Mermaid Melanies First Silicone Tail [Archive] - Page 2

Mermaid Melanie

10-21-2014, 05:27 AM

Thanks again lovelies ! colours were based on a siamese fighting fish. I started scale tipping today...Oh it takes so long and its footery to get it neat but heres hoping that the glow pigments are gonna show up, if not ill do another little layer, it actually seems a bit easier to do the tipping when the silicone just begins to thicken up a little, probs cuz it doesnt move around so much and is easier to control, I know the scale tipping isn't as crisp as I thought it would be, but I still think it will turn out nice (fingers crossed) Im about just over half way done on scale sheet 1, taking a little break and getting back at it ! Hope to have it finished for an upcoming wedding gig at halloween and usually they go on till night time so the glowing tail would be very cool I think !

Mermaid Kelda

10-21-2014, 05:47 AM

Sounds fantastic! I'm so glad it's going well for you :)

Mermaid Melanie

10-21-2014, 10:32 AM

Me too Melaina ! I just checked on the scales with the lights off and..... IT GLOWS :D sadly I couldn't get a picture on my phone but ill try tomorrow, It needs to be in the light for a while before it "charges" up lol

AniaR

10-21-2014, 11:31 AM

very pretty!

Rogue Siren

10-21-2014, 11:53 AM

Love this! Following. :3

Ilyena

10-21-2014, 07:27 PM

Tip for getting pictures with a camera phone, use a torch in a dark room before hand on a patch and quickly turn it off and use the camera ^_^

Mermaid Melanie

10-22-2014, 02:49 AM

Ilyena thats a great idea lol lightblub moment haha !

Ilyena

10-22-2014, 04:38 AM

Literally a lightbulb moment >_<. I use that with my glow in the clay and it's like super bright for a couple of mins ^_^. Can't wait too see how it looks though, not enough glow in the dark tails

Rogue Siren

10-22-2014, 03:19 PM

What curing speed of silicone did you get if you don't mind me asking? :)

Sherielle

10-22-2014, 03:49 PM

You can get pretty neat pictures if you have a black light.

Ilyena

10-22-2014, 06:04 PM

Aurelia - Yes one of those too are delightful, when you can get them XP

Mermaid Melanie

10-24-2014, 07:34 AM

Cool so I managed to get a pic of the left over silicone in a darker place so it's pretty nice glowing !

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I used dragon skin 10 slow cure. Living in Thailand the temp is pretty warm and humid and the silicone cures in about 3 hours here but I guess it might still be fully curing for a while longer

When I'm painting with the silicone if it starts to get too goopy I add a dash of thinner and that smoothed is back out and it means less waste and it still cures great

Almost finished scale tipping, I've been back at freediving training sessions so I haven't worked on it as much as I should have the past few days but I'm almost ready to start seaming and sandwiching the scales and fluke. My mom arrives tonight so hopefully she can help me with the seaming ! :D

Mermaid Wesley

10-24-2014, 12:44 PM

Oh that's cool! Is glow pigment expensive *thinks*

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PearlieMae

10-24-2014, 12:54 PM

I bought an ounce of this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G4TSQW0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and it's SO bright! $9.00+4.49 s&h

I also bought the blue and the purple, the blue is okay and the purple hardly shows/glows at all :(

Mermaid Wesley

10-24-2014, 01:02 PM

Hmmm. Bummer since it's the purple accents that I wanted to glow........ I suppose I could mix it into some scales. It is going to be teal, so blue/green should work right? Ooh what if I did long stripes in glow so that you only see the stripes in the dark like a bioluminescent fish.

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Sherielle

10-24-2014, 01:09 PM

Aurelia - Yes one of those too are delightful, when you can get them XP
I got a light with a pet urine cleaner that shows where your cats have peed. It's a mini black light and I use it when I take pictures of glow in the dark pendants I make. They are pretty cheap.

Mermaid Wesley

10-24-2014, 01:18 PM

Nice! Uv ftw

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Vela

10-24-2014, 01:46 PM

wow!! this is a great tail! Cant wait to see it completely done!

Mermaid Melanie

10-24-2014, 02:03 PM

Wow Pearlie ! thats pretty cheap in comparison ! I got mine from Bentleys Chemicals in the UK and it was a pot for 45.GBP and it seems to be going a long way so all good so far but yeah it was pretty expensive I guess ! I have a gel nails setting lamp which is like UV I think - will try that too ! I got the Blue/Green glow powder but on my tails its turning up pretty green as the tail is a greeny/teal colour but I think it looks pretty cool - may do 2 layers of tipping, but I'm gonna wait and see how the two sheets finished looks like. Ive got 1 and a half scale sheets done and just have a little to do tomorrow then comes the scary part - seaming !

