PearlieMae's Silicone Tail Journey

[PearlieMae]

:bulldozer:

[Firemaid]

Nice! I love it!

[Mermaid Caspiana]

Can wait to see the process!

[Miyu]

Ooh, this is going to be neat! I love your scales! I'm very detail-oriented, so I'd personally love to see as much as you feel like documenting :D

Also, I am envious of the fact that you just have things like resin laying around...

[Yulia]

Here is a small silicone and fabric fin test...I LIKE IT!

Gaaah, those are the prettiest fins I've seen!

[Mermaid Myu]

Holy crap! That fin is beautiful! Are you going to reveal how you made it? <3

[Nausicaa]

http://i1068.photobucket.com/albums/u459/durango421/Futurama/suatmm.gif (http://media.photobucket.com/user/durango421/media/Futurama/suatmm.gif.html)

[Nausicaa]

Glad I could give you a nice laugh, but seriously. Wow PearlieMae I can't wait to see what you can do, I love LOVE LOVE what I've seen so far! Just that little fin has my imagination going a mile a minute, it's whimsical and iridescent but at the same time because of the texture it still has a great element of realism, when I first looked at it I thought; "Wow that looks like a real fish fin" but then when I watched the video and saw it in the sun it became very apparent that it couldn't ever pass for a real fish fin, because it's OBVIOUSLY a real mermaid fin!

It's so innovative using the fabric and the silicone together, and the possibilities for texture and color just blow my mind. I know that it's early on, and making fins and scale molds is a long ways away from being able to commission full tales, but I just want to say that when you're ready I'm probably going to be right at the front of the line to get one. I wish you the best of luck and I hope that you'll keep us all updated on your amazing journey :thumbs up:

[Mermaid Myu]

OMG, gorgeous! And thanks for the detailed explanation! You're so resourceful yet your results are amazing, I'm excited to see what you can do with your "ideal" materials, rather than just the ones you have on hand! The caulk is great though. It's so clear! And I love all the glitter and shininess. I have a major weakness for glitter. :P

[Neptunie2]

What kind of caulk did you use? And where did you get that fabric!?!?! That is the most beautiful fin I've ever seen!!!!!!

[Mizuko]

AHHH, those fins are so pretty!! XD

[Miyu]

Ahhh That's exactly what I need for fins! That is gorgeous! You are awesome PearlieMae, we're so lucky to have someone who just has tons of supplies laying around to play with :P

[Mermaid Sparkle]

Holy cow. I just LOVE how you did those fins. Do you mind if I use that technique for my dorsal fins? I've been considering making myself a mixed media tail, I simply cannot afford to buy a silicone tail. wow. I love that it's clear!

[Mermaid_Dominique]

Wow I love your fins and scale sheet, I'm sure your tail is going to look amazing :)!

[jazz2453]

Lovin the fin! And I can't wait to see how great the scales will come out? And btw what type of clay is that?

[Jessica]

So pretty! I love the fins!! I can't wait to see how this turns out!

[jazz2453]

I was looking at that stuff, its very expensive though!

[jazz2453]

The clay I got I think was less then $4 a pound. It doesn't really matter though, as long as the result is pretty:)

[Mermaid Sparkle]

PearlieMae, Yeah! First post! I've been lurking for a long time now, but finally got around to posting after I saw your fins! That's what I want for mine. I'm hoping to make a ghostly/pearly tail.

[Mermaid Sparkle]

Totally. The creepier the better. I want one sparkle tail, and one creepy tail.
I was thinking a nice white, with grey-ish tones, and a general milkiness to it. And the fluke and the fins would fade out into opacity. OOOOOHH. If i could lay some grey veins in the silicone before it's cast, that would be perfect. That way they would peek through, but not be totally visible.

[Echinacea]

oooooh!!!! :jawdrop:

[Mermaid Oshun]

Or this?

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Woooooo!:clap:

[Mermaid Sparkle]

YEAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH. That's totally it. Maybe a little less gold, and a little more grey. Just a tint though, not much. I LOVE those hand fins.
NAILED IT!

EDIT: I'm totally using this picture as my avatar. That's what I want to be right there. Hauntingly beautiful.

[Mermaid Sparkle]

I'm wondering how to make those in RL. And how to incorporate them in my dark hair.

[Anahita]

If it wouldn't be so painful, a headband with silicone tentacles would be awesome for that.... But I think the tentacles would get tangled up in the hair incredibly easy that way, and that would hurt like hell and probably take a long time to get them out if that happened.

Maybe a headband with tentacles made out of a different material though?

[Miyu]

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.

[Anahita]

Ooo, that'd be a good idea Pearlie. I didn't even know about weaving caps. That'd look awesome!

[Neptunie2]

I have two questions.
First where did you find that picture of the spooky mermaid?!?!?!
And second I was wondering how you would attach the fins like you are making to the tail?


Currently "growing" my tail!
Lots of love!!!
-Emily

[Neptunie2]

I guess I never thought of the latex allergy that is a great point! I'll just keep saving my money then!!! If I wanted to attach fins like yours to a fabric body what would be the best way to do this. I've been looking around but the sea tails always seem a little fuzzy on that part (at least the tutorials I have found.


