Cartwright's Sequins - colour and durability reference

[Mermaid Kelda]

Hey there! I thought I'd better separate this from the Vector Enterprises thread since it's a whole different company.
I've received a whole bunch of sequin samples I ordered from Cartwright's, so in this thread I'll be posting pictures and doing scratch/water/chlorine tests to see just how well the different sequin types hold up to general wear and tear.

I ordered 21 different colours of sequins, in 6 different finishes, and three different shapes and sizes (small shells, larger rounded shells, and one pack of very large "fans"). At the moment I've only taken photos and laid some of them out in test patterns, but the scratch tests will come later.

Please keep in mind that Cartwright's sells more colours than the ones I ordered. I only ordered the ones I was interested in, so there may be others that you like that aren't shown here. If anyone buys any other colours and wants to post pictures of them here, feel free! :)

http://i.imgur.com/7oFyuA1.jpg?1
The rounded shells are 12x14mm, the smaller shells are 12x12mm, and the large fans are about 20x21mm.

Almost all of the sequins look remarkably different in incandescent light/natural light/bright sunlight, so I've taken photos in each to show as much of the colour variation as I can. These next set of photos are of each type of sequin, first in incandescent light and then in bright sun. I've then taken photos of each colour individually in natural light, which are shown under their type.

HOLOGRAM:
http://i.imgur.com/pv8dR18.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/MHsdP5I.jpg?1

CRYSTAL:
http://i.imgur.com/JNsstJR.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/n9TmX6H.jpg?1

CRYSTAL IRIS:
http://i.imgur.com/52OfzKK.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/epPq2v4.jpg

METALLIC:
http://i.imgur.com/dmeTcuU.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/sm1BbE0.jpg?1

OTHER:
http://i.imgur.com/h5mGpPg.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/kix712F.jpg?1


HOLOGRAM SEQUINS
These are super sparkly. A bit too sparkly for my taste, but that's entirely subjective. I bought five colours - sea green, spa blue, aquamarine, lilac, gold. Aquamarine and lilac are the smaller shells, while the other three are the larger rounded type.

http://i.imgur.com/vJpqIJc.jpg
Sea Green

http://i.imgur.com/YtZETwQ.jpg
Spa Blue

http://i.imgur.com/DS1Lz1L.jpg
Aquamarine

http://i.imgur.com/8MzIXZN.jpg
Lilac

http://i.imgur.com/GNLf8us.jpg
Gold


CRYSTAL SEQUINS
These are cool because they have multiple colours in them depending on which way the light hits them. They all have a slightly green shine to them from the right angle. The Hawaiian orchid colour is very translucent. I was slightly disappointed with the raspberry flash colour, as only the back side (the concave side) shows the extra colours - the front side is totally pink no matter how the light hits it. I ordered deep blue sea, carnival, Hawaiian orchid, raspberry flash, and white iris. All of them are the rounded shell shape.

http://i.imgur.com/IlDVC8q.jpg
Deep Blue Sea

http://i.imgur.com/glb567I.jpg
Carnival

http://i.imgur.com/VpCEnLK.jpg
Hawaiian Orchid

http://i.imgur.com/S0LsbU5.jpg
Raspberry Flash

http://i.imgur.com/O7VLFMg.jpg
White Iris


CRYSTAL IRIS SEQUINS
These are my personal favourite of the bunch. Like the crystal sequins, they shine with many different colours, but the iris sequins seem to have an even deeper range of colours, to the point that two sequins from the same packet actually look different from the same angle. In the natural light photos (the ones below) you can't see the shine as well as you can in incandescent light, so please refer to the packet photos for reference as well. The multi-colour makes for awesome variety when laying them out in a scale pattern, as it looks like you have way more colours in there than you actually do. I got mystic meadow, sea spray, wild orchid, ballerina pink, and clear ab. The clear ab shells aren't as translucent as the hawaiian orchids, but they're still slightly more translucent than most of the other colours (the crystal and crystal iris colours are all a little translucent - the other colours are all totally opaque).

http://i.imgur.com/QvJU0gV.jpg
Mystic Meadow

http://i.imgur.com/6Vo1dHi.jpg
Sea Spray

http://i.imgur.com/AAKCI8s.jpg
Wild Orchid

http://i.imgur.com/Xvf21vH.jpg
Ballerina Pink

http://i.imgur.com/NCCTYCp.jpg
Clear AB


METALLIC SEQUINS
I only ordered three of these - gold, silver, and spring green. They're solid colours rather than the rainbow of shades on some of the other types, but they're very pretty and they have that glisten that fish have when they catch the sunlight. All three are the smaller shell shape.