PearlieMae

10-24-2014, 02:07 PM

Fins crossed that it all goes well!!!

PearlieMae

10-24-2014, 02:08 PM

Mermaid Melanie

10-24-2014, 02:15 PM

you could offer like glow in the dark mermaid tattoos ! :cool: imagine a tribal glow tail tat. I like that, Tail Tats !

Mermaid Wesley

10-24-2014, 03:44 PM

Reminds me of Avatar how their glowey spots were in patterns :)

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Mermaid Melanie

10-24-2014, 03:45 PM

Oooh Avatar tail ! That sounds awesome would love to play with some designs with that in mind !

Mermaid Wesley

10-24-2014, 03:55 PM

Oh gosh oh no stop me now XD

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26494926bdgqifkwb

10-29-2014, 02:27 PM

I've read this whole thread, and now I'm dying of suspense on how your tail is going to turn out! Haha.

MermaidAmestris

10-29-2014, 03:17 PM

Exactly! I haven't posted yet because all I could think was "Hurry up and tell us where you're at!" but I don't want to rush Melanie

Vrindavana Starfish

10-29-2014, 03:58 PM

I want to see glowy bioluminescent Avatar spots, and I'm already dreaming of how I'll have them on my future tail.

Mermaid Melanie

11-02-2014, 06:37 AM

Ha sorry I've bot updated so much guys ! Had a gig to travel to but I'll be back on the tail asap ! Getting excited for it to be finished ! Glad your all enjoying the process !

Mermaid Melanie

11-03-2014, 07:09 AM

Alright so I finished the scale tipping, I had to go over the last ones I did because they weren't as strong as the previous coating id done. The fluke glow lines have been added to the first half - tomorrow ill do the other fluke half then its seaming time ! My mums offered to help me with the seaming, so glad she's here to help me, it would have been an ordeal getting David to do it lol !

Mermaid Kelda

11-03-2014, 09:11 AM

Pictures!! :)

Mermaid Lyra

11-03-2014, 12:51 PM

I just read your entire process so far! So inspiring. Everything you have done is beautiful!! I can't wait to start working on my silicone tail :D
Amazing job Melanie I look forward to seeing how your tail comes out!!

Mermaid Melanie

11-04-2014, 03:26 AM

Thanks so much guys your words are so motivational ! I have finished adding my glow paint and I thought I'd use up what was left in the jar by pressing a shell into clay and making little glow I the dark she'll pendants ! Wish I'd thought of it sooner and I could have made lots of different coloured ones from the left over silicone ! Hope they turn out nice !

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Mermaid Kelda

11-04-2014, 04:23 AM

Ooh, nice idea! You could add them to head pieces and other accessories, too :)

MermaidAmestris

11-04-2014, 04:38 PM

I love the glowing shell things! I'd definitely buy one if you sold them. And if I had money. Ugh, stupid obstacles >:(

Mermaid Melanie

11-05-2014, 09:54 PM

Thanks guys ! - i was thinking i could maybe make nice little necklaces out of them and maybe I should look at opening a little Etsy store or something ? Would be nice to be making mermaid accessories ! The tails are wonderful to make and go through the whole process but its so much work and its way expensive to get the materials here.

MermaidAmestris

11-06-2014, 02:06 PM

Definitely! I'd buy so many of these things you'd have to cut me off

Mermaid Melanie

11-07-2014, 04:53 AM

Haha well I'll have to have a serious think about it and what kind of things I could offer ! I'm currently at the stage where I have got the lace attached to the monofin in strips and I'm ready to put the fluke together. Because my monofin is not flat ( it has a slight angle on the blade and reinforcers on the back ) I'm unsure of what to do . I think I'll lay the monofin out flat face down then cover the fun with silicone and place the back fluke piece on top, then I will place 1kg dive weights ontop of the fluke to keep the pressure. Once it has cured I'll turn it over carefully and do the top half but this time covering all of the fluke edges too then use bull dog clips and weights to keep it in place - does this sound like it's going to work ? I'm kind of freaking out about this part cuz I really want it to work !

Mermaid Melanie

11-08-2014, 06:18 AM

Well that was absolutely as chaotic as it looks
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I totally underestimated how much silicone is need for the gluing of the fluke so had to sip mid way and mix up another batch like lightening fast ! Lol I decided to just put 2 drainage holes as the straws were really distorting the fluke and made me think it wouldn't stick so good but I think the two I have in the middle will be good enough for it plus that little ridge is there so the drainage holes will be a continuation of that little ridge gap. So I'll let it set and tomorrow I'll flip it over and attach the other side and hold it in place with the clamps - fingers crossed ! X

Mermaid Leira

11-08-2014, 07:38 AM

Mizuko used lube up ruler for her drainage it worked fine :) looks great :) x

Miyu

11-08-2014, 08:22 AM

Oooh yay glow-in-the-dark! I've been making plans for an Avatar-inspired tail for quite some time, myself... Just need the money to make it happen! :money:

I can't wait to see how yours turns out, it's looking amazing thus far!

