Morticia's Silicone Tail Progress

[Morticia Mermaid]

I thought I'd share my progress so far into the start of creating the first of 3 silicone tails.

First, this has been a really lengthy process so far. I got my clay (Monster Makers) around Thanks giving, and have been working on this fluke sculpt since. Everyone who has worked with Monster Makers knows how hard it can be to work with unless heated. Well, I've been doing what I have come to call cold sculpting. Meaning, I have been sculpting the fluke with the clay cold (I'm a bit insane like that). So far, I LOVE how the results are coming out and I love the detail I can put into it.

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This is the most recent picture I've got of the "fine" details. I've done more work to it since, I'll see about getting another picture later today.
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I'm a major fan of the BA mermaids. The ones that look like they've been in battle or are hunter types. My sister dubbed this one the deep hunter. It's a very predatory type tail.

I've got ideas I'm going to test to strengthen the points and tatters to make sure they don't tear/fall off. And I've already got plans for water/air drainage that will give a bit of structure to the fluke as well.

I HAD finished my scale sheet, but decided to redo it. As much as I love the shape, they seemed a bit too flat to me. So I'm planning on sculpting them out of clay after I get the fluke finished and molded.

I've got my shell shock and releasing agents all ready to go. I've got my pigments and support meshes. Now I'm just saving up to buy the silicone.

Speaking of silicone, has anyone tried using 2 different hardnesses for their tail? say 10 for the body and 20 for the fluke? Thats what I was thinking of doing and was wondering if anyone had tried it before, and how it turned out.

[jazz2453]

Nice detail!

[Morticia Mermaid]

I'll get another picture shortly and try to give everyone a bit of size comparison so they can see roughly the size of the detailing

[Morticia Mermaid]

Sorry for the bad lighting. My camera doesn't seem to like the cold, and prefers daylight.

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Still have a bit of clean up to do on some of the detailing, but at least the hard part is done. Now comes the long part of cleaning up the little bits and crumbs.

Fluke is roughly 26 1/2" wide at the widest spot.

[AniaR]

Lovvvve the sculpt!

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[Miyu]

OH DEAR GOODNESS that's looking amazing!

[Fifi Tigg]

Looking fabulous!!

[thevirginiamermaid]

Ohh I love the sort of tattered edges you made on the end of the fluke

[PearlieMae]

Nice! I look forward to watching the progress!

[AnnaAbyss]

Beautiful clay sculpt!

[Morticia Mermaid]

Thanks all. Would have said so sooner, but I'm having issues connecting. Going to be working on the sculpt tonight, probably going to set up to broadcast on livestream. Here's the link if anyone wants to watch, and/or come say hi.

http://www.livestream.com/morticiamermaid?t=603176

[Jessica]

Awesome detail! The fluke edge is really neat! I know how long all the fine lines take...I use monster makers too! :)

when you pour your fluke, I really recommend tinting the silicone to keep your detail. My first fluke had a lot of fine lines and detail that pretty much disappeared when I painted.....I didn't tint the silicone and it took so many layers that the silicone just filled in all my little grooves! :(

i cant wait to see this fluke in silicone!! :)

are you planning on making full silicone, neoprene backed or both?!

[Morticia Mermaid]

Thanks for the advice Jessica!

Right now I'm just planning on full silicone tails. I'm hoping I can get mine dine before my husband comes home from Afghanistan. Haven't seen him since February last year and hoping to show him what I've been doing with my time while he's been gone

[Miyu]

Plus he would have a shmexy mermaid waiting for him ;) What soldier wouldn't love to see that!

[Morticia Mermaid]

Lol. he's a Marine, Bek :)

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[Morticia Mermaid]

I'm not going to be able to broadcast tonight. Not been feeling well today, so took meds to be able to sleep. Will broadcast tomorrow

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[XMermaidMarinaX]

He's a marine, makes it even more perfect lol

[Miyu]

Thanks, I was having a hard time remembering which branch he was in >.< I have had family in every branch, so I get confused as to who went where haha!

And yes, the fact that he's a Marine makes it even more perfect :)

[OceanRose]

Dang fantastic sculpt, I love it!

