Hello Merworld!

[Mermaid Kala]

Hello Mernetwork!

I'm Mermaid Kala!

I am brand new to the mermaiding community, having been introduced to this wonderful world by my good friend Mermaid Octavia.

I am in the process of creating my first tail - it will be a combination of lycra swim fabric, waterproof craft foam, and latex.
(I'll be sure to post pictures when I'm done!)

Like many of you, I've always loved mermaids, the ocean, sea creatures, and pretty much everything marine related.
Currently, I'm learning how to freedive, in the hopes that I can then learn how to spearfish.

I have a very strong, passionate love for sharks. They are fascinating, majestic, misunderstood animals that need and deserve our respect,
admiration, and protection. It is my dream right now to be able to go live in Hawaii for 30 days, freediving, spearfishing, and be able to have
a few (good) encounters with these wonderful creatures in person.

Along with Octavia, I am a Graphic Designer, and have recently started to create mermaid themed shirts, so even when out of the water
mermaids can be who they are and show it with pride. I am having a lot of fun creating these designs, and I hope you get the chance to
check them out! - http://mershirts.spreadshirt.com/

I am looking forward to getting to know this community, and hopefully a few of you personally!

Thanks for reading my little intro! :)

[Mermaid Oshun]

Hi Mermaid Kala and welcome! How are you using waterproof foam in your mertail?

[Mermaid Kala]

Hi!!

I'm using craft foam (4mm thick) to cut out the shape of the fluke I want. I'm using 2 identical pieces, then sandwiching the fabric fluke (with the monofin pocket on the inside, zipper on bottom as normal).
After I glue/stitch the craft foam to both sides of the fabric, I will add the latex on top of it, both sides. After 2-3 layers of latex sculpting, (leaving the very bottom open for zipper access) I can paint the fluke with pigmented latex. I'm using a combination of several different mermaid tail/cosplay tutorials, as well as some creative crafting...I'm hoping it will work!

The finished product will be fabric from waist to ankle, with latex brushed/blended up the ankle area, then the visible part of the fluke will be all latex.
I'm planning on posting pictures of each step of the process, just in case it works and others would like to try! :)

[Mermaid Oshun]

that sounds exciting! I can't wait to see this tutorial it seems very unique!
I want to get some foam too actually to try putting it around my knees and legs like on the H20 tails. Where are you getting your foam?

[Mermaid Kala]

You can get the big rolls of it at Michael's (they're usually on the very bottom shelf under the rest of the craft foam) or you can order it online.
Here's the kind I'm using -
http://www.consumercrafts.com/store/details/catalog/kids-foamies-foam-sheets-and-rolls/1022-72

I needed 2 rolls, one for each side of the fluke, but I'm betting one will be enough to wrap around your legs! It's also heat-malleable, so you
can use a hot hair dryer, or a heat gun, and custom mold it to your legs.
I've used it for cosplay armor before, and it's very easy and fun!