic.

YouTube will let you trim that black off of the video without having to re-upload it. Just go to Creator's Studio: Video Manager: select your video: Edit: Enhancements: Trim. Also, if you can shoot your videos in a 16:9 aspect ratio, they will fill the entire player screen when uploaded.

https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/1722171?hl=en

[Sherielle]

Man....that translucent fluke and fins. Now I want a Pearlie Mae tail.

[Rogue Siren]

*squee* That translucent fluke is to die for! <3 <3 <3

[PearlieMae]

Annwyn, sounds like my mom...until I told her the Hopi Indians always weave a deliberate mistake into their work, because only The Great Spirit is perfect. She still sees any mistake as glaring, but now she leaves it in.

Cal, I was editing it a little while ago, maybe it was offline while you were trying to see. Does it work now?

Galene, thanks! I found it! Actually, I did shoot it widescreen, but I was running out of time and exported it to a .dv file instead of a .mov :) I'm going to replace it with a widescreen version today.

Aurelia, You can have one! I have installment plans! :mermaid kiss:

Milieu, I know, right??? :D

[Sherielle]

Pearlie Mae....I just may take you up on that. With all the colors I like, the individual scales add more possibilities. Also...TRANSLUCENT FINS AND FLUKE! lol

[PearlieMae]

:D Translucence...the holy grail of mermaid tails!

[Cerulean]

Pure genius Pearlie! :clap: The way the side fins flutter so gracefully.... and of course that fluke. Absolutely gorgeous, definitely looking forward to more swim videos if you choose to post more

[PearlieMae]

:yay:

Hopefully, I can get to a pool with decent filtration! I totally talked my way into using this hotel pool Sunday! The pool at my gym is usually always loaded with people, or if I go late (I have 24 hour access), they don't turn on the pool lights, so I have to swim in dim overhead lighting. :gah:

[Echidna]

Cal, I was editing it a little while ago, maybe it was offline while you were trying to see. Does it work now?


nope :(
I get only this
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and it doesn't even tell me why :gah:

I'll check back now and then, maybe it's a country issue or something.

Loaded with people or no lights eh?
I know what I would choose! :lol:

(underwater flashlight comes in handy here)

[Slee]

Seriously, your tail is beautiful, and watching you swim in it just makes my heart want to happy'splode.

[PearlieMae]

Thanks, Slee!

I made some tweaks and set on a higher quality...


http://youtu.be/OqWGA0hNDA0

[MarkF]

Sorry your Mermaid Ladyship, Android still has sync issues in the video. Sound is good, the video had bands that makes me think it's reading the file as the wrong Jpg version.

[PearlieMae]

Works fine on mine!

[MarkF]

Stuff, Android v. 4.4.2 - Don't sweat the small stuff.
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[PearlieMae]

My android phone is ancient, I have no idea what version. Get thee to a computer!

[Meronica]

Those translucent fins just look so *magical* to me! (: I adore them. Congrats on the super awesome tail; I can definitely see translucent fins becoming a "thing" since so many full fish have them!

Also you should get one of those miner's headlamps and swim in the dark! Lol!

[AniaR]

it's gotta be the realistic looking tail I've ever seen. I want someone to hire you for a movie!

[PearlieMae]

I don't know how I missed your comment! Thank you!
:rollover:

[Mermaid Wesley]

Interesting!


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[Meronica]

I love it! As long as the tail doesn't go overboard with the purple, those scales are gorgeous. I really love all of the glitter and the ombre effect with the green! (:

[MarkF]

It needs a larger sampling for me. The purple worked so well on your tail i can only imagine green. Are you thinking of flowing into lighter colors on the front?

[PearlieMae]

Not sure, it's just a testing phase at this point.

[Mermaid Neri Elvina]

It looks lovely Pearlie!!

[Vrindavana Starfish]

I was messing around with colorways for an Ariel-themed tail and really like how this came out. Instead of solid greens, I put a touch of purple at the top of each scale to add depth, and it ties in with the whole Ariel feel.

Thoughts?

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Ooooh! Pretty!

[deepblue]

Those are incredible, Pearlie. Absolutely.

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Neato!

[MarkF]

What'cha make'n?

[Mermaid Neri Elvina]

Nice!!