Currently "growing" my tail!
Lots of love!!!
-Emily

[TheRestless]

I'm so happy I read through your topic! I was musing with the idea of adding fabric into silicone and now I know I can do it to add a little glimmer here and there!
<3

[Mermaid Wesley]

ooh can't wait!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Wow that sounds phenomenal! I can't wait to see how this turns out! Seeing all these mers making their own silicone tails is making me wanna try my own.... But, alas, id best leave it to people who know what they're doing :)

[Mermaid Wesley]

Oi... Yeah I suppose XD maybe sometime but or now I'll just stick to my simple spandex tail :) who knows, I might get good at making cool fabric tails and start selling them! I'be always been sortof unimpressed by the fabric tails I see for sale... Hmmmmm.... Now you've got me thinking! Lmao

[MerMarla]

Hi PearlieMae,

How did you're demolding go... Hope it was dry by now! (sitting on my flukes, in anticipation! LOL!) I personally like casting with plaster of paris, too. I haven't done it in a LONG time, but would love to see how you continue to add the mold to your bar-b-que form.

Love all these ideas! I was working on flukes, too, (monofin based on 2 sets of regular fins) as therapy for my PCS (post concussion syndrome), so have been interested in following what you and several other Mers are doing. I so appreciate the "open book" sharing. We are such a creative group, doing How-to vids, photos and descriptions. After all, why re-invent the wheel, it just makes the learning curve harder... and what we what to do is SWIM in our creations!

(((Hugs))) and Bubble https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/e/B0C'z
Mermaid Marla

[Jessica]

I love the shell looking scales! This is going to be a really beautiful tail. I'm curious though.....are you going to add scales to your tail two rows at a time? I screwed up my scale mold(the foam stuck to the liquid plastic) and only used the top 1/3 of my mold. I had to make my tail in sections...three sections per side. It really isn't an ideal method, but it does allow you to fit the tail exactly to the body. If I could do it over, I would have joined the scales into two sheets first instead of making sections of the body at a time.

Im really excited to see your progress! It's so neat to have other people who are making silicone tails too. :)

[Imogen Finnly]

those glittery fins make me want to cry a pool to swim in:3 omg... you are So talented! yus! I am also curious as to what fabric and caulk choo used!:DD

[Mermaid Julz]

Ok, i just started follwing this, and kicking myself for not following it sooner... i love a lot of the ideas I have seen..

[Mermaid Wesley]

Oh wow that's a gorgeous idea! Insect wings look a lot like fins id never noticed!

[*Celine*]

You are so insanely talented, I check this thread everyday because I'm so eager to see you progress, you go girl!!!! I hope that one day, I'll have the guts to make a silicone tail too, you inspire me!

[Mermaid Lulu]

You have defiantly been the most inventive experimenter of mixed media I've seen on this sight so far. Bravo. I'm curious how well the fins hold up under a lot of under water stress with chorine and salt etc. Do you intend this tail to be a performance tail?

[AniaR]

cool Fluke idea!

[Mermaid Syrena]

PearlieMae- I CANNOT wait to see this completed. The scales are absolutely intricate, love 'em. Fit for an empress! *winks*

[Imogen Finnly]

Every one of your posts to this thread gets MORE AND MORE titillating! Urgh! haha I have envy and admiration spilling out of all my pours for you!! I love that you are so open and detailed about your strategy! Thank you for sharing your ideas and talent! wahhh:'3

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Yay for big butts! ^_^

I'm so excited for your tail, Pearlie! It makes me wanna tackle a silicone tail. :3 I've got ideas, but no means at this point in life, plus I've got a silcone on the way. :-P I shall embrace your explorations when I finally take my journey. :D

[Mermaid Dottie]

Pearlie Mae! Go go go!
Pearlie Mae! Go go go!

:clap:

[Mermaid Julz]

I said the same thing when I made the ducktap dummy for me and I had even caught it on my video.... ... yeah, i am using latex, but i got some uses in store for it. you never know how big it is till its either photod at the right angle, or you make a mold of it.... lol

[Mermaid Wesley]

super happy for you! keep it up!

[Anahita]

Side tangent: Sketch for my next tail.
Still needs some work. ;)

14987

:lol::lol::lol: OMG :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl: You made me choke on my coffee!

[starlite]

OMG i want the same fins they are gorgeous !!! I'm yoour client :-)

[starlite]

Because i was looking for translucent fin with glitter ! Will you sell some ?

[Delphine]

Wow, this is a great thread. PearlieMae, have you tried doing the scale mold in silicone or latex? Maybe even resin? They'd be more durable (no crumbles!) than plaster, hydrocal etc. With some mold release, & your tail-making room I think it'll work.

My Dragon Skin fluke is very thick (aim for a little thinner than mine, lol, it's the heaviest part of my whole tail!) about 1/2"? And 3ft long.... ^__^"

You may wanna check out my thread from my Project Delphine. Apparently, our processes are very similiar. Cool. Wish i had thought of the pool noodle.. but then again, my body-double expanded too much & couldn't be used in the end. Anyway, still check it out. I'll be checking back to see more pretty pictures & shiny fins. LOVE your clear shimmer fins! When you get to use the Dragon Skin or something similar, you can probably do the same. It may be slightly less clear, but completely skin-safe & that's huge with mermaid tails. =D

[Jessica]

Question for Silicone Tail owners! How thick is the silicone on your tail fluke? From the thinnest part to the thickest?

Thanks!

my fluke has really thick side ridges, but is very thin at the ends. I don't have a ruler handy, but here's a picture to give you an idea

[Jessica]

That's so pretty! I was checking out my daughter's mermaid Barbies and she has one with a tail design similar to this! I thought it would make a gorgeous design for a wedding/princess tail.

