How would i get a scale pattern like this?

[Prince Calypso]

I've seen these two pictures all over tumblr Mermaid tags and I've always really loved the look
I had a diary with this kinda cover once too and loved it till it fell apart with old age
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How would i go about making a scale mold like this
and for that matter how would i go about getting the iridescent effect like in the pics

[Ilyena]

I'm unsure about the scale shapes but I'm using this paint which shines different colours when its moved, so I'm sure there is paint out there which will provide the wanted effect colour wise.

EDIT: I'm using fabric pain by Lumiere, and it shines blue/gold/green. Unsure about other types of tails

[emma11]

I would imagine if you made different thickness "snakes" of clay , froze them and then cut then you could lay out that pattern


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[Yulia]

I also had a diary with that pattern! I loved it, it was so beautiful.

[PearlieMae]

Once you made your scale mold from slices of clay (or potato, or carrots or whatever), when you were ready to pour your silicone, I would mix in Pearl Ex Interference powders... they have some awesome colors!

[thevirginiamermaid]

OH MY GOSH THATS MY EDIT!!!
Not sure how to make scales that way, I found the original picture and photo shopped the scales pictured above onto it so that's not a real tail. You should definitely pursue the iridescent scales though, it would look beautiful in real life!