LittlePolly's first silicone tail

[LittlePolly]

Heey everyone :D
I have always dreamed of a silicone tail since I started on this forum. I didn’t have money to buy one and I didn’t have the skills to make one. But when I told my boyfriend I really wanted to start making a fabric tail he told me that if I really wanted a silicone tail to start mermaiding he would help me make one (and of course find the right stuff and also help me with the financial part). He is an engineer, he can make anything, from car’s, to IPhones, to tree houses, so I trust what he’s doing. So I have been working since September in a local supermarket to save money. Thursday I will get my paycheck so then I will purchase my monofin. I made a design. I wanted to have a pink tail because pink is very bright. The Dutch sea, lakes, rivers are dark and dirty so pink will stand out. My design is at the bottom of this post becaus I didn't know how to put it somewere in the middle :doh::

I’m going with a Triton Monofin (yes the little one from so dive because I have got European foot size 36). I like that it doesn’t have ridges like the finis wave and the footpockets are a bit wider from each other so when I kick my knees will not touch. I’m going for the blue one since they don’t have a pink one in my size :(.
http://www.scubastore.com/duiken/so-dive-triton-sky-blue-monofin/31958/p

So since the silicone, mouldstuff, clay and other things are all in the U.S.A. I had to find a similar Dutch products. If I wanted the stuff from the U.S.A. the shipping would be too expensive. Finding clay wasn’t that hard. I found it in a local craft store called Pipoos for €7,95 per Kilo. I also found foam a Circle punch and some more stuff. (note; I haven’t bought it yet because Sinterklaas and Christmas is nearby so I will ask that from Sinterklaas and Santa :D)
The silicone I found on a Dutch website. I figured out that they have their headquarters just 25 km from me (near to my grandparents). So I emailed them and they told me that I could stop by to check out the silicone. I also found that they have Polyutherane at the same store. I don’t know if that’s the right stuff for my mould but I couldn’t find other liquid plastic. They also have fiberglass cloth and mould spray. I don’t have to pay for shipping since I’m going to get it myself. http://www.siliconesandmore.nl/nl/?___SID=U

Other stuff like wood I’ll find at a local store for like €20,-. The paint I want to use is from createx but that will come later.
First my boyfriend and I want to make a little silicone sea star (that I can use on my top later) to learn about the products before purchasing a lot. I think this is important because we are using different products then recommended In all the tutorials. We are also making a little scale sheet first before making a large one.

Products and costs:
Monofin: € 57,70
Clay: € 7,95 per Kilo
Polyutherane(part a + b):€14,- per 500 gram
Fiberglass cloth: €12,10 per 1m by 2m
Silicone part a: €25,- per Kilo
Silicone part b: €4,- per 100 gram
Mouldspray: €15,25 per can (500ml)
wood: €20,-
Foam: €10,-
Circle punch: € 15, 95
e6000: €2,50
Vaseline:€1,89
poster paper: €5,-
Createx paint: €6,35 per bottle


So I found all the stuff. But can someone please help me convert the American size to European sizes. For the silicone you need 2 gallons. 1 gallon is I think around 3 liters. Will 5 liter be enough? For the polyutherane 3 liter? For the clay 3 kilo? And maybe one or two cans of mould spray? And does anyone know how much createx paint (bottles of 60 ml) you’ll need for a tail
I am 1.60 m tall so I won’t get a super large tail keep that in mind when you’re helping me with the sizes.
I also have a question about the leg mould. Do you really need it?:confused:

I really want to thank everyone on the forum for the tutorials and I hope I will succeed on this project. If you have any tips please let me know!!;)

[PearlieMae]

Looks wonderful! It seems your calculations are close, but perhaps some of the more experienced tailmakers could help you with actual amounts. So far, my fluke has used about 1.5 - 2 kilos of clay, but I'm making mine pretty thin. Once the mold is made, you can re-use the clay.

If you are going to the silicone supplier in person, they should be able to answer your polyurethane questions.

For a leg mold, I made one with plaster cloth, but I also have a tape and cling film one ( http://www.tapesculpture.org/index.html )...I filled it with newspaper to keep its shape. It helps to make your tail fit perfectly to your shape.

Good luck!

