Dottie's Adventures in Top-Making Land

[Mermaid Dottie]

Or something like that.
I'm getting really sick of my tops falling off or falling apart, unless they're human swimsuits (which I sometimes fall out of anyway)
These are not the images I want to convey to clientele and faire-goers, so it's time for something new.
I went to Wally World with my hubby and HE found a nude Genie Bra.
It looks like this, but bigger, because I am obviously not that small.
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I get really good coverage with it, so I decided it was a good one to try and use.

Now, I love the idea of my lily pads, but they reeeeaaally don't cover enough, especially with how stretched out the straps all are on that bra. Plus the paint's falling off the flower.
Here's the old top. Toooo small.
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So, my new top is going to include a lily pad, at least one.
Here's my design , so far... I can't decide what to do with the other side. :/
(Maybe a giant Nautilus? 17312)
What you see here is a lily pad, and grass. The blue is everything I need to cover
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I started working on it yesterday. My Duct tape dummy is a little...um...floppy... but it still works.
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My Mom-in-law helped me with it. :) And yes, I am that big.

and here's the progress on my clay sculpt.
I really appreciate the tip I found (somewhere on the forum) about using a hairdryer when working with monster clay.
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At this point I'm thinking I should make my plaster molds in pieces. Like, a mold of the lily pad, a mold of the grass, etc, and then put all the separate latex pieces together on the bra, with more latex or glue.

So, with monster clay, and plaster of paris, do you need any kind of release agent? If so, will I still be able to reuse my clay afterward?
Any more tips and ideas are really appreciated.

[Mermaid Ellowyn]

This looks really great so far! I can't wait to see what you come up with for the other side.

[Mermaid Dottie]

well, I've got this idea...
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With maybe more grass/seaweed/kelp stuff? I'm not sure.

[Mermaid Dottie]

So, I'm laying down the veins on the lily pad, and I don't think I like it very much.
It's supposed to be the bottom of the leaf, but it doesn't look very good to me... Thoughts?
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[Echinacea]

What about something like a freshwater clam shell? 17326 then maybe add a smidge more grass on the shoulder, and put a couple of freshwater snail shells in there, too 17327 Or maybe another lilypad, with a shell waterlily carving in between? like this one http://www.etsy.com/listing/120940681/last-one-innocence-genuine-hand-carved?ref=market

[Echinacea]

Leave the lily pads smooth, like you are looking at the top, not the bottom.

[Mermaid Dottie]

Oh, man, that's gonna be tough, since this clay HATES to be smooth....

[Ilyena]

Maye more thinner and angled lines for the veins as they look a little thick and perpendicular to the main vein? But so far it looks like a awesome design

[Mermaid Dottie]

yeah, they should angle more, shouldn't they? I was thinking they were too big. Now I know it wasn't my imagination.

[Ilyena]

Well that's the beauty of clay so even if it doesn't look right it can be redone :D. maybe try redoing that little section finer and see how it looks.

[Mermaid Dottie]

thanks Ilyena! I will!

[Ilyena]

You're welcome, can't wait for pictures ^_^

[Mermaid Dottie]

So, I decided to take both pieces of advice. the top of a lily pad is prettier, and I angled the lines quite a bit more. It already looks so much better, I think.
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I think this way it'll be less bulky, and a lot more aesthetically pleasing. Still don't know about the other side. Maybe just another lily pad? We find fossils here of enormous Nautilus shells. or there's a type of tortoise that lives here, out in the desert. Someone on my facebook suggested driftwood, and Koral suggested moss.

[Ilyena]

That does look better ^_^ especially the front parts where it looks like the groves are move wavey and looks like the leaf sections. Lilly pads are fresh water (I think), maybe go for something that is also found in fresh water to keep the theme, or shells.

[Mermaid Ellowyn]

Yep, I like that a lot better too! Looks much more like a lilypad.

[Mermaid Dottie]

Haha! Thanks. I think it looks more like a great big leaf, now, but trial and error. I like my big leaf, so I'll keep it for now.
Hey, technical question, Do I need a release agent between my monster clay and my plaster of paris? If so, which kind should I use if I want to reuse my clay afterward?

[Mermaid Dottie]

Here's a picture of the Leaf-lily pad thing. It looks like a brain or something in this picture, but I swear it looks like a leaf in person.
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Also, who likes swirly patterns?
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[Aino Revontuletar]

This looks awesome! I am planning something similar for my top, though it will look different to yours of course. Good luck, I can't wait to see the finished product!

