Mermaid Kelda's New Tail by Pearlie Mae

[PearlieMae]

I am honored to announce that I will be making a tail for Mermaid Kelda, and will be chronicling her tail journey here (with her permission, of course!)!

I'm so excited! :yay:

[Mermaid Kassandra]

I just can't wait for you to start!!! :D

Super excited 😃

[Mermaid Adriel]

YAY! :dance:

[AniaR]

awesome!

[Mermaid Galene]

I look forward to following this project!

[Sherielle]

Another Pearlie tail! Yay!! I can't wait to see the progress.

[Vela]

So excited!! Can't wait to see this tail!!

[Fifi Tigg]

Congratulations! Cannot wait to see your next master piece :D

[CowgirlMermaid]

Yay! Can't wait, it's gonna be another awesome tail for sure!
Good luck!

[Yulia]

I'm as happy as the other mers here, it's going to be so cool seeing another maemaidtail!

What colors will it be?

[deepblue]

Seriously- cannot wait, subscribing to this thread.

[Miyu]

YAY, another PearlieMae tail! :yay:Also subscribing to this thread!

[PearlieMae]

I'm as happy as the other mers here, it's going to be so cool seeing another maemaidtail!

What colors will it be?


Ooh..so far, she has three main colorways in mind...I will let her post the photos she wants to share...

It's hard because she's in Australia and probably sound asleep right now!

[Mermaid Kelda]

Eeeeee! I'm so excited! I'm still working on my colours but I'll post them as soon as I have them :)

[Mermaid Freyja]

Yay!! After reading that looooooong but amazing thread on your tail, PearlieMae, I'm truly looking forward to watching this one for Melania take shape. It's going to be stunning!
I also want to say *thank you*, for such an in depth glance at how to work with silicone the way you did. I'm rather new to all this, but I'm also a crafter and costumer that is heavily detail oriented (I just finished a replica of some chainmaille shieldmaiden armor from the 'Vikings' TV show). So of course, I'm thinking of using the individual scales method if I ever make a tail with silicone.
;)
xoxo

[Mermaid Melanie]

Ha that's cool I have a friend working as a French soldier on that Vikings tv show ! The costumes are pretty awesome !

[swimmingsammi95]

Exciting!

[Echidna]

*undecipherable noises*

zomg, I'm hyped!
keep us updated!! :dance:

[Mermaid Kelda]

Hokay, I made collages of all my favourite colour scheme ideas, so I'd love to get everyone's feedback! :)



http://i.imgur.com/HoETOjK.png
COSMOS TAIL
Inspiration: opals, mother of pearl, galaxies, crystals
Main colours: mostly cool colours - deep blues, soft violet, teals, pastels, accents of electric blue and gold/silver

This was my first idea for the tail, and probably my most ambitious. I wanted to catch all the colours of galaxies and nebulae, with a bit of the stark beauty and harshness of crystal formations, and in the end make a full costume that is a little other-worldly. I know a couple of other mers - off the top of my head Galene, Selene and Aino - have designed space-themed tails, however loosely, so I don't want to step on any toes here! However, I am confident Pearlie could come up with something fantastically unique! :)

Costume ideas: crystal accents, iridescent fins, pale hair, violet contacts




http://i.imgur.com/5GUm6QE.png
FAE TAIL
Inspiration: peaches, cherry blossoms, water colours, the sky at dusk
Main colours: pastels! mostly violet & peach, with pink accents & sage green


Pastels aren't usually my thing, but there are some colours I really gravitate towards, especially in this combination; I love the overall look of the delicate violets and rosey pinks, calming greens and soft peaches. For my fae colour scheme, I wanted to lean towards the ethereal and ephemeral.