http://i.imgur.com/B7iEhQ3.jpg
Gold

http://i.imgur.com/kt5UUeX.jpg
Silver

http://i.imgur.com/HuEldZT.jpg
Spring Green

OTHER SEQUINS
I ordered one pack of black iridescent shells, one pack of pearl satin, and one pack of large gold hologram fans. There's only one of each so I've put them together under "other". The black and pearl shells are the small size, while the fans are the largest of the lot at 2cm. All three are opaque. The pearl shells I found the hardest to match with other colours when laying out patterns, because they're fully opaque and the whitest colour of the lot. The black sequins aren't really black - they're an oil slick of green, purple, and blue, which I find super pretty. They looked great with the lilac and aquamarine hologram shells.

http://i.imgur.com/jRjkAVQ.jpg
Black

http://i.imgur.com/kLLw3Ps.jpg
Pearl

http://i.imgur.com/oQAxNJ5.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/tnCkO8E.jpg?1
Gold Fans

PATTERNS
I thought it'd be a good idea to throw together some patterns, to see how the colours and finishes work together. I found the prettiest groupings were the ones that used all the same finish (i.e. all hologram, all crystal iris), though it did mean it could be difficult to discern the colours from some angles, as they tend to glow the same colour (especially the crystal iris), but I kinda like that aspect. That said, the different finishes did look great with each other, too, and I did think that the hologram shells were better as accents than as complete scale patterns (too much sparkle in one place imo!). It's probably down to personal preference. I found that the different shapes didn't really work together - the sizes are too different. The shells look okay stacked on top of the fans, though, which I've shown further down.

I did wonder if the fact that the small shells had holes in both ends would be an issue, but when I laid them out I didn't even notice. They still look beautiful!

http://i.imgur.com/SFir6hw.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/m1Lq20x.jpg?1
Carnival & Deep Blue Sea. The Carnival shells are the darker blue from the bottom angle

http://i.imgur.com/A4LimgT.jpg
White Iris, Raspberry Flash & Hawaiian Orchid

http://i.imgur.com/BTcF35d.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/52KX2H3.jpg
Ballerina Pink, Wild Orchid & Clear AB

http://i.imgur.com/POuKlKH.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/A1YwL6t.jpg
Spring Green, Sea Spray, Mystic Meadow & Gold (metallic)

http://i.imgur.com/Oaw7BNR.jpg?1
Spa Blue & Sea Green

http://i.imgur.com/OJHO9vi.jpg
Silver, Pearl & Wild Orchid

http://i.imgur.com/3fke8r6.jpg
Black, Lilac & Aquamarine

http://i.imgur.com/6HKGcJd.jpg
Gold Fans & Gold metallics


Overall my favourite sequins are the black irridescents, Wild Orchid crystal iris, and Mystic Meadow crystal iris. All three have such a lovely range of colours in them, and look great in any light from any angle. The durability tests are yet to come, though, so we'll see how they fare!

[PearlieMae]

This is great! Thanks for going through all this! What a thorough cross-referencing!

Are you sure the glitter is coming off the hologram shell sequins? That might be the punchout from the holes. The way they make the hologram ones is that the punch out the glitter from the laser etched plastic and reform them under heat and stamp out the shape.

I've found that the ABS coating on the iridescent ones does lift and peel off the plastic sequin base. (See my mailbox photo...it takes a lot to do that, but it does come off. Best to sew those sequins as opposed to gluing them)

I LOVE the black iridescent!

What sizes are they in inches?

[Kishiko]

:jawdrop: :jawdrop: This is incredible! I can't even believe how thorough you were with this! You probably have enough samples for a tail, bahahaha! I will DEFINITELY look into these people if I ever do a sequin tale! Bravo! This deserves a sticky imo!

[Aino Revontuletar]

Awesome thank you so much for doing this! I wasn't aware that there are two different types of shells in a similar size. I was planning on using both carnival and mystic meadow (and a number of other colours too but I'm just mentioning those two because they are two that clash) but it seems like I can't do that because they are different shapes :(

[Jadestone]

Melaina, THANK YOU!!! I've wanted something like this direct comparison for ages! Can't wait to see what else you do/how things hold up, definitely bookmarking this thread :)

[MerEmma]

This post will make choosing sequins SO much easier when I finally get around to it! Thank you so much!

[Mermaid Dottie]

This is fantastic!

[Winged Mermaid]

Oooooh!!! So many colors! Will add this to the reference thread under sequin tails :)

[Mermaid Kelda]

Thanks everyone! I'm so glad people will find use out of this :) it was a pleasure doing it, too; I love being thorough ;) expect a full on scientific report for the durability tests, haha!


