A Silicone Tail Making Adventure with Wesley

[PearlieMae]

What's the one problem?

[Mermaid Wesley]

What's the one problem?
uhhhhhhhhh... its like....
I'll draw a diagram.
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The end of my mannequin is at my ankles, and the footpockets of the monofin i am using are not covered by the fluke. so if I were to seal all the scales and then put on the body, and put onthe monofin with the fluke attached, there would be a gap between the bottom of the scales and the top of the fluke. I'm not sure how to fill that gap with scales. I have a few ideas, but they're still fuzzy. I also dont know how i would seamlessly continue adding scales from the bottom of the body if its all sealed... hm.
does that make sense?

[Sabrina the Selkie]

Looks great thus far.
On the ankle gap front... ermm..... I dunno.

[Mermaid Wesley]

Woo! Trident fight!

edit: no wait that's a terrible idea
Keep up the good work with the tail!!

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!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ashe]

So why not attach more power mesh tom the bottom of the tail with enough to cover the fluke to the extent that you want and then scale it over before sealing everything?

[Mermaid Wesley]

So why not attach more power mesh tom the bottom of the tail with enough to cover the fluke to the extent that you want and then scale it over before sealing everything?

There is more powermesh but i'm not sure how to get it to hold the right shape while i do it.

[MarkF]

Could a friend help you make a simple plaster or Flour water-newspaper casting around your ankles? Once that's dried enough cut it and slide it off, once it's dried all the way wrap tape around the outside "Closing the gap". Now this time dampen some more Newspaper in the plaster mix and stuff it in the new molding and when it's ready take the outer mold off and attach the inside mold material to the bottom of the leg mold. With a measuring tape you could adjust the lotal length.
Maybe?

[Mermaid Wesley]

Yeah I'll do something like that.


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[AnnaAbyss]

About halfway done placing scales,
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I'm moving on to final glow scales next :) then fins!!


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OH MY GOD ASDFGJYKJFJDJDHD THAT IS PERFECTION. Sorry for spazzing. e.e xD

[Onyx Jewel Catfish]

It looks really nice so far! I understand the attachment question. I have gone through quite a few making threads and that still has me baffled. I am concerned about the adherence of the material difference as well as the strength at the bending point of heel/ankle area. Best wishes!

[Mermanda]

Mermaid Wesley, you can do eeeet!!! Been reading through and following this thread and you're so inspiring :) I recently found the pod of California, and found you on there too! I hope there is a meet up soon so I can meet all of you wonderful mers, and hopefully see this beautiful tail you're making :)

[Pina Y'mar]

uhhhhhhhhh... its like....
I'll draw a diagram.
31412
The end of my mannequin is at my ankles, and the footpockets of the monofin i am using are not covered by the fluke. so if I were to seal all the scales and then put on the body, and put onthe monofin with the fluke attached, there would be a gap between the bottom of the scales and the top of the fluke. I'm not sure how to fill that gap with scales. I have a few ideas, but they're still fuzzy. I also dont know how i would seamlessly continue adding scales from the bottom of the body if its all sealed... hm.
does that make sense?
If you made it this far you can surely finish. We beleave in you !

[Mermaid Wesley]

Thanks guys! I'm still
Working. Just slowly. I'm sooo sick of silicone lol


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[PaolaMF]

new pictures ?

[Syrenia]

What I did was place scales on the fluke and kind of build up towards my ankles. Once all of those were laid down and had cured, I connected the two pieces by laying it down and pinning the scales. It was honestly really easy that way. Before you brush the silicone on to adhere them all together, lay down next to it and figure out how long it needs to go for your feet. If it's a little longer, no big deal. It's better to have your tail go up higher on your waist than be too low and you end up having clam crack on your rear end. But take it slow! It took me a LOT of trial and error before I finally got it right, but I used scale sheets, along with individual scales to make sure the seams were nonexistent.

But excellent job so far! I honestly thought about doing individual scales then laughed, because I am in NO WAY patient enough for that.

[Mermaid Wesley]

thanks :)
im still working, but life is keeping me busy! ill update when my mannequin is covered. should be soon!

[MermaidBambi]

I'm extremely new to all of this and this is my first post but I just read this thread and !!! I'm so excited for you! I can't wait for you to finish it! Hows the fluke going?

[Mermaid Wesley]

Thank you! And welcome! The fluke is.... Uhhhhh not photo worthy lol. I have a plan for it, but right now I think I want to finish pinning the scales on the body, then do the fluke and fins, and then start sealing things. I still haven't tested out my monofin either!


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[Mermaid Andrina]

How's the tail coming along??

[Mermaid Alea]

I am really excited to see how you solve this problem, because I too have noticed in other tail making threads all of a sudden there is an update with the scales attached to the fluke and I have really been wondering just how you easily attach the two without issue...That would be the hardest thing for me to do I think... :thinks:

Your tail is gorgeous and I hope you can easily work through the ankle area.

[Mermaid Wesley]

I've closed the gap in the back! Well not all the way, but in some places. Also I had a dream that Raina gave me an acorn to eat and I was like uhhh okay thx.


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[PearlieMae]

I've closed the gap in the back! Well not all the way, but in some places. Also I had a dream that Raina gave me an acorn to eat and I was like uhhh okay thx.


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Raina is going to somehow help you have a "happy, easy future and wealthy life"
http://dreamsnest.com/acorn/

[Mermaid Wesley]

Raina is going to somehow help you have a "happy, easy future and wealthy life"
http://dreamsnest.com/acorn/

Oh hey thanks Raina! Lol


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[malinghi]

Also I had a dream that Raina gave me an acorn to eat and I was like uhhh okay thx.