[Mermaid Dottie]

Thank you! I would love to see pictures of your top, when you get it done. I'm always interested in what other mers like to wear.

[Aino Revontuletar]

It will be a while off yet, as I have some tail decision making to do, but it is definitely going to prominently feature lily pads and water lilies. I think yours is looking fantastic so far :D

[Jessica]

This is going to be so neat Dottie!! I love the design! :)

[Mermaid Dottie]

I can't wait to see it, Aino!

Thanks, Jessica. That's so nice of you, since your stuff looks so beautiful. :hail:

[Mermaid Dottie]

Progress update pictures!!
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[Mermaid Dottie]

PIC HEAVY:
Er, hi, again!
I decided last night to do a test with my plaster of paris. I made a couple little things that I thought would be cool to have moulds of, mixed the plaster, and took pictures along the way.
I learned a few good lessons along the way, too!
Lesson #1) Less water with the plaster next time
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(the little cursive L and random number you see here are from a drinking glass I used to squish the clay flat.

Lesson #2) PATIENCE! (Talking to myself: "dummy! you've been given this lesson about a billion times, and you haven't learned it yet?")
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Lesson #3) Plaster captures detail quite well. There's even a little fingerprint inside the mini lily pad mold. :)

Lesson #4) Make SURE that your piece is flat on the table or you will get plaster AROUND your clay.

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(Feather sculpt and wall)
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(plaster poured. I tapped the bottom of the table a few times to release bubbles)
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(With the plaster set and the wall removed. I feel I performed this step too soon, as I had to wipe a bit of wet plaster off of the clay.)

Lesson #5) Pouring plaster and pressing your small piece into makes it much easier to get your clay out. I now have to try and melt the clay out of the plaster if I want to keep that mold. Which I do. So I will. >.<
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You can see here there are some spots where I do plaster underneath my sculpt and had to scrape it away.

What I'm going to do next is try and melt that feather out with the oven. I tried using the hair-dryer last night, but it wasn't hot enough.

EDIT:
Lesson #6) PATIENCE! If your plaster is not all the way dry, don't try and heat it up. :shame::headwall:

[Mermaid Dottie]

So, with some help from my friend Mermaid Nim (a Utah local who doesn't have access to the mernet), I was able to decide what I want to do with the other side of the bra.
But I'm not going to tell you. :pirate:
Instead, I'm going to make you all try to guess. But there is an image, so it probably won't take you very long.:thinks::thumbs-up:

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[Mermaid Dottie]

SOOOOO.... I'm really concerned about trying to make plaster molds of these sculpts.
Is it normal to be nervous?

Any tips/advice?
I'm doing each cup separately.

[Aino Revontuletar]

Wow that looks so neat Dottie! Great job! I would be nervous as hell too haha

[Jessica]

Hi Dottie!

it's completely normal to be nervous! I STILL get nervous and paranoid every time I crack open a can of shell shock! Just try to relax :) I always think of the absolute worst thing that might happen....i screw up, ruin my mold and have to sculpt all over again. Would it be awful? Yes. But I did it once so I know I can do it again :) basically, I learn a little more and become more confident with every mold.....even if it doesn't turn out perfect! :)

the design looks just lovely!

[Miyu]

OH GOODNESS it's looking lovely!

I think (just in my opinion; you do whatever suits you, girl! :D ) that adding some finer lines/veins in the lily pad would make it look a little more realistic, like the photo posted on the first page of the actual lily pad (upside down).

Hmm... Is the other cup a type of water grass? :)

[Mermaid Dottie]

Thanks everyone. ^_^
Good guess, Miyu, but no, it isn't water grass.
(Hmmm, maybe it won't be as easy to guess as I thought? *mischievous grin*)

I decided, after reading some stuff in Dr. Seaweed's thread, that I would go with shell shock, since he used the same clay and latex that I'm using, and his tail came out smashing.
I also think I'll be a little more confident with some trial-sized shell shock for the cups, at least, because of the shape of them. You can brush it on, and you don't need a box or bowl to put the mold in, just a retaining wall of clay. I'll still go with plaster for the other pieces though.