Are you sure the glitter is coming off the hologram shell sequins? That might be the punchout from the holes.
Pearlie, you're absolutely right; it is just the punchouts. It seems that the rounded shells all have the punchouts left in the bags, but none of the smaller shells do. How confusing! In any case, I've removed that sentence.


What sizes are they in inches?
I hesitate to add the sizes in inches, because the sizes are so small and to be exact I either need to say things like 15/32" or 0.4724409448824", neither of which I feel is very helpful. If you don't have a ruler with both sets of measurements on it, this site here (http://www.convertunits.com/from/mm/to/inches) is very helpful for converting.


I was planning on using both carnival and mystic meadow (and a number of other colours too but I'm just mentioning those two because they are two that clash) but it seems like I can't do that because they are different shapes :(
Aino, it may well be possible; I'll try again with those two colours and see if I can make it work. They'll just either have to be shorter scales and longer scales in the same row, or they'll not be in rows at all. I'll see what I can do and post more photos :)

[MermanZen]

Thanks for the info, hoe do you sow them on (sorry for any misspellings)

[Aino Revontuletar]

Aino, it may well be possible; I'll try again with those two colours and see if I can make it work. They'll just either have to be shorter scales and longer scales in the same row, or they'll not be in rows at all. I'll see what I can do and post more photos :)

Awesome, thank you! Maybe it would just be a more random, scattered look? I wouldn't mind that so much

[Mary Marine]

Oooo, this makes me want a sequin tail but I DO NOT want to sew all those sequins!

[Mermaid Adriel]

Thanks for these detailed informations! :)

[Ashton]

thank you for taking the time to do this, it really is cool.

[Mermaid Ellowyn]

Thank you so much for this guide! A lot of great information here.

[MermaidBrandie]

This is awesome. Thanks for this, I'm going to rethink using the raspberry color now....hmmm

Quick question...if you have the time, could you show a picture of the "white ab", ballerina pink", "deep blue sea", "carnival" and the "black" from other? I'd like to see how they all blend. If not no worries.

[Mermaid Kelda]

Okay, photo for Aino!
I realised that, since the sequins are all the same width, I can just shift the short ones down a little so they all line up. As long as the next layer is close enough to the last, you can't see the tops of the sequins and therefore can't tell that there's a height difference.

http://i.imgur.com/wGBNebd.jpg


Thanks for the info, hoe do you sow them on (sorry for any misspellings)
I haven't yet tried! I'm sure you could find some good information in the other sequin tail threads in the tailmaking index.


Quick question...if you have the time, could you show a picture of the "white ab", ballerina pink", "deep blue sea", "carnival" and the "black" from other? I'd like to see how they all blend. If not no worries.
Sure thing! I'll put them together today and post a pic :)

Speaking of which; if anyone else would like to see a certain colour combination, I'm happy to put them together so you can see how they look!

[Mermaid Kelda]

A few for Coyote:
http://i.imgur.com/B7BsV2E.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/LBMahQJ.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/dwOFcKh.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/acImwZN.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/CQvK0xq.jpg?1

It's a little hard to see the pink in photos. It needs to be on a pale background with the right lighting to really glow pink.

Also I wasn't sure if you meant Clear AB or White Iris when you said White AB, so I went with the clear. Let me know if I got it wrong and I'll try again with the iris :)

[Mermaid Kelda]

Sorry for the triple posting but I feel it's better to separate everything!

I did the dry scratch tests last night and found some really interesting stuff. I'll post by sequin type.

CRYSTAL
http://i.imgur.com/IKzb4zj.jpg
Two of the crystals are opaque (carnival and white iris) and the other three are translucent. The translucent shells have the film coating on the underside (which for some reason doesn't show through on the raspberry flash sequins, as I previously mentioned), while the opaque have the film on the top side.

This film is crazy easy to scratch off. I can do it with my fingernails with just a little scratching. This may be okay for the Hawaiian orchid and deep blue sea, since if their top side gets scratched it won't affect the film underneath, but it means I've had to class the carnival and white iris as the worst in terms of durability. I'm wondering if the film might have the potential to be eaten away by chlorine without any scratching at all, which might threaten the other three colours, but we'll see when it comes round to the chlorine tests.

HOLOGRAM
http://i.imgur.com/PSRdCtV.jpg
(I've classed the fans as hologram this time, instead of other, since I'm testing by finishes instead of by shape)
When I started scratching the fan and the rounded shells on their top side, all that seemed to happen was I scratched off the colouring, leaving silver hologram underneath. I thought, great! The sequins are actually moulded to be holographic! They'll be pretty even if they do get scratched! When I scratched the underside as well, though, I realised the sequin is actually clear with foil on both sides. The foil is silver on the side attached to the sequin, and coloured on the other side. I'll tell you what, though - that foil took a beating. I had to go at it with the long edge of a scalpel to scratch it off, and even then, you'd have to do that to the underside as well to be able to see the clear centre. All in all, pretty durable.

