NEW Painted scales!!!! I'm LOVING it!!!! :D

[LindseyLu]

Hello beautiful mers~!

So, some of you are aware I have a few tails for sale in the works! I wanted to give you guys a sneak peak of the paint scheme that I will be using for the scales. I am loving these soooo much!!!! The moonbeam purple and deep sea jade are under construction as we speak...but I think the rainbow trout will be next!!! It's too pretty to leave waiting!

Also, I am having so much fun painting these, I thought I might see if anyone would be interested in buying painted fabric from me? I would be willing to sell yards of painted spandex, but haven't thought hard enought to set a price....if anyone is interested please let me know and I will comsider it a little more seriously! :)


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DEEP SEA JADE

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MOONBEAM PURPLE

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RAINBOW TROUT

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FOOLS GOLDFISH



IF YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!!! :) I APPRECIATE ANY FEEDBACK!!! <3

[MermaidAubrin]

those are so pretty!!! great job

[Sofi]

I WOULD BUY PAINTED FABRIC <3 OH. YES. Send me a message whenever you have some to sell!

[taom]

My fave is definitely the deep sea jade. It's so lovely and not garish at all. Very natural.

[LindseyLu]

Oooh!! Thanks girls! :) I like the jade too Taom, surprisingly it didn't get any feedback on my FB page, so I'm really glad you like it too! <3 I was starting to wonder...everyone loved the rainbow trout!

Sofi, thanks for showing some interest in the painted fabric! I think it would be a great alternative for mers out there that for whatever reason, can't paint their own or afford a really nice one! I will start working on painting an entire sheet (probably 2-3 yards) so I can post a pic for anyone who is interested. I will probably post prices at that time as well, once I know how much paint I use up it will be easy to decide on a price! :)

So EXCITING!!!! I hope what I'm working on will be of some use in the community!!!! :)

[LindseyLu]

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Here is one more, I don't think I like it as much as the others, but it was really fun making the stencil for it! I used clam shells :) I haven't completed the right side yet, I still need to outline some of the copper edges (you can see how there is more black outlining as you go further right). Even though I don't love it as much, I will still finish it...and will still consider using the stencil to paint an entire tail!! <3

[Spindrift]

*Makes a flag with LindseyLu's face on it and waves it around*
These are fantastic! :D
How are the neoprene tails coming along? Or are you just concentrating on spandex for now?

[LindseyLu]

Spindrift, I really do adore u!!! U r always so sweet and supportive of my work <3. BIG FAT GIANT HUG!!!!

These are all spandex, my previous tests were neoprene, but I'm not 100% sure my sewing machine can handle it :( I had changed my mind and switched back to spandex for the two tails I'm making for sale because I wanted white neoprene...but I will test these new paints tonight on the black neoprene I have and post more pics tomorrow :) I'll let u know how it works out...I still want to make them so bad!!!! <3

[Mermaid Sirena]

I thought those were scales on a silicone tail or something they look so amazing! That is amazing work and I'm certain many people would order fabric from you :D If I ever feel like making a fabric tail I will most likely order fabric from you ^_^

[LindseyLu]

Thanks Sirena!!! <3 I'm going to buy more fabric this weekend so I should have some for sale soon for anyone who may be interested! :)

Spindrift, I discovered last night that neoprene loves this new paint! I mean it LOOOVES this paint, so much that as soon as the brush touches it it soaks right into the fabric! Much different than the tulip brand i used previously. But, the results will be great! Here is a pic I took last night after using my stencil to cover about a 2 foot piece of neoprene.

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This is just the outline...I barely got to start painting in some blue, but it is showing up really great!!! I will work on it more and post more updates :) This neoprene is pretty thin too so my sewing machine might be able to handle it!! Will run some tests soon!

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[MermaidKallan]

Those are great! My favorite is the deep Sea Jade.

[okiedokieartich]

I like the deep sea jade and it will definitely get some people wondering if it is a real tail with the 3d-ness but I am curious to see how the rainbow trout will turn out, when I go fishing in the mountains nearby that is what I usually catch. I could look like a real local...too bad the water there is so cold!