Mermaid Melanie

11-08-2014, 12:11 PM

I felt a bit unsure with this part since the monofin isn't flat so rulers and the straws were lifting the fluke half too much off the fun to get it to stick but the bend in the straws let me angle them to suit the fluke - so far I've added glow in the dark to the ridges on the fluke, front and back. Also on each scale I tipped them with the glow pigment and faded up the bottom on the fluke too. Can't wait to get some decent pictures to show you guys, it looks pretty cool in person !

In the morning I'm going to finish the fluke so I'll update you guys with the outcome - hope it sticks well !

Mermaid Kelda

11-08-2014, 08:50 PM

Fingers crossed for you, Melanie! It looks great! :)

Mermaid Melanie

11-08-2014, 10:17 PM

Wow okay - so I came into my first bit of trouble with cure inhibition. I was curious as to how this would turn out with my fin, I have custom sculpted foot pockets with stabilisers ( which i trimmed down ) on my SpecialFins mermaid mono fin. It turns out that this rubber and silicone don't mix but thats alright , they rest of the fluke stuck really good and the part that never cured was at the drainage channel anyway. Im thinking about the foot pockets and how ill get them to cure - I've already added lace to them so hopefully a thinner coat of silicone on these lace patches will let it cure - if not ill just have to make sure the scales over the foot pockets are sealed only at the sides and and snug enough to keep it from bunching up down there ... hmm interesting. Oh also I recommend covering your straws with vaseline when you put them in as drainage channels cuz they are hard to pull out afterwards ! well now its on to fluke half number 2 ! hope this works !

MermaidAmestris

11-09-2014, 12:13 AM

Sorry you ran into trouble! Good luck on the other side of the fluke :)

Mermaid Melanie

11-09-2014, 01:24 AM

Thanks Amestris - its not so bad it cured in all the other places. Ive just finished attaching the the two flukes and mono fin together - the bull dog clips i used were a bit too strong so I didnt use them on the sides or all of the fin but in a few thicker areas they works nicely . Safety pins for sure work wonders and they don't even leave a visible hole ! I would say also using a paint roller to roll over the fluke to push out air bubbles would be helpful at this stage and if i ever make another tail ill do that, this time i just used my hands and pushed out the air. I also made some more little shell/scale things... not sure what to do with them all yet lol the glow in the dark ones ill make into a necklace/s and the red and green i might make a little cuff or use them for a top maybe ? an individual scale top maybe ?

Mermaid Melanie

11-09-2014, 01:26 AM

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Miyu

11-09-2014, 03:10 AM

Eep, that's so glowy!!! NEED GLOW THINGS :D

Mermaid Melanie

11-09-2014, 09:33 PM

Wooop Wooooop ! So this morning I got up and checked on my fluke ! I removed all the pins and clips and weights and had a little struggle with some straws lol but I got there in the end ! I now have my very own custom mermaid fluke !!! :D so happy ! its super heavy lol my legs will end up like tree trunks swimming in this! Not sure how to post instagram videos here but ill hashtag Mernetwork on a video of my fin shortly ! I love they way it flops around at the edges. So close to finishing !! :D

rosiepiter

11-11-2014, 02:21 AM

wow they are lovely

I have this one mermaid tail (http://mermaidreams.com/rental-mermaid-tails)
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Mermaid Melanie

11-12-2014, 09:53 PM

Very cute tail Rosie ! Love the colours !

I've finished the fluke,
I added some extra "glue" around the seams I the fluke to make sure it stayed stuck and it's looking pretty good - I'll probably add a hint more glow in the dark detailing on the fluke. It's about 5kg I think I'm weight.

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Mermaid Leira

11-12-2014, 10:35 PM

beautiful :), did you trim the fluke around the foot pockets? :)

Mermaid Melanie

11-13-2014, 12:08 AM

Thanks Amy ! Actually no I didn't sculpt anything in that section because of the foot pockets - next time to do a fluke sculpt I will sculpt over that area with scales to continue into the tail I think - still working it all out but yeah the silicone won't cure if it's ontop of those rubber pockets so I used lace to cover them and hope that will work !

Mermaid Kelda

11-13-2014, 12:55 AM

It looks lovely! So glad it's coming together for you :)

Azurin Luna

11-13-2014, 01:54 AM

Woo! Lovely :D

Mermaid Kassandra

11-13-2014, 02:04 AM

It's such a beauty!!!
Good job mermaid!!! I'm going to love this tail 😍

Mermaid Leira

11-14-2014, 09:27 AM

That's how in doing mine :) hope it all inter grates ok, finally decided on a scale shape, for my first rail anyway lol

Mermaid Melanie

11-14-2014, 10:32 AM

Thanks guys ! I started trying to seam today and it was so tricky so what I've decided to do is attach the scales to the fluke at the bottom first and then work my way up the sides - here is a wee pic of the scales meeting the fluke

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It looks so awesome in the dark I just can't wait to try her out ! I really love the colours and the the glowing ! I'll be doing a shoot asap !