Costume ideas: wings, pastel hair, decorative blossoms, soft bronze jewellery






http://i.imgur.com/XWr0H2H.png
CORAL TAIL
Inspiration: pale oceans, coral reefs, seafoam, salmon, overcast skies
Main colours: soft teal, grey-blues, bright coral pink


I really love coral paired with teal. Like, adore it. It feels so mermaidy without being the stereotypical blue or orange (not that there's anything wrong with that ;) ). My ocean/mermaid-themed tumblr is always centred around these colours. I also like that it's a mix of soft & strong colours, so I'd stand out a little more without being over-the-top.


Costume ideas: pearls, coral-inspired jewellery, light fabrics & soft lace accents



http://i.imgur.com/eNiv7d4.png
L'AUTOMNE TAIL
Inspiration: Mucha, autumn leaves, harvest fruit
Main colours: deep orange, rust, muted reds, creamy peach

I'm an autumn, so this seemed like a natural colour choice :) I wanted to pull the oranges away from the Splash tail, so they're deeper and more muted - almost brown. I would maybe throw some grey-green or olive in there, to break it up a bit!

Costume ideas: russet/deep brown hair, autumn leaves/berries, garlands, bronze & gold accents, earthy accessories



http://i.imgur.com/w2lvAp1.png
LAGOON TAIL
Inspiration: freshwater fish, toadstools, forests, ponds, kelp
Main colours: deep red, burgundy, muted greens, moss, cream

These are the colours that were originally going to go on my tail from Kanti. I love this colour scheme, but it's a little too close to my current tail's colours, I think. Richer and deeper, definitely, but if I'm spending this much money on something, I want it to be significantly different from what I already have. So, I suppose this is only in here because I like looking at it ;)

[Seraphina Suds]

Woah! All of those are brilliantly laid out! I vote for the cosmos and coral~

[PearlieMae]

I know! Let's do one of each!

:yay:

[deepblue]

My thoughts EXACTLY. I want to see each of these completed! Soo pretty.

[Echidna]

I know! Let's do one of each!


yep, I like them all.
Incidentally, in the order you listed them, but that's only my personal preference.

Spoilt for choice, I guess.
I'll be stalking this thread!

[Sherielle]

Opal!! I love those colors

[Mermaid Freyja]

Ooh, Cosmos has my vote!

[Meronica]

Cosmos or the autumn one. (: Maybe it's because I'm a ginger but I loooove those reds.

[Mermaid Kelda]

I know! Let's do one of each!

:yay:
Well that'd be nice, but so would 20,000 dollars :P

[Mermaid Wesley]

I love the fae one. Very pretty.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[swimmingsammi95]

Totally love the cosmo and fae ones!!! And beautifully done collages!!

[Harpress]

Wow Melaina! How did you do those collages? They look fantastic! :)

[Mermaid Kelda]

Thank you! :) I have a folder full of art and random images that I've found and use as inspiration for various things - I just pulled a bunch of those out to match the main inspiration image, threw them in Gimp, cropped and changed the colours so they were more in line with the colour scheme, and played around with positioning until I was happy :) it wasn't hard!

[Harpress]

You are one clever MerLady Melaina! They look Beautiful. How ever will you choose??
Any one you go with is going to be stunning. I peeked through PearlMae's tail making thread and was blown away by her attention to detail and her talent. She's one gifted artist. How wonderful that you are getting a tail that's going to be made with so much love :)

[Mermaid Galene]

I love the cosmos design! And no worries about stepping on toes here; mermaids don't have them, you know. :lol: We could start a Neil DeGrasse Tyson pod!

[Miyu]

I've been dreaming of something cosmos-themed as well... My nickname is Moonlight, I've had an affinity for celestial motifs since I was a small child... Also, I am planning a cherry blossom-themed tail with Kat Arnold, though mine is probably far less muted of colours than yours, LOL :P

Gah I really love all of your ideas... but especially also the coral one - I've a thing for coral as a mermaid, and I think it would especially suit your location since Australia actually has coral reefs!