Wow, Raina brought you your dream acorn this soon? That's good to hear. She didn't bring mine until I was finishing the fluke.


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[Mermaid Wesley]

Bahahahaha


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[malinghi]

I was like, is this a Canadian thing? Cause these come from maple trees? And Dream Raina was like, No, acorns come from oak trees. I felt bad for stereotyping like that. She said it was NBD, but I still felt bad.

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[Mermaid Wesley]

I was like, is this a Canadian thing? Cause these come from maple trees? And Dream Raina was like, No, acorns come from oak trees. I felt bad for stereotyping like that. She said it was NBD, but I still felt bad.

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You're killing me. But to be fair when dream Raina gave me the acorn I went "yeah we dont have these here. We have COCOnuts." But we actually don't have those either so who knows. xD


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[malinghi]

Ha, that is weird. Why don't we have coconuts?

Anyway, Dream Raina's totally inscrutable. But I finished my tail, so I can't question her results.

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[PearlieMae]

Maybe no acorns or coconuts, but I know of at least a couple of nuts in LA. :mermaid kiss:

[Mermaid Wesley]

Maybe no acorns or coconuts, but I know of at least a couple of nuts in LA. :mermaid kiss:

<3


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[Mermaid Wesley]

While I'm still workin on the tail... Here's a preview of something exciting! 32760


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[Mermaid Neri Elvina]

OMG YESSSS

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[Yulia]

Oooooh! :eek:

[Mermaid Wesley]

Thanks guys! I'm excited.


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[PearlieMae]

CooooOOOoooool!

I was thinking of that very thing this weekend, too, but couldn't work out the logistics. They look very convincing!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Hehe thanks!


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[Spindrift]

Wow, I'm super impressed, Wesley!!!

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[Mermaid Wesley]

33046
Yoooooooooooooooooooooo. Almost done with left hand glove!


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[malinghi]

It looks so cool!

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[Mermaid Wesley]

Ok so HERES AN IDEA!!!

I decided that I'm stuck in a rut. and that I need to do something! So I'm going to seal together the scales I have starting this weekend!!i was going to wait until the fluke was done, but RUT.


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[Mermaid Wesley]

Here are some update images!
front
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side
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back
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[Mermaid Saoirse]

It's looking stunning! This tail is going to be a beauty when finished ;)

[Mermaid Wesley]

And I'm messing with an idea right now to strengthen and fix up the waistband of the tail. here's a pic, i want BRUTALLY honest answers to: Does this look weird?
33567
I'm thinking it looks kindof organic, since I'm not doing a blended waist, I might as well make it a hard line. And I think this looks kindof organic that way. heres some close-ups.
33568
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so what do you all think?

[Mermaid Wesley]

It's looking stunning! This tail is going to be a beauty when finished ;)

oh thank you!

[Mermaid Saoirse]

The double layering over the waist adds to the tail in my opinion. It gives an extra depth to the waistline and really does help break up the shape to give a more organic feel.

[Mermaid Wesley]

The double layering over the waist adds to the tail in my opinion. It gives an extra depth to the waistline and really does help break up the shape to give a more organic feel.
I'm glad you think so too! :) It kindof looks like scales are growing there or something, i think. It doesnt ACTUALLY make biological sense, but i think it looks just fine :)

[Calizaire]

*Following and drooling*
I can't wait to see the transformation! Your scales are positively luminescent!

[Mermaid Wesley]

OH YEAH
it glows too
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[Luna Dreamtide]

Love the updates. Your scales look great and I love the idea for the waist. Can't wait to see this finished!

[Mermaid Kelda]

The little scales are lovely! It all looks fantastic and I can't wait to see more :)

[Ariel-Starfish]

33046
Yoooooooooooooooooooooo. Almost done with left hand glove!


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WANT!!!

[Mermaid Kate Silverfin]

Your tail is looking awesome! I do think the doubled scales look good, but if you wanted to try something else, maybe you could make relatively thinner ones? Just a suggestion!

[Keiris]

Wesley all your hard work has really paid off!!!!! And I know that is a lot of work!!!! Can't wait to see more of this beauty!

[Mermaid Wesley]

33577

STARTING TO SEAL EM


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[Luna Dreamtide]

Yay! Exciting stuff. Have you had any ideas for the fluke yet?

[Mermaid Wesley]

My fluke is designed, and I've started sculpting it
33578
But it's slow going.

First row of scales is glued!


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[Madison MerFaerie]

Go Wesley, go! So stoked to see it all finished!

[Mermaid Wesley]

33581

Look ma no pins!


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[Ashe]

Woohoo! Looking great :D

[Mermaid Wesley]

I now have 3 rows sealed down out of 45!!!
42 ROWS TO GO!


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[Etela]

So exciting! I can't wait to see your tail done it's going to be so amazing and it feels me with hope for my own tail! Go Wesley!!!

[PearlieMae]

That top row of scales reminds me of how sharks' teeth grow...one row cuts through to replace the teeth ahead of it...like eventually your scales migrate to the bottom. See also rattlesnake tail...the older you get, the longer your tail. ;)

Looking great, Wes!

[Mermaid Wesley]

You guys are sweet! I'm tempted to update you at every row but that's a bit excessive so I'll limit myself to 1-2 times a day at most.

Pearlie it totally looks like shark teeth! Duh don't cha know that's how scales grow. Totally. <.< >.>


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[Ashton]

Great work so far!!! I love that it glows.

[Keiris]

It really is looking gorgeous Wesley! I love the texture and the color! What kind of monofin are you thinking about?

[Mermaid Wesley]

Thanks Ashton!
And I'm using a fiberglass waterway fin


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[Mermaid Wesley]

lots of slooooow progress. do you guys have any insight into where i should stick my extra fins? Theyre the little hip fins and im not sure how high up i should put them. hmmmmm,,,,,

[Mermaid Wesley]

I just stabbed my fingertip with a pin. Blood. ow.