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[Mermaid Galene]

Ooh! Ooh! Seaglass bodice top! Yeah! :dance:

[Rogue Siren]

Omg.....a seaglass bodice would be perfect with the Elsa themed tail I had in mind. XDDD

[Mermaid Kelda]

Hmm... Do you think it'd be possible to make gemstones or crystals? :thinks:

[PearlieMae]

It's possible, but unnecessary. You can get excellent resin gemstones at any craft store, to create them like this would be very labor intensive when a superior product is available for so little.

As for crystals, if you mean like quartz or amethyst in their natural state, yes, I could make very convincing versions. :)

[AniaR]

So neat!

[Mermaid Kelda]

As for crystals, if you mean like quartz or amethyst in their natural state, yes, I could make very convincing versions. :)
That's exactly what I meant! It'd be fantastic to incorporate that into my tail somehow, though I'm not sure how... I will have to work on it! Maybe just crystal accessories would be enough. Too many ideas!

[Azurin Luna]

Hehe, I thought you were making icecubes when I saw the mold :P
but it sounds like a nice idea

[Mermaid Reiko]

Your video was amazing and even more the seaglass idea! I love how this is turning out girl! :3

[deepblue]

I've been going through this thread again all day, at all my free moments, and taking notes. I have one question that I haven't seen answered- I'm only on page 33 so forgive me if you did answer this later, but I won't be home for a few days and might not get to the rest anytime soon... so, when you infused the power mesh with silicone, did you simply have it in a box such as the kind people use to pour the scale sheet, and if so, what did you have under the fabric to keep it from adhering to the surface it was on? Or is that even a concern? I'm thinking just plastic would work, right? Perhaps a shower curtain liner.

Edit- I just realized you wrote this:
I made a version of a duct tape dummy, using plastic grocery bags and clear packing tape. LOTS of tape! Since I was alone, I made it in stages, each foot, each lower leg-knee to ankle-and I marked my ankle bones, knees, shin bones with permanent market, then taped it all together, stuffing it with plastic bags, pool noodle pieces, packing peanuts, wadded paper...whatever I had on hand. I wrapped the power mesh around it, and I'll glue it all together with dragonskin. Once cured, I'll peel it off like you said.

And I'm wondering if the mesh was already silicone-infused when you wrapped it or did you apply it once the mesh was on the dummy?

Thank you ahead of time!

[Prince Calypso]

I love this tail like obsessively lol
if i ever get enough money i'm definitely coming to you for a tail

[Koral]

Sorry sweetie for being one of many to jam your inbox! In reply to my last question, is it better to have the slime/silicone top coat to prevent the actual scale from peeling? Or does the extra top coat cause the peeling you mentioned? Debating if I should even do a topcoat or just repair any damaged scales with more tinted silicone.

Thank you, hugs and fish kisses!

[Koral]

Cool that mooostly answers my peeling question. Sounds like it's not worth it before it gets wet, which was what I wanted to know.
Thanks darling.

[Seatan]

Koral, I have been doing my "slime coat" to get a glossy finish right after each scale cures to make each one shiny and have put them through quite some rigorous testing. If you do the glossy slime coat right away while they are clean and freshly cured there are no issues at all. I am not sure if it matters how LONG its been cured since I always shine them up right after... But I think being very clean is probably a big key.

[Seatan]

Actually, I just wrapped the dummy in power mesh and once I peeled it off I added more silicone inside. In hindsight, I would infuse the mesh first. You could do it on anything smooth. I'd do a test on a shower curtain first, just in case there are cure inhibition issues.

So you think it's best to paint the mesh with silicone first then attach the silicone scales to the silicone base filled with mesh? How thick would you make the mesh coat? Very thin?

[Koral]

Okay, I can give it a try on a few while clean - also note I'm presently a thrifty mermaid using the caulk instead of Dragonskin. I'm not sure what difference that makes. I do know my scales came out pretty shiny own their own but I haven't been able to test the krylon coat in my shells yet since the shells only worked uncoated for only two uses (yep, thrifty). I wish I knew what Jesse of mermaid creations uses. :x

Thanks gals, you're amazing. I'll keep stalking here.

[Seatan]

The main reason mine didn't come out shiny is that I textured my molds for realism, then realized that texture took away the shine. So I added another coat of silicone.

[Koral]

I messed around with it for a little while but I can't tell you if this is going to work with caulk rather than Dragon Skin.