Any tips on how to make plaster a little bit stronger? I think I heard someone say Burlap fabric strips, but I'm not sure, or something called plaster cloth? I just don't want my other molds to break.

[Mermaid Fenicia]

add plaster bandage after pouring plaster, but before is almost cured ;)

[Mermaid Dottie]

Fenicia, You're always my hero! Thanks for swooping in to the rescue! <3

[Mermaid Fenicia]

Glad I could help you ;) I've learned that trick in make-up-school when we were learning to make masks ;)

[Mermaid Dottie]

You never cease to amaze me! You went to make-up school? That is flippin' sweet! You are so talented! How are you feeling by the way? All healed up?

[Mermaid Fenicia]

Yep, all healed up, on 8th January I went to the doctor for control, and he told me I can do everything again like before the operation :) Tomorrow I go swimming again for the first time ofter the operation :) started my home exercises already on Thursday after the doctor-visit :p

[Mermaid Dottie]

YAY! That's so exciting! I'm so happy for you! <3<3<3
:yay::dance::clap::hug::rainbow::dance::dance:

[Mermaid Fenicia]

Thanks, Dotty :)

[Mermaid Dottie]

Pic Heavy Progress update!
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Strap #1
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Modeled by me. :eyebrows:
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[Jessica]

Looks great!! I love the detail on the strap :) This top is going to be so supportive for larger cup sizes!! Not that I have that problem...but if I did I would love a top like this!

[Mermaid Dottie]

Thanks, Jessica! I'm not a real big fan of the fish net straps for tops. I think they cut into me a little too much.
As far as support goes, I like having lots of it, but I really just like having a lot of coverage.
I try to be super modest, as far as mermaids go.

[Mermaid Dottie]

I was thinking about something earlier. If I molded various Mix and Match pieces for tops, would anyone be interested in buying them? Like, say I sculpted a pair of leaves, some different kinds of straps, A pair of Ariel-type shells, a pair of starfish, etc.
Would anymer want to buy the individual cups/straps/foliage in latex/silicone to use on their own projects?

[Winged Mermaid]

This reminds me of a top (https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1535757_10151994454933751_1437641142_n.jpg) I saw Raven working on a while back. But I LOVE the a-symmetry in your design! I can't wait to see it done- it's going to be sooo pretty!

[Mermaid Dottie]

Thanks, Iona!
I hope it comes out nice, especially since I seem to keep having this sort of trouble:
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I just spent the last 10 minutes chipping and picking out all of the plaster from my sculpture. Now I gotta wipe it off and fix it before I try again.
Lesson #7
Never trust a construction guy's advice about plaster when it comes to your mermaid projects. He's probably talking about dry-walling and you're probably talking about fine art molds....

[Mermaid Dottie]

More pictures!!!! I'm pretty much working on this daily. I forgot how much I really love sculpting. I can just sit for hours working on a piece and be totally happy and content. (Even if something frustrates me about it, I'm still happy o be 'creating'.)

So, Have you figured out what the other side of the top is gonna be yet?
I've colored the picture for you, which will maybe help, but I left the mystery part white.
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And, here is some Seaweed I made. I apologize that the lighting is always such crap in my pictures, I get to the end of the day and I'm like "I can't wait to show everymer!" and then I take pictures and it a looks like crabcakes.
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[Mermaid Kelda]

The first thing I thought was that little bubbly part looks like waves breaking :)

[Mermaid Dottie]

Getting Warmer, Malaina! That's a good guess!

[Mermaid Dottie]

Another progress update:Since that strap mold broke, I went with the other route, where you pour the plaster into something and then lay the sculpture into it.
I'm still waiting for the plaster to dry on that one.
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I thought of another way to do it, though, and that's the method I'm testing with my sea-grass-stuff.
I made a big, flat base of clay and laid my seaweed down on top. I then built up walls around it.
I'm using crystal clear acrylic spray as a release agent-I hope it comes off in the plaster, because I'd rather not have to buy more clay, but I will if I need to.
The acrylic makes it shiny.
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I mixed up the plaster and let it sit a couple more minutes while the acrylic dried some more.
It looked like pancake batter, in case you were wondering.
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Once the acrylic dried, I poured it into my mold.
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I had some extra, so I used a TV dinner tray-thing that was sitting nearby to set in another leaf I had made.
I'll think of a use for it.
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Now it's a few more hours for my first strap, and a full 24 for the other 2 molds. Plaster is BORING....