You really think outside the box :)

[Mizuko]

LOVE the rhinestone look!! :D This is going to be so pretty! I'm a big fan of anything pretty and sparkly (if its not already obvious) hehe! >_>

[Mermaid Cecelia]

Finally got my fluke sketch to where I like it, not too big or small, even if, all told, it's nearly four feet across!

15319

thats so pretty!!! Four feet wide though?!!!! Is the four feet just the sketch or will the fluke be that large too?!

[Mermaid Cecelia]

Lol, scale! Cuz its punny!!! Haha. Ha. :D

[Aziara]

Awesome! I love seeing new flukes that are truly unique.

[Fifi Tigg]

Beautiful and very unique :D

[SINicallyTwisted]

This is going to be epicly awesome! ;)

[MerEmma]

I think it'll look a lot like a butterfly but with scales it won't look TOO much like a butterfly. :P

[Jessica]

Simply beautiful pearlie! I love it!

[Merman Arion]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!! :D

You just gave me the chills, Pearlie!
I'm burning with excitement! LOL

[Mizuko]

This is going to look incredible!! :D

[Jessica]

I know exactly how you feel! Last time I ordered silicone I was watching for the ups man all day and I met him at the truck :)

what monofin are you using? Just something to think about.....I used a foil in my first tail so the majority of my fluke has no support. I don't plan on making a fluke wider than my monofin again...it's just too tough to handle! (I fell over in the water once when I tried to lift my fluke over my head!)

[*Celine*]

OMG, you are CRAZY (in the good way off course)!!! Damn girl, you have no idea how talented you are. You are driving me insane, i can't wait to see the end result, seriously!!!

[Jessica]

Pearlie this is just so lovely. I love the scalloped edge and the hearts in the middle! I can't wait to see how this looks sculpted! You are very inspiring and creative. :)

are you planning on creating the design by using ridges or grooves?

[Mermaid Sparkle]

Oh my gosh, Pearlie, I am in love with your tail ideas. That fluke is going to be so awesome. I would have never thought to introduce the scallops of butterfly wings to a fluke! SO PRETTY!

[jazz2453]

Very creative and different! I know this will come out great;)

[Trident True]

Thanks! :D

Fluke, modified

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love this flipper design. soooo unique and everything ive seen so far. great work. i used an oyster shell and incorporatet the design into my fins. actaully i found it at work and bam it hit me. I work straight across from the beach. :) at the moment im doing colour samples for my fluke so i hope things go well. GOOD LUCK with the rest of your tail making Journey. its looking great. one thing ive learnt from you is another way for creating the barrier for the molds. i was doing it the hard way.... :( see you do learn something new everyday.... :)

[Seraphina Suds]

Aaah the little hearts in the center are such a nice touch! Can't wait to see it completed!

[Mermaid Dottie]

Fincredimazing! I'm so excited for you! Your fluke looks like a fairy wing.

[MermaidIsis]

I can't wait to see the fluke! I've never seen one like it! Good luck!

[SINicallyTwisted]

I am in love with your fluke design! :swoon:

[starlite]

Woww i want to see more !

[Delphine]

Thanks so much! I really like it

Do you think it's going to be too insect-like?

Don't worry about it, some ocean creatures are called "sea bugs" after all. XD Hope you stick to your vision, because it sounds like it will turn out amazing!

Whoohoo, your silicone arrived! Can't wait to see your tests! I know it's expensive material to work with, but tests are so worth the trouble! This is so exciting! And WOW, your fluke design is incredibly awesome, and unique. It's like seeing..... one's personality in what one makes. It definitely comes through. ^__^

[Jessica]

Thanks, Delphine! I'm up to my wrists in clay right now! Woohoo!

(just got my heat turned on, long story, and once I get the house up to 65° F, I'll be able to mess with the silicone!)

Photos to come soon!

Just so you know.....silicone will take longer to cure if its cold! Even at 65 degrees it can take longer then the listed cure time. My house stays cold....and my silicone took forever to cure last week! You can apply mild heat....like a blow dryer on low if you have a spot that doesn't want to cure. I had a tiny spot on a fluke half that didn't want to cure but a little heat/some extra time and it was just fine :) I just wanted to let you know so you don't worry if its taking a long time! :)

[WillowAnne]

Ahhhhhh I can't wait to see photos!

[Echidna]

I'm hyped to see how this will turn out.

[MerEmma]

WOW! Looks SO great. :D

[Anahita]

Lookin' awesome!

[WillowAnne]

Oh wow. This is already so stunning!

[Jessica]

This is so pretty pearlie! How high is your sculpture? It looks pretty thick!

[jazz2453]

It's beautiful! I have the same question as Jessica. Is it thick?

[Delphine]

I think it looks thick because of the high contrast lighting, the larger heart isn't even a half inch at the thickest. Since the monofin is going to be a built in sheet of Lexan, it's not going to be very bulky inside. And once I get it all smoothed, it will be even thinner. Chances are, I will be brushing in my slow cure silicone rather than pouring it. Also, I want the center to be a bit thicker for better propulsion.

Just something to think about. The thicker the fluke half, the heavier. My 3ft fluke halves aren't thick (maybe.. 3/4" at thickest?), but with the monofin are the heaviest part of entire tail! Literally weighs 20 lbs! XD It also may be a good idea to thin it at the edges, including the fluke's tips. I did this for my tail, however wished I did some more thinning. Anyway, your cicada fluke is coming along quite beautifully!!! I look forward to watching & reading more as you progress. =P

[Mizuko]

Wow wow wow, PearlieMae this is looking incredible! So unique and beautiful! I cant wait to see more!! :D

[Coradion]

It looks fantastic! What kind of clay are you using?