3361233613
6 rows done abs the colors are really starting to show. The yellow pins change the look a bit so there we go!


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[Mermaid Kate Silverfin]

It's looking fantastic!

[malinghi]

I just stabbed my fingertip with a pin. Blood. ow.


That sucks, I pricked myself when using pins on my tail too.

On the plus side you can now say you've put your blood, sweat, and tears into this. Or at least some of those things. I can't think of any steps that would make you cry.


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[Ashton]

I totally understand, I stab my fingers all the time. It is just part of the process and in the end it will all be worth it!

[Mermaid Andrina]

Those colors look amazing!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Lol Im pretty sure I've put in plenty of sweat and tears already. Actually this isn't the first blood in the process either!


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[Dancing Fish]

I love the subtle color variations! This is going to be so fabulous when it's done. And yeah, gotta make that sacrifice to the gods of sewing and silicone. We've all done that... :) I apparently didn't donate enough blood during the process, so I got stabbed when trying it on. If you attach any fins, make sure you don't accidentally seal any pins into your tail!

[darksiren]

I've been binging through this thread, just loving watching this evolve! Could I ask some noob questions?

*ahem*
What is power mesh, can you get it at joanns, and how is it different from other fabric store meshes?
When you are "sealing" the scales, are you attaching them to the power mesh, each other, both? Is flat glues, or just the top "flap"?

Sorry, I'm reading all these things to figure out how to go about my first one, and some of these terms and techniques seem to be assumed "in the know" already.

[Mermaid Wesley]

No worries! Power mesh isn't even the brand name of what I'm getting, but it's catchy! It's synthetic elastic mesh and it's just. Meshy. But stretchy. Mines from Joanne's.
I'm sealing them down all the way on the mesh and the scales below it... In theory.


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[Spindrift]

Those colors are soo pretty!!!

[darksiren]

coolness! Is it any easier to get on that a pure silicone tail? seems like it would be about the same. No worries about seems, though, huh?

[AquaStella]

lots of slooooow progress. do you guys have any insight into where i should stick my extra fins? Theyre the little hip fins and im not sure how high up i should put them. hmmmmm,,,,,

Wesley... Looooovely!!! So beautiful. That gradation of scales!?! Wow. I honestly am juju'ing over your colors.

Thinking about your fins... Hmmm. If it were me, I would want them out of my hand range-- I suppose I have long arms, so above where my hands would rest on my legs-- and more on the front side of my hips, so as not to "over-accentuate" my curves. Love them, but they don't need-no-help, if you get my drift. ;) Just a little thinkin' out loud for you...

[Mermaid Wesley]

Ooh I hadn't thought about my hands.... I think I'll look at as much mermaid art with find as I can find to see how stuff looks.

I'm glad everyone likes the colors! And most silicone tails actually do have power mesh in them. It's a super thin material abs doesn't make too much of a difference in my opinion.

There will be purple at the bottom when I'm done, a little pearliemae tribute, eh? ;)




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[PearlieMae]

:blush:

[Mermaid Wesley]

Not much progress right now, but i am still GOING so slow oh GOSH. At one point I thought this would take a week. NOPE. I'm like two rows up from where I was in the last picture and have decided that I must be a masochist because im so excited and my back is killing me. I'm daydreaming about the day i get up high enough to sit in a chair while i seal down scales. :/

AND I HAVENT EVEN SCULPTED MY FLUKE YET :gah:

its cool wes, its cool, just keep it up.

[Luna Dreamtide]

Go Wes you can do it! I think we all underestimate the amount of time a tail can take to make...

[Kishiko]

Mermaid Aurellias rented finfolk tail is backed with power mesh and I really like the way they do it. Instead of coating the back of the power mesh in silicone it's just left to adhere on one side, and she said she feels like it makes it easier to get into. Because you're not fighting the sticky (like stick to your skin) silicone.


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[Mermaid Wesley]

Mermaid Aurellias rented finfolk tail is backed with power mesh and I really like the way they do it. Instead of coating the back of the power mesh in silicone it's just left to adhere on one side, and she said she feels like it makes it easier to get into. Because you're not fighting the sticky (like stick to your skin) silicone.


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Unfortunately, I can't really do it that way, due to various reasons. But I don't mind :)


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[Kishiko]

Yeah I know. I was kind of throwing it out for the the original asker [emoji6]


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[PearlieMae]

You need to seal that stuff in a layer of silicone, or get used to the feel of mold and mildew against your skin, not to mention the smell! Eau de Wet Basement!

[Kishiko]

It is sealed down, just on one side. Maybe we've been lucky but it's been through 2 seasons of Ren fest with us and one with fin folk and it is mold free lol


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[PearlieMae]

Then you must be very diligent with the care of your tail! :)

[Kishiko]

Then you must be very diligent with the care of your tail! :)

Not mine, but I know she sprays it with a vodka and water solution after gigs and cleans it regularly. I did feel around inside the tail and it's really very well made


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[Mermaid Wesley]

I stuck my hand into the tail from the bottom today! Woo!
33728


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[Mermaid Clara]

I stuck my hand into the tail from the bottom today! Woo!
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Way to go, Wesley! You're making good progress!


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[Mermaid Wesley]

While staying up all night writing papers and crap, I did another row. It's really looking awesome and maybe 2 weeks before I can take the body off the mannequin!

Also I've been awake for 20 hours and can't sleep so heh awesome.


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[darksiren]

props and positive energy!