Edit: and your cute necklaces in the background

[Mermaid Dottie]

Gotta Love them Marines! My Grandpa Jack was a marine. <3

[Morticia Mermaid]

Thank you OceanRose. I'm actually trying to clear out my stock of jewelry. All of it is 50% off in my Etsy shop. Coupon code is 50CLEAR. https://www.etsy.com/shop/MorticiaMermaidTails

[Morticia Mermaid]

AHHHH!!!! I'm getting my silicone!!!!!

Ok, so, am really excited right now. A family member donated enough money to me to buy the silicone for my first 2 tails! I'm ordering my silicone next week!

Can't explain how excited I am! My first fluke sculpt will be done this week and molded by monday. I'm going to ATTEMPT to add detail to my foam scales (not sure how well it will work). If it doesn't work out, I'm going to redo my scales with clay.

But, yeah, I'm getting my silicone!!!!!

[Morticia Mermaid]

Question to everyone whose made a silicone tail, has anyone ever tried using 20 hardness for the fluke and 10 for the body? How did it turn out?

Hoping to make something with a bit stiffer fluke as I'm planning on making my tails with the foil.

[Morticia Mermaid]

Oh, and I'm currently broadcasting live while working on my fluke should anyone like to watch. http://www.livestream.com/morticiamermaid?t=911844

[Mermaid Lorelei]

I tested using two different shore hardnesses and didn't have a problem. As long as you keep them straight in your head. XD

[Mermaid Oshun]

I have also tested shore hardnesses from 10 - 90 They can work together wonderfully in a tail and are generally mutually compatible provided they are somewhat similar in number.

[Morticia Mermaid]

Awesome. Thanks ladies. I think I'll give 10 & 20 a shot!

Fluke is just about finished. I'll have the money in hand to order the silicone by this weekend. Can't tell you guys how excited I am. I should be able to have my tail, and possibly one other, done by the time my hubby comes home.

these pictures make it look wider and shorter than it actually is. Its actually rather narrow and long

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[Mermaid Oshun]

I've got to say Morticia, that last color photo left my draw dropped OPEN! That is HOT! Bitch you carried that! It looks GREAT!

[Miyu]

:jawdrop:

Insanely gorgeous!

[Morticia Mermaid]

Hi Pearl! I saw your post a few hours ago, but decided to think over my response for a while. I really appreciate your enthusiasm but, this part "Bitch you carried that!" I could have done without.

I took a while to read over some of the things that happened in other threads, and I understand that tensions were probably high at the time. I'm hoping you meant it in a friendly way. You and I don't really know each other that well. I'd prefer that only people I am close with use this term with me, as we know that we are joking. At this point in mine and yours current standing, I cannot tell if you are joking or are possibly upset with me and for some reason feel I stole a design from you.

I apologize if my response upsets you. That is not my intention. I just at this current time am not sure of the meaning/intention behind it, and am hoping that you meant it in a friendly fashion.

Miyu- I can't wait until you can come look it over. I should have both our tails finished in time for the meet up in March!

[Winged Mermaid]

Wow, that's one great fluke design! I think trying the 20 with the fluke is a good idea. Looking at where the monofin, how far it extends past it, and where the motion is going to go with each kick, it might REALLY whip that extra silicone a lot which may not be what you're going for as far as how it looks in motion. I think using the harder silicone will soften that, or at least hope as much!

[Morticia Mermaid]

I am hoping so too Iona. I'm also going to be adding a sort of internal support structure that will also work as water drainage.

[Morticia Mermaid]

Got some better pictures of the fluke. The fine detailing in each section is finished. I'll be making the mold this week

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/16/nuvujeny.jpg

This shows the dimensions better. Can't wait to get it molded and test it
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/16/etuqu9eq.jpg

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[Merley]

I really love this fluke shape, it's very femme fatale-esque, definitely one dangerous mermaid. Can't wait to see the finished product. Keep posting pics, also love how Ben Franklin is just chilling in the corner. lol. Someone's a baller.

[Azurin Luna]

I love the shape of the fluke :D I wonder how the different silicones will work out with this shape

Good luck!

[Mermaid Kelda]

Unf, this is fantastic! I can't wait to see what other designs you come up with in the future!