Do you mean scales? what do you mean it only worked twice?

Remember, sometimes "thrift" means 'false economy'. How much money are you really saving and is it worth the hassle?

I mean instead of making molds with resin and clay and all that, I'm doing it directly in the shells themselves. I was able to do it no problem without a krylon coat, because they were so slick. After two uses of this with the tinted silicone directly into the shells, the silicone was starting to eat the shells own slick-ness or oils but did not visually or texturally change. So I've sprayed them with krylon like you tipped me to make it slick again to release the silicone. I ran out of the right silicone caulk, I am buying more today to test a few shells. That's the only thrifty I mean, using krylon coated shells instead of a mold.

It has been working great until the problem I stated above, I think it will work again, if not I'll have to just wait until I can afford the clay and resin. Spending 80+ is a lot for me right now on resin and I don't even know what affordable clay I should get to add to that cost.

[Seatan]

Yeah, I use plastalina. And how are the scales flat if you cast them inside a shell?

[Koral]

Inside. They come out flat on the back, I pack the silicone down and flatten it with my metal painters knife. Sorry to explode your brains or upset you guys?... it seems to work for me so far. o.o

[Seatan]

Inside. They come out flat on the back, I pack the silicone down and flatten it with my metal painters knife. Sorry to explode your brains or upset you guys?... it seems to work for me so far. o.o

You weren't upsetting us or blowing our brains... not sure where that comment came from. Scales are usually flat on both sides since they have to be layered tightly to fully cover a tail and Pearlie and I were just trying to figure out how you got scales flat on BOTH sides from a shell, as it is hard to imagine how you could layer three dimensional scales on a tail. It doesn't make us UPSET if people do something different, it makes us INTERESTED, as this entire thread should show (it being mostly an experiment-and-share thread).

Edit: Maybe a picture would explain better? They are worth a thousand words!

[Koral]

Sorry, text is just hard to understand sometimes; easily misconstrued.

I'll take some pics asap, today is a really off day for me as I lost my 14 year old cat yesterday so my motivation isn't quite here yet.

[PearlieMae]

Oh no! I am so sorry to hear about your kitty! :hug:

The leave a heart-shaped hole in your heart when they go, don't they?

[Mermaid Galene]

Koral, so sorry to hear about the loss of your kitty.

[Koral]

Thank you guys. She'll be with me in spirit. I don't mean to take us off topic though.Gluing down some sample scales to show (edit: to better explain) what I've been doing, anyway. They definitely have to be flat backed, I have a few I didn't fill in the shell all the way, but flat backs are sticking just fine.

[Seatan]

Can't wait to see it! Sounds like it will be an interesting look! :) Do you have a tail making thread?

And I am sorry about your cat... Dogs and horses make up my world so I know how much it sucks to lose a pet.

[Anahita]

I think the "do you have a thread" question was maybe more of a polite way of asking you to make one so that everyone could help you there instead of filling up PearlieMae's thread with your tail project. It could get confusing, as this thread is already really long, and is specifically about one tail by one mer.

Especially since you're making a caulk tail instead of a platinum cure tail.

[Koral]

I didn't plan on showing an entire project, just get answers to a few of my questions outside of filling Pearlie's inbox as requested. Pearlie started with caulk and graduated, so I figured she could help with existing knowledge. Terribly sorry.

[Koral]

I haven't priced Dragonskin in a while, never priced pigment, but I know from the resin alone, I can't yet afford those kinds of molds. I didn't need the tail to last forever, just wanted to do what I could the way I wanted before April then work on a better one later.

No biggie. Thanks for everything.

[Seatan]

I think the "do you have a thread" question was maybe more of a polite way of asking you to make one so that everyone could help you there instead of filling up PearlieMae's thread with your tail project. It could get confusing, as this thread is already really long, and is specifically about one tail by one mer.

Especially since you're making a caulk tail instead of a platinum cure tail.

No, I really did just want to know if she had a thread. Wasn't trying to imply anything. :)

[Seatan]

I haven't priced Dragonskin in a while, never priced pigment, but I know from the resin alone, I can't yet afford those kinds of molds. I didn't need the tail to last forever, just wanted to do what I could the way I wanted before April then work on a better one later.

No biggie. Thanks for everything.

