First Tail need some tips and tricks <3

[NixieOona]

hey my fellow fishes,

ive started making a neoprene tail but i still need a few answers to things and it would be so awsome if you could help me ^-^


what thread do i best use for sewing neoprene together
are there specific needles i should use
2 or 2.5 or 3 mm neoprene ?
how do i best make realistic scales?
what paint can i use if i paint the scales
are there other ways than molding silicone or painting the neoprene i can make it look real?
how do i get the mono fin inside of the end product?
any thing else you would like me to know please ad!!!!


i will be swimming lake and ocean if that information is needed.

thanks already guys all the love <3333:hug:

[Ashton]

1. I used nylon thread, you can buy it at foamorder.com
2. yes, you need a leather needle (hooked is the best shape to use)
3. I would say 2mm is a bit on the thick side, it will be hard to sew by hand but it will keep you afloat with out moving.
4. craft foam circles I have found make the best scales, look at some threads and you can see others do theirs outta clay, ect... that is if you are casting
5. depends on if you are using silicone, latex, or just painting on neoprene.... With silicone you need to mix the powder pigment into it before applied, latex you can use airbrush paints or powder pigments. Just painting onto neoprene you can use just acrylic paints.
6. Painting takes skill/practice, and 'real' depends on your design.
7. You sandwich it in-between the silicone/neoprene, leaving some parts open for water to drain out of.
8. Do research and tests before you jump into this. I am not saying don't do it- I am just saying being well informed and taking notes on how other people have gone about tail-making is very helpful!


Helpful tutorial:
http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?6947-Silicone-Mermaid-Tail-Turtorial&highlight=mineral+spirits