[Mermaid Kelda]

Any one you go with is going to be stunning. I peeked through PearlMae's tail making thread and was blown away by her attention to detail and her talent. She's one gifted artist. How wonderful that you are getting a tail that's going to be made with so much love :)
I couldn't agree more! :) I can't wait to see what she comes up with. I know it'll be absolutely breathtaking!


I love the cosmos design! And no worries about stepping on toes here; mermaids don't have them, you know. :lol: We could start a Neil DeGrasse Tyson pod!
Let's! A pod of space mermaids would be fantastic, haha! :)


I think it would especially suit your location since Australia actually has coral reefs!
Well, hopefully for a while longer at least! Global warming and short-sighted politicians might change that...

[PearlieMae]

Well that'd be nice, but so would 20,000 dollars :P

Oh, I'd give you a volume discount ;)

I know which one I am leaning towards, but I will not try to influence you...I want to make you the tail that YOU will love! I'll be sending you a questionnaire soon so we can start the design!

[Mermaid Kelda]

Oh, I'd give you a volume discount ;)
If I had anywhere near $20,000, I would gladly accept! :P

Well, my two favourites are cosmos and coral. There are fewer colours in the coral tail, so I feel your fantastically intricate process would be wasted on it... Maybe in my next tail ;)

The general consensus seems to be cosmos, and I think I agree!

[PearlieMae]

Hehehe! Then my prediction was right! When I saw that beautiful slice of opal, I hoped you'd be leaning in that direction!

(PS: I like the coral tail, too, but it seems like it would be an extension of the colorway you already have in the tail in your avatar. The cosmos tail would be a nice counterpoint.)

[Mermaid Galene]

And Galene adds another quarter to her PearlieMae tail fund jar...

[Fifi Tigg]

I vote the cosmos tail because it reminds me of the beautiful opals I saw in Lightning Ridge, NSW 😊

[PearlieMae]

Australia is known for it's beautiful opals, isn't it? (Among many other beautiful gems and mermaids!)

[Mermaid Kelda]

It is! It also happens to be my birth stone. So, fitting, I think :)


I like the coral tail, too, but it seems like it would be an extension of the colorway you already have in the tail in your avatar. The cosmos tail would be a nice counterpoint.)
My tail is green and... Ehm, I'm not sure how to describe the other colour xD sort of a pastel burgundy out of water, and a much more brilliant burgundy in water. The coral tail is more blue, and the pink colour closer to orange. But, yes, regardless, the cosmos tail will be totally totally different!

I'm wondering if I want the colours lighter or darker... Darker would be more "spacey", but lighter would fit more with my ideas for iridescent fins and crystal accessories. Maybe both! Mother of pearl on my belly, opal on my butt ;)

[Mermaid Lorelei]

I love the idea of both light and dark colors. It makes for a definite fishy look and gives a great contrast while swimming.

[Mermaid Laurell]

I'm so excited to see what comes out of this! It's going to be lovely!! EEK!

[PearlieMae]

The beauty of the individual scales is that we can have light and dark of all your colors!

Is there a particular fish with markings or patterns you like?

[Mermaid Kelda]

Is there a particular fish with markings or patterns you like?
Not really; I like spots, like on salmon, but I'm not sure that would work with so many colours. I feel like the blending and marbling of the colours will be pattern enough. I don't want to go overboard!

[Merman Jamie]

ill be watching this thread.

[PearlieMae]

I'm ordering your dragonskin today, Melaina! I'll be making some test scales this weekend! :dance:

[Mermaid Sirenia]

So excited to see this tail come to life!


~Mermaid Sirenia~

[Mermaid Kelda]

Can't wait! :D

[Mermaid Gracie Rose]

AHH in love

[PearlieMae]

Just poured a few test scales, Prussian Blue, turquoise, and true blue... ;)
24861

[Mermaid Kelda]

Eeee :D

[Mermaid Kelda]

I had a go at designing some "spacey" looking flukes... I'm partial to the luna and luna omega, the ursa, and the nova, but I want to get some feedback from everyone! I'm not 100% set on any of them.

