What is the next step?

[Mermaid Azira]

I know this has been discussed here and there, but I don't think there is a thread dedicated to it. I'm sorry if there is.

Anyways, what is the next step in getting a tail? I have had my magictail for over two years now and I am ready for an upgrade. Problem is there seems to be a price jump of at least a thousand dollars to silicone tails. So what do you do? Do you just save up and buy a silicone tail? Or is there a better option?

This, at least to me, seems to be a problem that many mers have been having. They are ready to move forward in their mermaiding, but the jump from fabric/neoprene to silicone tails is a lot of money.

What do you guys think?

[AniaR]

Maybe go for a latex from mermaid citrine or a neoprene tail from morticia or get some sequins

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[Mermaid Oshun]

One option that I have never seen would be to make a tail out of smooth white neoprene and paint it. I have always seen the neoprene with fabric coating painted. The smooth/raw neoprene is just rubber like latex. So why get the fabric coated which takes it down a level back to a fabric tail look huh? Use RAW rubber neoprene in a light color so it will accept all colors of paint and look vibrant and bright. If you paint black neoprene it will look dull when painted. I would pair the neoprene skirt with a Oceanika /Mahina merfin fluke painted to look mermaid-like with a few colors of epoxy paint. Epoxy paint like used to paint a garage floor come with sparkles and are recommended to paint rubber. They also come in spray cans online. http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/27967/i/pj1-epoxy-paint?SiteID=Google_PLA988&WT.mc_ID=10012&esvt=0-GOUSC&esvadt=9-0-3886819-1&esvaid=30548&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CO2s4IuP-bsCFSUOOgodO1AAKg
Glue the bottom of the tail to the fluke with construction adhesive like liquid nails or PL Premium. That is a VERY cheap alternative to a silicone tail. The merfin fluke is like $100 and yard and 1/2 maximum RAW neoprene is less than $50. Then just buy paints and go for it!
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[PearlieMae]

Perhaps take advantage of a new tailmakers' lower prices for full silicone. Jazz has made a few excellent tails, and the profits go to an excellent cause; Jessica, Firemaid, Golden Pearl are among the new tailmakers (just off the top of my head), maybe starting a dialogue with the up and coming makers could be an affordable option. And wait times for a finished tail could be considerably shorter, and the tailmakers get the chance to further hone their skills.

Just throwing that out there, too.

[Mermaid Azira]

Thanks! I like the idea of the up and coming tail makers and will look into it as soon as I can get onto a computer.


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[Miyu]

Hi! Neoprene tails can be lovely! I saw one that I had to do a few double-takes to believe it was neoprene and not a silicone tail!: http://firepixiefashion.blogspot.com/2013/07/how-i-made-my-neoprene-swimming-mermaid.html (http://firepixiefashion.blogspot.com/2013/07/how-i-made-my-neoprene-swimming-mermaid.html)

If you wish to buy vs. making your own, I've seen Morticia's neoprene tails in person, and they are lovely :)

Speaking of Morticia, she is in the final stages of making a first run of silicone tails (I've seen the development, they are going to be GORGEOUS), and is having a fundraiser to purchase the last of the supplies - silicone - and the top "prize" you can buy is a silicone tail for $700! :D

Here's the link: https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/6fb7b?psid=b03ff36f6f1d42498133f487d860a75b&fb_ref=share__61shc2