[JamesGunnels]

That is starting to look amazing :D Can't wait to see more!

[Patches]

This is gonna be crazy fucking epic. I can't wait to see when this is done. Oh my. I am excited. :3

[Mermaid Oshun]

Congratulations on your progress Pearlie Mae

[Mermaid Julz]

Wow PearlieMae, this looks amazing so far. I cannot wait ti see the final product of your fluke sculpt. I love the design.... as I get better, I will try more complex fluke patterns

[Firemaid]

OMG! I love your sculpt so much!!!!

[Delphine]

Phew! You work fast, PearlieMae! Awesome, keep on going. Whoa, cool fish-inspiration! You must be detail-oriented. Me too, so I can appreciate all your work on the little design bits. The fluke is gunna be so awesome! What are you planning on using to "paint" onto silicone scales? Silicone is one of the hardest things to paint, because nothing permanently "sticks" to it, except itself. I was using Smooth-On & considered: Pyscho Silicone Paint (http://www.smooth-on.com/Platinum-Cure-Sili/c1115_1198/index.html) before I decided to buy pigments (white concentrated liquid, & blue-purple iridescent powder) to mix directly into my silicone before pouring in my molds. Cool, Mirco-Mark also makes a silicone putty. I got one & recently started playing with it. After all my silicone use, it's the easiest mold in the world & FOOD SAFE! So could make ice-cubes, candy etc as well as art sculptures (which I'm totally into right now!). Oh, do you have a design for some type of top/shirt? I ended up doing both, but didn't use the fishnet halter much.

[Jessica]

I'll be mixing pigments into the silicone as I lay it into the mold, I have a ton of Pearl Ex and other artists pigments.

I'm thinking of making some loose kelp fronds and fashioning them into a top...since I'm kinda flatchested and thick in the middle, I want something a little more forgiving! :D I have shell/nets/greenery to fall back on. I was lucky to score some pearilzed greenery at Michaels back in the spring!

You need some starfish! Starfish really only look good in my opinion on smaller cup sizes because they're so bulky.

Post a pic of your pearly greenery? I'd love to see it!

What crafts and craft fair are you doing? I make and sell jewelry up in va once a year. Looks like we have more in common than mermaids....we're both pretty crafty! :)

[Firemaid]

The broken hearts are really cute.

[Mermaid Lorelei]

This fluke of yours is looking phenomenal!

[Mermaid Oshun]

I love how whimsical and fanciful the design is Pearlie Mae! Very original.

[MerEmma]

WOW! So neat, I can't wait to see it done in silicone!

[jazz2453]

You're a great sculptor! I love it!;)

[Nyx]

WOW this is going to look fantastic when you are done!

[blenny]

That fluke is gonna come out nice, can't wait to see the finished product. :)

[Jessica]

Auntie pearl! I love it!! You're so creative and talented! Your fluke looks just lovely...you're going to look like a fairy mermaid :)

You inspire me! Thank you for sharing your tailmaking journey with us! :hug:

[Mizuko]

Absolutely blown away with the fluke so far! :D It is going to look INCREDIBLE!

[drucilla]

WOW just WOW! That's better than a lot of tailmakers I've seen! Are you going to start selling?

[Oceana]

This is probably going to be the finest fluke ever made, just saying.

I'm absolutely speechless, I can't wait to see it finished!

[Mizuko]

You're my kinda nuts ;)

[drucilla]

Can't wait to see it when it's finnished, and hearing about how well it holds up! It looks high quality so I'm sure it will be fine. Will you do a underwater video once you sort everything out?

[Mermaid Sparkle]

Omg. i hope my sculpting skills will be half as good as yours once i start sculpting my fluke. i can't wait to see it in silicone!

[Jessica]

You are doing such an amazing job! It's so neat to see such creative designs! Between you and jazz, we're going to have to make a fairy mermaid pod for such awesome flukes! :)

[JamesGunnels]

I wasn't really feeling the vertical lines in the center once I laid in the sides, so I modified it. I kept the hearts...I think it was a good decision.
15790

Damn, Pearlie! It's looking fantastic :D I cannot wait to start making the tail for my friend Cindie! But, I have to wait until she gets back from New York *sigh*

[jazz2453]

I LOVE this!:)

[MerEmma]

SO pretty! :D

[Mermaid Julz]

ok, time for one of my word mashes....

This is Fantabulous .... I love it. I can't wait to see how this comes out in the silicone!

[Jessica]

Pearlie....incredible doesn't even begin to describe this!

[Kumori Kitsune]

That looks so amazing I'm so jelly. soamazing I so want that.good work

[drucilla]

Pfft perfectionist JKJKJK lol I LOVE it!!!! Can't wait to see it all shiny My precious lol

[Mizuko]

EHMEHGERD <3 lovely, PearlyMae, just lovely. Its going to look INCREDIBLE.

[Mermaid Melanie]

WOW this is coming along beautifully ! The details in the fluke are awesome chika ! xx

[MermaidStormy]

Looks amazing <3 <3 !!!!!!

[Merman Arion]

I'm just speechless... :D

Amazing job! :highfive:


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[Mermaid Lulu]

I look forward to it!!! :)

[JamesGunnels]

wow I fucking love this! It looks so amazing, Pearlie!!!

[NurseOcean]

Everything looks so great, I hope when I start it looks half as elegant as that

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[Ilyena]

O_O....so pretty...^_^

[JamesGunnels]

fucking hell!!! I WANT!!!! This is beautiful :D

[Azurin Luna]

Wow! That looks incredible! :D
Keep up the good work!