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

http://i.imgur.com/I3V0JFu.jpg

[Mermaid Wesley]

Sailor!!! Sailor mermaid!!!! Sailor scout!!! Adorable!!!! But I also like the luna omega


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[CowgirlMermaid]

I think Luna, Luna Omega or Nova would look awesome, but mostly Luna Omega and Nova.

[Mermaid Kelda]

Sailor!!! Sailor mermaid!!!! Sailor scout!!!
I was trying to think of a name and for some reason the circle made me think of sailor scouts xD

[Mermaid Melanie]

love those webbed side fins too ! Lovely designs ! Luna Omega and Nova are gorgeous ! x

[Merman Jamie]

I Vote for the Luna Omega

[Harpress]

Melaina! These are Gorgeous!

[Jeblily]

Luna Omega and Nova... Oh and I saw you had used the same picture in three of your collages do you have the link to the whole picture it is really pretty!!!

24865

[Mermaid Blaire]

I love the Nova.
The luna omega would be my second choice.

Though, all your designs are beautiful! :)

[Starfrit]

My vote's for the Luna Omega. It's gorgeous!

[PearlieMae]

I had a go at designing some "spacey" looking flukes... I'm partial to the luna and luna omega, the ursa, and the nova, but I want to get some feedback from everyone! I'm not 100% set on any of them.

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

http://i.imgur.com/I3V0JFu.jpg

Ooooooh! I know which one is my favorite! ;)

[MerEmma]

I really love the Crystal, the Luna, Neptune and the Sol...gahh, such unique designs!

[Mermaid Cascada]

The nova fluke is so gorgeous! All of them are beautiful designs! I can't wait to see how this tail turns out!

[Mermaid Kelda]

Oh and I saw you had used the same picture in three of your collages do you have the link to the whole picture it is really pretty!!!
You sleuth you! I'm on my mobile but when I get home tonight I will send it to you. It is really pretty! :)

Thank you everyone! I might do a larger sketch of the favourites so far, with some added fins and accessory ideas.

[PearlieMae]

I can't wait! You are going to make my job easy! Great work!

:mermaid kiss:

[Prince Calypso]

Hokay, I made collages of all my favourite colour scheme ideas, so I'd love to get everyone's feedback! :)



http://i.imgur.com/HoETOjK.png
COSMOS TAIL
Inspiration: opals, mother of pearl, galaxies, crystals
Main colours: mostly cool colours - deep blues, soft violet, teals, pastels, accents of electric blue and gold/silver

This was my first idea for the tail, and probably my most ambitious. I wanted to catch all the colours of galaxies and nebulae, with a bit of the stark beauty and harshness of crystal formations, and in the end make a full costume that is a little other-worldly. I know a couple of other mers - off the top of my head Galene, Selene and Aino - have designed space-themed tails, however loosely, so I don't want to step on any toes here! However, I am confident Pearlie could come up with something fantastically unique! :)

Costume ideas: crystal accents, iridescent fins, pale hair, violet contacts




http://i.imgur.com/5GUm6QE.png
FAE TAIL
Inspiration: peaches, cherry blossoms, water colours, the sky at dusk
Main colours: pastels! mostly violet & peach, with pink accents & sage green


Pastels aren't usually my thing, but there are some colours I really gravitate towards, especially in this combination; I love the overall look of the delicate violets and rosey pinks, calming greens and soft peaches. For my fae colour scheme, I wanted to lean towards the ethereal and ephemeral.


Costume ideas: wings, pastel hair, decorative blossoms, soft bronze jewellery






http://i.imgur.com/XWr0H2H.png
CORAL TAIL
Inspiration: pale oceans, coral reefs, seafoam, salmon, overcast skies
Main colours: soft teal, grey-blues, bright coral pink


I really love coral paired with teal. Like, adore it. It feels so mermaidy without being the stereotypical blue or orange (not that there's anything wrong with that ;) ). My ocean/mermaid-themed tumblr is always centred around these colours. I also like that it's a mix of soft & strong colours, so I'd stand out a little more without being over-the-top.