[Madison MerFaerie]

Looking good, Wesley! I'm always so excited when I get an email that you've posted in this thread. You and Pearlie are such big inspirations to me!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Looking good, Wesley! I'm always so excited when I get an email that you've posted in this thread. You and Pearlie are such big inspirations to me!

aww youre so sweet

[Dancing Fish]

And now you know why I used massive scales. ;) Seriously, though, it's really looking awesome! I admire your patience!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Thanks :)


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[Rett]

Cant wait to see it finished!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Next update!

33833

Just under the knees! Also how do you all like the fin placement? (Those are sandwitch baggies)


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[Luna Dreamtide]

Great job. You're really getting there. :D

[Sabrina the Selkie]

Wow! Looking great!!! :)

[AquaStella]

Really beautiful Wesley... That's about where I would place my fins.

[Mermaid Wesley]

No tailmaking today, instead my dad and I made cowardly lion and scarecrow costumes for tomorrow-er-today. I'll post better pics later...


33852

Ps. I don't know how to make clothes. Like I traced my body to make this. And it's supposed to be HOT tomorrow so haha frick me.

But yeah I made a whole furry outfit and a scarecrow shirt. Yay.


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[Alcyonsa]

Woah I really love your tail so far! Ive been drooling over those pics haha. Do you glued the scales on with silicone? Since im considering not doing a fully scale sheet , more like your method but with neoprene beneath.

[Mermaid Wesley]

Be careful with neoprene, it can inhibit the cure of silicone! And yes, silicone on silicone on silicone.


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[H-SAMA]

That's really great work you are doing with your tail!
I am thinking of making one too.
I am super curious to see how yours turned out <3

[Mermaid Wesley]

Thank you! I'll do a few rows of scales tonight and update probably in two days. I want to update when people other than me can see a difference lol


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[Mermaid Wesley]

NaNo, school, and life have been taking up my time but hopefully I'll work on this a bit tonight.


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[Mermaid Wesley]

minimal progress to report :/ bleh. someone give me a pep talk?

[swimmingsammi95]

YOU CAN DO IT!!! I BELIEVE IN YOU!

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[swimmingsammi95]

34036

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[Aysun_the_Mermaid]

Pep pep pep!

Think of the satisfaction of a finished piece!

Maybe a swim in a pool or a small meet up to celebrate?

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[MySirenSong]

The tail is coming out amazing! I can't wait until you're done! :D

[Mermaid Wesley]

Quick tip: want to make a mold out of something, but only plan on using it a couple times? Soften some monster clay, press the item into the clay, wait for it to cool a bit, and remove. Bam. Insta-mold. And it didn't cost you anything! Reuse the mold a few times and then melt it down. Perfect for that odd project :)


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[PearlieMae]

Good to know! Thanks!

[Luna Dreamtide]

Good to know! Thanks!
Ditto. Thanks for the tip :)

[Mermaid Lyra]

Wesley! I'm obsessed with your scale shape! So unique and beautiful!!!


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[Mermaid Wesley]

Thank you <3


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[Mermaid Wesley]

ALRIGHTALRIGHTALRIGHT!

finals+scoliosis+tailmaking= pain and procrastination. i made a timelapse video of this monotonous process:
https://youtu.be/9N-orruOrTE


(https://youtu.be/9N-orruOrTE)EDIT: just realized the title is missing from the video but idc

[Ashton]

Lookin' good! All my tail work has come to a stop until finals are done.

[Mermaid Kate Silverfin]

It's looking fantastic, you're getting super close!
Do you let the scales air dry or dry them off with a towel?
I really need to make a stand like yours, it looks super handy! I'm going to try to retrofit my old tail stand, but currently its structural integrity is...poor...shall we say.

[Mermaid Wesley]

It's looking fantastic, you're getting super close!
Do you let the scales air dry or dry them off with a towel?
I really need to make a stand like yours, it looks super handy! I'm going to try to retrofit my old tail stand, but currently its structural integrity is...poor...shall we say.
I just pat them dry with a paper towel. the stand is a clothing rack thing. my parents bought it while they were redoing their closet and i stole it shortly after lol it rolls and is sometimes dangerously top heavy but it works!

[OceanRose]

So cool to see a video of the process! It looks awesome :cheerleader:

[Mermaid Wesley]

if my math is correct, this means about 30 hours of JUST SEALING DOWN SCALES. if i were paying myself minimum wage that would be 270 bucks for this step alone. i need to speak to a manager about being paid for this. WHO'S IN CHARGE HERE? oh wait its me.

[Spindrift]

Thanks for posting your video! It looks like so much work, but you're doing fantastic!

[Mermaid Clarity]

I just realized, with the color of your tail, you might have an awesome Nim cosplay from Rescue Sirens by virtue of just being a beachy blonde mermaid :D


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[Mermaid Wesley]

I might! There's gonna be purple on it so it won't be perfect but it could be a fun picture if I get a shirt!


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[PearlieMae]

I got a clothes rack at Walmart for ten buck and it works great!

You need a tv tray to keep everything close by so you don't have a lot of wasted movement. :D

[Mermaid Wesley]

I have a little table but anything else would take up too much space and my parents would kick me out of the kitchen lol


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[Rachel Lutes]

Hi there, thank you for posting your progress I'm really enjoying your thread! I will definitely be checking in to see how the fluke comes out! May I ask what it was you were dipping the scales in in the video? Was it the sealant, or water maybe to make the silicone less sticky?