[Mer-Crazy]

I got to the end and felt so disappointed :( I wanted to see more! This is going to be one of the coolest tails ever! So many people would buy these. Definitely a "shut up and take my money" moment. (Alas I am not so good with the internets and I don't know how to attach pictures that well haha)

[Jessica]

Here's some new detail...
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15948

:jawdrop:The edge is just incredible, stunning, magnificent, beautiful.....I'm out of words!

Its very wispy and fairy like! I really love it! :highfive:

One quick tip while I'm thinking about it....Eva's fluke has a lot of detail at the edge. I used a small paintbrush to paint the silicone along the edge before pouring silicone in the mold. If you just pour silicone in your mold first, it might not catch all that amazing detail! Just something to think about for later! :)

[Seatan]

Oh my gosh that detail is amaaazing! So precise yet naturalistic... You take home the prize!

[Mermaid Sparkle]

OH yay!!!!!! I love this fluke, it's so detailed! Such fantastically wispy ends! I know this info is probably buried in the thread somewhere, but what clay are you using? I love how smooth it is and how it holds details!

I really cannot wait to see how this turns out in silicone and in the water, I check this thread every day for updates because it's gonna be so awesome!:yay:

[jazz2453]

Soo much detail! It looks really great XDDD My only question is, how do you pan on painting it with all these deferent sections and patterns?

[jazz2453]

Yes it sure does! I think it will come out great!

[Mermaid Julz]

sounds like you got a plan.... waiting on pins and needles to see it!

[Jessica]

Awesome plan pearlie! Filling the ridges with tinted silicone will work really well! I tinted my silicone white and I've had one heck of a time getting the dark green to stay on the ridges! It likes to run right off the sides and it takes so many layers to get the color right. I'm planning on tinting ridges the actual color from now on after my experience with this tail. It wasn't so bad with my first tail, but then again my ridges were much wider!

I can't wait to see this tail! You really come up with some amazing ideas! If you ever head my way, you have to come visit. :) we would have a blast talking about silicone! ;)

[Ashton]

I can't wait to see it done!!!

[Patches]

SHUT UP AND TAKE MY FUCKING MONEY ALREADY.

16026

I want one.
No seriously, its amazing.

[WillowAnne]

Ahhhh. I can't wait for more pictures! I have been stalking this thread hardcore.

[Mermaid Julz]

you got me curious as to what you have done....

[Mermaid Julz]

pretty!

[MerEmma]

Oh my gosh.

[Jessica]

It's just so much fun watching your progress ;)

I love the glitter you mixed in! Can't wait to see how the fabric looks in the silicone!

the shells look awesome! I love the ridges!

Keep up the great work!

[jazz2453]

The result looks really nice! So, you used polyester casting resin to make your little molds? Are you using this for the real tail? Are you backing it with anything? Also, did you use Sorta Clear silicone or dragonskin because the label on the parts say "Sor"? Sorry for the questions xD

[jazz2453]

Thanks! Is the iridescent fabric waterproof? Will it last long?

[Ariel-Starfish]

Holy mother of god! :jawdrop: SO PRETTEH !!

[emma11]

How much paint did you use to get the silicone that vivid blue color if you don't mind my asking? This is coming along fantastically pearlie!!!


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[emma11]

Oh I figured it was pigment, I just tend to group it all under the larger category of paint. Haha. I was just wondering how much? It seems like it's very dark compared to a lot of them that I've seen.


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[Mermaid Oshun]

That is so right Pearlie. I also dislike the "painted look"
By the way.... HAPPY THANKSGIVING all!!!

[Mermaid Oshun]

:$ I agree. They're all beautiful :dance:

[Mermaid Oshun]

I love the round curvy feminine lines. Very graceful and elegant.

[Theobromine]

Amazing sculpting job! I can't wait to see how this will turn out!

[Jessica]

Beautiful fluke pearlie! You are so inspiring and talented :) It always makes me smile when I see all the neat things you've been up to!

What resin are you using? I'm interested in trying something new.....I can't use shell shock until the spring...it's just too cold here and there's no way I'm using that stuff inside! :)

[Jessica]

Thanks pearlie! Shell shock is expensive too...$62/gallon if I remember correctly. Does this stuff let off a lot of fumes? Shell shock does and that's why I have to use it outside. Your shell molds look great! I think I will have to give this a try. I love experimenting :)

[Mermaid Julz]

your completed fluke sculpture looks great... and this fin.... your doing awesome!

[Jessica]

Such a pretty fin shape :)

just curious....have you tried this stuff? http://www.micromark.com/CR-900-High-Strength-Casting-Resin-26-fl-oz,8154.html

it takes longer to cure, but it says it's high strength....I wonder if it would be worth the extra waiting time? How strong are your molds? Sorry for all the questions!

[Mermaid Julz]

i would of never thought of using batting this way. If it works well for you, I might have to try it.

[Ashton]

I cant wait to see it! How much longer until you de-mold it?

[Ashton]

Looks great! What type of mold release did you use?

[Delphine]

Oh my! Thank you all so much!

I do hope to be able to offer tails in the near future, but a lot of what is going into this tail are some prototypical concepts that I can't prove without building and trying it full size. For instance, I don't know what kind of drag the sections might have in the water; I'm constructing a Lexan monofin that will be permanently integral to the fluke; I have some tailoring ideas for the shape of the waist area to prevent gapping; an idea for heel concealment...lots of untested ideas that may or may not work. This might end up being a costume tail strictly for dry (party, parade) /shallow water (pool, lake) use if any of the non-typical silicone tail techniques I use fail.