[LindseyLu]

This is great feedback so far guys thank u! <3 Happy to hear so many people like the jade!! :)

So as for the shape... do u guys prefer the rounded scales or diamond? I have one more stencil in the works so I'll post a pic of that one soon!!!

[New York Mermaid]

ohh all of them are beautiful but ohh blue :) Pretty

[New York Mermaid]

ohh all of them are beautiful but ohh blue :) Pretty I love hues of blue especiall light blue and aqua and turquoise

[Sofi]

I like rounded. And that blue is gorgeous, more than the jade.

[green52]

I am continuously dumbfounded by the way in which so many people produce things which look as though they could only be machine made. I have no idea how you did that, but those look awesome.

[LindseyLu]

What a great compliment green52, thank you so much!!! :D

[LindseyLu]

Thanks Lanai & Sofi!!! Glad u like the turquoise, took 3 color blends to get the perfect shade...it's really bright! Going to make a beautiful tail!!

[Spindrift]

@LindseyLu: Wow! The neoprene ones look really good as well! And haha, I'm just a fan of your work is all. I can't wait to see what new tails you'll be making in the future. What is this new paint that you are working with?
I'm still working on decorating my tail. I'm using Createx straight on neoprene but I'm not sure how it'll work out yet (especially with the heat setting process). Any advice? :P

[Mermaid Jewel]

Oh wow, amazing <3 I'd love to own a tail painted in any of these colors/styles :D

[LindseyLu]

<3 Thanks Jewel!!! :)

It seems a few threads were lost during the outage...so I will repost a little bit of tips:

The paint I am using is Jacquard. They have several types of fabric paints and right now I am testing 2...lumiers and I think the other is Opaques...? As for heat treatment, I recommend putting your finished product in the dryer to treat. I have read this works very well and is obviously really easy! I would try out a few painted test strips first on different heat settings...especially with neoprene! You don't want to melt it!!!

I am working on one more stencil that I should be able to create a sample for tonight... I'll be postin pics asap! I think this one might be the best design yet!!!! :D I think you will all LOVE it!!!!!!

[Spindrift]

Good luck!

[Mermaid Hamant]

I love all of them! I would highly consider buying your fabric if you decided to sell it! :)

[LindseyLu]

Two quick questions...please give me your thoughts on these!

1. What price do u think is fair per yard of painted fabric?

2. Would anyone consider ever having their preexisting spandex tail painted for a fee? If so,what would u be willing to pay for that kind of service?

Thanks for all your help, luv, and support guys! :)

[LindseyLu]

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This is the other design I am working on...didn't get a chance last night to use it, hopefully tonight so I can post some examples of the final look!!! :)

[LindseyLu]

Ok, I finally finished cutting out this stencil and got to use it! Here is my result:

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My phone camera sort of sucks...so sorry for the color differences! The pic on the right is the actual color of blue, but that paint was before the fine detailing, I added white hightlights on the bottom of each scale and a color blend (along with a blue glitter that really gives it a fishy affect!). I think I will record a quick vid so you can see the scale patterns better... :) The pics are so,so...but the materials look so great when you move them around, a picture just doesn't capture it all! Plus, hopefully you can tell the actual color a little better!!!!

Anyway, this is my final stencil design for now...on to tail completions!!!!! :D

[Mermaid Saphira]

I would LOVE to have a tail with the rainbow trout color scheme! how beautiful! I might have to buy a tail from you : )

[Mermaid Jewel]

Awesome :D They pop out a lot and I love the colors :)

[Mermaid Marla]

Wow - I simply can't believe that is only paint! The optical illusion is fantastic! Just beautiful work!

[Damica]

I really enjoy the jade, but the silver and blue is amazing. I tend to be drawn to darker metallic blues with a royal purple or silver accents.

Depending on the price, I would be willing to buy the fabric to make a tail. However, it would also rock if you threw up a tiny tut to show what it was you were doing. I think I have a general idea of what it is your doing, but I always like to watch people be creative. :) Keep it up!