[Bellasea]

Good job Dottie! I really like your concept. I've seen tops made out seaweed that look really gross and kinda ugly. I think yours is going to look way better! The idea of a lilypad is great.

also, is the other strap a waterfall?

[Mermaid Dottie]

Thank you, Bellasea! I really want this top to be as freshwater-type as I can make it!

As for your guess, That was pretty dead on! Good Job! My friend, Mermaid Nim came up with the idea of making a top that just looked like water and some other stuff. I loved it so much, I just went with it, and I really love where it's going.

[Mermaid Dottie]

IT WORKED!
Mostly....
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It looks alright, considering. :D
And I got my clay out all in one piece this time! X3

[Miyu]

I love the seaweed!

And that water idea is neat! :D

[Mermaid Dottie]

Thanks, Miyu!
I'm hoping it all looks pretty once attached to the bra. I really want something comfy, pretty, and modest.
I also hope that I don't screw up the paint job. When not in photoshop, color is NOT my forte. The best picture I ever did by hand was a monochrome charcoal, back when I used to go by 'smurfette'.

[Aino Revontuletar]

A waterfall! What an original idea, this is going to look so awesome

[Jessica]

Looks great Dottie!! Don't worry too much about color.....painting is the fun part! :)

[Mermaid Dottie]

A waterfall! What an original idea, this is going to look so awesome
Thanks! I was excited when it seemed there were no mermaids out there covered by just water. I might decide later to do an entirely watery top. (I have dozens of Top ideas, now that I'm working on stuff. It's gonna be So much tail-flippin' fun. ^_^)

Looks great Dottie!! Don't worry too much about color.....painting is the fun part! :)
Yeah, but also the part I'm not very good at. I've done various kinds of painting before, and it never turns out the way I want. I'm hoping I can get reasonably good effects by simply doing layers of tinted latex.

[Mermaid Dottie]

I know I probably shouldn't have, but I did anyway, and, well....
They came out really good!
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The Seaweed one is kind of hard to see, but it came out way nice.
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[Mermaid Kelda]

The attachments aren't working for me, Dottie!

[Miyu]

Oh no! No attachments! :(

I would totally want some mix-and-match silicone pieces (the seaweed, I must have the seaweed! It's going to be so seaweed-y! I want to make clothes out of it! I LOVE SEAWEED.). I won't have the funds anytime soon, but eventually down the road I will definitely be wanting some.

[Ilyena]

I definitely would be interested in just buying the seaweed parts if you decide to sell them :D, so many uses >_<. So awesome Dottie!!!

[Miyu]

Oh shoot, silly computer, I double-posted >.<

[Mermaid Dottie]

The attachments aren't working for me, Dottie!

Oh no! No attachments! :(

Uh oh!!
Better?


I would totally want some mix-and-match silicone pieces (the seaweed, I must have the seaweed! It's going to be so seaweed-y! I want to make clothes out of it! I LOVE SEAWEED.). I won't have the funds anytime soon, but eventually down the road I will definitely be wanting some.


I definitely would be interested in just buying the seaweed parts if you decide to sell them :D, so many uses >_<. So awesome Dottie!!!

Wow, Cool! Something new to put up in my etsy shop, once I get the method perfected.

[Mermaid Dottie]

Just for fun, I put all the clay bits on top of my dummy and bra, and had Leo take a picture. :D

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Once I have all my molds made, I'll order my latex, tint and pour it, and the cover my bra again and see what bits of nude fabric still need to be covered, and make extra little bits to do that.

[Mermaid Dottie]

MY SHELL SHOCK IS HERE YOU GUYS OHMIGOSH!!!!!!!!!
It's here a day early! I'm so freaking excited!!!! :dance::yay:

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[Miyu]

:yay:

[Mermaid Dottie]

Hey! Anyone have any Shell Shock tips for me before I crack this stuff open?
Like what to use to mix it in, easier to mix by weight or by volume, etc...
I'm using SLOW, so that I can have time to fix mistakes and clean up messes.

[Jessica]

Hi Dottie!!

always buy slow shell shock! It sets up really fast!