Personally, I am an extremely strong swimmer (distance), and will have to take that into consideration in commissions (if I get that far! :D ) for future tails for other people... I would like to think the tails I make are not only beautiful and functional, but also works of art! Haute couture meets Mythos!

:rollover:

Then again, I might just be kinda nuts.

YES! Pearlie Mae, you are doing one of the most complex handmade tail jobs I've been watching. It's been a ride worth waiting for. You seem to not only work very fast (mine had to be somewhat rushed, as the research was several months & actual production & photoshoots was done in only 4), and completely in love with what you are creating. I commend you & your hardwork! This is going to be one ofthe most fintastical tails out there & you are inspiring me for my future Tail II. Thank you for sharing your tail-making journey with us. Excellent progress, love all your detail shots & all!

[Jessica]

Lucky duck! It took me forever to scrape all the clay out of Eva's fluke mold! :)

the mold looks GREAT! I love your tiny little fluke mold! Is it about Barbie size? It's so cute!

You really are doing a fantastic job! You come up with all sorts of awesome ideas :) I can't wait to see this tail and what you come up with next!

[Echinacea]

ROFL!!! One of each! Paint each scale a different color?! I see your dilemma, though! You had been talking greens and purples and golds, right?

[jazz2453]

Is that makeup? LOL I've been wanting to test with eyeshadow for awhile now.

[Mermaid Sparkle]

EEE! I like the key chain so much! I want to see that pectoral fin put together so badly.

[Aziara]

I gotta ask--what are you using for foot pockets on your homemade monofin, and how are you attaching them? I bolted swim shoes to mine, but they don't work very well. I bought some finis zoomers, but I have no idea how to attach them (they're too tight on my feet to leave room for bolting them)

[Mermaid Oshun]

those would make good sun catchers or stained "glass" windows... especially if you did it in clear acrylic.

[Ashton]

How heavy are the de-molded parts?

[Mizuko]

Stop being so incredible, Pearlie XD (no, just kidding, please keep being incredible- because its amazing to watch!!!)

[Mermaid Oshun]

Thanks for asking Pearlie. Just ordered the materials to make her monofin. Maybe here by Friday. Attach the fluke and she's done!

[Seatan]

Pearlie, you are fantabulous. Just FYI. Your stuff is always so awesome!

[Aziara]

:jawdrop: :drool: :clap:

[Theobromine]

Gah I LOVE those swirly colors! The first thing I thought of was a Tridacna!

[Mermaid Julz]

Wow, those colors are going to be awesome PearlieMae.... Looking good!

[Theobromine]

This is going to look awesome!

[Mermaid Oshun]

I look forward to seeing your results of attaching scales individually to a silicone skirt! Novel idea.
I LOVE your inspiration art by Victor Nizovtsev

[Yulia]

Isn't it going to be very heavy with doubleup silicone? Or am I all wrong?

[jazz2453]

I love what you've done so far, but wouldn't it be cheaper/easier if u just used fabric instead of silicone a the skirt piece? Or are u worried about it not bonding as well. It will also be quite heavy won't it? It would be nice though since there will be minimal bulges at the ankle and heel. Those pictures are really beautiful, and the marble effect of the silicone scales you did I neat! I think this is going to look pretty darn cool and unique! Good luck!


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[jazz2453]

XD it'll come out amazing!


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[SirenaEma]

Thank you Pearlie Mae,
for sharing your experience with us and inspiring,mer-comunity members (me included)to give tail making a try ^-^
I've been trying to collect enough information for more than a year and now I feel confidant enough to try it!
Your tail is coming along beautifully ,We are all rooting for you :D

[SirenaEma]

I have a bit of an open ended question. About how many pounds of clay do you think you've used ?

[Firemaid]

Make sure your leg form is a little small!

[Mermaid Sparkle]

PEARLIE!

I was browsing etsy for christmas gifts, and I cam across a shop that sells cicada accessories!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/125124013/cicada-wing-bib-necklace?ref=br_feed_56&br_feed_tlp=jewelry

It reminded me of you and I thought you'd like to take a gander at it.

[PearlieMae]

Those are beautiful! Thanks for the link! :D

[Theobromine]

THOSE COLORS

[Jeblily]

I don't want I NEED that!!!!!Can I haz one pweese!!!!!

[Mermaid Julz]

OMG! those look incredible!

[Mizuko]

oh. mah. gawd.
Incredible!!!

[Ashton]

Those look really cool, but I wonder how they would look on a full scale tail? I kinda get a feeling from far away it would look kinda like an oil slick but close up it would have more details.

[Trident True]

Abalone Pure Genius, One of a Kind.

[ShyMer]

That was my concern too, but it seems that you thought of everything:)

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[PearlieMae]

That was my concern too, but it seems that you thought of everything:)

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Hahaha! I'm trying!

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Holy Carp girl!

[Anahita]

Dang, that's going to be one heavy tail. I hope your mertender can do some serious lifting! ;)

[Seatan]

I ADORE the texture on your scales, Pearlie. They make me gasp and moan in ways that is making the small dog sleeping on my legs a little nervous. She's all: :no-no:

Don't abandon it! Me loves too much, and I think the colors and gleam of the abalon will look gawgeous with them!

[Jeblily]

I love the texture of the scales too!!! As long as you put that glossy silicone layer on top i think it will add a nice texture and really bring out the color. I'm thinking it will end up looking like this which would be perfect and really benefit from the scale texture....:D
http://mernetwork.com/index/attachment.php?attachmentid=16316&d=1386743854

[Ashton]

Thanks, everyone!