[Mermaid Citrine]

The scales are beautiful !! Great Job ! the lumiere paint by Jacquard is the same paint I used on my tail (and I also used some regular acrylic paint too).....only I found when you paint spandex you have to be careful because when it stretches the paint cracks (this is why I was only able to paint accents on the sides of my tail and at the bottom where the fabric doesn't need to stretch) Had I painted the entire thing, the fabric wouldn't stretch around my body...or it would look crinkly and stiff
Have you tested out the stretch of the painted samples....do the scales crack?
Also I never heated my fabric after painting it (mine is spandex) just let it dry and it seems to be working great (the paint stays on)
I hope you can make a tester tail with your painted fabric to see how it works and looks on a body because it sure is beautiful !!
and would be more form fitting to the body then the heavy silicone or latex tails,
best of luck !

[LindseyLu]

Thanks everyone! Really happy to get such great feedback on these designs :) The tails are comin along...just slow with the holidays and everything on top of that!

You make a very good point Citrine! Luckily I have a method of painting the body of the tail so that the fabric is stretched while I apply the paint :) It is very simple... Once your tail is sewn together you stuff it with scrap material (I use sheets) so that it creates a similar shape as your body. It is best if it is a little smaller than your actual shape so it won't lose any stretch once it's worn. It is also important not to over apply the paint, that can create a loss of stretch and some slight cracking. This was how I painted Bella's tail and it worked wonderfully :) Only now I'm using better materials so these tails will really stand out! (Fingers crossed!!!!)

As for the heat setting, you're dead on! You don't have to heat set, I have other projects I've used this paint on and never used heat on them and they're just fine :) You're tail is lovely by the way! Great colors and the fluke looks fantastic :) Love your Hawaii video <3

[Mermaid Citrine]

Oh yeah I did that too....stuffed my tail when I painted it ! great minds think alike :) Thank you,
I really like the effects you can do with painting...I'm working on my 2nd tail now...still spandex just because I bought 2 diff. colors of spandex at once....but If I make another one I think I'll try neoprene next...I like how the spandex is form fitting and not bulky/wrinkly but it also drags alot because it fills up with water really easily and is really stretchy....actually in my video its kind of funny because when I go to swim and kick you can see a bubble of water go down along my butt into the tail ! ha ha

[SireniaSolaris]

This is fantastic. I agree, a tutorial would be nice, if you'd be willing to share. I'd like to paint scales onto my neoprene tail that I'm working on. I was originally going to buy createx paint, but I LOVE how this paint looks!

As for pricing, since none of us know what it costs you, this is the general formula you want to use:

Product cost + profit margin (most people try to make 50%-100% profit) = cost

For example, say between the yard of fabric and the paint to cover it, it costs you ten dollars, and you decide you want to make a 75% profit, then it would be
$10.00 + $7.50 (the amount according to your profit margin) = $17.50/yard.

I would use the same formula to decide on fees for painting a preexisting tail. It would have to depend on the dimensions of the tail, which would dictate the amount of paint required, and thus affect the price.

Hope this helps you in deciding on a price. :)

[LindseyLu]

Hey thanks SireniaSolaris! That's a huge help! I'm not working on tails until Christmas is over as my air gun went pooh and I'm hoping my boyfriend is planning on buying me a better one for Xmas :)! If he doesn't I'll have to bite the bullet! Once, I have it though, I will be able to produce yards of painted material fairly quickly and will be posting some on the forum for sale for anyone interested!

I do also plan on making a tutorial for people who are more interested in doing this for themselves! LOL, I tried to make one last week, but after watching it I realized I left out a lot of important info. I was mostly just covering materials and concepts, and I think a video of demonstrating step by step on how to make the stencils and use them properly would be much more interesting and useful! I might try to throw something together if I have time before the end of the year for those who don't have access to an air brush...hope, hope!

The paint I am using (Lumiers) works really well on neoprene...and I would also suggest tulip puff paint. I know it sounds a little nuts, but it works so well on neoprene I highly suggest you do a test swatch! It's not great for coloring large areas, but if you want a "raised" 3D look on the tail it is ideal for that! And I swear, once it's dried on the neoprene, you can't get it off if you wanted to...I have tried to scrape if off with a knife and it still stuck like super glue! :) Good luck on your neoprene tail! Very, very excited to see what you come up with!!! <3

[mermaid.dreamer]

I love the rainbow trout and the purple! Do you
make silicone tails?