Morticia Mermaid

11-14-2014, 11:56 AM

Wow! It looks fantastic Melanie! Can't wait to see it finished, you're doing such an awesome job :D

Merman Arion

11-14-2014, 12:34 PM

This is awesome! :clap: :clap: :clap:

Envoyé de mon iPhone à l'aide de Tapatalk

Mermaid Melanie

11-18-2014, 10:16 PM

All the support you guys give is fantastic ! Im in the final stages now and I couldn't be happier ! Sorry I haven't posted much in the past few days but tapatalk is all weird on my phone, like harder to navigate or something ? so I can't find my thread on my phone to post lol. I finished sealing up the back to the scales to the fluke and today I'm going to join the front scales. Also have made enough cone shell pendants to make a pretty cool glow in the dark necklace so ill probs be attaching them to a chain of sorts today ! toying with the idea of my next tail ( if i make another ) being individual scales. Seaming these scales I have is pretty hard since they are thick but I poured them pretty thick all over so hell wrap it into me lol I was thinking of slicing the scales that will go underneath the seams so even out the sides and make the seams not toooo noticeable ! I feel a tricky time on its way !

Mermaid Melanie

11-22-2014, 11:26 PM

Okay so I did a little tester and sliced down the thickness of some scales and it looks like it will work so today I'm attaching the top scales to the fluke then its seam time then swim time :O :D

Mermaid Melanie

11-27-2014, 01:08 AM

So the scales are finally attached to the fluke ! today I did the first side seam with the help of my mum and uncle ! so so so close to the end its an amazing feeling seeing it all come together :D

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Mermaid Dottie

11-27-2014, 01:40 AM

It's so pretty Melanie!
You're gonna rock it!

Azurin Luna

11-27-2014, 01:47 AM

Oooh! Looks good already. Can't wait to see when it's done :D

Mermaid Leira

11-27-2014, 03:40 AM

Amazing work! Can't wait to see it in action :) so professional!

Mermaid Melanie

11-27-2014, 03:43 AM

Thanks lovelies ! :D it's been a long process but it's finally seeing the light lol I just silicones the side seams and I will reinforce them from the inside once it cures but it's working out well - seaming is for sure one of the hardest parts about it though ! 25670

Trident True

11-27-2014, 04:59 AM

ooooooh looking good. with your fluke i recon you could enhance it by adding black in the Veins. not a in your face black though. :)

AnnaJustyne24

11-27-2014, 07:15 AM

So Beautiful! Can't wait to see your first swim. Make sure you film it! :D

AniaR

11-27-2014, 08:20 AM

Wow way to go!!

Mermaid Saoirse

11-27-2014, 09:38 AM

I'm so happy for you! The tail looks gorgeous and no doubt it will swim amazingly in the water! I can't notice the monofin at all in the pictures and that's a great accomplishment for your first silicone tail. :D
The seams look good so far, but I have a question: I've noticed from seeing a lot of pictures of seaming a tail that pins are used. There's no chance of them damaging the tail? Usually when I'm working with something that can be a finicky as I've heard Silicone is I get really antsy about putting anything else near it.

Mermaid Melanie

11-27-2014, 11:33 AM

All I can think about is putting it on for the first time and getting in the water !

Trident - I was thinking of adding some darker aqua/green shading on the tail but I'm not sure ... its gotten to the point where I don't want to give myself more jobs cause I just want it finished lol but I do think maybe later down the line ill add some more colours to it !

Saoirse - Thanks ! My fluke was poured pretty thick I guess, or maybe its just the teardrop design that hides the edges of the mono fin, but yeah you can't really see it at all even when it moves so I'm pretty happy with that ! As for the pins - if you have thinner scales i would recommend being very careful where you pin the scales because maybe they might tear, my scales are very thick so I'm not worried about rips, the pins go in easy and they slip right out without leaving hole marks so I have found them really useful for holding bits in place !

I can see why theres not that much info on seaming the tail - it was quite the performance for us today lol I think making a plaster cast or body mould would make things a whole lot easier, but still its been a learning curve, and I know things that I would do differently in the future !

Also I found a distributor in asia that can get me the silicone at half the price I paid for it from AUS ! This is great because it cuts out a huge amount of the costs and might allow me to make more ! :D super excited !

Mermaid Kate Silverfin

11-28-2014, 04:18 AM

Looking amazing! Great work!