Then I went at the small sequins. I scratched and scraped and sliced, and couldn't seem to affect them at all, thinking wow, these actually are moulded this way! But, through careful examination, I realised these sequins were thicker than their rounded counterparts. I stuck my needle down the edge of the sequin and wedged open what is essentially a sequin sandwich. They're two pieces of coloured plastic on either side of one piece of silver holographic foil. Getting them open is no easy feat - I tried with my fingernail and only succeeded in stripping my nail polish off instead. You do need something sharp to open them up, and the likelihood of that happening by chance seems pretty slim. They may become loose by themselves in time, who knows; I'll see if the chlorine affects their strength at all. So far, though, it seems promising.


CRYSTAL IRIS
http://i.imgur.com/i20XGWO.jpg
Four of the five crystal iris shells are basically the same deal as the small holographic shells, but with different film between the coloured plastic. It's a sort of silvery film with orange and green tones to it, which gives the iris sequins their wonderful (and similar!) depth of colour. The AB shells, though, aren't sandwiched; like the opaque crystal shells, it's a layer of foil on top of a sequin (this time a clear one). The foil on this one is much harder to scrape off, though. Where the film on the crystal shells peeled straight off in one big piece when I got an edge of it, this stuff is really bonded on and only comes off in little pieces. I'd have preferred the foil to have been on the underside, to add that extra layer of protection - and since on the other iris colours the foil is under a layer of plastic and still looks good I don't know why they didn't do it that way - but, all-in-all it's surprisingly durable.

METALLIC
http://i.imgur.com/edr6U8w.jpg
Same story with the metallic sequins. This time it's plain silver foil between clear plastic (silver), yellow plastic (gold), and green plastic (spring green). Once exposed this foil is easy to peel away, but I have to get it started with something sharp; fingernails won't cut it. This is the same for the small holographic and iris shells.


IRIDESCENT/SATIN
http://i.imgur.com/s13W6J2.jpg
Like the fan and rounded hologram sequins, the colouring on the black sequins is ruddy hard to get off. In fact, I'd wager these are even harder. They're black underneath the film, though to be honest from a distance it's hard to tell they've been scratched at all because the colouring that's left more than makes up for the dullness. You'd have to scrape off nearly all of the colouring to make it look like a true "black" sequin.

The pearl satin shells are a similar story; I think they're technically white under the pearl finish, but the white is sort of shiny anyway so it's very hard to tell. If you're aching to make a fully-white sequin tail, you're in luck!


SUMMARY
As long as they hold their integrity after the chlorine tests, the small sandwiched sequins so far seem to be the best in terms of looking good after intense scratching. So that's the metallic, the two small holographic, and the four coloured crystal irises.

The black and pearl sequins (iridescent and satin) come a close second due to looking pretty darn good after their finishes being scratched to hell and back. The black sequins actually look better than their photo suggests, as the camera didn't pick up the play of the light as nicely as it appears in real life. From a distance, you can't even see the scratches.

The fan and rounded holographs come in next, as even if you do manage to scrape the film off the top side, you've still got the underside left looking pretty (albeit an uncoloured silver). The Clear AB shells follow, as although the film is on the top side, it's difficult to get off. It does leave a transparent sequin once scraped off, though, so keep that in mind.

The translucent crystal shells (Hawaiian orchid, deep blue sea, raspberry flash) don't come quite last since the easily-removable film is on the underside (not that it matters for the raspberry flash) and is therefore harder to get to. The opaque crystals (carnival and white iris) come dead last. If I can remove the film with my fingernails without too much trouble, imagine what brushing against a pool wall or sitting on cement would do. The only thing I can say for the white iris is that you could play it off as battle scars or something, as fish and water mammals tend to scar white. But that's a stretch, and when the film comes off so easily you will be one well-worn mer! Which is such a shame because they're two of the prettiest colours of the bunch. I'll still include them in the chlorine tests, but sadly I think it's probably safe to exclude them from your tail unless it's a dry-only, decoration tail. I had the thought that they may be okay if you coat them in something, some kind of polish perhaps, so I may give that a go later. If anyone has any ideas of what to use, let me know. I may try clear nail polish (though it'd be difficult to coat a whole tail in that).