[SireniaSolaris]

Hey thanks SireniaSolaris! That's a huge help! I'm not working on tails until Christmas is over as my air gun went pooh and I'm hoping my boyfriend is planning on buying me a better one for Xmas :)! If he doesn't I'll have to bite the bullet! Once, I have it though, I will be able to produce yards of painted material fairly quickly and will be posting some on the forum for sale for anyone interested!

I do also plan on making a tutorial for people who are more interested in doing this for themselves! LOL, I tried to make one last week, but after watching it I realized I left out a lot of important info. I was mostly just covering materials and concepts, and I think a video of demonstrating step by step on how to make the stencils and use them properly would be much more interesting and useful! I might try to throw something together if I have time before the end of the year for those who don't have access to an air brush...hope, hope!

The paint I am using (Lumiers) works really well on neoprene...and I would also suggest tulip puff paint. I know it sounds a little nuts, but it works so well on neoprene I highly suggest you do a test swatch! It's not great for coloring large areas, but if you want a "raised" 3D look on the tail it is ideal for that! And I swear, once it's dried on the neoprene, you can't get it off if you wanted to...I have tried to scrape if off with a knife and it still stuck like super glue! :) Good luck on your neoprene tail! Very, very excited to see what you come up with!!! <3

Is that the Jaquard line Lumiers that you are referring to?

and the puff paint really surprises me! How does that hold up in the pool?? I'd think the chemicals would kind of eat at it. Does it really hold up pretty well in your experience? And would it affect the stretch of the neoprene or crack if the neoprene is stretched?

Thanks for taking the time to answer all my questions.

[LindseyLu]

@ mermaid dreamer....thank you! Unfortunately I'm not doing anything other than fabirc right now :( I do hope to work with latex/silicone in the future though, just don't have the funds or the space yet. I saw the post that you are searching for one, if I come across any I'll message you! :)

@ Sirenia Solaris...yes, they are the Jaquard lumiers, and the Jaquard opaques. The two can be used together to customize your colors and shading! They are wonderful on neoprene, it soaks the paint right up! And about the puff paint...I know, it I was shocked to see just how well they work! Yes, I have taken test swatches in the pool a few different times (I swim almost every day...) and the paint hasn't had any issues! I would think over time it might, but all mermaid tails need maintenance and touch ups :) You should pick up a bottle at your local craft store and give a test swatch a try, I think you'd be amazed! As for the strech, yes, it will take away a fair amount of stretch, but when you try to stretch the neoprene the paint stays in place and does not crack. Here is a link that will take you to my album for "tests and supplies" to a specific picture of different colors of puff paint on black neoprene :) http://mernetwork.com/index/album.php?albumid=36&attachmentid=386

Good luck, hope this helps! I know you're crunched for time with your two week goal...eek! You can do it! :) I'm always happy to help answer questions if I can! I love this forum, and all the people in it! It has been a huge help for me so I am happy to be helpful in return! <3

[SireniaSolaris]

Thanks so much for all of the info! I have already bought the createx paints for this tail, but will probably try the Jacquard on the next painted tail - the colors look very pretty. I'm not going to be doing any fancy painting in the next two weeks, just because I don't want to risk getting caught up in a project I won't have time to complete. Showing up in a half-scaled tail would be not so pretty :$

However, once the January event is over, I will likely use puffy paint to add some texture to the fluke, and possibly to the extra fins. Thanks again for all of the info!:D

[LindseyLu]

My brain has been working overtime!!!! I have a new scale design...again... :) Had an epiphany a few nights ago and have come up with something I think will be REALLY special! I have da house to myself tonight so I will be working vigurously on them! And then...if they are as fabulous as I think they will be, I can FINALLY complete the infamous two tails I've been working on!!!! Oh, and btw, they are neoprene :) Awe yeah!!!! Will post pics as soon as I'm able to!!!! Stay tuned ;)

[Mermaid Saphira]

^ YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[Mermaid Jewel]

Can't wait to see what you've been doing :D

[LittleTreasure]

Those swatches are so beautiful, great job! And I love the rainbow trout! I for one would love to see just the fabric for sale. I feel like I've searched through fabric websites so much that I've seen every kind available. It'd be great to have a few more on the market.