Would you mind sharing this distributor, if it's okay? I need some more dragonskin for a top and maybe extra fins for my tail, and I'd love to not have to pay $400 a gallon in Aus! Thanks!!

Mermaid Jessica Pearl

11-28-2014, 10:01 AM

I would also love to know your distributor! I have this vision of making lots of my own creations on top of the tops I have made but the price is so prohibitive here. Completely obsessed with your tail too. Just in awe of how beautiful it is.

Mermaid Melanie

11-29-2014, 03:44 AM

Thanks everyone ! Ive just finished pinning the second seam and I'm ecstatic ! tonight hopefully it will have cured and ill have my very own silicone tail :D

Kate and Jessica - I found a distributor in Singapore ( a bit closer to me in Thailand) through smooth-on's website but their prices were a lot better than the prices in AUS and since its not that far I reckon the shipping will be cheaper too ? here is the email you can request a price list from - sale@moldcreative.com.sg

I didnt realise these tails would be 1. SO HEAVY and 2. SO HOT.

Mermaid Kate Silverfin

11-29-2014, 05:26 AM

Whoo, that's fantastic, congratulations!
Thanks for the information!

Yep, very heavy and very very hot!

Jessica

11-29-2014, 12:27 PM

Melanie your tail is beautiful!!! Great job!

PearlieMae

11-29-2014, 01:55 PM

Wonderful work! I can't wait to see it swim!

On a side note, the pin holes will create weak spots, but if you smear a little more silicone on it, really thin, it will seal the holes and meld into one piece...no more weak spot!

Mermaid Melanie

11-30-2014, 08:44 PM

Thanks Jessica and Pearlie ! Ive reinforced both side and filled in any little gaps, holes and I must say, today is like the dawn of a new era. The tail is finally finished. I almost can't believe it lol. Im like a kid on Christmas. Im kinda gutted I can't make an unboxing video, because I finally feel the pure excitement and joy of owning your very own silicone tail. The journey to this point has been LONGGG, about 1 year its taken me to slowly work through each process. Theres been ups and downs and times when I felt like I wanted to give up and throw the towel in but I can honestly say that the feeling of accomplishment is worth all the blood, sweat and tears that go into making your own tail. so I guess I should post some pictures ! :D hope you guys like the final outcome!

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Now lovely mermaids, mermen and merlings ! Im taking this baby down to the pool today ! :D Have dreamt about this moment ! For sure Ill get lots of pictures and videos ! hope it swims good ! Ill let you all know later when I return !

Mermaid Aika

11-30-2014, 08:47 PM

Mer-gal

11-30-2014, 08:53 PM

Ahhhhh! I am so excited for you! Your tail looks amazing!

Jessica

11-30-2014, 09:03 PM

You've done an amazing job!! It's the best feeling in the world to swim in a tail you made yourself:) you did an incredible job with it and it's so beautiful!! Can't wait to see pictures of you in it!

Vrindavana Starfish

11-30-2014, 09:48 PM

Wow Melanie, it's elegant!

Mermaid Leira

11-30-2014, 10:08 PM

Congraulations! I can't wait to see a pic of yu in it, almost finished sculpting my sale sheet, count down is on!

Miyu

11-30-2014, 10:17 PM

DAT FLUKE :swoon:

Mermaid Melanie

12-01-2014, 09:51 AM

Thanks guys for all your kind words and support - its been great to have the thread to track my progress and you guys gave me lots of motivation ! I took the tail for its first ever swim today ! I was super excited and even a little nervous to use it but it was just magical ! I got to the pool this morning intending on training statics, DYN and DNF but today ended up just me playing in my tail all day haha ! My coach was more than happy to play around in the pool and take some videos and pictures for me so it was a lovely day !

It didnt take me too long to get into my tail, but it was a bit of a struggle to get my feet secured in the foot pockets - I'm thinking of using some sort of horse shoe or hook to get a better hold of the straps for when I put the tail on. It actually only took my about 5 - 10 mins to get into the tail. It was quite funny because I was struggling to get it to sit over my butt properly and asked a friend to hold me up in the water a little. while she had her arms under mine standing at the side of the pool she lost balance and fell in ontop of me lol so my first pool entry with the tail was anything but ladylike haha its almost like Ariel in reverse, she gets legs and falls over, I get a tail and fall over haha I was surprised at the neutral buoyancy, like I honestly thought cause my tail was so thick and heavy it would be slightly negative but nope it was all good !

Its a lot different swimming in a silicone tail compared to a fabric tail. It was a lot more restricting and for sure it felt like harder work on the legs ! Cant skip leg day if i want to keep swimming in this bad boy ! I really like the level of flowyness and in general how the tail turned out ! In person you can see the seams if you look for them but in photos and videos I don't think they are that bad ! I managed to do a no warm up 25m in the tail with 5 strokes, thats 1 stroke more than I take in normal freediving equipment.