I posted a bunch of good info about working with shell shock in my second thread (post # 7)

http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?6373-Jessica-s-Second-Dragonskin-Tail&highlight=Jessica%27s

[Mermaid Dottie]

And once again, I get served up a hero! Thanks, Jess! Just what I hoping for!
I just copied and pasted those awesome tips into a document that I can access even when my internet fails. :D

[Mermaid Dottie]

Okay, everybody! My shell shock is curing on two of my pieces. My seaweed fell apart so I have to sculpt some more, but no big. Maybe I'll weave it together this time and make a wide strip of it.

Check back here later for pictures.

[Mermaid Dottie]

Picture update! I added additional layers to my molds today, and I'm hoping this will make them stronger. I went to try and demold a piece last night, and nearly cracked my mold in half. So, more layers it was.

The cups. One water, one pond-leaf. The one on the left has more layers than the one on the right.
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The waterfall strap. Sorry this one is a little blurred. My hands were shaking. This one is also kind of lumpy on top, and it's because I laid some torn up empty dryer sheets in the sticky second layer of shell shock. I then put another layer on top. I'm hoping that it will work somewhat like mesh or gauze.
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[Aino Revontuletar]

Wow it's looking great Dottie!

[Mermaid Dottie]

Thanks aino. I'm trying to demold now. my fingers are hurting. XD

[Mermaid Dottie]

I did a random video today, before I went swimming with Nim, and a new mermaid. It's just me talking about demolding my shell-shock, but you get to see me not at my prettiest, and also see the pretty inside of my water strap mold.
Also, if anymer has any demolding tips for me, I'll take 'em. ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZIMrDsQ3UI

[Ilyena]

I've heard people running in a warm or hot bath and brushing it with an old tooth brush to clean it out?? (please don't take my word for it, haven't tried it >_<)

Looking awesome though ^_^ Bubbles = texture :D plus I don't think it would be that noticeable

[Winged Mermaid]

It's looking good Dottie! Very exciting :)

[Mermaid Dottie]

Thanks, you merrow! I'lltry that hot water idea. I'm rather hesitant to try and melt my clay out of it. I don't want to melt the plastic, too.

[Mermaid Dottie]

Picture post! the insides of my molds.
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Any more advice for demolding or cleaning out your mold? I'm all ear fins!

[Mermaid Dottie]

Here's the leaf mold. It ended up with some seriously bad undercuts. I'm going to have to dremel and sand this puppy, big time.
Whaddya think?
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[Elle]

I don't know much about shell shock, but I'd assume that after it has cured properly it should be resistant to moderate heat.
If you don't want to save the left over clay, warm soapy water and a soft nail brush should be fine to get it out. Alternately if you want to save the clay a hairdryer on a low heat might help.
as far as undercuts go...as long as you have a bit of edge that you can easily get to with your fingers you'll be fine (So you can pull your cast out). I had issues with some of my molds and undercuts. As long it there is a spot where you can start pulling your medium out you're all good. and that saves a lot of time :)
I hope that made sense!

[MermanZen]

Wow Dottie I love it

[Winged Mermaid]

I think the hot water will just soften it so it'll be a lot easier to get out :) Just use hot tap water, not boiling water or anything. As long as the shell shock is fully cured it shouldn't be an issue.

[Mermaid Dottie]

Thanks you guys. I don't know why, but I freaking love feedback as I go. Makes me more eager to work on it.


I don't know much about shell shock, but I'd assume that after it has cured properly it should be resistant to moderate heat.
If you don't want to save the left over clay, warm soapy water and a soft nail brush should be fine to get it out. Alternately if you want to save the clay a hairdryer on a low heat might help.
as far as undercuts go...as long as you have a bit of edge that you can easily get to with your fingers you'll be fine (So you can pull your cast out). I had issues with some of my molds and undercuts. As long it there is a spot where you can start pulling your medium out you're all good. and that saves a lot of time :)
I hope that made sense!

It does.:thumbs-up: The undercuts are no big on the other two, just the leaf one. They're sharp and it's hard to get at the clay that still stuck in there. Plus, it completely surrounded my stem, which I was really hoping it wouldn't do. :/
So, No I just go dig up a toothbrush or nail brush and scrub it out. Cool. :)
Labor of Love!

[Mermaid Dottie]

I'm currently cleaning out my molds and waiting for payday so that I can buy some more shell shock. While doing so, I thought I should sculpt some accessory pieces, mainly so that I wouldn't waste any shell shock. I know it has a short shelf life, so I want to make sure I use it all on things I can make for others, as well as myself. The seaweed I can probably make and sell in bundles, but I wanted to have more I could throw in there.