[LindseyLu]

Thank you Little Treasure :) I totally agree with the limited fabric out there! That was why I thought I'd try selling some on the forum, and still plan on it! Since I have switched back to neoprene for the tials, I have a good chunk of spandex left over that I will be painting and posting on the forum for sale :) Just have so many things going on that I need to accomplish, but this one is towards the top of the list!

[Sea Pearl]

Wow! Those scales are beautiful and look really lifelike! I'd love to try and make some of my own soon. Are they hard to make?

[LindseyLu]

Thank you Sea Pearl :) Depending on which design you are looking at, they can be hard to make... For the first four I used fish netting for the design, those were the easiest to make, and are really lovely in real life. The rounded and diamond shapes were harder and more time consuming because I made the designs and stencils by hand.
Although that may be harder, it is much nicer because you can be a bit more creative and unique in your design! :)

Feel free to ask me any questions if you need help!

[StaySea]

Amazing work, just gorgeous! Your tips are great, too - especially on stretching neoprene while painting, great idea. I remember saving some instructions on how to make a dummy, I'll have dig them up! I stayed light on the painting of my tail for the most part b/c I didn't want to lose stretch. I'm ready to try another tail and now that I have a little more knowledge I can attempt some more painting (I totally share your joy of the painting scales) - thank you so much for sharing your wisdom!

[LindseyLu]

Thanks Staysea! Happy some of this info is helpful to you! You're tails are lovely, can't wait to see what you do using some of these techniques! It's so much fun too, you can really get caught up in it! Great way of making a unique tail. I'm always happy to answer questions too (but pretty sure this thread covers most of them) so feel free to let me know if you have any ;)

[Mermaid Lira]

I love these scales !

[LindseyLu]

Some of you have seen this new design in my album so I thought I'd share it here (and thank you for all the kind compliments). I can't tell you how I've made them quite yet as I am using them on a tail, but I can tell you each scale is sized, cut, and painted individually by hand. Very labor intensive work, but they look so amazing, it will be well worth the wait!!! :) Yay!!! Hope you love them as much as I do!!! <3 Once the tails are revealed I will give away some secrets!

http://mernetwork.com/index/attachment.php?attachmentid=2403&d=1333995635

[LindseyLu]

PS: Danka Lira! :)

[LittleTreasure]

Wow! Those look amazing! I'm so excited to see the tails!

[Mermaid Narina]

They look so professional- the most realistic scale designs i have seen IN MY WHOLE LIFE!!!!! Seriously amazing. If i saw the jade one, i would believe it was real! So beautiful!!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D :hail:
How does it look so 3d? Do you paint it, and then press the stencil over top? :) I would definately buy your fabric!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <3

[LindseyLu]

Thanks Natasha! :) Actually, the first scale designs I made were fairly easy. For the deep sea jade, I used netting and and air brush to create the pattern. The paint is on black spandex. It's best to paint yuour lighter color first, so I started with a light white/green combo. Then just layered on the blues and greens. The reason I haven't sold any is because I usually prefer to give advise to people who are interested in making their own scaley tails, but I am still contemplating posting some for sale. Especially since I am trying to get some $$ together for my wedding in Hawaii in May! :)

[Mermaid Dottie]

my wedding in Hawaii in May! :)
Congratulations!!!!!!!!

[Mistnoth]

I love the fools goldfish! Your painting is amazing. :)

[LindseyLu]

Congratulations!!!!!!!!


Thanks Dottie :) 24 more hours till the wedding! So excited! Excited to get back into tailmaking when I'm back home too!! EEEEEEEKKK!!!

[Neptunie2]

The rainbow trout is stunning!! And it looks so realistic I would love to by that fabric to make a tail I am currently collecting the supplies to make my first spandex tail!!

[Mermaid Allie]

I WOULD TOTES BUY THIS FABRIC. Actually could I possibly send you my tail and you could put scales on it? I'd pay you of course.

[Mermaid Shayna]

I love these! And the name Fools Goldfish is genius xD

[PaolaMF]

consisting in the heat setting process? applying heat to the paint? for how long? how many minutes?