[Aino Revontuletar]

Wow, what a shame about the Carnival sequins :( Those were on my definitely-going-to-use list, along with the Mermaid Green Iris sequins, which are probably just as bad :( I guess I am going to have to find substitutes - possibly metallic in green, holographic in Midori and Emerald and Crystal Iris in Sea Spray? I dunno. You know what, I think I might just order my own sample pack and do some of my own tests to add to this thread

[Aino Revontuletar]

I am very interested in seeing if coating them in clear nail polish would help, as I would be willing to use that on my tail if I had to (I am only making a partially sequined tail, so I would be willing to do it)

[MermaidBrandie]

A few for Coyote.
Also I wasn't sure if you meant Clear AB or White Iris when you said White AB, so I went with the clear. Let me know if I got it wrong and I'll try again with the iris :)
Those looked fine! Thanks. I'm sad to hear about the carnival shells tho. Damn. But I'm loving this thread! I'm all for durability. I want my tail mostly black, with some white, pink, blue and possibly dark green or purple...hrmmm


I am very interested in seeing if coating them in clear nail polish would help, as I would be willing to use that on my tail if I had to (I am only making a partially sequined tail, so I would be willing to do it)

Oh or even easier: if spraying them with clear outdoor spray paint would work.

[Mermaid Kelda]

You know what, I think I might just order my own sample pack and do some of my own tests to add to this thread
You've listed a few there that I don't have, so that would definitely be worthwhile!


Oh or even easier: if spraying them with clear outdoor spray paint would work.
I'll give that a go too! I'd like to know if spraying the tail once it's completed would work (it'd certainly be easier) but it might be safer to coat each one individually.

[Aino Revontuletar]

You've listed a few there that I don't have, so that would definitely be worthwhile!


Yeah, I think I might do my own green sequin comparison and durability test, haha.
It's a pity that the other places that do shell sequins don't offer sample packs (at least as far as I know)

[MermaidBrandie]

I wait with baited breath...

[MerEmma]

Same here! But still already what's been offered has been so much help. This is a great guide. :D

[Mermaid Kelda]

Sorry guys, I have to source some chlorine before I can continue ;D soon, though!

[Vela]

Great thread I am buying sequins soon and this really helped with what would be best! Thank you so much!! :)

[MermaidBrandie]

I've gotten part of my tail sequined and it hasn't stopped me from swimming in it. So far I have metallic turquoise, and black sequins on it in shells, and plain normal round metallic turquoise sequins as well.

The plain metallic turquoise sequins: THE COLOR WEARS OFF IN WATER, making them silver and turquoise mixed. Personally I don't mind it, but some people might, so I'm noting it.

The shell sequins, both turquoise and black, are holding up well. I'm not gentle with my tail, the sequins get scratched on the concrete, pulled at and (in my most recent endeavor) banged and scraped against rocks from the creek I was in so hard that I was left with bruises. My tail was left with two sequins that had been broken in half and some loose thread that needed to be repaired.

Lots of tails look very pretty with all kinds of sequins, BUT it's a pain to make these tails and, personally I would want to go with less maintenance than more. I personally am a fan of the metallics. The matte finished sequins would no doubt do well too, but they wouldn't look as stunning in the water. ;)

[Mermaid Kelda]

Thanks for the heads up Coyote! Good to have some actual in-tail experience to account for the sequins' durability.
Were you swimming in chlorine, salt, or fresh water?

[MermaidBrandie]

I'm sorry! Chlorine and fresh! I'm a colorado landlocked mermaid, so no salt for me! lol

[Gem Stone]

So the holographic sequins held up well in water?

[MermaidBrandie]

I wouldn't trust them, I've seen the hologram stuff come off them, though maybe they'll hold up. By a small bag and sew a few, them beat the hell of out them and throw it in some chlorine. I'd sew it on a bathing suit and go swimming.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mermaid Kelda]

I've currently got mine sitting in a bowl of water in the sun, which I've been topping up daily. I'm going to Sweden in a few days, so I won't be able to post the results for another 6 weeks, but when I do get back I'll test in chlorine too :)

[Mermaid Wesley]

Don't forget to rub em and stuff. They're very likely to rub and scrape on things


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mermaid Kelda]

That's the plan ;) I'm testing to see if prolonged time in water and the sun (and later chlorine) will compromise durability. It wouldn't be a proper test if I didn't beat 'em up!

[KitKat]

hey, have you guys seen that cartwright has started selling those lovely 22mm large shell sequins? which we were previously only able to find in huge expensive bulk orders? they only have a dozen or so colors now (mostly greens and blues), but they come in metallic, hologram, opaque, and crystal iris finishes! it would be fantastic if someone could run tests on them. they're selling packs of 35 sequins for $1.50, if anyone's interested!
http://www.ccartwright.com/shells.html

[Mermaid Galene]

Awesome!