Costume ideas: pearls, coral-inspired jewellery, light fabrics & soft lace accents



http://i.imgur.com/eNiv7d4.png
L'AUTOMNE TAIL
Inspiration: Mucha, autumn leaves, harvest fruit
Main colours: deep orange, rust, muted reds, creamy peach

I'm an autumn, so this seemed like a natural colour choice :) I wanted to pull the oranges away from the Splash tail, so they're deeper and more muted - almost brown. I would maybe throw some grey-green or olive in there, to break it up a bit!

Costume ideas: russet/deep brown hair, autumn leaves/berries, garlands, bronze & gold accents, earthy accessories



http://i.imgur.com/w2lvAp1.png
LAGOON TAIL
Inspiration: freshwater fish, toadstools, forests, ponds, kelp
Main colours: deep red, burgundy, muted greens, moss, cream

These are the colours that were originally going to go on my tail from Kanti. I love this colour scheme, but it's a little too close to my current tail's colours, I think. Richer and deeper, definitely, but if I'm spending this much money on something, I want it to be significantly different from what I already have. So, I suppose this is only in here because I like looking at it ;)


Omg the Galaxy colors are my favorite. thsoe are exactly the color schemes ive been wanting in my tail. I'm fan-girling hard right now

[Mermaid Kelda]

Oh and I saw you had used the same picture in three of your collages do you have the link to the whole picture it is really pretty!!!
Never mind, found it!
http://chaotic-muffin.deviantart.com/art/little-mermaid-358049294

[Mermaid Kelda]

Did a rough mock up of the three top designs... As well as a fourth that just sort of happened, haha. I love all of them and I can't choose D:

I do feel that the luna is a bit too regular ol' fish, and not enough spacey-feel. I can always do edits, though. As well as swap around fins and tops and accessories if I feel they'd look better with particular flukes!

http://i.imgur.com/G27inVW.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Ne4rYGs.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/d48YR1R.jpg

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

[Azurin Luna]

Cool fluke designs! Some are even close to my own design in some ways :)

The ones I like are Luna Omega, Terra and Ursa.

[Vrindavana Starfish]

Nova and Sailor Omega, although if I did Sailor Omega, it would totally be Sailor Moon color-inspired. And you'd have to have a crystal scepter to go with it too. :P Your designs are freaking awesome.

[Sherielle]

Luna Omega. I love the side fins and the fluke

[Yulia]

I'm voting for Nova!

[Ilyena]

I like the Luna Omega and Sailor Omega...but its hard to chose, all are gorgeous

[Jeblily]

Never mind, found it!
http://chaotic-muffin.deviantart.com/art/little-mermaid-358049294
Thank you!!!!!

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I like Terra and Crystal, as they look different, like robo mermaid!

[Mermaid Kelda]

Played around with some colours on the Luna Omega :)
Nothing too fancy, but I think it's giving me a good feel for the colours!

http://i.imgur.com/YXc5bMZ.png

[MerEmma]

WOW. What unique colors. <3

[PearlieMae]

Played around with some colours on the Luna Omega :)
Nothing too fancy, but I think it's giving me a good feel for the colours!

http://i.imgur.com/YXc5bMZ.png

I'm going to play around with a mini sculpt of some of your fluke designs this weekend, in clay, to see what they'll look like in 3D! I love how this looks so far...I think those dark colors would be outstanding on the back of the tail!

[Vrindavana Starfish]

Yeah, I can't wait to see this thing finished!

[Vela]

wow!! These are great tail designs!! This makes me want to start on my tail even more!! Cannot wait to see this tail come to life!!

[PearlieMae]

Just ordered up a bunch of pigments to sample and test...oooOOOoooh! So pretty!