[LittlePolly]

Oke thanks PearlieMae! I was thinking about making my fluke thin because it saves material a lot. What kind of clay are you using? The clay the craftshop sells is water-based (sefhardening clay) so I woun't be able to re-use it :(

The leg mould doesn't look that diffucoult so I think I wil make one. Robin tought it wasn't necessary, but if it's that easy I think I will make one. :P

Thanx a lot :)


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[PearlieMae]

I only made the leg mould because I'm too lazy to take all those measurements! :D And less likely to be depressed when I had to write down such large numbers!

Jazz, Jessica, Julz are all tracking their tailmaking progress and mine is here: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?6109-PearlieMae-s-Silicone-Tail-Journey - lots of helpful information to be found!

[LittlePolly]

I know I already found them. That's were I got most of my information from xD. I think u guys are awsome tailmakers, you all really inspired me to make my own tail. :D


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[Azurin Luna]

Good luck with your tail making. For unit conversions I use this site: http://digitaldutch.nl/unitconverter/
It's very handy as it has all the different units in one location :)

[jazz2453]

Wow good luck! So many people are making silicone tails now!

[Mermaid Oshun]

your design is very pretty Polly! Where do you buy silicone in Holland?


Wow good luck! So many people are making silicone tails now!
you're right Jazz but everyone can't be a model. Some have other skills. I used to be a model.

[LittlePolly]

Well I found it online on a website so I want to order it from www.siliconesandmore.nl and pick it up because they live like 25 km from me.


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[LittlePolly]

Thanks everyone. I really hope it's going to turn awsome.


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[LittlePolly]

Omg!! I just realised that Thursday is tomorrow.... So that means I (hopefully) get my paycheck so that I can purchase my monofin :D omg I'm so exited!!! :D :D :D


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[ShyMer]

Your sketch is lovely, and it's awesome how you found substitutions on your area for materials! One suggestion- don't plan on allowing the clay to dry once sculpted. There's a couple of reasons, one being that it's easier to remove your mold if the clay is wet.
I think it's awesome how your man is getting involved<3 Good luck!

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[LittlePolly]

Thanks for the tip ShyMer. It's water based clay so I hope if it dry's I will be able to pour water over it so it will come lose from the mould.

Azurin Luna, I already tried to convert them onlinne but they always come out with half liters and I can only buy liters, so If someone who made a tail themself could tell me how much I need that would be great.

[Mermaid Melanie]

Good luck Polly ! im just starting my tail too ! waiting on my monofin arriving ! I actually use the Hydra in my fabric tail ( the larger fin of the triton ) its a great fin and very comfortable to use ! I wish you all the best and cant wait to see how it comes out ! I love Holland, before i moved to Thailand, i spent the summer in Vlissiggen and met the man of my life there so will for sure be returning to Holland in the future ! Maybe we can swim in our tails together someday ! :D x

[LittlePolly]

That would be awsome Melanie! but unanfortunately Vlissingen is a little bit far from my place. What kind of monofin did you order for your tail?

[Mermaid Melanie]

Ah no worries Im sure when i come back i will travel around - love that public transport lol we have to walk or drive everywhere in thailand ! no trains or busses ! for my silicone tail i ordered a Special Fins custom monofin - they are shaping the fin to be more mermaid like and the foot pockets are custom made to your size ! its a bit expensive but i wanted to make a massive fluke and i have a dealer here in Thailand ! just waiting for it to arrive now !

[Azurin Luna]

I had the same problem when I was looking for materials for a silicone tail, eventually I ended up making a fabric tail :)
Im also going to get myself a hydra monofin and eventually try to make a silicone tail.

Good luck :)

[LittlePolly]

Didn't get my paycheck today.. :( I hope I wil get it tomorrow so I can order my monofin.


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[Jessica]

Hi little Polly!

its a very good idea to make a small project first, like your starfish! It's a great way to test the materials!

I'm working on my second silicone tail and it's so much fun! It's a lot of work to make a silicone tail, but it's very rewarding. Just make sure you get sulfur free clay and latex free gloves. Certain types of rubber, latex, some types of wood, and sulfur can all cause silicone not to cure.

Your design is beautiful! I can't wait to see your progress! :)

[LittlePolly]

Thanks for the tip Jessica!

Still didn't get my paycheck... I'll be gone for the weekend so I have to wait to order it till monday :(


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[JamesGunnels]

Thanks for the tip Jessica!

Still didn't get my paycheck... I'll be gone for the weekend so I have to wait to order it till monday :(


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well that sucks =( I hope you'll be able to start soon! I cannot wait to start my tail! I am getting laid off any day now...so I won't be able to start anytime soon I don't think *het leven is een grote bitch* anywho! Cannot wait to see more of your design!