You can get a trial size and have plenty to make molds of small things (if you WANT to make molds) for around $25.00. You don't need a gallon. Not trying to pressure you into making molds at all, I just wanted you to know that you don't need expensive resin to make molds. :)

325 Smooth Cast on Amazon

(http://www.amazon.com/Smooth-Cast-325-Liquid-Plastic/dp/B008UG7R6Q/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1416581603&sr=8-11&keywords=resin+smooth+on)Pigment is about $10-$12 per bottle, and the bottle will last FOREVER. You can also use discount powder eyeshadow from Amazon. For $42 I got 40 different colors and there is a good amount of pigment in each bottle.

Eyeshadow on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F3P86J4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

Hope your project goes well!

[Koral]

I was going by the calculations on the website, for the dimensions I figured my scale "sheet" would be, I'm not sure how thick it would have to be...

Regardless, I'll still have to wait to buy anything else, job hunting is not going well since shit hit the fan (I'm ready for the new year to start). It's nice to know I don't need a whole gallon for a paper sized mold, however thick. You two are helpful though, I am grateful, believe me.

[Seatan]

Oh, you were probably thinking of a full size scale sheet. Neither Pearlie nor I made full scale sheets since we did individual scaling. I understand the job hunt thing and money being tight--hope your search is very fruitful so you can continue on in your tail quest. :)

[Anahita]

No, I really did just want to know if she had a thread. Wasn't trying to imply anything. :)

Whoopsie. My bad.

And sorry, Koral. I totally misread Seavanna's statement with the tone I would have written it in. (I feel like there's a better word in English for it, because it's not really "tone" but I can't figure out the word I'm actually trying to use.)

[Fifi Tigg]

Now that looks interesting :D

[Seraphina Suds]

Ooooo!

[Meronica]

That is so awesome!

[PearlieMae]

Anyone have a quick and way easy to clean plasticine from an intricate resin mold?

:)

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Anyone have a quick and way easy to clean plasticine from an intricate resin mold?

:)

Wait for it to dry, then turn mold inside out, or as far as you can to pop it out like a pea.

[PearlieMae]

The mold is solid, but I will try chilling it to chip the clay out! Thanks!

[Mermaid Jaffa]

if the plasticine melts in water, you could try soaking it overnight.

[Mermaid Lyra]

Ok. I literally just read from page 1-96.. and I am so freakin excited. I have never been more inspired to make a tail... I mean I had already started working on making one from craft foam but was getting wary about seams and Pearlie.. You are a goddess! and I am so happy you are a mermaid and this whole thread is just filled with the best energy!!!!
This has me thinking I'll try and do something similar.. but is giving me the courage to try something new and extreme for me! Then again.. I made a dragon this year? so..
BUT YAY PEARLIE YOU SEEM SO SO SO NICE AND HELPFUL!! THANK YOU! 25875

[PearlieMae]

Awww! Aren't you so sweet? Than you so much! I couldn't have done it without the love, encouragement, and genuine energy from the community!

Your Dragon is AMAZING! !

[Echidna]

^^agree!
Which one is it, Drogon?

Amazing cosplay too!

[Mermaid Lyra]

Yes! It is Drogon :D he's my baby lolll (made from lots of recycled materials.. water bottles and pool noodles...) If anyone has questions about him I'll happily answer!!!

THANK YOU PEARLIE!!! You are seriously my inspiration!!!
Echidna... Thank you thank you thank you!! Dany is one of my favorites (books mostly but I still love her in the show...) If only dragons were real XD

[Echidna]

If only dragons were real XD

Totally!!!
I watch the show only for them (if only I could skip the bloody rest lol).

However, if they were real, you can bet bounty hunters and other &%$!s would go out of their way to kill them, so maybe it's better the way it is.

[Mermaid Lyra]

That... is too true it's sad :/

(about the bounty hunters and such..) blahhhhhhhh

[Vrindavana Starfish]

Ok. I literally just read from page 1-96.. and I am so freakin excited. I have never been more inspired to make a tail... I mean I had already started working on making one from craft foam but was getting wary about seams and Pearlie.. You are a goddess! and I am so happy you are a mermaid and this whole thread is just filled with the best energy!!!!
This has me thinking I'll try and do something similar.. but is giving me the courage to try something new and extreme for me! Then again.. I made a dragon this year? so..
BUT YAY PEARLIE YOU SEEM SO SO SO NICE AND HELPFUL!! THANK YOU! 25875

OMG you made that?!! He's AWESOME!