I made a medallion with a hippocamp on it, though I don't know if I want to sell it in latex, and a little seashell. Again, not sure if I'll sell it.
What kind of things would you want to see on a mermaid's etsy?

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[MermanZen]

that is so cool

[Mermaid Dottie]

that is so cool
Thanks Zenny. ^_^
Hey, guys, look at what my sister-in-law gave me yesterday!!! That girl flippin spoils me. <3
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[Mermaid Dottie]

Thought y'all might like to see what I've been doin the last couple days with my new tools.
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[Ilyena]

Oh that looks gorgeous :D

[Bellasea]

That's amazing Dottie!

[Mermaid Dottie]

Thanks, you two!
It's going to be a giant underside of a lily pad. I think the way I've got it, it could fit over a number of cup sizes and still be comfortable. I'm thinking crisscross straps or a halter with this design.

[Kumori Kitsune]

love the huge leaf top

[Mermaid Dottie]

Thank you Kumori!

[selkie13]

Oh wow, that's so cool!

[ShyMer]

I love it! Can't wait until it's finished!

Sent from my Huawei-H867G using Tapatalk

[Mermaid Dottie]

Awww, You guys are awesome! Thank you! I'm seriously enjoying myself here. I'm thinking I might make a small, flat lily pad to help cover the sides and back, and then use the seaweed to cover the straps.

[Mermaid Adriel]

great jobs Dottie! :D

[Ariel-Starfish]

Ooh sweeeet! :D

[Mermaid Dottie]

o.o wow. If Id known people would like it that much, I would have STARTED with a giant lily pad. :D
Thank you, Claudia, Ariel! I really appreciate it.

[Jessica]

Awww, You guys are awesome! Thank you! I'm seriously enjoying myself here. I'm thinking I might make a small, flat lily pad to help cover the sides and back, and then use the seaweed to cover the straps.

Beautiful work Dottie! The giant lily pad looks great!! It's a good idea to make some smaller flatter ones too......not all of us could fill that giant one! ;)

[Mermaid Dottie]

Actually, it doesn't entirely cover me, either. If this were the latex cast, I think I could make it fit between a larger A cup and a DD cup. It's the way it's wrapped... I think I can do it. I'm going to try and make some for my pod sisters nearby, and see how many different sizes I can fit into it.

[Ashton]

Do you think you will cast it with the ribcage curve in it. Or would it be better to flatten it and cast it in a box mold type method and just curve it on the bra?

[Mermaid Dottie]

I think I'm just going to brush on the shell shock like I did before (but with more/better release agent). This latex is super flexible and fleshy, so I don't think it'll be too hard to match it to the shape of the bra.

[Scottish Mer]

The giant lily pad is such a clever idea, it looks great and I'm looking forward to seeing it cast and in color! :swoon:

[Mermaid Dottie]

Oh, Thank you! I'm happy that this is a design that so many like.

[Mermaid Dottie]

Pictures and progress updates. :)
I've been working on my lily pad a little more slowly lately, because these veins are really time consuming. I also wanted your opinions on something.
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I've started adding these little bitty veins in between the big ones, and I wanted to know how everyone felt about them before moving on with that aspect.
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Do you guys like them, or does it maybe make the top look too.... busy?

I'm going to be ordering more shell shock and a good release agent, and also some latex later today. My father in law bought me the tints that I need for christmas, so once I get all that stuff, I'll have everything I need to finish this project up. (I'll have to go buy more disposable bowls and brushes, though, too. I'll do that today as well.)

[Ashton]

I like the detail, I think they will look great in a dark Lilly pad greed


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mermaid Dottie]

So, do you think I should add more? And how should I do it? Should I put lots of little tiny veins all over it, or should I spread out the spacing from the middle?

(On a side note, Ashton, I've always wondered about those pants of yours. they are SO cute, where did you get them?)

[Ashton]

I like your sculpt the way it is. I like your idealistic Lilly pad too, I think putting little veins would make one think that there were weird bookie veins. (Sounds kinda silly) but I feel like the big veins you have makes it look more like you are wearing a Lilly pad from a pond.

As for my pants I will look at the brand when I get home, but I believe I got then from Nordstrom rack. You can find them online if you look up ombré pants.