[Mermaid Kelda]

I'd be happy to test them, when I get back to the country :) there aren't many colours so this time I could feasibly test all of them~

[OceanWhisper]

this is a great guide :D if I ever think about making a sequinned tail, I'll use this :D

[Kishiko]

They added more colors! 86 to be exact (84 if you don't count the mix packs). The mixed onesight be good for testin purposes; they come in packs of 200 for $1.50

[Mermaid Wesley]

Gosh I reeeeally want to do a sequin tail with the big shells......... 0.0 no Wesley. Have strength. Ahhhh.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Maethor]

They added more colors! 86 to be exact (84 if you don't count the mix packs). The mixed onesight be good for testin purposes; they come in packs of 200 for $1.50
Are the new colors on the same page?

Also, does anyone know if it's possible to layer the 12mm sequins with 22mm or what it looks like if you do? I wouldn't do the whole tail like that but I would want certain colors that don't come in 22mm.

[Kishiko]

Yuup they are! And theres some really awesome colors!

[Mermaid Kelda]

Also, does anyone know if it's possible to layer the 12mm sequins with 22mm or what it looks like if you do? I wouldn't do the whole tail like that but I would want certain colors that don't come in 22mm.
Maethor, I did do a test with the two different sized sequins here (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?7426-Cartwright-s-Sequins-colour-and-durability-reference&p=115205&viewfull=1#post115205)
I found that if I positioned them correctly, you couldn't tell that they were a different size. It does mean that you have to be careful of where you're sewing them, as you can't just sew them in a straight line.

Although, if you're okay with a bit of a disjointed look, sewing them all in straight lines might be okay. They'll just be slightly different lengths. But the random look can be very organic :) their shipping prices are quite good so you could order a test packet of each size and have a go yourself.

Lol ignore me. Just realised you said 12mm and 22mm. I have no idea! The above paragraph probably still applies though. Buy two packets and test it out! Or wait another month or two until I get back from holiday and I can try for you ;)

[Maethor]

Thank you! I wasn't sure if you had any already! I'll for sure order some!

[KitKat]

me too, wesley. i already bought a few thousand 12mm sequins in yellow, pinks, and black, but now i'm tempted to use those 22mm shells instead, and use the little ones on a different tail @__@

[Maethor]

Hey everyone! I just want to start this post by saying I have no idea how anyone sews an entire tail with 12 mm! They're incredibly tiny!
Here's a picture of the 22mm Poseidon sequin next to the 12 mm metallic pink sequin. Yikes. http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/28/d99584e0dbd1dfbd6d4ba234c91b16f6.jpg
Anyways, I've started working on a top and it is possible to put the 12 mm with the 22mm but you have to play around with it to grt it how you want. I'm using pink and purple 12mm throughout the top to give hints of a color other than blue and around the edges where the 22mm don't fit or lay right. When I finish it (hopefully today) I'll post a picture so you can see what I'm saying.
I haven't really done any durability testing other than attempting to scratch a Lemon Lime Hologram one. It didn't make a mark! That may be more due to my lack of muscle though. :D

[Mermaid Galene]

I'm torn between trying these 22 mm shell sequins on my next tail or just sticking with the 30 mm paillettes I used on my first sequined tail. I also used 20 mm paillettes on that tail, and it's amazing how much faster the 30 mm went on. But the shells are awesome looking.

[Coradion]

Don't use the 12mm sequins! You will regret every minute of it. I've covered about 25% of a tail using them and it took a lot more hours than I care to admit... Like A LOT more. Here's a small sample of them -.- I've used like 4,000 sequins already which is kinda depressing.

26169

[AniaR]

Hannah uses those it takes her 500 hours per tail.

[Coradion]

I'm torn between trying these 22 mm shell sequins on my next tail or just sticking with the 30 mm paillettes I used on my first sequined tail. I also used 20 mm paillettes on that tail, and it's amazing how much faster the 30 mm went on. But the shells are awesome looking.


It took Season 2 of New Girl for me to do a quarter of my tail with 12 mm, my friend who did her tail with large pailette's only used like 1,300 sequins which makes me think I could finish a tail in a season of a tv show with big sequins. I don't think 22 mm would be that much longer.

[Mermaid Enora]

I'm using 14mm sequins and its also taking me forever it seems like to even finish covering the fluke.

[MermaidBrandie]

I have a whole bowl of the little ones (9000) and I don't think I'm going to ever use them because it's just so time consuming. :/ sequin tails are pretty and it was a nice dream but....ugh


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[AniaR]

you can mix them that's what we do on mermaid mutiny's tail. It actually looks really realistic with them mixed. I personally find they look better with little sequins it's just so much time!