[maemermaid]

So I just skimmed through this whole thread for the past hour or so!! I'm so amazed by your work Pearlie Mae (plus I love your name hehe) do you have a link to where in the thread you go over how much it cost you to make this baby??

[Mama Mermaid]

Is the fabric covered in a clear coat of silicone? how many coats did you use on your fins? and for your scales? and for your fluke? LOL Thank you ahead of time if you answer :)

[Mermaid Lyra]

Pearlie.. I have an odd question
I made my first tester mold with shell shock and it managed to get under my clay shells.. I was curious how did you manage to cast yours without your resin going under the scales? I feel insane and I've started pushing my clay molds into the shell shock after I pour it but it seems wrong.. Any suggestions?

[Mermaid Kelda]

Pearlie's tail is made of individual scales; she casts each scale individually from a mould, then applies the silicone scale to the tail. Doing it this way would mean she never came across the issue of resin getting under the scales in the scale sheet during the moulding process. (Correct me if this isn't what you are asking!)

[Mermaid Lyra]

No it isn't! But thank you! I'm working on casting individual scales as well but i still find it gets under the individual scale... I'm wondering if I should make the scale flush to the surface I'm working on and I use something else as a work top. I'm using duct tape and maybe it's too slippery? Thank you Melaina though I appreciate your help anyway :D


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[Mermaid Lyra]

Yes!! That worked beautifully!!! Thank you thank you thank you Pearlie!! I was really starting to doubt I could do it <33333333333

[Ashton]

:cheerleader:

[Winged Mermaid]

Looks like someone was inspired by your venture: http://ashtoncopter.tumblr.com/post/113811652341/mermaid-tail-progress-and-inspiration

[AniaR]

So many people copying these days

[Elle]

That's Ashton's tail. She's been sharing it and Pearlie is very well aware.

http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?10210-Ashton-s-2nd-tail-adventures

[Winged Mermaid]

Oh I didn't know it was Ashton's! Don't know how that went over my head, haha! Now I know her tumblr and can follow :)

[Elle]

Oh I didn't know it was Ashton's! Don't know how that went over my head, haha! Now I know her tumblr and can follow :)

:) yep, I recognised it so I thought I'd put it out there before any kind of misunderstanding started

[PearlieMae]

:rollover:

[Mermaid Reiko]

There are only so many ways to make a tail. It would be the same as saying a person shouldn't make a cookie because the original person who made the first cookie made it first. XD

[Ashton]

Yes, Pearlie is aware and she is even answering some of my questions. I am not copying her designs, just using her technique as a tool to aid in my construction.

[PaolaMF]

Hello, I need help can someone help me to paint over latex paint can I use it? acrylic paint? and pearl ex, mixing paint?

thank you...

and pearlie.. you are the best !!!

[PearlieMae]

Oh, I have no idea what to use over latex! I wish I could help!

[Rett]

Just read all 93 of the pages in this thread :crazy::crazy::crazy:

OMG Pearlie you are so inspirational and amazing! Can you keep documenting all the other tails you make as you make them like you did this one? I just LOVE reading things like this and this thread is amazing!

[Mermaid Kelda]

There are five other Pearlie tail threads in existence! :)

[Mermaid Neri Elvina]

Can someone link all the Pearlie tail threads? I need to follow them all

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[Mermaid Saphira]

I'm a little late on this, but wow Pearlie! Your tail is beautiful and you look so happy! Your tail reminds me of a butterfly. I just love it! :D

[PearlieMae]

Thank you! Long time no see! My tail is always in a state of modification, but it's always getting better!

[Mermaid Kim]

No it isn't! But thank you! I'm working on casting individual scales as well but i still find it gets under the individual scale... I'm wondering if I should make the scale flush to the surface I'm working on and I use something else as a work top. I'm using duct tape and maybe it's too slippery? Thank you Melaina though I appreciate your help anyway :D


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Wow this THREAD I have been hooked too! Just wondering what the answer to your question was concerning the duct tape being slippery? I had the same problem with some of my individual scales and used duct tape as well. Really enjoying all the information here! I casted a Scale sheet and Fluke and am close to the next, next. and next steps (: