Jessica's Second Dragonskin Tail

[Jessica]

I'm loved making my first tail so much that now I'm working on my second dragonskin silicone tail! This tail is really special though...it's my first tail that I'm making for someone else! I originally planned to make another tail for myself first, but I couldn't pass up the chance to make an extra tail. I'm seriously addicted to tailmaking now :)

This tail is for Mermaid Eva and we've been working really closely together on a new custom fluke design! It's so different from other flukes and I'm just in love with it! It's very natural and very fishy. I'm incredibly excited about this project and everything has just fell perfectly into place. Eva is close to my size which will make sizing easier, and she has been great to work with.

This tail will have a finis wave monofin because of the long, narrow fluke design. A competitor would have been great but it was just too wide to get the shape of the fluke without cutting the monofin.

I'm ordering shell shock and dragonskin tonight and will be pouring the mold for the fluke hopefully Wednesday or Thursday (weather permitting)

Here's the fluke sculpture: (I love the edge!)

[Anahita]

Very cool, I can't wait to see how this one comes out!

[Mermaid Sparkle]

OOOOOH! I love those raggedy edges!

[Mizuko]

Yay another one!! :D Cant wait to see more pictures!! <3

[Ariel-Starfish]

Ooooooooh! <3 <3

[PearlieMae]

Nice! I can't wait to follow this build! I hope you post lots of details! I've ordered my dragonskin for my first and will be diving in soon...I've been testing concepts and want to do a tail that's a departure in a lot of ways, but using the things I'm learning here. You have already taught me so much! I'm in awe of you!

[Jessica]

It's been a very busy day.... I finished the clay walls around the fluke sculpture and decided to make a mold of a tiny seahorse I sculpted the other night. I ordered my dragonskin (10 medium) and shell shock(SLOW!!! do not order fast!) yesterday and I got it late this afternoon.

I had everything ready to go so I went right to work on making my molds! Last time I used shell shock it was about 75 degrees and sunny....under hot conditions shell shock thickens immediately..before you even get a chance to mix it thoroughly! Today was so much better...the weather was cooler and I had a good five minutes before the shell shock was too thick to spread with a paintbrush. Once again for those of you making silicone tails....order shell shock slow, not fast! I can't even imagine how quickly the fast version hardens.

Pearlie, you're so sweet! Here are more than a few details/tips for you :)

A few tips for working with shell shock:

small batches are best! I usually mix 1/4 cup A with 1 cup B. I measure them in separate measuring cups and then pour part A into the measuring cup with part B. if you mix small batches this way, you won't need an extra bucket. Keep in mind that anything you use with shell shock will be ruined. Buckets, measuring cups, spoons, paintbrushes...even your clothes!

It is important to protect yourself...shell shock lets off fumes when you use it, so it's best to do it outside if at all possible. You need to wear long sleeves(i wear an old lab coat) latex free gloves(don't take any chances with anything that will touch silicone) sunglasses/safety glasses, put long hair up out of the way(you do not want shell shock in your hair! it does not come out) and keep paper towels handy!

You need a knife to open part A and you need a screwdriver and possibly a hammer to open part b.

keep the materials covered if you're mixing small batches...do not leave lids off in between batches. Shell shock doesn't have a great shelf life and you will reduce it even more if you leave the material uncovered.

After you pour your first layer, take a paintbrush and run it through the shell shock as you spread it around. This is important for the first few layers in order to reduce the bubbles in your mold. **don't pour shell shock if its really humid. humidity will make the shell shock bubbly and your mold will have air bubbles

After you cover your clay completely(usually 2-3 layers) you can lay fiberglass cloth in your mold for strength. Lay it on top of wet shell shock and then add 1-3 more layers to build your mold up to the correct thickness (1cm or 3/8")

Spread shell shock layers evenly across your mold. Don't pour shell shock on one half, and then pour the other because you can wind up with a crack or seam line in your mold. You can always add more layers, but its very important to get a good base layer down.

I hope this helps a little! I know I wish I hadn't learned all of this the hard way :)



pictures!

[Darcythemermaid]

Oh wow!!! The fluke is so beautiful!!!!!!

[Mizuko]

Love love love the fluke design! The ripped ends will look SO pretty!

[PearlieMae]

Jessica! Thank you so muuuuuuuch! This information is absolutely invaluable!

It seems like shell shock is just the same as the resin I have already. I'm going to run a rest tonight...fingers crossed!

[Jessica]

Thanks Darcy and Mizuko! I can't wait to see how the end of the fluke will look painted :)

Pearlie,

i really wish I had info like that before I used shell shock...it really wasn't fun the first time around! I'm hoping others (like you!) can learn from my experiences and all my mistakes! I'm so excited to see so many people making silicone tails! There is so much more information available now compared to when I started my research last year. I can't wait to see how your molds turn out!

I started cleaning my molds out last night and they came out great! I'm really happy with them, but its going to take a bit more work to get all the clay out. The seahorse turned out pretty cute...and just in case you're wondering...there's a tiny crown on its head :)

Pictures!

[Mizuko]

Looks perfect!! XD I've got a new love/hate relationship with Shell Shock. Its so tempermental, but it really does wield beautiful molds!!

[Jessica]

Looks perfect!! XD I've got a new love/hate relationship with Shell Shock. Its so tempermental, but it really does wield beautiful molds!!

I know EXACTLY how you feel! It's stressful to work with...if you get the ratio wrong, you ruin the mold...if you don't mix or spread fast enough, you ruin the mold!! I do love the results though. :)

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Oh the love/hate relationship of Shell Shock. XD Once you get used to working with it though, it's really awesome stuff, as evidenced by your beautiful molds Jessica. And the seahorse is so gosh darned cute!

[Mermaid Melanie]

well done you ! looking great ! :D

[Jessica]

Thanks Lorelei and Melanie!

Shell shock is pretty awesome...I can't believe how much better my mold turned out this time! Weather has a HUGE impact on shell shock....my last mold was poured in hot, semi humid weather and it has a lot of bubbles. I have yet to find a single bubble in my mold this time. This may be because I had more time to brush on my first layer but then again, I had more time because the weather was cooler!

[jazz2453]

So excited about this! The mold came out really great! I know this will come out just as great (probably better!) then the last one!

[mermaidm]

Amazing job, Jessica! Eva's one lucky mer!

[Jessica]

Thanks jazz and mermaidm!

I'm still working on cleaning out the fluke mold, but I'm hoping to finish it tonight so I can pour some silicone tomorrow!

Here's the silicone seahorse! (I tinted the silicone white)

[jazz2453]

Very cute:) Maybe use it as a piece on a top or something? I'm not sure, its your choice:)

[Jessica]

Jazz, the seahorse is for my scale top! He's going right in the middle :)

I finished cleaning my fluke mold and poured the first half of the fluke! I tinted the silicone white to make it easier when I paint. It won't take as many layers of paint that way.

I used two cups part a and two cups part b and it filled the mold perfectly! For those of you who are making tails:

measure carefully! Part b is the catalyst. It's ok to have a little extra part b, but its not ok to have extra part a. Extra part b will speed up the cure time. However, if you use extra part b you will wind up having leftover part a when you get to the end of the bucket.

I label my measuring cups A and B so I don't get them mixed up, and I also label my spoons!

i mix the pigment in one part first and then add the other part. Its just easier for me to mix it that way. It is so incredibly important that you mix silicone completely! You really need to spend a solid 3-5 minutes mixing your silicone. Don't forget to scrape the sides and bottom of the bucket really well.

in the picture with the paintbrush...
pour your silicone slowly into your mold. If you pour too fast, you can wind up with a lot of bubbles! Some bubbles are completely normal. I use a paintbrush to spread the silicone after I pour it in the mold. By dragging a paint brush through the mold you can release trapped air bubbles and get a better casting. This works well for me! It also helps if you have fine details (like the tattered edge of this fluke) if you take a paintbrush and gently brush the silicone around the area. By doing this you can make sure you get every detail and an even layer.

Pictures:

[Jessica]

Finished fluke half:

[jazz2453]

Came out really nice! I used white for pigment also. It came out more translucent with a slight pearl like yours (you can't tell in the pictures I posted)

[Mizuko]

I love the pearly look to it ^_^

[Jessica]

Jazz,
i actually got the idea from you! I could tell that you tinted your silicone in the pictures and it got me thinking....pigment is way cheaper than silicone...so it makes sense to tint it if you know what colors you're using. :) this tail is going to be pinks and greens with white at the end of the fluke. It's a gorgeous color combo! I finished my paint tests the other day and I'm in love with the colors.

Mizuko,
I love the pearly white too....it reminds me of Delphine's tail! :)

My fluke turned out a bit thin in the center....a little too thin to cover the ridges of the wave monofin completely. So back in the mold it goes! I just added an extra 2 cups of silicone to the back to make it thicker in the center. This should be enough to cover the monofin well.

I have the first section of scales in the mold right now. I will be doing the body of the tail in sections again, but assembling the sections a little differently this time. I'm also using powermesh as a liner, but I'm waiting until I join the sections together to add it to the silicone.

I'm going to pour the second half of the fluke and start painting the first half tomorrow! I'm so excited about how this fluke turned out.

[Mizuko]

Ohhh pink and green! I cant wait to see this! :D Mine will be pearly pink and maybe some touches of blue.
Will you pour more silicone onto the sections of the scales before adding the powermesh, to stick it on? How thick to you estimate this will make the scales? I think mine might be a bit thick!

[jazz2453]

I completely forgot about using power mesh! WHOOOPS! But yea I did the pearly white since the dots will be white, it's a good base color, and with createx the colors come out they way they do on the online pictures due to a white base coat. Pink and green are amazing together! Those were the first color I got when I had braces XD

[teeth4u]

You're doing such an amazing job! I'm so excited to see more of this tail :D

[Jessica]

This sketch is not so great...but it will give you an idea of what I'm doing with this tail! The tail will be a peachy pink gold in the center and gradually fade to a teeny bit of white and then immediately into the pale sea foamy green...then into a brighter teal green...then into the darker green on the side seams! The fluke will have dark green ridges and fade from dark green to lighter greens to white. The very edge of the fluke will have just a tiny hint of pink...possibly. I'm going to add it so eva can see if she likes it!( Its going to be very light so it would be easy to paint over if she doesn't) Eva and I worked really well together to come up with this design...and I'm really excited about all the different shades of pink and green!

i have a feeling that i will really love this tail by the time I finish it.... and it will be rather difficult to part with it! :)

mizuko,
since I'm doing the scales in sections again, I'm casting the scales very thin so they will be easy to join. Once I have all three sections for one side, I'm going to line them up, join them together and then brush a very thin layer of silicone on the back. Then I will add the powermesh. If I could just pour two sheets like you, I would just add the powermesh right after I brush the scales in the mold.

if you pour your scales, your scales will be very thick! I think it's best to brush the silicone in the scale mold. (Well, technically i just dump it in the middle and brush it outwards from there ) Its worked very well for me. You can always make your scales thicker by brushing layers on the back or even the front. If your scales are thin it also makes it much, much easier to hide your seams! As soon as I finish these scale sections I will be posting detailed pictures showing how I do my seams. If you get ahead of me, let me know! I can post how I did them last time. I just plan on taking lots of pictures this time so I can do my best to explain my process. I hope if you get a chance you will too! It would be awesome if we all keep learning from each other :)

Jazz,
i love how well the white helps cover the bright yellow monofin! The wave has black foot pockets too...it's going to take a few layers to cover that! I really like the pink and green color combo :) it's kind of an elegant princess Ariel look :) how do you like the createx colors? Do you like them better than pearl ex?

[Jessica]

Thanks Eva! I'm so excited to be working on this project!

[AniaR]

pretty

[PearlieMae]

So awesome and completely helpful!

According to Roman legend, the goddess Venus, associated not only with love, but beauty and money, too, has pink and green as her colors. So, your tail is well on its way to being divine!

PS: what are the dimensions of your fluke?

[Mizuko]

those colours are going to look stunning <3 I agree with you: elegant princess Ariel! :D

[Jessica]

So awesome and completely helpful!

According to Roman legend, the goddess Venus, associated not only with love, but beauty and money, too, has pink and green as her colors. So, your tail is well on its way to being divine!

PS: what are the dimensions of your fluke?


Pearlie I didn't know you were a mythology nerd too! I've been obsessed with mythology since I was a kid :) I'm so excited about this tail! It's really amazing taking someone's idea and make it come to life. I'm really glad Eva picked pink and green....I used the same pink on my tail and I know I can blend the green well. I've never really done much painting, so I'm learning as I go!



my fluke is 27" long and 20" wide

it took 4 cups of silicone to fill the mold, but I added an extra two cups to the back to help hide the monofin ridges. :)

thanks Raina and Mizuko!

[PearlieMae]

Oh, I'm just a nerd about most things! ;) Now that I can see it on my big screen, your color tests look wonderful! Your sketch is close to what I was thinking for mine, dark green dorsal into purple sides into the front, with a goldish-peach fishbelly.

Thanks for the measurements...I wasn't sure if I was going big or small with mine. Can't wait to see the next steps!

[Jessica]

I put the monofin on the edge of the table and laid the fluke half on top so you can see how the fluke hangs. The extra silicone I added to the back is perfect and hides the ridges pretty well. I poured the second half of the fluke and another patch of scales. I also started painting the first half of the fluke! It's been a busy day :)

[PearlieMae]

Excellent!

[jazz2453]

Looking good!

[Mermaid Allie]

BEAUTIFUL! All these silicone tails makes me want to make one OMG! but i have about as much artistic ability as a snail :p

[Jessica]

Thanks jazz and Allie!

I've been painting all day:

[Aziara]

OMG! How'd you get that awesome green with pearl ex? They only have that spring green one last I checked. Your color is much closer to the greens I like.

[PearlieMae]

That forest green over the pearl is fabulous! :jawdrop:

[Jessica]

Thanks pearlie!

Aziara,

This is spring green! I just had to blend it with a few other colors! Pearl ex pigments are so easy to blend and mix very easily into silicone. :)

the color at the top of the fluke is more of an emerald green and it fades into what I would call sea foam.
:)

[jazz2453]

LOve the blend! Looks like a real fish!

[Mermaid Esther]

OMG IT'S TURNING OUT BEAUTIFUL!!

[Seatan]

Wow, that green is fantastical! I love the pearlesence of it all!

[Seraphina Suds]

Such beautiful colors!

[Echidna]

Love it, looks like a genuine fish's fin.
Some lake or river one.
That'll be one awesome tail.

[shadeofmyheart]

What paints did you use on the silicone? Did it stick?

[Mizuko]

ah, it looks beautiful!!! <3 :D

[Winged Mermaid]

Looking amazing so far!

[Azurin Luna]

One epic fluke coloring! I love those colors :D

[PearlieMae]

I've been thinking about this and how we color silicone with pigment...I'm going to run a test this weekend using some dollar store eyeshadows. Pearl Ex is basically tinted mica powders and most eyeshadows are largely the same thing...colored pigment and mica powders, with a little microcrystalline wax as a binder. We'll see how much or how little it takes to color up some silicone!

>insert evil scientist chuckle here <

[Aziara]

^looking forward to the results of this!

[Jessica]

Thanks so much everyone! I'm having so much fun :)

@ shadeofmyheart, I'm using pearl ex powdered pigments and its working great this time! With my last tail I had trouble with the paint curing due to the rubber monofin inhibiting the cure of the silicone. I'm using a different monofin this time and painting the tail before I put the monofin inside just to be safe!


I've been thinking about this and how we color silicone with pigment...I'm going to run a test this weekend using some dollar store eyeshadows. Pearl Ex is basically tinted mica powders and most eyeshadows are largely the same thing...colored pigment and mica powders, with a little microcrystalline wax as a binder. We'll see how much or how little it takes to color up some silicone!

>insert evil scientist chuckle here <

great minds must think alike...I found some hot pink powdered eyeshadow at a flea market last month I'm planning on testing! I just haven't gotten around to it yet!

[Blondie]

Hnnngggg I'm in love with these colors. :drool:

[MermaidAqua]

I LOVE the way the end of the tail is tattered and almost translucent. Its just like a real fishes tails, there is no harsh edge with colour, the "skin?" of the fin just becomes translucent and clear towards the end. You seriously need to open your own tail shop, it takes a lot of work and effort but the outcomes are so beautiful! You'd go very far I think :) Good luck with the scales this time round, does the Foil propel you enough in your tail? was it worth the hassle or do you wish you had got a different fin?

[Trident True]

I've used the Peal ex macropearl on my tail. if you only mix in a little pigment. YOU don't need much a little goes a long, long way. its looks transulcent and the good thing about this is..... it wont turn yellow over time. I love the pastel colours. there not vibrant but just the right hue. the green goes very well with the pearl. any colour would i reckon. by just looking at your thread ive learnt things i didnt know... with the mold making process. knowing me i always make it DIFFICULT for myself. i will deff watch your thread. keep up the good work :)

[Mermaid Riia]

Oh em gee! Talent! I'm just waitin till you start taking orders :D we are ready, me n mah moneyz

[Jessica]

Thanks so much! You guys are all so sweet :)

blondie: I love the drooling smiley face!

Mermaid aqua,
the tattered fishy look was what I was going for! Eva really wanted a natural looking fluke. :)

i really like how the foil monofin looks in the fluke...it made my fluke very flowy. However, it really doesn't give me the kind of power I want in the water. This tail will have a finis wave and I think it will be much better. Maybe my next tail will get a competitor....

As for a tailmaking business...I'm making this tail for Eva because she understands 100% that I'm still learning! I'm not an expert and I still have so much left to learn. I can't guarantee a perfect tail yet, but I'm learning so much and having fun so I'm pretty happy. :)

Tail update:
i went and picked up three yards of nude colored powermesh from joanns today (a yard and a half for this tail and for my next tail too)

I have almost finished painting one of the fluke halves. I added another shade of green and made the aqua/sea foam a bit brighter. I also added just a teeny tiny hint of pink along the tattered edge so Eva can see if she likes it! This is going to be such a pretty tail and I'm so excited!

I'm working on the scales and I just got more pigment in the mail from Eva today. :)

pictures coming soon!

[PearlieMae]

I can't wait to see the progress!

[Mermaid Cecelia]

Jessica, if your tails arent perfect, then your tails are the most perfect imperfect tails I've seen :P

[Jessica]

Jessica, if your tails arent perfect, then your tails are the most perfect imperfect tails I've seen :P

You just made my day :)


i took the first half of the fluke outside and took some pictures! It seems like it changes colors when you look at it from different angles. You can also see the colors better in the sun :)

[Mermaid_Dominique]

Wow! Really nice! :D I love it! You go girl!

[Aziara]

O....My...God... Those colors! So are you mixing the spring green with some of the blue pigments to get these awesome forest and seafoam shades?

[Jessica]

Thanks Dominique!

Aziara,

Here's what I'm using:
duo green purple + spring green + true blue + tiny bit sky blue = emerald
Duo green purple + spring green = medium green
duo green purple + pearl white/macro pearl = sea foam



you have to test the ratios a lot. It takes some practice to get things right! It took me awhile...it's a lot of work but I think the results are worth it!

[mermaidm]

OH MY GOD!!!! THAT IS SO GORGEOUS!!! Seriously...amazing fluke. I can't believe this is only your second tail.

[Mizuko]

Wow, just wow!! :D You really are inspiring, Jessica!!

[Aziara]

:doh: D'oh! Didnt even think of working with the green/purple duo! Thanks for letting me know the colors you used, don't worry, I'll make sure my paintjob looks different from yours. My brain was just glitching trying to figure out how to get green with pearl ex.

[Jessica]

Thanks mermaidm and Mizuko!

aziara,

one of the things I love about pearl ex is how different everything I paint turns out. I don't mind if you use the same colors at all! They're pretty awesome. :) even if I tried to paint a tail with the same colors it would turn out different! Are you going to make a silicone tail?!

[MermaidHyli]

I love this fluke and the colors are to die for!

[Aziara]

I totally want to make one, though I'm not even completely finished painting my fabric tail. My initial plan was to get a few gigs in my fabric tail to save up for silicone.... But I've always been super picky about realism, and my homemade monofin gives me such terrible foot cramps I'm worried that I'll have to yank it off right in the middle of a gig! I don't want to traumatize some poor kids :O_o:

[shadeofmyheart]

How do you apply the different colors? Do you blend them after they are mixed? How much dragon skin did you use, again? And how will you adhere the two sides together? Sorry for all the questions.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

[Jessica]

Thanks hyli!

aziara,
I'm picky about realism too. That's why I decided to use silicone. It really feels fishy! However, there are some really awesome realistic looking fabric and neoprene tails. Jade's tail is one of my favorites. It really looks like latex or silicone in pictures and I'm sure kids probably would think its real! As for foot cramps....I remember reading that you can roll your foot on top of a tennis ball to help stretch it and prevent cramps. I haven't tried it, but I stretch my feet a lot in general and stretching does seem to help!

tail update:
I've almost completely finished painting one fluke half and I'm working on the other. I also joined the three sections of scales together for the first half of the body. I'm going to brush a very thin layer of silicone on the back of the scales and then lay the powermesh on top. Typically, its best to just add the powermesh when you pour silicone in the scale mold. Since I can only use part of my mold and I'm doing this tail in sections, I'm joining the sections first. I think this method will work best for this situation because it will also help strengthen the seams.

Pictures coming soon! :D

[PearlieMae]

How is the stretch in the silicone once you add the powermesh? I'm going to be piecing my tail body in sections, and am building overlaps on to the piece edges. I like the idea of using the mesh in high stress areas, like an interfacing, but I still want the stretchiness of just the silicone in other areas.

[mermaidm]

out of curiosity...how much do your tails weigh? You mentioned a thin layer of silicone so I was wondering if your tails were lighter than others :)

[Mermaid Julz]

Wow Jess, things are flying along for you. You are doing great!

[Jessica]

How is the stretch in the silicone once you add the powermesh? I'm going to be piecing my tail body in sections, and am building overlaps on to the piece edges. I like the idea of using the mesh in high stress areas, like an interfacing, but I still want the stretchiness of just the silicone in other areas.

powermesh is awesome! It's very stretchy and very thin so it has only a minimal...if at all....impact on the stretchingness of the silicone. The scales feel very sturdy with the powermesh as a backing. With my first tail the points of the scales are a bit fragile because they're thinner than the rest of the scale. I did tear a hole in one when I was taking my tail off at the waterfall. I really wish I had used powermesh on my last tail...I think it would have made a big difference.

Long story short....powermesh is inexpensive and very effective at adding strength to the scales. If I were you...I would use it for the whole tail. I plan on using it from now on. :)

mermaidm,
my first tail had pretty thin scales, but the fluke was pretty heavy. I haven't weighed it, but its easily 25 lbs. I think unless you have a tiny fluke a tail is going to be rather heavy. I plan on making two kids tails in the spring and I've been trying to think of ways to make them lighter. I will probably use thin neoprene and a very thin layer of silicone on the fluke.

Thanks julz! I can't wait until you finish your tail!

[PearlieMae]

Excellent! Good to know. Thanks!

[Jadestone]

AHHH THIS IS BEAUTIFUL!! Man so much happened while I was away from the internet!! I LOVE the colors on the fluke. Can't wait to see how the rest of the tail turns out!! :D

re: foot cramps: yes!! Stretch a lot beforehand. Stretch after! Stretch at night! If you want to prevent cramps basically getting your feet more flexible is a good way to go (I am really bad at remembering to stretch for my knee problems, but when I do do it regularly things are so much better).

[Delphine]

I love the pearly white too....it reminds me of Delphine's tail! :)

My fluke turned out a bit thin in the center....a little too thin to cover the ridges of the wave monofin completely. So back in the mold it goes! I just added an extra 2 cups of silicone to the back to make it thicker in the center. This should be enough to cover the monofin well.

Hey, cool! Iridescent-Pearly love to share! <3 We have the same monofin! It's the biggest pain to disguise that dandelion yellow, eh? XD I'll be keeping an eye on this thread. Seems like it's coming along quite well. Whoo! Love the process shots--they're great.

[Jessica]

Thanks jade :D

Delphine,
if finis would just make a white monofin! With white footpockets! The yellow is pretty awful.....but at least it isn't completely black! The greens in this tail help hide the monofin a lot. Your tail is just so pretty it has me thinking about a white tail....:)!!

tail update.....

I've been really sick the past week and things slowed down a bit. I'm feeling much better now though and I'm catching up! I have all the scales done and just need to add powermesh to the second sheet. I've been painting the other half of the fluke and it's coming along nicely.

I've also been thinking about a starfish top for awhile. I ran out of shell shock so I just heated monster makers clay and pressed it over the starfish. It's a temporary mold but it worked great! I've been slowly brushing silicone in the clay mold when I had a bit leftover from the scales and I finally have one starfish done. :) it's a bit thinner than other starfish you see on tops....I want it to be more flexible so I can make it curve around the bra cups a bit.

Here are a few pictures! The scales have a nude powermesh backing.
The fluke half on the right is finished and the other still needs a bit more paint

[PearlieMae]

That looks great! I love that the starfish well conform to curves, rather than look like a dried starfish. The whole thing is coming along wonderfully!

Hope you feel better soon!

[Ariel-Starfish]

@jessica: I hope u feel better soon! <3

OMG OMG OMG a starfish bra! I really neeeeeed one! Could u manage to make one where the starfish follow the curves of the bra? I really want one but all i've seen are stiff starfish :(

[LittlePolly]

Wauw! Amazing, I love your work!

[Mermaid Dottie]

That fluke is FANTASTIC!
(I just felt like the ninth doctor...:O)

[Mizuko]

Beautiful, Jessica! :) The colours look amazing!

[Jessica]

Thanks everyone! I'm really happy with how this tail is turning out. :)


@jessica: I hope u feel better soon! <3

OMG OMG OMG a starfish bra! I really neeeeeed one! Could u manage to make one where the starfish follow the curves of the bra? I really want one but all i've seen are stiff starfish :(

hi Ariel,
I don't like stiff starfish either! I want it to look like my starfish is hanging on....not just stuck on stiff like he died and dried there. ;) Stay tuned! I need to find a bra for the top, but I just brushed the second starfish in the mold today so I should have some pictures soon! The starfish is very sturdy but very flexible....I can easily fold it in half.

I added the the powermesh to the second scale sheet today and I did some more painting on the fluke! Next comes the measuring and seaming of the body of the tail!

[PearlieMae]

I have a question, are silicone tails "vented" in any way? Do they fill with water, especially if they gap at all? I saw Raina's first mertailor video and it ballooned like crazy, but I don't know what's been done since then to prevent that.

[Jessica]

I have a question, are silicone tails "vented" in any way? Do they fill with water, especially if they gap at all? I saw Raina's first mertailor video and it ballooned like crazy, but I don't know what's been done since then to prevent that.


You just need drainage slits in the fluke to prevent the fluke from filling with water. Water will find a way in the tail...through the waist....side seams.....etc. it just needs a way out so it doesn't fill up and drown you! Your slits can be done in many different ways....I just laid two plastic rulers and a couple of plastic straws in between my fluke when I sealed it together. They pull out easy and the silicone won't stick to plastic. I placed mine right against the edge of the monofin so there would be channels for the water to flow out. Somewhere in my first thread I posted a picture of this. I'll be sure to post pics when I seal the fluke on this tail. :)

[Jessica]

Starfish :D

[PearlieMae]

You just need drainage slits in the fluke to prevent the fluke from filling with water. Water will find a way in the tail...through the waist....side seams.....etc. it just needs a way out so it doesn't fill up and drown you! Your slits can be done in many different ways....I just laid two plastic rulers and a couple of plastic straws in between my fluke when I sealed it together. They pull out easy and the silicone won't stick to plastic. I placed mine right against the edge of the monofin so there would be channels for the water to flow out. Somewhere in my first thread I posted a picture of this. I'll be sure to post pics when I seal the fluke on this tail. :)

Thanks so much! I will look in your other thread. This is really helpful!

[Jessica]

Quick update...

I'm working on the body and measuring....measuring .......and measuring! I'm trying to make sure I get the fit perfect! I'm excited to get the scales trimmed and start seaming the tail. The scales are thicker this time around and the thicker the silicone is the less it will stretch. It's still plenty stretchy, but just not as stretchy as my first tail. However, the scales are much, much sturdier! The powermesh really makes a world of difference :)

pictures coming soon

[Mizuko]

cant wait to see! :D

[Jessica]

Cutting scales and seaming the tail tomorrow! Sneak peek:

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Woot woot!

[Mizuko]

How exciting! If you can, could you please give us a little insight to seams once you are done? ;D I'm kinda stuck on how to do them (and I havn't even re-done my scale sheet yet, lol!)
This tail is going to be beautiful- the colours on the fluke are stunning!

[mermaidm]

THOSE STARFISH!!! oh my gosh!!! and the tail is coming along BEAUTIFULLY!!! (it really deserves all these exclamation points lol) great work tho :)

[Mermaid Dottie]

*Joyful Squee!*

[Mermaid_Dominique]

Ohhhh so excited! =D it all looks really great!

[Jessica]

Thanks Dottie, mermaidm, Mizuko, and Dominique!

Mizuko,
I'm incredibly excited right now! I think I just figured out a really great way to do seams! It's easier than the way I did them last time....and I'm hoping it turns out well. :)

i will be posting in detail how I did my seams so you and others can learn and hopefully improve on my methods! We can all learn from each other ;)

First things first....you have a big rectangular scale sheet, now what?

Here's what I did:
i made a pattern of Eva's body just like I was going to make her a fabric tail. I didn't add any inches or subtract any. The body pattern was exactly her measurements(which I checked against the duct tape body mold) I also included an extra seven inches of scales at the bottom to cover the monofin and meet the fluke of the tail. I have a good bit of experience in pattern making(I'm a quilter!) so if anyone needs me to explain this step in detail, let me know. :)

after I finished the pattern, I carefully and selectively cut the scales to size, leaving a seam allowance around the entire pattern. For the most part, I included one scale length outside the pattern. This is hard to put into words, but if you look at the pictures below you can see how much of a seam allowance I left. It is important to note that the seam allowance is not consistent. It varies slightly because of the scale pattern and because I cut the scales selectively to have a better seam. ****i make my seams overlap 1" or less. Other people do more, some do even 3-4". This is really a personal preference and it depends on what you're comfortable with. I think it's easier to overlap just an inch or so because it seems to give you more control over the sizing. If you decide to have a bigger seam allowance, make sure you extend your seam allowance the correct amount!

One thing in you may be wondering....why didn't I just include a seam allowance in my pattern? You can certainly do this, but since I selectively cut scales, I need to see what I'm doing! If I had added the seam allowance to the pattern it would have been in the way.....unless I had just cut a line through the scales instead of cutting selectively. :)

i have to to run, but I will be posting more seam info soon!

[Mer_Adella]

Thanks Dottie, mermaidm, Mizuko, and Dominique!

Mizuko,
I'm incredibly excited right now! I think I just figured out a really great way to do seams! It's easier than the way I did them last time....and I'm hoping it turns out well. :)

i will be posting in detail how I did my seams so you and others can learn and hopefully improve on my methods! We can all learn from each other ;)

First things first....you have a big rectangular scale sheet, now what?

Here's what I did:
i made a pattern of Eva's body just like I was going to make her a fabric tail. I didn't add any inches or subtract any. The body pattern was exactly her measurements(which I checked against the duct tape body mold) I also included an extra seven inches of scales at the bottom to cover the monofin and meet the fluke of the tail. I have a good bit of experience in pattern making(I'm a quilter!) so if anyone needs me to explain this step in detail, let me know. :)
!

You said to ask for help...help! lol . When I did my fabric tail, my mom basically just traced my shape onto tracing paper to get my "size". Other things I have ordered (tails, dresses, clothes, etc) when asked to give my measurements, I give them, and things are always too big on me. If/when I start to make my own silicone tail, should I just have my mom trace my body again to get that perfect fit? or what would you suggest?

Also, do you only use pearl-ex pigments in the paints? cus if so I am in luck! I work with polymer clay and have a carp ton (pun) of pearl-ex pigments anyways. Another question...when painting the silicone, I assume that you add your measured pigments into the silicone and then use a paint brush to apply??? I am getting excited because you seem to understand completely about giving all of us the chance to learn from you, and giving us all advice. It makes me want to pull my top mold out from the basement and start working on my silicone top again. :) Thanks deary and keep up the amazing work.

oh and btw....I AM SO IN LOVE WITH THAT FLUKE!!!! I WANT !!!! LOL YOU DID AN AWESOME JOB AND EVE IS AWESOME FOR WANTING SOMETHING THAT LOOKS SO NATURAL.

[Jessica]

I forgot to mention...in the pic ^ with the silicone buckets....I used them to hold the paper pattern in place while I was trimming the scales.

i just took the clothespins off the scales and the method worked pretty well! My seams aren't perfect and I still have a few places to fix and quite a few edges that need to be sealed.

Here's what I did:

instead of using the body mold like last time, I used a pool noodle! The problem with seaming over the body mold is that the scales tend to slip and they start sliding around.....it's tough to get them secured where you want them! The pool noodle holds the top layer of scales up high enough to give you space to work, but not so high that it causes the scales to slip around. You could also use a partially full roll of paper towels, a rolled up towel....lots of things really.

I added a THIN layer if silicone to the edge of the bottom layer of scales. I then laid the top layer where I wanted them and pinched the layers together. I used clothespins to secure the layers. You can see how I clipped the edges in the pictures.

One thing to consider.....in some places my scale seam got a weird crease. This is fixable, but it is also preventable. When you clip the clothespin in place, make sure the top layer of scales is on top and not wrapped around the edge of where you're putting the clothespin. This is hard to explain.....the way you secure the clothespins does impact how your seam looks though. I got the hang of it towards the ankle and the ankle seam is much better than the hip! I'm going to have to go back and fix the hip seam a bit so I'm happy with it. :)

pictures! In the picture with the paintbrush I was trying to show where I was applying the silicone along the edge....tough to do when you only have 2 hands and you're taking the picture yourself! Also...the seams will look much better after I smooth them out...they're pretty rough in these pictures!

[Jessica]

(Mer-Adella): You said to ask for help...help! lol . When I did my fabric tail, my mom basically just traced my shape onto tracing paper to get my "size". Other things I have ordered (tails, dresses, clothes, etc) when asked to give my measurements, I give them, and things are always too big on me. If/when I start to make my own silicone tail, should I just have my mom trace my body again to get that perfect fit? or what would you suggest?

Don't trace your body! :) the best thing you can do is first make a duct tale body mold. It needs to come exactly to your bellybutton and exactly to your ankle bone. This is important because there's a lot of measuring and you need to be consistent. I had eva do the duct tape body mold and measure two...maybe three times?! It was a lot! I'm going to get my notes out and explain how I had her measure and how I made my pattern for you. I'll have this ready for you in a day or two!

Also, do you only use pearl-ex pigments in the paints? cus if so I am in luck! I work with polymer clay and have a carp ton (pun) of pearl-ex pigments anyways.
Another question...when painting the silicone, I assume that you add your measured pigments into the silicone and then use a paint brush to apply???

You use pearl ex powdered pigments (not liquid) you mix it right in the silicone and paint it with a paintbrush. I also recommend tinting the silicone when you pour it in the mold....it makes painting much easier!

I am getting excited because you seem to understand completely about giving all of us the chance to learn from you, and giving us all advice. It makes me want to pull my top mold out from the basement and start working on my silicone top again. :) Thanks deary and keep up the amazing work.


I'm really happy to answer any questions! Let's face it....many of us will never be able to afford to buy a $3000 silicone tail....and some of us would just rather make something ourselves than buy it!

I've learned so much from other people on here like Lorelei that i think it's really important to give back and share what I've learned. I don't think sharing information is going to stop people from buying tails from tail makers....making silicone tails is really hard, time consuming work! I think most people wouldn't even consider tackling a project like this anyway, but for the people who do, I think it should be easier to find the information they need. I did like nine months of research...and I still made mistakes! It takes a lot of time to learn and it's just so much more fun to have people making tails at the same time as me so I have people to share the experience with!

I really hope hope you make your silicone top! Your tail is just beautiful by the way :)


oh and btw....I AM SO IN LOVE WITH THAT FLUKE!!!! I WANT !!!! LOL YOU DID AN AWESOME JOB AND EVE IS AWESOME FOR WANTING SOMETHING THAT LOOKS SO NATURAL.

i really love this tail too! The fluke is just so pretty and I'm having so much fun!

[teeth4u]

Aaaaahhh!!! I can't believe this is all coming together! :yay: I've seriously only dreamed having a tail this awesome. Thank you so much Jessica for all your hard work!

[drucilla]

Those scates ROCK!!!! :swoon:

[drucilla]

scales** sorry

[Mer_Adella]

Which tail are you referring to? In my mernetwork pic is my old fabric one my mom and I made up. I guess I haven't put up pics of my silicone one yet lol. I will get right on that tomorrow

[Stefani]

hello, I have a question, dragon skin 10 medium is suitable for your skin?

[Jessica]

Aaaaahhh!!! I can't believe this is all coming together! :yay: I've seriously only dreamed having a tail this awesome. Thank you so much Jessica for all your hard work!

I'm so excited to see this come together too! ;)

Drucilla, thanks!

Mer adella,
i was referring to your fabric tail in your picture....it's an awesome fabric tail!

Stefani,

Yes, dragonskin silicone is completely skin safe! It's commonly used to create prosthetic body parts.

[Mermaid Julz]

wow, in the time it has taken me to not even finish one tail, your on your way to completing two! Happy for ya though... its looking really good.

[Stefani]

What kind of paint do you use? Acrylic?

[Stefani]

Thank you very much Jessica, your tail is being amazing, it's beautiful!

[Jessica]

wow, in the time it has taken me to not even finish one tail, your on your way to completing two! Happy for ya though... its looking really good.

Julz you'll get your tail done before you know it! You've had a lot of setbacks, but you're working through them! The second one is easier, I promise! I ran into problems with my first tail too....there's just so much to learn!

stefani,
you can't use acrylic paint with silicone....nothing sticks to silicone except silicone! I actually use powdered pigment and add some directly to a little bit of silicone. You mix it well and use a paint brush to paint your tail. :)

[Mizuko]

Thank you so so much for all the seams info! Your seams are practically invisible! :D
I cant wait to see it all painted <3

[PearlieMae]

The seams info is fabulous! Thank you so much for sharing!

I was thinking, is there any reason why you wouldn't use straight pins into the pool noodle? You wouldn't get weird creases from the clothes pins, and I doubt the pinholes would adversely affect the tail structurally, our you could go back and dab silicone over them from the inside, no?

:)

[Jessica]

The seams info is fabulous! Thank you so much for sharing!

I was thinking, is there any reason why you wouldn't use straight pins into the pool noodle? You wouldn't get weird creases from the clothes pins, and I doubt the pinholes would adversely affect the tail structurally, our you could go back and dab silicone over them from the inside, no?

:)

Well....I don't think I would do it. I don't like the idea of poking holes in my scales...and it would take a lot of pins just to hold it. You would also have to put the pool noodle right up against the scales. If you did this, you would gave to do small sections at a time because of the natural curve of the body. If you look real close in the pictures, I didn't put the noodle right against the scales. Not that you can't, it's just that anything that is too close tends to cause the scales to shift so you have to babysit it while it's curing! The pool noodle is just hold the sheets apart so they don't cling to each other...and to give me some room to work with. Do you think a pool noodle is dense enough to support a pin? They're pretty airy....you might have better luck with a roll of paper towels in a plastic bag(you need plastic so the silicone won't get imbedded in the paper towel fibers).

If you're really careful you won't get weird creases using clothespins. I had to fix a few spots but it's not a big deal to do it. Between you, me and Mizuko I'm sure we can figure out an easier way to do this!

One more tip! One of my favorite tricks I learned from Lorelei! You can freeze silicone to slow down the cure time. One of the best ways I've found to do seams is to mix a couple teaspoons of silicone and let it sit out for awhile (about half an hour or so depending on temp) I then stick it in the freezer for a couple hours or even overnight. When you need to do a seam, pull it out of the freezer and it's nice and thick! The silicone will still cure in the freezer....just much more slowly! When you pull it out, work fast to do your seams and it stays put! This way it doesn't run everywhere and make a mess! It usually cures in about 45minutes to an hour after I've had it in the freezer. Best trick ever!!!

[Jessica]

Working on the side seam:

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Glad you've had such success with the freezing tip!

Also, I used straight pins for my entire tail. I found it worked much better than any other holding method. And you don't need to worry about holes in the silicone. If you're just using straight pins, the silicone is barely affected at all.

[Jessica]

Glad you've had such success with the freezing tip!

Also, I used straight pins for my entire tail. I found it worked much better than any other holding method. And you don't need to worry about holes in the silicone. If you're just using straight pins, the silicone is barely affected at all.

Thanks Lorelei! i was just testing another seaming method, but I'm glad to hear that straight pins work! I tried it on a scrap of silicone scales and they do hold pretty well....and the hole is much smaller than I expected....almost invisible!

So pearlie....you are a genius for mentioning it...and I'm sorry I didn't test it yesterday! Although I have to admit just the thought of poking holes in my silicone had me going :gah: at first!

I've been playing with different seaming methods and I came up with the idea to lay the body of the tail upside down. Meaning.....the front of the tail is on the bottom. I rolled the back of the tail's edges under just a bit, and then I painted a line of silicone on the front side right against the rolled edge of the back. I then wrapped the front of the tail around the back. I laid books on top to hold it in place while it cures.

This sounds more complicated than it is! I think next time instead of using books I will use straight pins to secure the silicone while it cures.

I really love how we are all sharing tips, tricks and awesome info!

Here's a picture so you can see how I rolled the edges under (keeping it flat makes it really easy to check measurements!)

[Firemaid]

Well....I don't think I would do it. I don't like the idea of poking holes in my scales...and it would take a lot of pins just to hold it. You would also have to put the pool noodle right up against the scales. If you did this, you would gave to do small sections at a time because of the natural curve of the body. If you look real close in the pictures, I didn't put the noodle right against the scales. Not that you can't, it's just that anything that is too close tends to cause the scales to shift so you have to babysit it while it's curing! The pool noodle is just hold the sheets apart so they don't cling to each other...and to give me some room to work with. Do you think a pool noodle is dense enough to support a pin? They're pretty airy....you might have better luck with a roll of paper towels in a plastic bag(you need plastic so the silicone won't get imbedded in the paper towel fibers).

If you're really careful you won't get weird creases using clothespins. I had to fix a few spots but it's not a big deal to do it. Between you, me and Mizuko I'm sure we can figure out an easier way to do this!

One more tip! One of my favorite tricks I learned from Lorelei! You can freeze silicone to slow down the cure time. One of the best ways I've found to do seams is to mix a couple teaspoons of silicone and let it sit out for awhile (about half an hour or so depending on temp) I then stick it in the freezer for a couple hours or even overnight. When you need to do a seam, pull it out of the freezer and it's nice and thick! The silicone will still cure in the freezer....just much more slowly! When you pull it out, work fast to do your seams and it stays put! This way it doesn't run everywhere and make a mess! It usually cures in about 45minutes to an hour after I've had it in the freezer. Best trick ever!!!

I use straight pins and I love them!
The holes disappear!

Can you explain to me the freezing the silicone thing?
You mix A and B let it sit out and then freeze it?

[Jessica]

I use straight pins and I love them!
The holes disappear!

Can you explain to me the freezing the silicone thing?
You mix A and B let it sit out and then freeze it?

you can freeze any leftover silicone to slow down the cure time. How many hours/days before the silicone cures depends on how long you leave the silicone out to start with. It usually will be fine for 2-3 days in the freezer. I freeze leftover silicone with pigment all the time when I'm painting so I don't have to keep mixing new batches.

When you need thicker silicone (like for doing seams so it doesn't run all over) you mix it up and let it sit out for awhile. The longer you let it sit out before you stick it in the freezer, the thicker it will be when you use it!

The freezer doesn't stop the silicone from curing, it just slows it down. It will eventually cure in the freezer if you leave it in there long enough!

[Nyx]

I absolutely LOVE the colors of your fluke. Beautiful work!

[Jessica]

Thanks Nyx!

I've been working away on the side seams and I'm pretty happy with the progress! I took a few pictures of myself in the body of the tail (Eva and I are very close in size so it makes sizing easier!)

the back of the knees seemed a little big on me (and Eva is just a bit smaller all around) so I had eva recheck her knee measurements. Standing normally her knee measurement was correct, but when you swim you need the tail to fit very tightly to reduce the amount of wrinkles behind the knees. I had eva measure with her knees very tightly together and I took the tail in a few inches to fit the tighter measurement.

^ I wanted to explain all of that so all the other mers making their own tails wouldn't make the same mistake and have baggy knees! Silicone is very stretchy and stretches several inches....so it's best to use the smaller knee measurement when you're doing the knee area to reduce wrinkles!

I just took the knee area in a few inches and I used straight pins to hold the seam in place. The pins seem to be working really well....I'll keep you updated on the process!

[Mer_Adella]

Now when your using the straight pins....what do you have between the two layers of silicone on the inside? do you have a towel, pool noodle, etc? I am just trying to get an idea of how you line up the edges, silicone it, then add the pin just so I know (and probably others as well)

[Jessica]

Now when your using the straight pins....what do you have between the two layers of silicone on the inside? do you have a towel, pool noodle, etc? I am just trying to get an idea of how you line up the edges, silicone it, then add the pin just so I know (and probably others as well)

Hi adella!

First I rolled the top layer of scales completely under (I posted a pic of this the other day) then I painted a line of silicone right along the rolled up edge on the back side of the bottom layer of scales. The bottom layer is then wrapped around the top and pinned in place. There's nothing inside the tail since I rolled the top edge under. Even if the silicone did run a bit under the edge, a good sharp knife or the edge of a pair of scissors will slice right through it. This method works great if you use partially cured silicone that was stored in the freezer. The silicone will be thicker and stay put!

[Mermaid Lorelei]

^This is basically what I do. Minus the freezing step.

[Delphine]

Wow! Great job so far, Jessica! Pool noodle part is smart. I had a hell of a time doing my one mega-seam down the back. NEVER. AGAIN. Lol. Exciting, hope you were careful you about knee-measurements. Not sure how other's tails fit around knees (never had the "baggy problem"), but I get bruises because mine is too tight at the knees (but comfortably snug everywhere else). I should have measured with my monofin on, to get the correct measurements. Ah.. things to remember for Tail II! XD Anyway, good to see process pictures & detail shots! I find it fascinating. =P

[mermaidm]

wow, Jessica! This tail is crazy gorgeous.

[Jessica]

^This is basically what I do. Minus the freezing step.

I love using leftover frozen silicone :) waste not, want not! :) I love how thick it gets and how fast it cures when it's frozen!

Delphine,
i can only imagine how tough it was to get your seam done! I like having two seams....they don't seem so noticeable on the sides of the tail. Although I haven't even noticed a seam in any of your pictures! This tail is very tight on me because it's for Eva, but honestly it fits me so much better than my own tail! I've learned so much and this tail is turning out so much better than my first one!

I think it's important to leave just a little extra room around the ankles because of the monofin. I left an extra inch this time so there would be enough room with the monofin.

Thanks mermaidm!

i finished seaming the tail last night and I can't wait to start painting! It's really cold here (we had flurries today!) and my house was 58 degrees when I got home......so I have to wait until it warms up a bit to start painting. I'm hoping to crank the heat up in the morning and start tomorrow! It's so exciting to see it all come together!

Thanks so much to everyone for all the support and encouragement! I love sharing this journey with you guys!!

[Mermaid Lorelei]

I need to make another tail... You've inspired me. :>

[jazz2453]

Yes! I didn't leave room for the monofin and I had a tough time! I literally had to tug on the scales and pin them. At leads my ankles won't be baggy like last time.

[PearlieMae]

Wow! Great job so far, Jessica! Pool noodle part is smart. I had a hell of a time doing my one mega-seam down the back. NEVER. AGAIN. Lol... =P

You did the seam down the back and wouldn't do it again? Now you are making me rethink my strategy! Was it super difficult, and why?

[Anahita]

Wait, yeah.... I'm doing a back-seam too.... I'm curious as to why it's a "never again" thing.

[Stefani]

:eek:wow!clear! thank you very much, now I understand

[Jessica]

I need to make another tail... You've inspired me. :>

^ best compliment EVER! :D

Jazz,
my first tail was just a little baggy around the monofin footpockets so I'm making this one much tighter too. It's amazing how much you learn from your first tail!

[Mermaid Julz]

Jess, i just got an awesome idea due to your pins..... colored pearling down a side..... also, your mailbox is full

[Jessica]

Jess, i just got an awesome idea due to your pins..... colored pearling down a side..... also, your mailbox is full

Did you see pearlie's picture of scales with sculpted pearls? It's awesome! It looks just like one of my daughter's mermaid barbies!

I just emptied it & got your message :)

I've been painting the body of the tail and it's coming along nicely. I still need to add dark green to the sides and it still needs a few more layers of white, pink and teal to get the colors blended well and the scales covered completely. I'm pretty happy though!

[jazz2453]

Looking good! :)

[Mermaid Lorelei]

^ best compliment EVER! :D

<3 And yeah, you learn SO FREAKING MUCH from your first tail.

[Mizuko]

So pretty <3 I love the pink-white-green colour blend! I'd better hurry up and finish my scale mold! lol! Seeing how amazing yours are just makes me impatient to do it myself! haha!

[Jessica]

Painting, painting and more painting! Things are coming along really well and I'm in love with the colors! Here are a few progress pictures....the colors aren't blended yet and the green isn't as dark as it's going to be, but you can get an idea of what it's going to look like!

[teeth4u]

LOVE IT!!!!! :swoon:

[PearlieMae]

wow, if you added some black speckles it would look like a rainbow trout!

[Mer_Adella]

Pearl that is what I as thinking. That was my first thought when I saw the fluke too :) so pretty

[Jessica]

wow, if you added some black speckles it would look like a rainbow trout!


It it did look like a rainbow trout while the colors were pale! I think eva would have a heart attack if I made her into a trout though! :)

I've been so busy painting! It's so exciting to see everything coming together!!

Here are a few pictures for you guys! Sorry for the weird angles.....I was trying to get the colors to show up right!

[PearlieMae]

It looks absolutely sumptuous!

Is that gold glitter or gold leaf down the sides in that last photo?

[Jessica]

It looks absolutely sumptuous!

Is that gold glitter or gold leaf down the sides in that last photo?


Thanks pearlie! It's actually just the lights shining on the silicone. I turned my dining room into my mermaid room and there's an old chandelier in there. :)

[Mermaid Melanie]

looks so beautiful ! x

[PearlieMae]

Ah! But now you've given me an idea!

[teeth4u]

15961

[Seatan]

It is looking sooooo gorgeous! I am so looking forward to seeing the finished project! Ah the anticipation!

[Jessica]

Thanks so much you guys! I'm so in love with this tail I don't know how I'm going to part with it! (I can see it now...I'll be teary eyed at the post office) this tail I so much better than my first one that I can't wait to make myself a new one! My next tail will have an Eva fluke.....I'm just full of ideas!!

pearlie, my first tail has a few inches of a gold topcoat down the sides and I LOVE it! It really looks neat on top of the purple and when the light catches it....it almost glows! It helps the tail fade into my waist in pictures too, but without losing the pretty purple!

[jazz2453]

It looks amazing! I can't wait to see the finished product!

[mermaidm]

HOW IN THE WORLD IS THIS YOUR SECOND TAIL????? It's amazing!!!!! Are you planning on selling more of them?

[Jessica]

Thanks jazz!


HOW IN THE WORLD IS THIS YOUR SECOND TAIL????? It's amazing!!!!! Are you planning on selling more of them?

i am planning on selling another tail. I will be finished with Eva's very soon and I will be ready to start another one! I'm making myself another one too, but I would really like to have two to work on at the same time since there's so much time wasted just waiting for silicone to cure! That way I can work on one tail while the other is curing :D

I like to stay busy! I'm having so much fun and making this tail for eva has just been amazing :)

my tails are not perfect but Eva's tail is just amazing compared to my first one! I can't wait to start my next tail so i can improve my techniques!

Time to go paint! I'm almost finished with the front side of the tail! Pictures coming soon!

[Jessica]

Painting pictures! I've been working on finishing up the front side and trimmed the scales to attach to the fluke. It's neat to see it all lined up together! I took these pictures last night so they're a bit dark.

[PearlieMae]

Makes me want to slap my fluke on the water! I mean that in an applause sort of way!

[mermaidm]

there are no words, seriously. this tail takes my breath away :)

[Mermaid Oshun]

Jessica this is VERY BEAUTIFUL!

[Mermaid Adriel]

I really love how it's coming out *.* very good job! <3

[Theobromine]

I just have to tell you this looks amaaaaaaaaziiinggggg

[Jessica]

Thanks so much everyone! I'm so excited!!:D I can't wait to see pictures of Eva in her tail. My goal is to finish the tail up this week and get it mailed to Eva by Monday/Tuesday.

I finished trimming the scales for this side and started painting the point/end where the body will attach to the fluke. The dark green still needs another layer, but this side will finished up tomorrow!

[MermaidMyrthe]

Omg Jessica! This tail is absolutely AMAZING!!!! Im so jealous of you! I think i will suck at making tails like these!

Good luck!
Kisses Mermaid Myrthe :)

[Mer_Adella]

Wow jessica, contgrats on having a whole mermaid pod following this thread lol. I appricaiate all the information that you have given me as far as how to go about making my own, as well as getting to watch your progress. it looks beautiful, eva's going to plotz!

[Jessica]

Thanks mermaidmyrthe and adella!

mermaid myrthe,

I'm sure you could make a beautiful tail! There are so many tutorials and threads on here to show you how :) silicone is tough to work with, but fabric tails are very easy and fun to make! I made several before I started working with silicone :)

I'm working on sealing the fluke together right now and I will start painting the other side of the tail today. I really love this fluke, but you would not believe how hard it was to get all these teeny cuts in the edge lined up right! I'm "babysitting" the fluke right now as it cures to make sure nothing is slipping!

Pictures coming later today ;)

[PearlieMae]

Quick question...did you seal your fluke sculpt clay before making your mold?

[Jessica]

Quick question...did you seal your fluke sculpt clay before making your mold?


No. I used monster makers clay and it works just fine with shell shock. You don't even have to use a release agent (Mizuko didn't and her molds turned out great!) but it does make it easier to get the clay out if you do.

However, you do use release agent make sure you clean your mold thoroughly! If any is left in the mold, it can get on your silicone fluke and prevent silicone from bonding to your fluke. This is a real problem if you're going to paint!

I know you're using a different clay so you should do a test to see what works best! Are you trying to reuse your sculpture? I have to peel and scrape the clay out of my molds so the actual sculpture is totally ruined during the process.

Hope this helps!

[PearlieMae]

Thanks!

I poured a test with resin that is like Shell Shock (Smooth-On makes it under our label, so I don't know if the EXACT same resin) but I haven't pulled it off the clay yet. I won't be using a mold release, the clay is oily enough.

Naw, not going to reuse the original sculpture, the clay is way too soft for that.

Has anyone sculpted their original in paraffin, I wonder?

[Jessica]

Hi pearlie,

i dont think anyone has used parrafin before. Do you think it would melt before the shell shock captures the detail? Shell shock heats up so it could be an issue.

I finally finished assembling the fluke. I had to redo it a few times because of the ridges on the edge of the monofin. They were much more visible than I wanted and it took a few tries to get it right. I'm still working on fixing one side where the edge is more visible.

I also turned the tail inside out and reinforced the seams from the inside.

fluke pictures!

[Azurin Luna]

Looks very nice :D Keep up the good work

[PearlieMae]

Beautiful work! The fluke is wonderful!

Thanks, re paraffin. I will have to try it. I have paraffin, beeswax, and jeweler's wax. The resin I'm using heats up, too, but it sets its shape well before it gets hot enough to melt anything.

Off to the lab!

[Jadestone]

Ahhh it's beautiful!! I LOVE these colors :) I can't wait to see it fully assembled!

[Mizuko]

WOW! <3 seriously beautiful! :D

[Jessica]

Thanks azurin luna, Pearlie, jade and Mizuko! I'm so excited to finish this tail!

pearlie, let me know how the paraffin works!

I've been painting the back side of the tail and things are coming along well. :)

the colors are still light and need another layer at least:

[Mermaid Cecelia]

Oh my goodness! Jessica, that tail is gorgeous! Eva is one lucky mer! :)

[Kae]

It"s beautiful!

I thought of using wax myself but haven't tried it yet, I'm very interested to know if it does!

[mermaidCrae]

if you start your own business you should send each tail with a little sea horse the shade of thier tail like merbella does with thier tails

[Jessica]

if you start your own business you should send each tail with a little sea horse the shade of thier tail like merbella does with thier tails

^ such a cute idea! I love it! :)

Thanks cecelia and Kae!

I've been painting again today and the back side is almost done! I'm also getting ready to attach the body to the fluke. Things are finally coming together! More pictures coming soon :)

thanks so much for all of your support! You all inspire and motivate me! :)

[PearlieMae]

Are you airbrushing or hand painting? Looks amazing!

[Jessica]

Hand painting! I've thought about using an airbrush, but it seems like a lot of extra work to clean it! I'm also painting in my dining room....and there's carpet on the floor....doesn't seem like the best idea! I also really love having so much control over the colors and the application. I know every single scale :)

hand painting is relaxing too :) I just get lost in my own little world!

[PearlieMae]

I know exactly how you feel!

[Mermaid Julz]

Jessica, this is looking wonderful! I am so happy to see how this is coming together for you! :)

[Jessica]

Thanks julz! It's so much fun to have so many of us making tails at the same time!

[Mermaid Esther]

Hi Jessica

[Mermaid Julz]

Yeah, I just wish I was doing silicone or that someone out there was doing latex also at the same time. some of the tips and tricks transfer over between them which is helpful, but it would be nice to exchange tips on the specific medium that I am working with with someone. I do read the forums on the latex tails, but having someone that you can contact directly(Live thread) can really help.

I am going to soon be ready to paint. Trip to walmart today to get clothes pins and other holding devices.

[Jessica]

Julz,

it would be nice if more people would make latex tails too! I think a lot of people lately just go straight into silicone because it's a better material and will last longer, but it's just so expensive! It's really great watching your progress though and I'm always here if I can help you with anything :)



I've been working on attaching the body to the fluke! I have the front side attached, and I'm waiting for the back side to cure. Then I have to wrap the scales on the sides around and seal them together! It's so exciting to see it look like a tail!

The scales still need another layer of dark green to get the emerald color where they attach to the fluke.

Here are a few pictures! (Front side)

[Delphine]

You did the seam down the back and wouldn't do it again? Now you are making me rethink my strategy! Was it super difficult, and why?

For Pearlie & all who are thinking of attempting one seam from the middle of your back, to ankles:

Well, haha, there's a lot of reasons I would rather try another way.. At first, I thought it'd be a simple matter, doing one seam instead of two however that was not the case. I really struggled to get it to STAY. I cut apart my two scale tests & played with ideas of how to keep them together. I tried various styles of clamps etc. to get it to stay still, however my dragon skin silicone really fought back! Literally I'd be pinning it together with clamps, go down a section, & it would separate. Shampoo, rinse, repeat. Eventually, I had to literally do it in many sections, with the tail base (waist to ankles) inside-out with.. kinda like bandages of silicone-covered lycra. Still, it fought back with my force & the clamps. The process was easiest at the bottom with my ankles, and hardest at the top where my butt & waist were, because there was more curve to attempt to line up together. Perhaps if done another way it'd be easier. The way I did it, I would never do again because it was so frustrating. Probably the most of all my tail parts. The rest was more smooth.

[PearlieMae]

I'm actually thinking of doing mine in four pieces, front belly piece, back, and two leg sides, with the sides having different scale patterns and details...I'm also including embedded rhinestones down the sides! :dance:

[PearlieMae]

Jessica, is it creepy to say that the colors of that tail makes me crave sushi?

[Jessica]

I'm actually thinking of doing mine in four pieces, front belly piece, back, and two leg sides, with the sides having different scale patterns and details...I'm also including embedded rhinestones down the sides! :dance:

^ this will be really neat! I love the idea of using rhinestones. I would like to use some on my scale top, but I don't want to cover them completely with silicone. Any ideas on how to get them to stay?

[Jessica]

Jessica, is it creepy to say that the colors of that tail makes me crave sushi?


Haha! I will have to warn Eva to swim fast! :shark:

[PearlieMae]

^ this will be really neat! I love the idea of using rhinestones. I would like to use some on my scale top, but I don't want to cover them completely with silicone. Any ideas on how to get them to stay?

I'm going to use acrylic rhinestones because their edges are not sharp, and you could nick them on the edges to really get them to grab the silicone. I also plan on nestling them into the scales in the point of the underlying layer (does that make sense?), and covering them with a glossy "slime"coat when I coat the whole tail.

[Jessica]

I'm going to use acrylic rhinestones because their edges are not sharp, and you could nick them on the edges to really get them to grab the silicone. I also plan on nestling them into the scales in the point of the underlying layer (does that make sense?), and covering them with a glossy "slime"coat when I coat the whole tail.

makes perfect sense! Your tail is going to be so beautiful and you are going to look like a Barbie :) I think I will have to find some rhinestones and stick some on my top! :)

[PearlieMae]

Only if Barbie has a flat chest, round belly, and thick thighs! Hahaha!

I do have some ideas for a silicone top, a different take on seaweed and octopi...the ones I've seen don't float my boat.

[Jessica]

Pearlie, I can't wait to see what you come up with!

I've been hard at work last night and all day today. The tail is coming along GREAT! It's almost finished :)
I'm just waiting for the latest layer of silicone to cure on the back, and then the front needs another layer of dark green and just a bit of pink on the edge of the fluke.

Mermaid acupuncture :)

[Mermaid Oshun]

I've been hard at work last night and all day today.

These tails are a LOT of hard work

[PearlieMae]

Pearlie, I can't wait to see what you come up with!

I've been hard at work last night and all day today. The tail is coming along GREAT! It's almost finished :)
I'm just waiting for the latest layer of silicone to cure on the back, and then the front needs another layer of dark green and just a bit of pink on the edge of the fluke.

Mermaid acupuncture :)

It is so beautiful! I'm glad to see the pins are working, those pink pearl pinheads make me want to embellish parts of a tail with pearls! I saw someone repaired her tail and added pearls to it to wonderful effect not too long ago...

[Jessica]

Golden pearl,

so much work! It's so rewarding though! It's just amazing when you take a step back to think about it...we take buckets of goo and turn them into beautiful tails. How amazing is that?! :)

pearlie,

i was thinking the same thing! I know which tail you're thinking of and it looked so lovely with all the pearls and sequins :)

[Jeblily]

I have decided the four of you need to team up, because you are all making the most gorgeous tails ever.......... I love how many different textures you are all working with!!!! The tails are sparkly, transparent, layered, and out of this world!

[PearlieMae]

I am all for gilding the lily! It's a good thing I'm a strong swimmer, otherwise I would sunk to the bottom with all the bling I plan on adding!

Thanks, Jeblily! Can you imagine if we did? :jawdrop:

[Jessica]

Hmmmm maybe we should have a silicone tail fest for tail makers! We could have SO much fun!!! Can you imagine if we all worked together?! It would be epic! I really love how different we all are. It's so neat....were all working with the same materials, but with drastically different ideas and results! ;)

[PearlieMae]

Working together could be stupendously awesome or horribly disastrous! Hahaha!

[Mermaid Oshun]

I cant imagine how we would even orchestrate something like that.

[Jessica]

Golden pearl, It would definitely be interesting!

The back side of the tail is done! Just waiting for the clear top coat to cure so I can flip it over and finish the other side! :)

[Kae]

I'm so glad to hear that you're hand painting! That's what I plan on doing and I'm glad to hear not only am I not alone, but it can be beautiful!

I'm planning on doing two seams on my tails (at least at first) just because of how difficult the silicone can be.

I love the close up picture of the mermaid acupuncture! The colors look so real!

[Jessica]

Kae,

hand painting is a lot of work, but it think it's worth it! You really have so much control and you get to know each and every scale :) I really enjoy hand painting and I think the challenge is part of the fun :)

i think two seams is the best way to go unless you're doing a dorsal. I just wouldn't want a seam up the back of the tail, and with a seam on each side they're much easier to hide. It also helps if you overlap the silicone so the front is on top of the back. This makes the seams face the back of the tail and less noticeable in pictures taken from the front.

Good luck on your tail! The pins work great to hold seams while they're curing :)

here's a picture of the back of the tail:

[emma11]

Hi Jessica! Loving the second tail so gorgeous. You did those scales in pieces right? So not a front piece and a back piece but more than just the two?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

[Jessica]

Hi Jessica! Loving the second tail so gorgeous. You did those scales in pieces right? So not a front piece and a back piece but more than just the two?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)


Yes, there are actually six scale sections, three for the front, three for the back. It's not an ideal method....it's very time consuming to get them lined up right and if you look close you can see the seams if you know what you're looking for or sometimes if the light hits it just right. You can see one of the seam lines in the last picture I posted if you look towards the bottom of the pink.

For the next tail I will either make a new scale mold or maybe take a Brillo pad to get the rest of the foam out of this mold. I'm tired of scraping it out bit by bit with a knife! It would probably just be easier to do a new mold :)

[Mizuko]

Every time I look at this thread I get so inspired and awed <3

[Mermaid Esther]

all i have to say is "wow"

[Jessica]

Thanks Mizuko and Esther!

The tail is finished! I'm exhausted and headed to bed! Pictures tomorrow! :D

[PearlieMae]

YAY! :dance::dance::dance::clap::highfive::thumbs up::hail::rollover:

[Mermaid Esther]

I can' wait

[Mizuko]

Yay!! Congratulations!!! :D :D I cant wait to see it!!! >_____<

[Mer_Adella]

Jessica (and others that have made their own tails) how would you suggest about going and putting fins on? Particularly heel fins? what is the process for doing it? I just want to know so when my friend starts hers I can know how to go about it. Lets say that we are going to do the full sheets, 2 seams down the sides. Would you make a slice in the heel where the fin will be inserted? also how would you place the pins/close-pins/clamps/etc to hold the fin upright?

[mermaidm]

ok I'm speechless right now... Mermaid Eva, YOU ARE SO LUCKY!

[Jessica]

Jessica (and others that have made their own tails) how would you suggest about going and putting fins on? Particularly heel fins? what is the process for doing it? I just want to know so when my friend starts hers I can know how to go about it. Lets say that we are going to do the full sheets, 2 seams down the sides. Would you make a slice in the heel where the fin will be inserted? also how would you place the pins/close-pins/clamps/etc to hold the fin upright?

i haven't done this before, but I would cut either a vertical slit where the fin would attach, or a horizontal one following the edge of the scales....it all depends on how you design your fins. Most of this is going to be trial and error....it just takes practice to find out what will work for you. Pins and clothespins work well for me:)

i went to a different waterfall today and took some pictures in Eva's tail! We're close to the same size and she was just so sweet to let me take pictures in her tail. :) I've uploaded them, but have to resize them to fit on here!

For now here are a few I took outside! :

[Mermaid Oshun]

Jessica do you use any adhesive to secure your monofins to your fluke faces or just use dragonskin around the edges?

[Jessica]

Jessica do you use any adhesive to secure your monofins to your fluke faces or just use dragonskin around the edges?

Hi golden pearl,

i was just about to pm you! :) I just sealed around the monofin. Other than drilling holes in the monofin so the silicone can attach to itself or gluing lace to the monofin, there aren't a lot of options. However, silicone does tend to cling to most surfaces and seems to hang on to the monofin in my first tail and this one. I do make it nice and tight around the monofin...just don't make it too tight or you will get a weird bulge around the edge. :) I'm dying to see yulia's tail by the way!

[Mermaid Esther]

OMG!! JESSICA!!! :jawdrop::drool:

[Mizuko]

Jessica, I want to stand up and start applauding but I'm at work and my boss might think I've gone mad.
But seriously. Wow. You are so amazing!! This tail is incredible and you are incredible!!

[Mer_Adella]

Eva your so lucky :) that is gorgeous work Jessica. And Mizuko I will stand up and applaud for both of us (since I work from home and no one is here but me )

**cheering and whistling with "yay" and "great work" ensue throughout the Adella household** :clap::clap::clap:

[PearlieMae]

i haven't done this before, but I would cut either a vertical slit where the fin would attach, or a horizontal one following the edge of the scales....it all depends on how you design your fins. Most of this is going to be trial and error....it just takes practice to find out what will work for you. Pins and clothespins work well for me:)

i went to a different waterfall today and took some pictures in Eva's tail! We're close to the same size and she was just so sweet to let me take pictures in her tail. :) I've uploaded them, but have to resize them to fit on here!

For now here are a few I took outside! :

Bloody OUTSTANDING! If Venus wore a tail this would be it!

Brava!

[mermaidm]

I so wish that tail were mine, haha! It's beautiful, Jessica!

[Mizuko]

haha! Thank you Adella!! <3

[teeth4u]

I'm so grateful for Jessica and all the hard work she has put into this tail. She has been wonderful throughout the entire process and the tail has turned out better than I could have ever imagined! I feel like the luckiest mermaid alive right now. I really couldn't be any happier with how everything turned out!
http://media3.giphy.com/media/dkGhBWE3SyzXW/200.gif

[Mermaid Esther]

You are so lucky Eva!!

[Mermaid Esther]

Jessica, tail making is your talent!!

[Mermaid Esther]

Jessica you are the best tail maker!! Even better than the mertailor!!

[Jessica]

You guys are all so sweet! Thanks so much ;) this has been such an amazing project and Eva has been just wonderful. I feel so blessed to have such an awesome mer for a first customer :) I've truly enjoyed making this tail and can't wait to start my next one! I've learned SO much from this tail and I'm much more confident working with all these amazing materials! ;)

Now let's get to the pictures! More coming soon!

[Mermaid Esther]

Eva I bet you are the most happiest mermaid right now

[Mermaid Esther]

OMG Jessica!! You are so beautiful and young!!

[Mermaid Esther]

You must be younger than 21!!!

[Mer_Adella]

BIIIIGGGGG thumbs up girlie l.....ps i ....LOVE....your mermaid hair lol

[Mermaid Esther]

I will save your picture on my screen saver

[Seatan]

Gorgeous!!!! Tail and mer both!!!!!! Fantastic job!

[Mizuko]

Ah you are so pretty! XD I love your hair! And the tail is just stunning! How heavy is it, do you think? I intentionally made my fluke quite thick to try and hide the monofin, but now I'm wondering how heavy it will be to lift! lol!
Also, even though I want to make more of my own, I am *this* close to paying you to make one for me. haha! You really have a talent! :D

[Jessica]

You must be younger than 21!!!


Haha i wish! I have good genes! you wouldn't believe how many people think my daughter is my sister :)

thanks adella! My hair decided to behave today! I curled it last time I took pictures at a waterfall and it just fell. I think the cold weather helps!

thanks seavanna! :)

[PearlieMae]

Too beautiful for words!
:swoon::yay:

[Mer_Adella]

BTW jessica...i sent you an email. didn't know if you checked or not. But going to take pictures here in a little bit.

[Mermaid Julz]

OMG!!! AWESOMENESS! I LOVE IT!!!:jawdrop::jawdrop::dance::thumbs up:

This turned out wonderful!

[MerGrrl]

GASP!

The hair, the setting, the pearl jewelry... the tail!!! Just lovely.

May I share these photos on www.facebook.com/TheModernMermaid?

[Mermaid Oshun]

Brava:clap:

[Jessica]

Ah you are so pretty! XD I love your hair! And the tail is just stunning! How heavy is it, do you think? I intentionally made my fluke quite thick to try and hide the monofin, but now I'm wondering how heavy it will be to lift! lol!
Also, even though I want to make more of my own, I am *this* close to paying you to make one for me. haha! You really have a talent! :D

hi mizuko!

I just weighed both tails...they are both about 20-25 lbs each. The flukes are heavy!! I have a picture on a rock and the fluke is hanging to the side in the air....it was all I could do not to fall off into the water! (Freezing cold water at that!)

i would love to make you a tail :) ......if only shipping wasn't so awful for you! I can't wait to see your tail! Someone over there needs to start a tailmaking business :) you would practically have a monopoly because of shipping costs!

Thanks pearlie and julz!

Adella, I just sent you an email :)

Mizuko, in this picture I was trying so so hard to flip the fluke forward! It was just so heavy and I was in an awkward position (and numb from the icy cold water!)

[Jessica]

GASP!

The hair, the setting, the pearl jewelry... the tail!!! Just lovely.

May I share these photos on www.facebook.com/TheModernMermaid? (http://www.facebook.com/TheModernMermaid?)

Thanks mergrrl! Sure you can share the pictures! I go by mermaid Jessica :)

thanks golden pearl! I'm so excited to see this tail finished! So much hard work....it's very rewarding!! :)

[Merley]

You're just the prettiest mermaid and that tail is so perfect. I can't even see seams. I really like the colors, especially on the back. So jelly of how long your hair is, I've been trying to grow mine forever. I want mine to be that long someday...soon.

[Mizuko]

Thank you for the info! :D I think mine is going to be even heavier, what with the fluke made to fit a competitor O_o *gulp* I know for next time to make it thinner! lol!
I would happily pay the shipping costs for something so pretty! haha! I did for my Merbellas! haha!

[Aziara]

OMG!! :sad eyes: So beautiful. One thing I must say, I am not a fan of either pink or scale tops--But put pink and a scale top together, and suddenly I love it! And the tail... I'm a green-lovin' mer, so I'm really drooling over here, lol :drool:

[Mermaid Esther]

You are truly beautiful