[Mermaid Wesley]

I was washing them as they were covered in dust and cat hair


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[Rachel Lutes]

Bahaha oh, I gotcha! If I ever decide to take on tailmaking I'd have the same problem with 2 dogs in the house! Appreciate the quick reply <3

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[Mermaid Kim]

Hello PearlieMae, I am really glad I have been reading as many threads as I can. That was good advise for me to follow. So you are saying to add a thin layer to the backside of the powermesh...correct? I have a scale sheet I am working on and spent 2 nights reading your thread PearlieMae "I WAS HOOKED" like I am here as well (:
Mermaid Wesley....SMALL WORLD...okay I met a friend of your mom's she showed me pictures of a Mermaid and her amazing Tail she was making and said you are one of her Client's Daughters. I was like I have seen this girl...I mean only from the MerNetwork (: Your mom's hairdresser is a friend of mine our kids play ice hockey my husband coaches "your mom's friends son" not sure if that makes sense.....anyway....Love your Tail it is really cool and reminds me of Capiz Shells..My tail is going to have Pink Tones and lots of surrounding colors. My floral company colors are bright with shades of Pink. The Pink will represent my love of Flamingo's as well as a tribute to Breast Cancer. Lost a Hockey Mom this year and had wake up call myself...sooo anyway. Just wanted to say Thankyou for sharing your Tail progress. I love reading all the threads every chance I get. I have been following Mermaid Ashton's threads too to name a few (: So love the MerNetwork! A great forum to be a Mermaid :)

[Mermaid Wesley]

Oh how funny! My mom was just telling me that Deanna met a mermaid and we were trying to figure out who you might be! It is a small world! Thank you for the lovely complements!


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[Mermaid Wesley]

I need ALL THE PEP TALKS! I want to finish the tail body in like 3-4 days I need pep talking!


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[Sabrina the Selkie]

Pep! Pep! Pep!

You can DO it Wesley!!!

[PearlieMae]

Pep talk. On a Monday morning.

http://replygif.net/i/424.gif

sigh.

[Adalira]

You can do it Wesley Wooohoo!! Give me a W :cheerleader: Give me an E :cheerleader: Give me a S:cheerleader: Give me a L :cheerleader: Give me an E :cheerleader:Give me a Y :cheerleader:
What does that spell? WESLEY!! Go Go Go! You can do it!!!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Pep talk. On a Monday morning.

http://replygif.net/i/424.gif

sigh.

Omg Pearlie you dork.
Thanks everyone. I'm gonna do 3 rows minimum today :D


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[PearlieMae]

I try. ;)

[Mermaid Kate Silverfin]

Go Wesley, go! You can do it! :)

[Sabrina the Selkie]

Yaaay!

[Mermaid Clarity]

Public encouragement for Wesley!!!! Also, to new people to the forum. I'm warning you, this damn thread will make you want to make your own damn individual scale tail. I know this first hand because I just bought the silicone for mine. Wesley, Pearlie Mae, I kinda hate you guys now.


<3

[PearlieMae]

Public encouragement for Wesley!!!! Also, to new people to the forum. I'm warning you, this damn thread will make you want to make your own damn individual scale tail. I know this first hand because I just bought the silicone for mine. Wesley, Pearlie Mae, I kinda hate you guys now.


<3

http://replygif.net/i/1524.gif

[The Green Mermaid]

That drawing looks so symetrical well done. I cheated and let the computer do all the work haha

[The Green Mermaid]

That drawing looks so symmetrical well done. I cheated and let the computer do all the work haha and as for the clay be careful with the microwave it can cause the clay to lose its nice texture try a crock pot with a liner just don't leave it unattended it will burn.

[The Green Mermaid]

Sorry im just getting used to this forum thing haha I watched your video wow the tail looks amazing it si so inspiring and makes me want to work on mine rightnow!!!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Guess who gets to take the tail off the mannequin tomorrow morning!
I'll be trying it on to see if it's long enough, then I'll be back to work with more sculpting more silicone more work!
35122


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[Mermaid Kate Silverfin]

Whoooo! Awesome job!

[Ashton]

Woot woot! you are going to be so ready to show it off for our summer events! <3

[Mermaid Clarity]

-happy flail- yaaaassssss


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[Theobromine]

Wooo!

[PearlieMae]

Those colors are going to look perfect on you!

[Mermaid Clara]

Guess who gets to take the tail off the mannequin tomorrow morning!
I'll be trying it on to see if it's long enough, then I'll be back to work with more sculpting more silicone more work!
35122


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Oh my scales! I'm so excited to see the body finished.


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[darksiren]

:dance::dance::dance:

[Adalira]

Woohoo! How exciting!!

[Mermaid Wesley]

35128
It's a little loose, like I was worried about, so I'm gonna take it in in the back. Otherwise it fits and is long enough! Woo!


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[Theobromine]

*SHRIEK*

[darksiren]

:swoon:

[PearlieMae]

Halfway there!

[Mermaid Wesley]

35130
I love it <3

I'm a little bummed that it doesn't fit but that's all part of this process. I have a plan and gosh it's so pretty <333


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[Mermaid Wesley]

Halfway there!

I'm pretending I'm almost done shush


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[PearlieMae]

where doesn't it fit?

Can you shimmy it down some and add some scales to the waistline? This way you'll already have a jump on the transition from tail body to fluke. And remember, the water pressure is going to suction it to your legs.

[Sabrina the Selkie]

Soooo pretty!!!

[Elodea the Mermaid]

Those colors look so pretty on you that it looks like you grew the tail yourself. :-)

[Mermaid Wesley]

Pearlie: The whole thing is loose in the back. I think it stretched off of the mannequin as I assembled it because of gravity and stuffs. I'm gonna pull out a few rows of scales and stick it back together
Everyone else: thanks so much <3

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[Aysun_the_Mermaid]

Mine is a little baggy in the back of the thighs, but it does suction when I swim. It is occasionally noticeable to me when I sit or sometimes when I do a backflip.

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[AnnaAbyss]

So beautiful, Wesley! Sorry if this question is already answered, but what monofin is that?