I love the idea of the colors of an oil slick! It's one of my reference photos! The entire tail wouldn't be the oil slick randomness... Center back will be very dark, paua shell abalone, lots of black; transitioning to royal purples and deep blues down the sides; moving into brighter blues and greens towards the front. The center front (fish belly) will be peachy/pearly with interference violet and gold.

Pale green iridescent fluke and fins with purple veining/ribs. I think.

Also, chances are I won't be seen from far away anyway, no?

At least, that's the plan today. :thumbs up:
That sounds really great! I cant wait to see more!!!!!

[Ashton]

Are you going to give yourself an abalone top? Or do you that that would be overkill?

[Mermaid Caspiana]

The abolonie is genious! I can't wait to see how this turns out! It's going to be beautiful!

[LaNyah]

You have some pretty outstanding ideas! Wings/fluke, fabric with silicone, and now I found the reference to the using to glass to smooth. Thanks for all the sharing.

[Mermaid Julz]

PearlieMae, I am just blown away with how good this is looking. I am like bouncing around waiting to see the finished product!

[Mermaid Dottie]

Hahaha! Even without a tail, my mertender is going to need a forklift!

I don't think it's going to be all that heavy, really. The power mesh is just going to be lightly saturated -wetted- with the silicone. The individually cast scales are going to be very thin, then "glued" to the power mesh with brushed on silicone. Then finished and sealed with a thin, glossy 'slime' coat of silicone. When it's all said and done, it will actually be thinner than a foam-circle type, fully-poured scale sheet. I won't be adding additional silicone through painting because the color will all be built in to the scales at the casting stage.


Here is a photo of my test scales all piled together. These are much thicker than the scale mold I'm making now.
16375

Since I'm making the scales to resemble abalone, do you all think I should ditch the texture on the scales? Am I overthinking this?

16376
Oh how funny!
I'm going to be doing something similar to fix my disaster of a latex tail. I'm going to make thin sheets of latex, then punch them out with circle punches (or maybe a different shape. We'll see.) and then glue them onto my tail base individually because latex and e6000 luurve each other a lot. That way, I can blend the seams as I go, making a seamless partial latex tail, using my Oceanika as the fluke. I'm also going to hunt down an epoxy to glue the tail body onto the fin, since they're both a type of rubber.
Any ideas?
I think it's interesting how similar our methods are.

[Anahita]

Hahaha! Even without a tail, my mertender is going to need a forklift!

I don't think it's going to be all that heavy, really. The power mesh is just going to be lightly saturated -wetted- with the silicone. The individually cast scales are going to be very thin, then "glued" to the power mesh with brushed on silicone. Then finished and sealed with a thin, glossy 'slime' coat of silicone. When it's all said and done, it will actually be thinner than a foam-circle type, fully-poured scale sheet. I won't be adding additional silicone through painting because the color will all be built in to the scales at the casting stage.

Here is a photo of my test scales all piled together. These are much thicker than the scale mold I'm making now.

Since I'm making the scales to resemble abalone, do you all think I should ditch the texture on the scales? Am I overthinking this?


I meant more because of all the crystals ;)

And I personally like the texture. I think it adds a nice dept to the tail.

[Anahita]

:doh: I totally forgot those existed! Ooooooo sparklies. I hope there's no barracuda where you end up swimming!

[PearlieMae]

B-b-b-barracuda? They like the shiny?

;)

[Mermaid Dottie]

Haha! Any time I hear the word barracuda I think of the Heart song:

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

Thanks for that website! I'll definitely check it out. Smooth rubbers are really hard to glue.

[MerEmma]

WOW! Pearlie, this is going to look amazing. <3

[Anahita]

Haha! Any time I hear the word barracuda I think of the Heart song:

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

Thanks for that website! I'll definitely check it out. Smooth rubbers are really hard to glue.

:D It was totally stuck in my head after I said it. I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks it when I hear/say the word.... I thought it was my weird word association from how I learned English :rotfl:

[SirenaEma]

What do you guys think of different designs on front/back for the fluke?

[SirenaEma]

Just got my lexan sheet in the mail :D
I have a pretty good idea of what I want for the fluke but does anyone have any suggestions about what to do with foot pockets and how to attach them?

[Ashton]

How is the tail coming along? I cant wait to see more of it!!

[Seatan]

Five different sizes? That sounds like it's going to be visually beautiful when you get them all laid out. Are you sticking with the seashell look?

[Seatan]

You are going to HAVE to get some videos when you are through! (Though what I really want is to see it in person--it sounds gorgeous!)

[Ashton]

Wow 5 sizes! That is going to look cool! I really like the video! I loved the end with your feet in the silicone! It looked so silly! Haha. I know every one is stressed out around this time of he year- I am too. I can't sleep so I am up till like 1/2am practicing stitching neoprene prices together for when I finally see my tail.


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[Mermaid Dottie]

This is so exciting!!!

[jazz2453]

AWESOME! I LOVE the purple one in the upper right!

[jazz2453]

I did testing with the eyeshadow and it worked perfectly! You just have to make sure it's completely powder or there may be tiny chunks.

[LaNyah]

I love this.

What technique are you using to blend the colors in the pattern you want?

[LaNyah]

Cool. I would think the abalone style you had done before could be done in larger batches since it's not single-scale specific. (My fav color scheme to date BTW)

[Ashton]

Those look really cool! I cant wait to see more.
Do you plan on doing a top as well?