[Morticia Mermaid]

I really love this fluke shape, it's very femme fatale-esque, definitely one dangerous mermaid. Can't wait to see the finished product. Keep posting pics, also love how Ben Franklin is just chilling in the corner. lol. Someone's a baller.

xD Thats my silicone funds, got it in hand today. I forgot to put it away and didn't even realize it was there. And thanks :) I love the idea that mermaids are predatory creatures (I just don't feel they could survive on just kelp). So as hunter's, they'd naturally have a more rugged/ragged look


I love the shape of the fluke :D I wonder how the different silicones will work out with this shape

Good luck!

Thanks! I'm going to be calling to get some sample discs so I can compare the 20 and 30 to see which I'd prefer for the fluke before I order my silicone.

[Morticia Mermaid]

:) I've already got a few patterns cut out for future flukes I'll be making. I'll have another style done by the end of march. It's going to be much smaller, and is kind of based of fairy wings. The person who the design was made for named it the Titania (as in queen of the fairies)

[Trd Adriian TC]

Do u make them for other ppl/Mers also?

[Morticia Mermaid]

I will be in the next few months. I do have a fund raiser going with a perk being a custom silicone tail- http://fnd.us/c/6fb7b/sh/61shc2

[Morticia Mermaid]

Did a test of my shell shock and a scale design test. Seeing if I can possibly add texture to my foam scales by curing it with an exacto knife

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[AtalontheDeer]

very talented in modelling.

Greets

[MermaidHyli]

Gosh I'm so excited to see you back and to see all the creations you've been making :) keep up the good work! I can't wait to see how this turns out :)

[Morticia Mermaid]

Thanks Hyli. Glad to be back. Fluke was nearly 2 months to make. But now that I've got funds in hand, I've got drive to get it made.

Danke Atalon. Sie können in Deutsch mit mir zu sprechen :) If you want of course. I took a year of German in college. I'm a bit rusty, but I still got the know how

I've decided to just do plain scales for now. So I'm setting down to start cutting out more scales (by hand with an exacto knife) to be able to make my scale mold larger. I made it much too narrow and far too short.

[PearlieMae]

Love the fluke! And the scales are beautiful, too! Do you have a heat tool like a woodburning pen? You might be able to add texture to the scales with that (with ADEQUATE VENTILATION AND FIRE PROTECTION, please!)

I went oval with mine, too, but wide. I like the look of the long scales!

Shore 20 isn't that much harder that dragonskin...I hope you don't get too much flop outside your monofin!

[AniaR]

You ladies and your tail making! * struggles to roll a ball of clay, cursing in the corner*

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[Morticia Mermaid]

Lol. Hard to believe this is the first time I've touched clay since I was 13. Seems I have a natural talent for sculpting.

Sadly, no burning pen here :( but I think my scales will look good plain too. They are all cut out by hand with an exacto knife. I went with the shape of dragon scale maille. So they are actually pointed :) fits the predatory style of the fluke

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[PearlieMae]

You ladies and your tail making! * struggles to roll a ball of clay, cursing in the corner*

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You are busy enough for all of us, darlin'! You start making tails and I'm gonna have to 'nail your fins to tha floor'!

[Mermaid Dottie]

Those scales are really cool-looking, Morticia!

[*Celine*]

Beautiful scales!!! nice job!!! I'll think I'll follow this thread for a while, keep up the good work!!!

[deepblue]

The scales are awesome. I love watching an artist in progress. I liked your FB so I can follow there, as well.

[Mermaid Oshun]

your fluke and scales look amazing Morticia

[Mermaid Tula]

Morti! Everything looks awesome!! <3

[Aino Revontuletar]

Love those scales! This is going to be one awesome tail!

[Mermaid Ellowyn]

Those scales are wonderful! I love the pointed shape and little details.

[Rogue Siren]

Awesome! So following this to find out about the different hardness silicones, as I was thinking the same thing. :)

[Mermaid Danielle]

Morticia, this is amazing!

[Arella]

I LOVE the scale mold! So unique :)

[Morticia Mermaid]

Thanks everyone!

Just wanted to post an update. Got the tracking number on Monday and if it's correct I'll have my silicone by the 27th! Also, due to over exherting myself (working non stop for 12 hours to get the sculpt finished), I ended up developing tendinitis in my elbow. At least we are hoping that is all it is, praying I didn't actually tear something. So, Miyu has offered to help me work on her fluke sculpt. She knows how I'm wanting it to look and is more than open to follow direction.

And, sadly, due to some home issues (a person living in the house has become rather abusive) I will be making the tails off property. The cook from my pirate crew (I'm captain of my own ship of mers or future mers. Same name as my tail company) has kindly offered space in his home for me to come work. Bad part is he lives clear in Salem, so I'll only be able to work a couple days a week on the silicone tails. Going to try to get as much of the molds done in my room at home though because I can easily pour silicone at his house and it will be cured by the time I come back.

[Miyu]

Oh no! Problems are no good! I'm glad you got a space to let your silicone cure though. I'd offer a space in one of our sheds, but we'd have to clean it up and then put everything back later, LOL... but I dunno how to keep dust and stuff from getting in the silicone. :/

Yes yes! I am willing to take directions, plus I think it will be fun to sculpt again. Then you can give your arm a rest and not worry about hurting yourself further. I want to help you get these done so we can all look at the pretties!!! But I don't want you to hurt yourself more to do so :P

[Mermaid Dottie]

Oh man, Good luck, Sugarsnap!

[Morticia Mermaid]

So, it's pretty much official. I've hired Miyu to help me with the silicone tails. Turns out I DID tear something in my elbow. Possibly going to the doctor in the next couple days to verify that. But I'm pretty sure something is torn as my elbow has started amassing a rather large lump of what I am sure is scar tissue >.< Frell.

[Miyu]

OH NO! Go get that looked at, woman!

And yes, I am more than happy to help with whatever you need. I take directions fairly well :P

[MermaidBrandie]

This looks amazing! I really want a predatory looking tail.

[MermanOliver]

I really like the predatory look of both your fin and your scales. Just beautiful! Can't wait to see the finished tail. And regarding your elbow, get well soon. I'll keep my fingers (and flippers :)) crossed!

[Morticia Mermaid]

Thank you everyone :) I wanted something that could be classed as gender neutral, but still be bad ass (please excuse the language, best descriptive term I could come up with at 530 am) on either.

Update, Woohoo silicone came in on Monday!!! Going to get stated pouring molds when this rain stops. So thankful for miyu's help so far. My arm has gotten worse, going to urgent care this morning

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[Miyu]

No worries dear, I'm happy to help :) You get better, I'm a fast learner! Plus I get to do work I wouldn't have learned yet otherwise :P

[Trident True]

Nice work just some caution, what ive found with my molds/templates is when its casted (to create the mold) then casted in silicone I find the dug out bits can be quiet thin. the deeper you do the thinner the silicone will be. this doesnt affect the raised areas and it wont affect your fine detail. Im not trying to be negative in anyway so please dont feel "im having a go' its just something i thought of straight away when i saw your fluke. BTW its awesome.

[Morticia Mermaid]

Thank you trident. I know it will b4 thin, did it intentionally cause I don't want a bulky fluke, and it will still gain quite a bit if thickness from painting

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[AniaR]

PLease keep us updates on your progress it's always fun to watch these things unfold

[Morticia Mermaid]

Working on that now. Just needed to finish waking up :)

Health update- Went to Urgent care on Monday. And for roughly a $200 I got told the doctor wasn't sure what it was exactly, so he didn't want to try anything with it (gotta love the US medical system). My gran gave me some of her nyproxin (naproxin? not sure how it's spelled, it's an anti-inflammatory) for the swelling, which is now from wrist to shoulder. The nyproxin seems to be helping, but arm is still in a pretty decent amount of pain.

Tail update- Got my silicone and ease release in! Was waiting for the weekend to get here for the nice weather we are supposed to have. Going to work on the fluke mold today and hope I can get it finished today before it rains. May be running into town before I get started so I can get the support materials and the board to redo my scale sheet (original was far too narrow), which means I will need to pick up more foam sheets and exacto blades. Going to be a busy day :)

[Mermaid Dottie]

I hope you feel better soon, morticia. I hate it when I can't make people feel better. :( doctors are so useless, sometimes.

[Mermaid Caspiana]

Wow! Really can't wait to see this finished! It's amazing so far! I too love predatory tails. They're sweet! The one I plan on doing in silicone is actually based on a sea monster so it too looks predatory. Great job and can't wait to see this unfold!

[Morticia Mermaid]

Just got back from Home Depot with my boards for my mold box. Also picked up some of the final materials I need for the fluke. Now just hoping the weather clears up for a bit so I can set everything up outside with enough time to cure!

[Morticia Mermaid]

Woot. Finally had a chance to set up a test batch of scales from my test mold. They came out REALLY well. Can't wait to get the full scale mold set up.

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[jazz2453]

GREAT! :)

[Morticia Mermaid]

Hoping to be able to do more work on this by this weekend. Had a least minute rush tail order to get finished by Friday. Trail is gorgeous so far. Almost hard to believe it's just painted neoprene
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/13/ede7utu9.jpg


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[spottedcatfish]

Gorgeous tail. I look forward to seeing more of your silicone tail progress and other projects you have. ;):thumbs-up::mermaid kiss: <3

[MermaidBrandie]

Those pointed scales! OMG.

[Morticia Mermaid]

Thanks catfish. This tail may actually be used in a photo shoot with Brenda Strumpf for her next book. So I've been trying to get it done cause the mer ordering it would like it ASAP. For a rush job, so far this tail is amazing by my standards (and most neoprene tail standards XD ). I'll be officially done with it by Monday. I'm excited to see how it turns out.

[Stefani]

Hello, I have a problem with drying silicone "Dragon Skin".
My mold is not liquid plastic, silicone is yesterday buy dragon skin for my tail, the top is dry, but the bottom is still sticky (humeda. ..) why? that I can do?

[Morticia Mermaid]

Did you wear gloves? What releasing agent did you use? Is your mix ratio correct?

I've not made a full tail yet but, my only thoughts are that something cause curing inhibition (which means that the silicone wont cure). And the fact that the top is cured but the bottom is not tells me it is either the release agent or your mold material. There's a list somewhere on here that has several things which cause cure inhibition. You might see if you can find it and see if you are using something on the list (I'd search, but MN is running extremely slow for me and I still keep running into "server too busy" problems).

[Stefani]

I did not use gloves, I think it's the silicone mold.:( I wish I could fix it

[Morticia Mermaid]

I know it sucks, but I think your best bet will be to do it the old fashioned way and make the mold yourself. I know it's a lot of work, and making sure the rows of scales are even, but in the end its worth the trouble. Because then you not only know that the materials are compatible with the silicone, but you also put a lot of yourself into the tail and that will make it more meaningful. I, personally, have bled several times while cutting out my scales (I am cutting them out by hand with an x-acto knife to get the shape that I want).

[Stefani]

I do not get liquid plastic where I live, there is only one page in Spain where I could get dragon skin 10 medium. took more than a year trying to make my tail. I am very disappointed

[Mermaid Dottie]

AH! Forgive my typing, but, hablas espanol! yo puedo comprender espanol! Que es la problema con tu silicon?

[Stefani]

oh!! genial!! estoy intentado pasar un video para que veas mejor. yo creo que dragon skin no curo muy bien, solo la parte de arriba, esta pegajoso por debajo, tiene forma pero no termina de secar o cuajar.Mi molde no es de plastico liquido, es de silicona. me da mucha pena ya que dragon skin es muy caro, quisiera saber si hay solucion , como más tiempo de secado, pero ya a pasado un dia.

[Stefani]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzNbK3MwJzE&feature=youtu.be

[Morticia Mermaid]

Did you let it cure long enough? That almost seems like it didn't have long enough to cure

[Stefani]

takes more than one full day

[Mermaid Dottie]

Creo que un molde de silicona no es una buena idea, si quieres usar "scales" de silicona. I think, though, if you lay the cured side of your scale sheet flat on the floor or a table, the raised scale side might still cure, with a little bit of time, and air. Next time, maybe use something else to make your mold. Creo que los dos de silicona possible es tu problema. Moldes de "fibreglass" es un opción mas mejor, si puedes. tambien hay "plaster" para el molde. I hope that helps, and that you can understand me well enough.

[Stefani]

Yo pensaba que "plaster" contiene azufre por eso no lo utilize

[Morticia Mermaid]

First tinted scale test! :D it came out great! Yes it's black, and yes it is sparkling!
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/14/uvuheqab.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/14/a2aga9ah.jpg

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[Stefani]

They are gorgeous! had not seen black. use your item what ara the mold?

[Morticia Mermaid]

Color tests got my first actual tail. 2 of 5 colors
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/15/pymyjybu.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/15/a9adede5.jpg

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[Jessica]

The teal is gorgeous!! It's going to look great with the black :)

[Miyu]

ERMAHGERD THAT BLUE!!! <3

[Morticia Mermaid]

:) thanks. Going to try to mix up ask the colors for my tail. Just need to order some of the other colors

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[spottedcatfish]

Looks great so far! I can't wait to see how the teal turns out!

[Morticia Mermaid]

Thanks catfish! And just as a side note- those are tinted scales, not painted :)

[PearlieMae]

Beautiful!

[MermaidBrandie]

Color tests got my first actual tail. 2 of 5 colors
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/15/pymyjybu.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/15/a9adede5.jpg

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Those are the most beautiful predator scales I've seen. :) I want them for my tail!

[Jeblily]

Yo pienso que ella usó un molde de piezas de espuma. Su cola es negro tambien, si? Yo espero que su cola haya a seco!!! Esta pegajoso ahora?
-Buena suerte!!!

[Morticia Mermaid]

First color tests for miyu's tail. She has a sort of Pandora color palette in mind
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/17/uzyvaryd.jpg

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[Stefani]

"Red Clay" monofin serves to mold and mold using shell shock?

[Stefani]

not dry :( I left it in the sun but nothing, then it started raining :O where it was noticed that was less sticky wet

[Morticia Mermaid]

Well, looks like I'm starting over

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/01/6a8a3ehy.jpg

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[LaNyah]

Oh no!

I feel your pain.

My fluke mold didn't break, but it warped. I tried to use it anyway and wasted a LOT of silicone only to realize it wouldn't work. :cry:

I also had to remold the whole thing. I'll be cleaning it out tonight.

Live and learn
<sigh>

[Morticia Mermaid]

Just sucks. Cause followed the directions on materials, and advice given to me, and something goes wrong :headwall:

The shell shock wouldn't let go of the wood. I've got a plan though for my remake (which hopefully comes out better than the original, will be quite upset if it's not) that will make sure I have no issues getting the mold off

[LaNyah]

When I used shellshock for my scale sheet, I used vasoline on the wood to release. I also used a thin putty knife to help separate it.

Also, make sure it's thick enough. I will be making a new scale sheet soon and the shellshock will not be very think, so I was told to use burlap or fiberglass to reinforce the mold.

[jazz2453]

I did the same as Paisley got shellshock, Vaseline on wood, putty knife to seperate. My first fluke mold cracked at one side. I glue it back together and filled it with clay. I'm feel so mad that this happened to you.

[Morticia Mermaid]

Ooook... Fluke sculpt take 2 :headdesk:

Finally had some time, and space, to sit down and get started on the fluke sculpt again. Changing my method for how I am doing this, and also changing the monofin.

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[Mermaid Wesley]

keep up the good work!

[Morticia Mermaid]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/02/unegupu3.jpg

Progress. Have to wait to do anymore until I can afford another box of clay. Sadly, I don't have enough to finish it :(

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[Mermaid Saphira]

Looking great, Morticia!

[OceanRose]

Hi Morticia,

I'm sorry you had to start again, but you have a really good attitude!

Is the amount of clay you used so far a 5lb box? I'm ordering mine tomorrow and by the looks of it, I'll need two 5lb boxes to be safe.

[Morticia Mermaid]

Yep. That's what I've got of my 5lb box after the last sculpt, but i didn't lose much. Hopefully ordering another box soon with the help of a family member

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[OceanRose]

Thanks Morticia <3
I love how monstermakers is reusable, I'm dreaming up all the things I can make after I do the fluke.
Best wishes for finding funds for more clay

[Morticia Mermaid]

Thank you. I'm going to have plenty of extra, I don't need much more for the fluke, so I'm going to get started on my extra fins and such :)

Monster makers is great. I like that I can heat it to get it all set in place easier (even if it does take a bit longer sitting there with a hair drier to heat it), and then "cold sculpt" it to get really nice detail

[Morticia Mermaid]

I think I'm going to move some of the clay around tomorrow so I can at least start sculpting 1 side of the fluke

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[Morticia Mermaid]

Progress. Decided to work with what I got for now

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/07/ujeja4u7.jpg

Got it all smoothed and the tatters cleaned up on one half

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[JessieMermaid]

I have that same spatula thing. From pampered chef. Its awesome for a bunch of stuff!

[Morticia Mermaid]

It works well for smoothing small areas.

More progress. "rough" start on the ridges. Used the clay I scrapped off while smoothing it to make the start of the ridges

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/07/e6uhehy3.jpg

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[JessieMermaid]

Looking good! I hope this one stays together for you. Personally I would have been so frustrated it would have taken me weeks to get back to it.

[Morticia Mermaid]

Gosh, looking back, it's taken me a month to get back to work on this. I was devastated. Over 2 1/2 months of work into the sculpt just gone :( But, if I don't get back on the seahorse now, I never will.

[JessieMermaid]

True. But I'm glad you are back at it. It looks better than the first one!

[Morticia Mermaid]

Thank you. There was some alterations made. And a change in monofin. It's not longer, a bit narrower, and is being built for a bigger bladed monofin. Original design was for a foil, but decided to change and try out the hydra.

[JessieMermaid]

Maybe the change in monofin is just what you needed. When I sculpt sometimes if I change the inner skeleton ( ie crumbled foil to wire and a hard porcelain) the final product is 1000x better than I imagined.

[Morticia Mermaid]

I am hoping that is the case here. So far, I am liking the size. I may do a bit of re-positioning of the inner ridges, but other than that all there is to do is smooth and shape the ridges, and the fine detailing between them... At least on that one half. Still gotta see about ordering another box of clay, still scrape together funds for it.

[Morticia Mermaid]

Starting to take shape nicely. Trying to use my fingers less and my tools more. Got horrible blisters with the last sculpt

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/09/he9u8e7y.jpg

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[Miyu]

Oooh looking good! I'm really liking what you've gotten done so far!

And you better be using those sculpting tools more, woman! I gave mine to you so you wouldn't get blisters goof!

[Morticia Mermaid]

XD believe me, I'm using them. Barely used my fingers at all so far

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[JessieMermaid]

Looking good Morticia!!!!

[Mermaid Adriel]

great! :)

[Morticia Mermaid]

More progress. Kinda rough, haven't had a chance to clean it up. Figured out I can use the displaced clay, from carving out the lines and smoothing, and put it in places it's needed

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/10/be4ere2u.jpg

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[JessieMermaid]

Lookin good!

[MermaidxTalia]

Looks really great.
It's awesome to see so many talented people in one place.
Look forward to seeing the end result.

[Morticia Mermaid]

Thanks. Progress is slow, but it's actually going faster than the last sculpt, now that I know what look I'm going for. Debating setting up one of my scale sheets to mold tonight, I've got 2 smaller sheets and I'm working on laying scales for a full size one

Sent by star fish

[Morticia Mermaid]

Mold is poured, going to be pulling it Monday. Fingers crossed it turns out better than the last

Sent by star fish

[Mermaid Wesley]

Yay!


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[Vela]

wow! I love the progress of your tail! It is an amazing design! Cant wait to see more!! :)

[Morticia Mermaid]

Just realized I haven't updated this in a while, as most of it is going into my personal tail thread. (first one is being made for myself, second will be made for Miyu, and the third will be made for Melu). So I apologize now for not keeping this thread updated!

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Both halves of the first fluke have been poured and are waiting for some testing on the monofin before being attached. Scale sheet progress is about 1/4 done!

[spottedcatfish]

Lovely fluke and I love those scales!!

[Mermaid Galene]

Looking good!

[Morticia Mermaid]

Thank you :)

Just going to leave this here. I'm really excited to get these finished so I can start offering them to people. I've already had so many people ask me about ordering them! (even had one person ask how much for just the fluke, lol)

I've got a short ways to go until it's finished, and would love some assistance. I know people don't really have funds to contribute, but even if you could help me spread the word around it would be greatly appreciated <3 Facebook, twitter, blogs, etc. I'm going to be doing an interview in the next week for a small business blog (they actually contacted me through the campaign and asked me for an interview :jawdrop::yay:).

Any ways, I started painting the fluke. So I'll have more progress to show soon!

Oh, and here is the campaign link (https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/siren-s-calling-silicone-tail-expansion/x/4146020)

[Morticia Mermaid]

Oh, I'll also be doing giveaways at 50% and again at 100%. 50% will be a complete jewelry set, and 100% is still being determined :)