[Mermaid Wesley]

It's a water way model... 1? 3? I think 3. Much cheaper than the finis equivalent


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[Mermaid Wesley]

Mine is a little baggy in the back of the thighs, but it does suction when I swim. It is occasionally noticeable to me when I sit or sometimes when I do a backflip.

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Well mine is really loose behind the knees and thighs and also calves.... Like:
35137
Not attractive. That's every time I bend my knees at all. You can't really see the saggy butt part in the pic.


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[Aysun_the_Mermaid]

I definitely wasn't trying to say you shouldn't alter it while you can/if you want to!

(I will say that my work tail that is a finfolk does almost exactly that at the knees and ankles and it is annoyiiiiiiing to sit in for hours)

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[Mermaid Wesley]

Oh I didn't think that! Yeah it was uncomfortable. Like a too big wetsuit. Claustrophobic in a weird way and bulky. I hope by taking it in I fix that


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[Aysun_the_Mermaid]

I am excited that we will both be blue glowy mermaids!

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[Mermaid Wesley]

Me tooo! I did surgery on my tail tonight and I'm half done taking it in!


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[Mermaid Wesley]

35140
Idk if you can see but I'm taking it in in two strips on the back. The one on the right is completely done and completely invisible. It's late and I have class in the morning so I left the left side undone. I carefully ripped and cut out scales to give myself enough of a gap to take it in. Fingers crossed that it fits now!


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[Merman Sean]

A big congratulations on your mer tail, you have come a far way and it's looking beautiful, you have the will power to see it to the end, very nice. Sometimes i have to redo stuff as well but then i was happy i did the effort.

[LouLouBelle]

Not much further to go! It's looking good. [emoji4]


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[Sabrina the Selkie]

Looks great Wes!

[PearlieMae]

Nicely done! I can't see evidence of an alteration at all!

It should fit nicely!

[AquaStella]

OMG!!!!! Yeah Wesley! :yay::yay::yay::yay::yay:
I'm so glad you are back to working on your tail right now. It's so gorgeous and I am so impressed with your diligence at continuing, and altering, and finishing-- even if you are *almost* there. (I've mentioned enough times how I love this thread.)

[Dancing Fish]

Oh, nice job on the alterations!
I have to alter mine, and repair it in some places. I'm terrified to cut into it. :( I'm also afraid that since half a year has gone by, the repairs won't stick as well to the older silicone.

[AquaStella]

Public encouragement for Wesley!!!! Also, to new people to the forum. I'm warning you, this damn thread will make you want to make your own damn individual scale tail. I know this first hand because I just bought the silicone for mine. Wesley, Pearlie Mae, I kinda hate you guys now.


<3

Here's where I am gonna say: "Yes. No." Because while all these individual scale tails initially got me all peaked into thinking I could do this. I know better.
I know better about what I can do and do not.

The *ungodly* amount of time, energy, money and patience that goes into these tails is... Ginormous.
Don't get me wrong... Go for it! You get down with your fish self and give it the ol' college try. I, on the other hand, will sit back and watch. And enjoy. And admire. And save my money to hire one of these amazing tailmakers in the future. With my damn hard-earned money. Because this isn't "easy" by any means.... Or else these beautiful threads wouldn't be so damned long. (Just my little interjection for newbies who think: "But she could do it... it must be so simple...")

[Mermaid Wesley]

Lol I appreciate that. It is so much work. My fingers are actually sore today from last night's alteration marathon. But it will all be worth it to me when I get to swim in my tail <3


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[Mermaid Wesley]

Alright! I took it in and it fits MUCH better now. It still wrinkles a bit weird behind the knees but I think that's to do with thickness and I don't really care because it pretty.

35179

That's where the seam is and can you see it? Nope. :D (it's also my butt)


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[Aysun_the_Mermaid]

I love the variation in tone and shade

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[PearlieMae]

Look at you, FishGirl! :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

PS: Dancing Fish, it can be done. Nice wash with Dawn dishwashing liquid and water (original blue Dawn), then thorough cleaning with 91% isopropyl alcohol (from the drug store), the new silicone will stick everything together, and a topcoat of silicone will seal it all together. Worked several times on my 1.5 year old tail!

[Adalira]

That's beautiful Wesley!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Thanks everyone!! You can see the scales at the waistband that tore apart and that's because SILICONE HAS TO SIT ABOUT 3 DAYS TO FULLY 100% CURE. Aka, I couldn't wait to put my tail on and popped the new seam because it wasn't completely fully all the way cured. Oops. Also I'm going to start sculpting soon! Wish me luck!

Bonus:
35180


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[Sabrina the Selkie]

Nice!!! Looks so pretty!

[Merman Sean]

I agree, its beautiful Wesley

[LouLouBelle]

It looks like you're mid-morph turning into a cocoon... Or mermaid - not sure which! [emoji23]

Seriously - it's looking great! Looks like a perfect fit. Good luck with the sculpting!


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[Mermaid Wesley]

Soon I will be a beauuuutiful butterfly


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[Rett]

Excited to see you complete the tail! Almost (ish) there!!!! :yay::cheerleader:

[Ashton]

WOOOOOO!!! I am so excited for you!

[Mermaid Clara]

Thanks everyone!! You can see the scales at the waistband that tore apart and that's because SILICONE HAS TO SIT ABOUT 3 DAYS TO FULLY 100% CURE. Aka, I couldn't wait to put my tail on and popped the new seam because it wasn't completely fully all the way cured. Oops. Also I'm going to start sculpting soon! Wish me luck!