[Fifi Tigg]

You could do the rainbow fish mermaid tail! :)

[Ashton]

I've always thought seaweed tops are crazy cool.


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[Mermaid Kelda]

:drool: They're stunning! I'm hanging out to see more!

[PearlieMae]

Thanks, Melaina!

Happy holiday to you! :mermaid kiss:

[Mermaid Oshun]

Love em!
Happy Holidays! :dance:

[MermanZen]

those are so cool I like the transparent look is what I want my spine on my latex tail to look like

[Mermaid Caspiana]

Wow! Those look amazing! I'm so excited to see this finished!!!

[Mermaid Dottie]

:jawdrop:

[LaNyah]

Absolutely gorgeous. What pigments are you using?

[LaNyah]

Sure is. Amazing, creative work.

[Ashton]

those are AMAZING!

[Mermaid Oshun]

So PRETTY and feminine Pearlie! I LOVE IT!

[Ashton]

*falls over* such pretty colors!!!!

[Jessica]

Beautiful work pearlie!! I love the colors!

[Mermaid Julz]

Loving it! those look so good!

[Firemaid]

This is so beautiful!!! This tail is going to be amazing. I love the amount of craftwork you are putting in. Kicking it up a notch!!

[Mermaid Oshun]

Hey we're both Aquarians! I could feel there was something like that

[Mermaid Oshun]

1/25:D

[Blondie]

:swoon: I adore these colors! Fantastic work!

[Trident True]

SIMPLY THE BEST, betta THAN ALL THE REST..... yous sooooo talented. they simply look AMAZING

[AniaR]

stunning!!!

[Echidna]

I loved the sunlight picture, being a sucker for light shiny scales and all ;)

Aquarius here too btw.
Despite being an air sign, I always thought it was the perfect sign for a mermaid.

I always said "Mermaid" when I was asked my sign as a child
(aquarius is called "water-man" or "merman" in German,
and it's usually depicted as a "merman with a trident"-symbol on local horoscopes.)

[Jadestone]

OH MY GOD THIS IS ALL SO BEAUTIFUL!! I read through a lot of this thread ages ago but SO MUCH HAS HAPPENED AHH!! I ADORE your scales! The abalone ones are STUNNING. I'm doing a similar thing with attaching individual scales but wiht a fabric tail, so I'm looking forward to seeing how yours works!! Can't wait to see how this turns out.

[SirenaEma]

I'm working with sections and single scales with a fabric backing,lace for the fluke and power (thanks for the tip ^-^)mesh for the body.I'm wondering if there's anything I can use to help stick the silicone to itself but more importantly the fluke to the scales by the ankles ,I have a design in mind that requires a smooth transition.ill be using a bit of silicone on the backs of the scales to attach them to the fabric but I'm looking for a method to attach the fluke and the body.I'm stuck.any suggestions?

[Mermaid Oshun]

WOW CALTUNA! you and Pearlie feel very close to me some how from this forum and all 3 of us are Aquarians!!! No wonder I love you both so much! We've got similar energies going on. I LOVE your shells Pearlie Yes Pearlie, we bring the waters of life and light to those who dwell in darkness. We are very strong willed and opinionated, very spiritual and ahead of our times. The star card represents us in the tarot
The Star and the Fool Cards of the Tarothttp://www.stariq.com/contentimages/Starabs.gif (http://www.stariq.com/Pagetemplate/NoGlossary.asp?pageid=1990)The Rider-Waite-Smith star card, numbered seventeen, depicts a naked maiden with one foot on the earth and the other foot in a body of water. In each hand she holds an overturned jug from which water flows to the earth below, an ancient symbol for the zodiacal sign of Aquarius, the water bearer.
http://www.stariq.com/contentimages/Foolabs.gif (http://www.stariq.com/Pagetemplate/NoGlossary.asp?pageid=1991)The fool trump, numbered zero, is the first card of the major arcana. The Rider-Waite-Smithversion depicts a young man staring toward heaven as he stands at the edge of a precipice, his small dog yapping at his feet. The fool represents the novice who is about to embark on a spiritual journey. The tradition of the Golden Dawn assigns the tarot’s fool trump to the planet Uranus.
Uranus (the Greek Ouranos) was the first child of Gaia (Mother Earth). As the original sky god, Ouranos became the first heavenly father when he poured water in the form of rain onto his mother earth below so that she would flourish with plant life. Ouranos also impregnated his mother to produce the first race of gods that ruled over mankind. Only when Ouranos became a tyrant did his mother plot with their son Cronos (Saturn) to wrest power from his father Ouranos by castrating him with a sickle. http://www.stariq.com/main/articles/p0001989.htm

[Echidna]

I didn't know about the star card being connected with aquarius, but it's one of the cards that keep popping up as my "destiny" or something :)

Your scales look amazing PearlieMae!
Good luck with the dentist.
I'm horribly afraid of the dentist, it's one of the worst facets of life imo :p

[Mermaid Tula]

Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous! I love all the colors and the different sized scales together!

[MermaidStormy]

Wow it looks beautiful can't wait to see the end result ^^ :D

[Mermaid Oshun]

how do the shells sound when they rattle? like a faint, dull rustling?

[PearlieMae]

How the shells sound? I don't understand.

[Mermaid Dottie]

Pearlie, I might cry, because of how beautiful this is so far....

[Ashton]

How heavy is that so far?

[jazz2453]

This looks beautiful ~~!!! What will you be using for the slime coat?

[Mermaid Oshun]

i was wondering if when the silicone shells rub against each other they will make any noticeable noise.