[MermaidBrandie]

Yea, I like the look of the little sequins more too, it's why I got them but.....uuughgh dat time tho.


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[Mermaid Enora]

I liked the smaller look too, but yes it takes so long. I've mixed some bigger shell sequins with the smaller shells.

[MermaidBrandie]

I'm just gonna have a friend air brush my spandex tail instead of sequining it. I can always sew sequins on over it if I change my mind


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[Coradion]

I have a whole bowl of the little ones (9000) and I don't think I'm going to ever use them because it's just so time consuming. :/ sequin tails are pretty and it was a nice dream but....ugh


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What colors did you get? I need more and I'd be willing to buy them off of ya :P

[MermaidBrandie]

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/28/66ec18b99a217563f4839118741e2b4e.jpgthose two colors are the majority. I've also got a small pack of silver, and a small pack of the pale metallic blue. I paid around fifty for them all.


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[Mermaid Jessica Pearl]

I am seriously considering getting a whole heap of 12mm sequins because I love the look but am curious about how the 22mm ones look, especially if they save time. Does anyone already have some that they can lay out layered on each other so we can see how they look all together? :)

[Maethor]

I'm not sure if these pictures will help. I put them closer together and overlapping since it's a top. When I get back home, I can lay some out! I'm not sure if you'll be able to tell, but I put in some 12mm pink and purple sequins since there aren't many color options for the 22mm.
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/29/fff1bc775ecb5e238c47426aed4c54e0.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/12/29/cc6f3a20a5677838b6245bc65a907e99.jpg

[MermaidBrandie]

Those bigger shells actually look really good mixed with the smaller...maybe I'll get some and mix with mine? It would make it go faster....


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[Maethor]

I love the mixed look personally! It is also convenient for filling in weird holes or gaps since the sequins sometimes lay strangely on the curve of the top.

[MermaidBrandie]

What color did you use? It's pretty. I was thinking of getting two colors and mixing them. A green and a blue


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[Maethor]

Thanks! I actually ordered a bunch of colors because I just bought some test bags. So I mixed them all for the top! I got Lemon Lime, silver, poseidon, bali breeze, seaspray, tidal teal, and cabana blue!

[MermaidBrandie]

I was considering tidal teal and sea spray. :)


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[PearlieMae]

Hmm...with them pointing up like that, aren't they going to 'catch' water? I would have though having them flow down would be more hydrodynamic.

Looks awesome, by the way! :D

[Maethor]

Hmm...with them pointing up like that, aren't they going to 'catch' water? I would have though having them flow down would be more hydrodynamic.

Looks awesome, by the way! :D
I considered that when I started but I didn't really like the look of them facing down. Also I didn't know how to disguise the bottom of the shells if they started facing downwards! I'm hoping it won't make much drag!

[Mermaid Galene]

That is really pretty! I think using them for a top would be a great compromise for me: 30mm paillettes to make the tail go quicker, then the 22mm/12mm shells for a top. Thanks for the pics!

[ivoryleopard]

For sequined tails what thread is used to sew them? I started sewing the sequins on mine with Coats and Clark All purpose Duel Duty Plus but I'm wndering if I should switch thread?

[Mermaid Kelda]

I have heard of people using fishing line, though any heavy duty thread should be okay! Have you tested its strength? You could soak it in water for a few days and then see how easy it is to break it.

[MermaidBrandie]

I used heavy duty outdoor thread and it did fine. :)


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[Mermaid Wesley]

I wouldn't suggest fishing line. It's plastic and can get very brittle as it ages


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[Maethor]

I used fishing line on a top and it was a hassle to sew with.

[Mermaid Wesley]

Oh no. I saw sequin tails In person. oh no. UH OH. I NEED TO HAVE IT. Aaaahhhhhhh


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[Mermaid Enora]

I use fishing line and have never had any troubles with it.

[Sephina]

26538

Since this is sort of a cartwrights thread, and I'm using cartwrights sequins on my tail I thought I'd point it out for people thinking of using them. The thread you use is really important, especially if you have translucent scales. you can see here where I used electric pink thread under the scales, and where I've ran out and started using black like my neoprene. The electric pink thread you can see, but makes the pink a lot brighter. Whereas the black thread is pretty much invisible, though the pink becomes quite a bit more dull.

[ivoryleopard]

It the same heavy duty thread that I used for my tails. So far my tail seams hold up. I'm hoping that the same holds true for the sequin stitches.

[Mer-Crazy]

Possibly slightly off topic, so I apologise. But does anyone know what brand Hanna and Kariel use on their tails?

[Mermaid Enora]

I don't know where they get them, but I'd really like to know.
I tried to find out but couldn't find any info.
My tail has cartwrights sequins.

[Rett]

Any updates on the durability? Also, does anyone know how well the 22mm Chrystal Opaque ones hold up? There are only two colors at the moment (disappointed there isn't a green.. I like the two shades of blue though and they were already what I had in mind for my tail so that's good). I've heard the holograms ones don't hold up so I didn't want to use those, and I didnt like how transparent the Chrystal Iris ones were. Also, does anyone have experience gluing these? What about sewing over glue? I was considering gluing the sequins to the tail then sewing over them to ensure that they would stay but wasnt sure if that was overkill...

[Mermaid Wesley]

They hold up pretty well from what I've seen. I could scrape off some of the iridescent coating but they stayed blue. It was harder to scrape than the small sequins


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[Mermaid Sabie]

Has anyone made an entire tail with the 22 mm scales? Just trying to guess how many I need.... 2000? I'm updating my fabric tail and hope to get it done before we go to Mexico for Christmas!

[MermaidBrandie]

Someone on here did and made a thread with pictures after she finished it. I don't remember her name though.

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[Ianthe]

LockandKey made an absolutely beautiful sequined tail with the 22mm Cartwright sequins:) this is the link to her thread:
http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?10367-Making-a-Sequin-Tail!/page2&highlight=LockandKey

[Mermaid Clara]

Has anyone made an entire tail with the 22 mm scales? Just trying to guess how many I need.... 2000? I'm updating my fabric tail and hope to get it done before we go to Mexico for Christmas!

Based on what LockandKey's thread of where she made her first tail with the 22mm she bought/used about 4,000 sequins. It really depends on what your measurements are but start with 4,000 to 5,000 sequins. So 4 or 5 bags of 500 count sequins.


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[Mermaid Jessica Pearl]

Holy Abalone that is a pretty tail!

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[Mermaid Sabie]

Thanks guys! That thread was really helpful :mermaid kiss:

[MermaidBrandie]

For those wanting to use the 22mm sequins, but arn't sure about adding holes. This:

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c229/Coyote-Walker/20151208_115015.jpg (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/Coyote-Walker/media/20151208_115015.jpg.html)
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c229/Coyote-Walker/20151208_115025.jpg (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/Coyote-Walker/media/20151208_115025.jpg.html)

Be sure to do a hole on each side like this though, through the middle doesn't always work and can lead to breakage.
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c229/Coyote-Walker/20151208_115006.jpg (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/Coyote-Walker/media/20151208_115006.jpg.html)

[Mermaid Wesley]

Thanks! I was planning on using a heat tool but that looks much easier :)


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[MermaidBrandie]

I was wondering about a heat too as well, but this is much faster.

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[Mermaid Sabie]

Based on what LockandKey's thread of where she made her first tail with the 22mm she bought/used about 4,000 sequins. It really depends on what your measurements are but start with 4,000 to 5,000 sequins. So 4 or 5 bags of 500 count sequins.


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Thanks! lol I totally was adding the numbers in my head and only added the front! Front and back would be like 4500 sequins plus extra to be safe and make a top.... Think this project is gunna have to wait for the new year

[Mermaid Enora]

apparently Kariel is now selling scale sequins on her website now!
I saw a post on instagram about it today.

[MermaidBrandie]

Wouldn't it just be the same sequins?

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[Mermaid Wesley]

She offered to sell me some a while back when I was asking her where she buys them. They're a bit bigger than the ccartwright ones. 20mm? They have the same shape though. I think she has some sort of "secret" source for her sequins.


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[MermaidBrandie]

Hmmm think she orders direct from China? I think i found a few places a while back that had 20mm

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[Mermaid Momo]

She most likely is ordering from China, I'm in contact with a supplier that sells 20mm by the kilo, about 9k sequins per kilo.

[Mermaid Wesley]

That's why I said "secret" ;)


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[Mer-Crazy]

Gotta admit, seeing the sequins on Kariel's website made me really wanna make a sequin tail haha

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[Mermaid Enora]

Gotta admit, seeing the sequins on Kariel's website made me really wanna make a sequin tail haha

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It makes me want another sequin tail even though the first one near about drove me insane. :)

[Mermaid Sabie]

Cartwright is having a 15% off sale on sequins today, got an email with the code MONDAY for anybody who was wanting to stock up ;)


Mermaid at <3

[MermaidBrandie]

Any word yet on when they'll get in their new colors?

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[Mermaid Tami]

Any word yet on when they'll get in their new colors?

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I was really hoping for a dark purple shell! I was on the site last week and didn't see anything new. I started watching the site in January and haven't noticed anything new yet. If anyone gets any updates please let us know!