I have a short clip on my Instagram - Copperlocks
And here is the video Walter put together today for me, Im going to get the original file and adjust the colours with my computer software as its a little blue but I'm really happy with how it looks in the water!

Hope you guys like it !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4sQxdac-cI&feature=youtu.be

Mermaid Saoirse

12-01-2014, 10:30 AM

It turned out amazing! Congrats on the first swim, too! Looks like you had a lot of fun :)

Theobromine

12-01-2014, 04:00 PM

That looks amazing, I love it! You did such a good job on the seaming and painting, it all looks really smooth and professional, and it flows very realistically in the water! Just the right amount of flexibility without looking too floppy. Fantastic!

Mermaid Kelda

12-01-2014, 04:10 PM

It's stunning, and you swim so beautifully! The heels are hardly noticeable and it looks like it fits you perfectly.

Zirconmermaid

12-01-2014, 04:31 PM

I love how the tail looks, and that fluke is magical!

Merman Jamie

12-01-2014, 04:51 PM

It looks awesome in the water and great job on the whole tail.

Sherielle

12-01-2014, 05:05 PM

Beautiful job!

Vrindavana Starfish

12-01-2014, 05:34 PM

It's stunning, and you swim so beautifully! The heels are hardly noticeable and it looks like it fits you perfectly.

What heels?

;)

Mermaid Leira

12-01-2014, 06:02 PM

It's magnificent! Absolutely one of the best tails I've seen and it was your first, you should be so proud! and it looks to fit perfect! You have set the bar high Melanie! :)

Mermaid Wesley

12-01-2014, 06:07 PM

That's fantastic! Congratulations!

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MermaidAmestris

12-01-2014, 07:31 PM

Wow Melanie, it looks fintastic! It swims beautifully

Mermaid Danielle

12-01-2014, 08:53 PM

Beautiful job! The tail turned out great!

OceanWhisper

12-01-2014, 10:41 PM

That tail is absolutely incredible!! I found this thread today and read the whole journey of your tail making :D You've done an amazing job, it looks just stunning!!! :swoon: And hey, if you ever decided to make another tail, you can skip a whole lotta stuff because you have the moulds etc! :D I'm SOOO inlove with that fluke shape! *AHHH*

Mermaid Jessica Pearl

12-02-2014, 02:30 AM

*Drools at amazingness*

Trident True

12-02-2014, 05:22 AM

WOW, it looks fantastic the fluke moves extremely well you get that realistic look. I also must say that it fits like a glove. nice and tight on the body which gives you the look of actual skin. in the vid I also noticed that when you were stationary in the water you didn't float to the surface. i seem to float when i become stationary is there something im doing wrong in the water for me to float up? the hard work and patience deff payed off and yes its deff a learning curve, you learn so much on the way but you personally want to ensure that you are doing it the right way. so when you craft your new masterpiece (new tail) it will become a lot more easier. GREAT WORK :jawdrop:

Azurin Luna

12-02-2014, 06:54 AM

I love the look of your fluke in the water, it's nice flowy but not to much, just as I like them :)
Love the colors too :D

Gratz on your first swim!

MermaidAmestris

12-02-2014, 02:19 PM

I also noticed that when you were stationary in the water you didn't float to the surface. i seem to float when i become stationary is there something im doing wrong in the water for me to float up?

I think the floating depends on the person. Some people are more buoyant than others, so some people will float and some will sink. There are ways to learn to sink (I think, I get a lot of information by reading Raina's thread posts before) but until you get it down, you can always use a weight belt to help teach yourself

Mermaid Melanie

12-02-2014, 08:21 PM

Wow guys I don't know what to say,I just wanted thank everyone for all the kind words, Im so glad you all like it, I feel like I've really accomplished something and can't wait to swim in my tail any chance I get !
I went to the deep pool with David and he did some awesome underwater shots for me, was such good fun and I was really happy with the pics ! Ill post some on the "I just had a photoshoot" thread but heres one for now and you can also see them on my Facebook page !

25740

Mermaid Leira

12-02-2014, 08:31 PM

They look fantastic, your success I'd keeping me motivated with mine! So much to do its hard to not become overwhelmed! X

Mermaid Melanie

12-02-2014, 08:50 PM

Mermaid Leira

12-02-2014, 09:37 PM

oh thanks Amy ! I know it can be very overwhelming sometimes but the best thing to do is just take it step by step and worry about the next part when you get there - I spent so much time humming and hawing over little things and wasted a lot of time. I work really well with checklists, so maybe you could make a little list of steps still to be completed and try to work through it one by one.