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[Ashton]

Dott: The pants are VINCE CAMUTO pants you can find them here: https://poshmark.com/listing/52824d612af18f663b005953
but if you just google ombre pants you can find a hole bunch of cool pants and DIY stuff on how to make your own.

[Ilyena]

My opinion is the little veins look great, but maybe less overlapping of the little ones, to me it more resembles spider webs. Images of the undersides don't have them over lapping as much.

BUT it still looks awesome what ever way you choose :D

[Mermaid Dottie]

Thanks for your help, girls!I have a couple larger veins to add to the top, but I guess it's done, then. After that I just have to add a stem.
I'm currently waiting on orders from Smooth On and MonsterMakers. I'm hoping both items will arrive this week, so that I can continue my project. I still have to sand down those deep undercuts on the leaf cup, and finish cleaning that mold out. Otherwise, I have enough stuff to make two different tops. 0.0 I gotta say, I wasn't expecting that.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I read the earlier pages... I must say, such a lovely tail and colors too!

[Mermaid Dottie]

I read the earlier pages... I must say, such a lovely tail and colors too!
Thanks, Ireneho...but...um... What tail?

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Your tail skin of course! You are making a tail right? Or maybe I misread again and you are making fish scale bra?

[Mermaid Dottie]

LOL I'm making a couple of tops. A giant lily pad, and one that's a big pond leaf and water.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

But its sooo pretty! A tail in the same color would be too awesome to miss.

[Mermaid Dottie]

Thanks! I can't wait until I have it all casted and cured and can actually glue it onto my bra!

[Ashton]

I can't wait to see your molding process.


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[Mermaid Dottie]

Oh, I'm just going to be using the Shell Shock again, but with better release agent this time. Or did you mean the Latex part?

[Mermaid Dottie]

Just spoke with Jason at Monstermakers.com. Super friendly, very helpful. My Latex will be shipping tomorrow through the post office to minimize risk of freezing, and hopefully it'll be here around tuesday! In the meantime, I'm going to go cover my seaweed strands and hippocamp in liquid plastic. :D I still have a little work I want to do on the lily pad before I shell shock it, so that'll wait till later this evening. Getting excited, guys. Better release agent this time around, which means, hopefully, that it'll be easier to pull my clay out and clean/reuse it. *parties*
Time to get to work!
:thumbs up:

[Mermaid Dottie]

PICTURE UPDATE!!!!
So, before I went in for surgery yesterday, I managed to get my shell shock mold of my lily pad all cleaned out!
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Sorry they're a touch blurry. I was kinda in a rush.

So, as soon as my latex gets here, I can pull a dirty casting of it!! ^_^

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Nice!

[Ashton]

looking good, did you cast it flat or with a curve?

[Mermaid Dottie]

Slightly curved. Casting it flat would give me wrinkles when applying to the bra, which is why I sculpted it onto my dummy. I'm super excited about it, though. I took it to show some of my local mermaid friends tonight, and they're all excited about it, as well. I'm sure it's going to fit lots of sizes.

[Mermaid Dottie]

Video of Demolding from my shell shock. I have NO idea why the clay doesn't want to come out of these molds, even when I use release agent, but whatever...
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=523648664421937&l=1849897800466558662

[Ilyena]

Yay, looks awesome ^_^

[Ashton]

I really like it.
What are you thinking of casting it out of?

[Mermaid Dottie]

Well, THIS actually! ^_^ it just got here, like, ten minutes ago!
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[Mermaid Dottie]

Now... uh, does anyone know how to open one of these crazy buckets? last time I bought latex I got the quart size, and they just had screw on/off lids.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Oh. Its one of them silly lids that require two people to yank it open!

Or one very patient person... Like you gotta lift the lid on one side a little, then move a couple of centimeters then lift a little, do this all the way round until its nearly to the top.

[Mermaid Dottie]

Thanks Ireneho. I ended up having hubby muscle it off. I have my first dirty castings for some stuff, Stand By for photos!

[Mermaid Dottie]

Photo and Video Updates!
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Once it's available, I'll add my video.

[Ashton]

Lookin good so far!


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[Mermaid Dottie]

Thank you! I went to go buy some of the paint Ilonka used for her first latex tail, but the shop didn't have the colors I needed. I did put together an unpainted head band from some dirty castings, though. What do you guys think?18959

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[selkie13]

Oh my gawd! Gimme!