Bonus:
35180


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Yay!!! Beware of fluke sculpting though, you'll become increasingly indecisive and prone to perfectionism and sometimes get angry at your tools.[emoji53]


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[Mermaid Coralia]

Looking great wesley! I love all the blue. Do more so we can seeeee

[PearlieMae]

Yay!!! Beware of fluke sculpting though, you'll become increasingly indecisive and prone to perfectionism and sometimes get angry at your tools.[emoji53]


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It's a poor carpenter who blames his tools.

You go, Wes! Looks AWESOME! :yay:

[Mermaid Wesley]

Today I'm finalizing the top row with a double-row of scales! I am not a graceful fish so I am making the waist a bit thicker to avoid clumsy Wesley moments and ripping.

I think I have decided against the hip fins. It's a bummer, but the tail is so nice and sleek and I don't want to mess with it. I might stick them on a scale top or something since I have the molds, but for now, no fins.

As far as flukes go, I'm petrified to start working. Yay. I'm going to start by scoring my clay "base" where the veins will go and then go from there. Wish me luck and send me sculpting tips *sweat drip*


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[Ashton]

I will help you cast it when you are ready; if you need help.
we can do it at my house (I have a big yard we can do it in)

[Mermaid Kim]

MERMAID WESLEY your TAIL is soooo Pretty!

[Mermaid Wesley]

I will help you cast it when you are ready; if you need help.
we can do it at my house (I have a big yard we can do it in)

I may take you up on that tbh. We'll see


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[Merman Sean]

Today I'm finalizing the top row with a double-row of scales! I am not a graceful fish so I am making the waist a bit thicker to avoid clumsy Wesley moments and ripping.

I think I have decided against the hip fins. It's a bummer, but the tail is so nice and sleek and I don't want to mess with it. I might stick them on a scale top or something since I have the molds, but for now, no fins.

As far as flukes go, I'm petrified to start working. Yay. I'm going to start by scoring my clay "base" where the veins will go and then go from there. Wish me luck and send me sculpting tips *sweat drip*


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Wesley did you start on the scale top yet?

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[Mermaid_Sarina]

Your tail is looking so good Wesley!!! I can't wait to see more!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Wesley did you start on the scale top yet?

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No. I have to finish the tail first because otherwise I'll never get anything done lol. Fluke, assembly, then scale top.


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[Merman Sean]

Lol

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[Mermaid Caspiana]

WESLEY!!!!!!!!! I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!! HOW HAVE I NOT SEEN THIS YET?!?!?!?! I DIDN'T KNOW YOU STARTED! Lol Anyway, I can't wait to see it all completed!!! :)) Could I ask how much you're spending in general and individually, like silicone, molding clay, and paint etc.? :) <3

[Mermaid Wesley]

Guess who's back
Back again
Wisty's back
Tell a friend

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160620/3d79a75cdc5832b6b8fd48e3a6dd6486.jpg

I got randomly motivated today and got a TON of sculpting done. It's all ugly and lumpy right now but that's ok because it's my child and I love it. It's also 1am and 80 degrees in my house. Optimal conditions.
And I also just ran out of clay.

Caspiana, I'm so glad you commented on this so I could see it in my notifications! I haven't posted here in forever and I was prepared to search around for a while to find the thread.

This tail WILL BE DONE NEXT MONTH.


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[Mermaid Wesley]

WESLEY!!!!!!!!! I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!! HOW HAVE I NOT SEEN THIS YET?!?!?!?! I DIDN'T KNOW YOU STARTED! Lol Anyway, I can't wait to see it all completed!!! :)) Could I ask how much you're spending in general and individually, like silicone, molding clay, and paint etc.? :) <3

I don't really know how much Ive spent total since I've been working on this for over a year now. If I had to guess I would say around 1200 bucks so far. I still need some more mold materials and I might have to buy more dragonskin too. It's expensive.

[Mermaid Caspiana]

Awwwwww yay! So glad to hear about your motivation and how much you got done!!! Can't wait to see this come together!!! And glad I could help by bringing you here easily. Lol

Ah. Thanks. That definitely helps. I'm looking to make my own silicone via Pearlie Mae method maybe next year. So this at least give me an idea. ;)) <3

[LouLouBelle]

Loving the shape of the fluke! Just take your time and go over it, and you'll get it nice and smooth. It'll all be worth it when you finally get to swim in the finished product!


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[Luna Dreamtide]

I'm loving your fluke design. Awesome work. Glad you found your motivation:)

[Mermaid Wesley]

For some reason I always get my tail making done instead of sleeping. Maybe I'm a nocturnal subspecies! (It's 4 am lol)

Thanks everyone for the love and support


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[Sabrina the Selkie]

Well, hey. It means you get work on the tail done!

Fluke looks great!

[Ashton]

Yaaaasssssssssss! Get ready for summer!

[LouLouBelle]

If I didn't have a regular day job I'd be awake through the night and sleep all day. Whenever I get a week or so off work I usually end up falling into that pattern without trying... Maybe mermaids are nocturnal?


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[Keiris]

That looks TERRIFIC Wesley!!!

[Theobromine]

Wow, Wesley! That looks amazing! Even with the slight lumpiness, it looks awesome and I'm super impressed you did that so fast! I've found some good tricks for smoothing out Monster Clay, if you want to hear them. Trying to smooth it with just your fingers can be a total butt due to the high wax content...it likes to just squidge back and forth if you're not careful, instead of smoothing down and flattening out nicely.

[Mermaid Wesley]

Wow, Wesley! That looks amazing! Even with the slight lumpiness, it looks awesome and I'm super impressed you did that so fast! I've found some good tricks for smoothing out Monster Clay, if you want to hear them. Trying to smooth it with just your fingers can be a total butt due to the high wax content...it likes to just squidge back and forth if you're not careful, instead of smoothing down and flattening out nicely.