Thanks Melanie, almost finished my scale sheet, it's taken aaaages becuase I hand cut and carved them all then it's casting in resin, pulling out the clay, cleaning and letting it degas and pouring the silicone, painting, sandwiching fluke and seaming to go! I will get there! :)

Mermaid Melanie

12-02-2014, 11:18 PM

That it ! you will be fine I'm sure ! the scales probs took me the longest to do because I messed up with the release - make sure you put plenty of release on the scales ! you don't want to be stuck sanding down the scales for the next 2 weeks lol I'm excited to see your tail ! and if you have any questions Id be happy to help ( if I can lol ) xx

Mermaid Melanie

12-02-2014, 11:22 PM

I must say my Facebook page is like exploding ! The silicone tail seems to be good for boosting the mer- rep lol my post reach went from around 1,000 to over 9,000 in just a few days ! Ive never paid to boost any posts before so its all organic but wow its amazing to see it growing like this !

26494926bdgqifkwb

12-03-2014, 09:34 AM

I'm so amazed at how naturally it flows through the water! I hope mine turns out this way when I finally make it!

MerEmma

12-03-2014, 09:41 AM

BEAUTIFUL TAIL!! You did such an awesome job on it! Congratulations!! :jawdrop:

Mermaid Melanie

12-04-2014, 09:09 AM

Thanks again lovely mermaids ! If anyone has any questions about the tail making process I went through, please feel free to ask ! I have a stack of videos I'm working my way through from the past few months so I might not get a silicone tail video out for another week or so but I'm going to try and push out the backdated ones first !

Mermaid Lyra

12-08-2014, 09:21 PM

Mermaid Melanie, Your tail looks amazing!! I just have one question... what exactly did you use to "glue" the seams and the monofin to the tail?
Is it just more silicone?
I'm starting my process today! I am so excited! You are such an inspiration!

Thank you!!!!

AniaR

12-08-2014, 10:43 PM

Ive seen it shared a lot Mel and on tumblr redirecting to your FB so I bet that's why! congrats

Mermaid Melanie

12-08-2014, 11:05 PM

Thanks Marissa ! Yes silicone sticks to itself so it acts as a gule when making tails !

Oh really Raina ? I'm not on tumblr very much or haven't totally figured it out I had no idea people were sharing my stuff ! Must check it out ... Somehow lol

Mermaid Kassandra

12-09-2014, 05:58 AM

I'm in awe <3
You did a wonderful job, just like a professional tail maker and I wouldn't say this was your first tail!!
Wow!!

Mermaid Sabie

01-10-2015, 07:17 PM

Wow you're tail looks amazing! I loved how many pics you posted while making it, really helpful!!!

AnnaAbyss

01-18-2015, 12:24 AM

Beautiful! Thanks for making a video showing the tail in action! And congratulations on an awesome tail making job. This thread has been the most helpful one yet for getting my head around constructing a silicone tail. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and process. :D

Mermaid Melanie

01-22-2015, 05:41 AM

Thanks guys Im glad you feel like the thread helped out ! I am posting here today to ask for help by you voting for me in the Miss Diving Specials competition. I would really appreciate any of your help ! Despite being a scuba instructor for almost 5 years I've never been on a diving holiday, I've only ever worked as a diver and would love this opportunity to experience this ! I promise I will take lots of fab pictures and videos and also take the tail with me for some fun mermaid shots ! Please click the link below to vote for me. xxxx

https://premium.easypromosapp.com/voteme/29714/619471100

Mermaid Kelda

01-22-2015, 06:01 AM

Voted! Good luck! :)

CowgirlMermaid

01-22-2015, 06:05 AM

I also voted!
Never commented on this thread, but I followed it every step.
Good Luck!

Azurin Luna

01-22-2015, 06:38 AM

Voted too, good luck :D

Mermaid Melanie

01-22-2015, 08:44 AM

Thank you so much for the support lovelies ! I really appreciate the help ! if you could be bothered sharing the link with your friends that would be awesome ! the leader has about 430 votes so I'm trying to catch up since i just started yesterday ! This would be a dream come true for me !

https://premium.easypromosapp.com/voteme/29714/619471100

Yulia

01-22-2015, 08:51 AM

I voted too! You deserve to win. :)

Miyu

01-22-2015, 09:20 AM

I voted :)

Mermaid Julianne

01-22-2015, 09:33 AM

I voted as well. I hope you win!

East coast mermaid

01-22-2015, 10:49 AM

I voted, you have a beautiful tail! If you won would you bring your tail? :)

Maethor

01-22-2015, 11:16 AM

Voted! Good luck!