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[OceanRose]

That is awesome Dotti!!!! :-D both are looking really good even when not painted ... you're so cool!!

[Mermaid Ellowyn]

Dottie, this is looking SO good!

[Ilyena]

O_O.....so much like :D Seaweed headband is awesome

[Mermaid Dottie]

Thanks, you guys! @selkie: I'm thinking of making a few and listing them in my etsy shop. I gotta perfect then first, though.
I can't wait to paint them. Just waiting on this icky sore throat to go away.

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[Mermaid Dottie]

Here are some different angles, and ideas for seaweed usage.1897618977189781897918980

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[Ashton]

I really like the headband! very cute.

[Mermaid Dottie]

Thanks, Ashton. Which one?

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[Ashton]

I love the headband, I love headbands in general (I have a problem...I have too many lol)

[Mermaid Dottie]

What mean is, there's two headbands there. One with a leaf, one without. I was wondering which one you liked better.

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[Ashton]

Thank you! I went to go buy some of the paint Ilonka used for her first latex tail, but the shop didn't have the colors I needed. I did put together an unpainted head band from some dirty castings, though. What do you guys think?18959

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This one is my fav!

[Mermaid Dottie]

Ah! I thought so. It's pretty cool-looking. I think I might put a few together like that, paint them, and sell them.

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[Ashton]

I just realized that the photo didn't load in the reply with quotes. weird. But what price were you thinking of selling them at? I really like it, I cant wait to see it when it is painted. :)

[Mermaid Dottie]

I haven't crunched the numbers yet. Maybe around $20, $25? I want them to be affordable, but I don't want to skimp myself, like I've been known to do.

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[Mermaid Dottie]

A few shots of my dirty cast painted. It's a little messy, but it could be worse. In fact, this might even warrant it as usable for something.
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This one is closest to true colors, I think, though they aren't quite as rich as this.
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[Mermaid Dottie]

And a couple closeups. You can see how messy. I never was one to color inside the lines...
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[Winged Mermaid]

I don't see how you think it's messy- it looks awesome!! :D Super job Dottie!! :highfive:

[MerEmma]

I see what you mean, Dottie, but leaves aren't perfect either. It looks AMAZING!

[Mermaid Dottie]

Thanks, Iona! ^_^
Yeah, you're right, Emma. Leaves are organic. It's just painted a little messy, is all. I think I'm gonna use the dirty cast, though. Why not? It looks okay. I'm just gonna do it. My friends can have the nicer ones.

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[Mermaid Dottie]

Now, I just need to organize this seaweed into something that will cover the rest of the top.
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…or could just play with it.
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[Ariel-Starfish]

This looks awsome! Really original! :) It's going to look awsome with your tail!

[Mermaid Dottie]

Thanks! I'm so excited to wear everything for a shoot!!

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[Jessica]

Dottie the top looks great!!! I honestly didn't notice the flaw until you pointed it out, and like Emma said, leaves aren't perfect anyway! You're doing a great job and I can't wait to see it all put together!

[Mermaid Adriel]

So lovely! <3

[Miyu]

:swoon: *cries a little bit*

I haven't been on this thread in a while, but HOLY SEA COW that's looking amazing!!! OMG I will so be wanting some of your stuff girl :D

[Mermaid Dottie]

You guys are all so nice, thank you!

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[Mermaid Dottie]

Thank you, Miyu, for the inspiration for the back!
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[OceanRose]

It looks like it fits perfectly <3 you did amazing on this

[Mermaid Dottie]

Thank you, OceanRose! I was pleasantly surprised by how well it turned out. It looks good on me, too, which came as a surprise.

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[Ilyena]

Go away for a couple of days and BAM, come back to a pretty awesome top XP

[Mermaid Dottie]

Thanks, Ilyena!

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[MermaidMyrthe]

:drool: :swoon: Holy cow Dottie that is amazing!

[Mermaid Dottie]

Aww, thanks! I'm making some for my friends, using them as guinea pigs to test my theory that I can make these fit almost any size breast.

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[Mermaid Dottie]

So, I water-tested my top yesterday during my first swim. Held up great! I can't wait to finish Thalassa's top, now. I had her help me stick the lily pad to her selected bra, and it wraps really well, the way I was hoping it would.
So Yay! Might be able to get back to it tomorrow. :D

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