[LittlePolly]

Still didn't get it :(


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[LittlePolly]

Hey guys. A little update. I got my paycheck and I wanted to order my monofin but Thursday the 28th November my graddad died at the age of 85. He was a verry loving man and a great inspiration to all of us. I am at school now so in the afternoon I hope I will have some time to (finally) order my monofin!! Yesterday was Sinterklaas and I got an other €10,- to spent on accessoires for my mermaid tail :D. When my monfin arrives I am going to look for clay and foam to start making my moulds.

[AtalontheDeer]

hi little polly
Thanks first for share the information.
I ma can help you with some materials to get in europe.
My sld has currently a mermaid tail making deal running with a TV production.
So I"m just lookigdo get best done.so far.
feel free to get in touch. may we could share somthing. greets

Atalon the Deer
Mascot Maker and specialFx

[LittlePolly]

Orderd my monofin today! I'm verry happy right now because my parents are paying for it (since it's going to be a christmas present) the money I saved to spent on the monofin I can now use for other materials :D it will be here in three (working) days but I will have to wait to open it till christmas.


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[Mermaid Oshun]

Good luck little Polly!!! And Happy Holidays!!! :D.

[LittlePolly]

Just got the sad news that my monofin didn't came in before chrismas. In fact I'll have to wait till the 5th of march now... I think after chrismas I'm going to start collecting the stuff I need to make the mould for the monofin and the scales.

Happy Hollidays!


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[LittlePolly]

Just got the silicone, mould stuff and some clay to make a mini model of my tail for a Barbie doll so I can learn about the materials. I'm Going to start after new year. http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/30/aga6ypug.jpg


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[LittlePolly]

I just couldn't resist starting :P http://img.tapatalk.com/d/ 13/12/31/8egegy5y.jpg the scales I'm making now are from clay because I didn't want to cut foam that small. I've been going on for half an hour and I'm already pissed off on the clay haha 😝


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[LittlePolly]

I'm going to bed. In the meanwhile my mould is drying :D http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/31/4ehurabu.jpg


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[Mermaid Danielle]

Good luck and have fun! And keep us updated with photos please!

[AtalontheDeer]

Dear Polly,

Looks good so far, I press my tumbs that all works out well.
I start today on my neoprene tail - finally I have a 3-4 hours left to spend in that project.
For the silicone Tail i detail my Informations more and more to get close what I will create.
Will have:
1 mm neoprene inlay (to get some isolation and buoyancy), one piece silicon skin on top (molded scale sheet - Smooth on silicone), glues together with the Neoprene, central zipper covered, Competitor Fin Glass Fibre Plate shape in fin design, fluke clay molded or 3D printed - I tend more to the 3D print.
Some sidefins - I found a nice Manga Mermaid Sculpture form One Piece I thing I go for that.

greets

[LittlePolly]

I finished cleaning out my scale mold. Now I need to sand some edges down to make it perfect and pour the silicone in.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/03/dudazyzy.jpg

I also finished my clay fluke. It's not perfect but it's hard to make it perfect in such a small size.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/03/aquraqyh.jpg

In the afternoon I'm going to make the fluke mold and finish the scale mold. :)


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[LittlePolly]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/04/razu2asa.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/04/5e8ata4a.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/04/etyte2a3.jpg

😄


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[Jessica]

I love the tiny fluke!! It's a great idea to do a small project like this first to get used to working with the materials! :) keep up the good work!

[LittlePolly]

Thanks Jessica! I finished one side of the scales now I have to pour in the other side.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/05/zedu4e6y.jpg

Some of the cardbord and the leftover clay got stuck on it but it's just a test so it doesn't have to be perfect.

The fluke mold is also done but I still have to clean the clay out.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/05/ypurete8.jpg


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[Azurin Luna]

Looks good :)

[spottedcatfish]

Wow!! this is a great idea to learn how to work with the products!! I'm a bit confused about the process of molding using foam circles. So you cut the foam circles out and glue them in a box, and then what? do you pour the silicone over that??

[LittlePolly]

No first you make the scales out of clay or foam, then you need to glue them to wood or cardboard ( that will be yout positive mold). Then you make an edge arround the scales. Then you pour your mold stuf in to make the negative mold of your positive mold. In that mold you pour in silicone to make a positive mold again.


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[spottedcatfish]

Thank you!! That makes a lot of sense! I was a little bit confused about how to create the molds to begin with!

[Ilyena]

The little scales are so cute :D