Mermaid Melanie

01-23-2015, 12:31 AM

You guys are all so awesome !!!! Thank you so much for your help ! For sure if I win I will take my tail with me ! It would be an amazing experience to be able to shoot there ! Im trying my best with e-mailing as many people as I can think of to ask for help by voting so if you guys have a moment and wouldnt mind sharing the link that would be lekka ! <3 Im thinking of posting a new video/ picture for every 100 votes i get ? do you think that will help ?

https://premium.easypromosapp.com/voteme/29714/619471100

PearlieMae

01-23-2015, 12:48 AM

Your tail came out wonderfully! Congratulations!

I missed what monofin you are using...it moves so beautifully!

Off to vote for you now!

Mermaid Melanie

01-23-2015, 01:35 AM

Aw thank you so much Pearlie ! I used the SpecialFins "dolphin" monofin and asked them to custom cut the mermaid shape - its fiberglass i think and it is very light but strong, I would highly recommend it ! ( it hides easy under the fluke sides too so you could actually make the fluke a lot thinner than I did )

Sherielle

01-23-2015, 12:53 PM

Voted and shared on my facebook jewelry page.

Mermaid Melanie

01-23-2015, 11:21 PM

Thanks Sherielle ! Thats so nice of you ! Ill go check out your page and share it with my friends ! :D xxx

Mermaid Melanie

01-24-2015, 01:46 AM

Okay guys ! I made it to 300 votes ! So here is the first video for the comp ! I will post another video once we hit 400 votes ! I hope you guys can like, vote and share this with your friends and family !

Voting link - https://premium.easypromosapp.com/voteme/29714/619471100

http://youtu.be/YBkK-Qdlvro

Mermaid Riia

01-24-2015, 01:09 PM

ZOMG that video <3 love love love!
You can count on my vote

Mermaid Melanie

01-24-2015, 10:09 PM

Thanks Riiarin! I really appreciate the vote ! The girl in the lead has jumped a good few 100 in the past day or so! so if you could share the link with your friends and ask them to vote that would fintastic ! xx

Mermaid Melanie

01-28-2015, 04:55 AM

Hey lovelies ! Thank you so much for all the support ! This morning I woke up to just over 500 votes and sorry its taken me all day to upload the video ! ( crappy internet ! ) But here it is ! 500 votes video! next video will be posted once 600 votes has been reached ! we are on 537 votes just now so if you guys could please vote and share if you haven't already that would be so great!

VOTE HERE
https://premium.easypromosapp.com/voteme/29714/619471100

http://youtu.be/rzT7nNlL57c?list=UUxtHYVSase_ma3nvfFJrL4w

Ilyena

01-28-2015, 05:07 AM

Voted ^_^

Mermaid Melanie

01-29-2015, 01:21 AM

Thank you so much guys ! You are all amazing ! I really am blown away because when I entered , I had no idea I could go this far ! I would really love to win but if I don't, its not from lack of trying ! I did a boat party in Phang Nga bay 2 days ago to try and promote myself for the competition and have made posters and flyers to hang and hand out ! My amazing boyfriend David has been messaging people round the clock trying to find more votes and its been amazing to see all the support from our friends, family and friends of friends even ! It really would mean a lot to me to win this competition, Ive never dove anywhere else in the world, other than here, where I work. It would be a dream come true ( i know cheesy, but it would ! ) to win and go to the Maldives ! Its somewhere I always wanted to go but thought id never have the money or the chance and now I might just make it there ! Ill be obviously gutted if I don't win but thanks to everyone who has helped me try to win ! If you guys have a moment to share the link with some friends that would be a great help in putting me closer to winning !

Vote Here -
https://premium.easypromosapp.com/voteme/29714/619471100

Mermaid Alea

01-29-2015, 06:00 PM

I am trying to get my boyfriend to reply to me to give me his facebook login. I don't have facebook but I really want to vote for you!!! I really hope you win that sounds like it would be a very amazing trip especially to be able to bring your tail for photos.

Dang he hasn't replied to me for an hour...I will spam him with texts until he gives me his login info!:p

Mermaid Melanie

01-30-2015, 11:35 PM

Aw thanks Minxfox, thats really nice of you to go out your way like that ! I have made it past 600 votes now but someone else has over taken me so I'm back down to 4th place for now ! Thanks so much to everyone who has been voting ! Ive been doing my best to promote myself for this competition and get the word out but I need your help to reach more wonderful people ! If you can please vote and share my voting link with your mer-sisters/bros/mamas and tenders, that would be a huge help to me ! Here is the 600 Votes video, I hope you guys like it ! Yesterday I went to film more underwater shots in my silicone tail. We took it to the sea for the first time and also did a scuba supplied shoot which was a great experience ! I can't wait to show you all the video from yesterday but I need 700 votes till the next video ! We are close at 640 ! 60 more votes till the next video will be posted !

Vote Here -
https://premium.easypromosapp.com/voteme/29714/619471100

http://youtu.be/-aFTOgCvzxI