I feel like youre describing my life rn. I would love some tips. so far I'm just screaming at it as it smooshes around or hurts my fingers.

[Theobromine]

No problem! I just didn't want to sound patronizing in case you didn't need tips, haha. I learned most of these the hard way (pun not intended). My best friend for softening monster clay is my heat gun, because yeah, it hurts to try to manipulate if the clay is too hard. The other thing I use to smooth surfaces and also thin it down a bit to reduce weight are just those cheap clay tools from Michael's. That's what I'd use for those fin rays; it's what I did for all the fin tentacles on my sea serpent tail. I use the small one with the metal loop that looks like an inverted triangle (but you can experiment and find what works best for you) and just very gently shave the clay down a bit at a time. I find it way easier to just shave the lumps off than try to squish them around because they always end up not going where I want them to. So I basically just end up doing multiple steps of shave lumps, heat gently with heat gun, sometimes smooth over with fingers, rinse and repeat. Be careful not to blast too hard with the heat gun or the clay will melt and slump and ruin your shapes. Hopefully that makes sense, I'm typing in my nitrile gloves right now :P

[LouLouBelle]

I've found my hairdryer works really well for softening up monster clay. And, depending on exactly what sort of size and shape rays you're after, a clay extruder will quickly become your best friend!


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[Mermaid Wesley]

Thanks guys! I was thinking about shaving off lumps so I actually got this guy a few months ago!
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160622/11e74d6079f32934a9430e173257199c.jpg

I have a hair dryer that I can use too, maybe a heat gun somewhere.......


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[Theobromine]

I'm sure a hair dryer probably works too, I just don't own one :P Hopefully those tips help though!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Thanks I'm sure they will!


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[Mermaid Wesley]

Only minimal progress to report. My nails have been getting in the way and I'm considering filing them down short to sculpt....
But I've never had long nails before and I don't wanna [emoji52] we will have to wait and see


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[Mermaid Wesley]

I'm the wOOOOORST. But I did kinda work on my sculpt yesterday!


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[Sabrina the Selkie]

We're all cheering you on, Wes!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Thanks ;^w^


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[merwandering]

I love your fluke!!!

[Playing Koi]

I've been low key reading this thread for so long and I'm just SO excited to see your next steps! You're working so hard and I've learned so much from watching you learn! Ahhhh I'm so excited for you!


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[Mermaid Caspiana]

I'm the wOOOOORST. But I did kinda work on my sculpt yesterday!


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YOU ARE! Haha, I'm kidding. ;) Lol I just can't wait to see you finally finish! <3

[Mermaid Wesley]

Guess whaaaat!
No progress to report. >.>
Curse my lack of intrinsic motivation.

[Slim]

Guess whaaaat!
No progress to report. >.>
Curse my lack of intrinsic motivation.

It's winter so it's every mers vacation in the northern hemisphere. We understand :D It'll look great when it's done.

[PearlieMae]

Guess whaaaat!
No progress to report. >.>
Curse my lack of intrinsic motivation.

Mired in inertia, are we? ;)

[Saelyyia]

Quick throw a "create" party. Invite some friends over and collect a pile of random stuff and just create something. It is a great way to get back motivation and have some fun at the same time.

[Slim]

Quick throw a "create" party. Invite some friends over and collect a pile of random stuff and just create something. It is a great way to get back motivation and have some fun at the same time.

With all the craft stuff at my mom house, I have to suggest this to her. That is brilliant.

[Mermaid Wesley]

Mired in inertia, are we? ;)

:cry:

[Mermaid Wesley]

Quick throw a "create" party. Invite some friends over and collect a pile of random stuff and just create something. It is a great way to get back motivation and have some fun at the same time.

That does sound fun! Life is crazy rn though, I don't know if I can swing something like that atm. maybe. *thinking*

[Mermaid Wesley]

SURPRISE! this tail is still being made.
Slow progress on my sculpt- smoothing, refining, slow and steady tweaking. Hopefully I will be finished for this summer, because omg this is the longest project in the universe.
I'll share pics soon. xoxo

[Ashton]

you can do it!

[Ashe]

Go Wes! Can't wait to see some more pics ;)

[Sabrina the Selkie]

Oooh!

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[Khaleesi Daenerys]

I'm really excited for you I can't wait to see more! :D

[Mermaid Wesley]

Sculpt is nearing completion! I am just painstakingly smoothing and refining things now. my fingertips are sore. Yowch. I'm working out how I plan on laying out my scales. I'm leaning towards leaving a gap between the ridges and scales like in pic 2/3. This is closer to my original fluke design. What do you guys think?

40927

40928

40929

This tail will be done this summer!! :mad:

[Sabrina the Selkie]

Both look great!!!

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[Ashton]

KEEP GOING!

[Vela]

I love this sculpt!! and the color of the scales are beautiful!! Can't wait to see more!!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Thanks guys! More sculpting tonight :) I'm guessing I'll be finished in a month. Also I'm considering holding back on the pics until I'm all done and then (hopefully) blowing everyone away when it's finished ;)


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[KaylinSilvermerr]

Your fluke looks AMAZING Wesley! I love the edges to it!

Are you able to craft smaller scales to help with the transition on your fluke too? Or are you wanting to leave it as it? I know smaller scales can be a pain in the rear.

~Kaylin

[Mermaid Wesley]

Your fluke looks AMAZING Wesley! I love the edges to it!

Are you able to craft smaller scales to help with the transition on your fluke too? Or are you wanting to leave it as it? I know smaller scales can be a pain in the rear.

~Kaylin

Thanks! These are already my "small" scales and since I value my sanity, I'm going to leave them as is. I don't mind a hard delineation between fluke and body.