25002

(I already have a lot of colors in the cosmos tail family...and, okay, the purple one might be just for me ;) )

[Mermaid Melanie]

Love those colours ! Something quite dreamy about them ! x

[Azurin Luna]

Oh, nice colors, like the second and the last ones the most :)

[maressa]

Following!!! Gorgeous tail design <3

[PearlieMae]

Oh, nice colors, like the second and the last ones the most :)

Ooooh...but they're ALL going into the tail :D

[Mermaid Wesley]

Oh gorgeous!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sandra Siren]

This is so exciting!!

[Vrindavana Starfish]

This tail is going to be epic.

[Mermaid Kelda]

I love those colours, Pearlie! :D

[PearlieMae]

Great! I've already ordered your silicone, the polycarbonate for your fin is on its way, and I'm messing with sculpting miniatures based on your designs. I want to follow them, and also make them look organic.Pigment should be here by Wednesday!:mermaid kiss:

[Azurin Luna]

Ooooh...but they're ALL going into the tail :D

Really, then it's even more epic :D

But if it were a tail for me, I would have chosen those two :)

[Merman Arion]

I look forward to see how this turn out. Great thread!
Have fun Pearlie! ;)


Envoyé de mon iPhone à l'aide de Tapatalk

[PearlieMae]

I can't wait to dig in! :dance:

[MermaidAmestris]

The colors of those pigments are absolutely amazing! And that design...:drool: I'm in love with the omega flukes/fins, both luna and nova! Pun aside, this tail is going to look absolutely out of this world upon completion!

[PearlieMae]

Sorry for the crap cell phone pics, but here are some test scales in the cosmos family...they are the new pigments :)

25119

[MermaidAmestris]

OH MY GOSH THOSE WHITE/CLEAR ONES LOOK INCREDIBLE! lol sorry for freaking, but those beauts really caught my attention

[MermaidAmestris]

And those lovely purples are stunning. Everything looks amazing, but the purples and whites are my personal favorites :)

[Vrindavana Starfish]

They look like moonstones! Oooh a moonstone-colored tail.... I want it.

[Mermaid Galene]

Love watching this tail saga!

[Mermaid Sam]

Those scales are so pretty! Loving the sparkles! the finished product is gonna look so cool!

[Harpress]

They look like moonstones! Oooh a moonstone-colored tail.... I want it.

They do look like Moonstone! Beautiful pigments Pearlie :)

[Mermaid Kelda]

I love them! :)

[PearlieMae]

I made some more test scales that I will shoot tonight.

Melaina, I am going to make you a video this weekend to show you how I need you to take your measurements for a perfect custom fit! :yay:

[MermaidAmestris]

Wow pearlie, you're really doing a lot to make sure this tail is perfect for her. It's another reason I love this thread. Besides your talent,, you really seem to care about the tail and the customer as well

[PearlieMae]

Thank you! I am an artist first, mermaid second, and business person somewhere down the list ;)

I want Melaina to LOVE this tail, to be her absolute favorite tail, and while this might sound egotistical, it's my name going on this tail (figuratively speaking), so it is going to be the absolute best I can possibly make it!

[Echidna]

I nearly fainted seeing those scales.

This is my new favourite thread. (although probably very tantalizing as well)

...I started playing the lottery again, wish me luck :p

[PearlieMae]

Good luck! The way I figure it, playing the lottery, the odds are 50/50. You either win or you don't. :D

[Mermaid Kelda]

I want Melaina to LOVE this tail, to be her absolute favorite tail
It's going to be hard to beat my finfolk, but I think you can do it ;)

[PearlieMae]

It's going to be hard to beat my finfolk, but I think you can do it ;)

:rollover: it's certainly a high bar to aim for, but I think I got the chops! :D

[PearlieMae]

Guess whose silicone arrived today?

:dance:

[MermaidAmestris]

Whoo!

[PearlieMae]

Okay, it's less than perfect, but I uploaded an outline of how to make a body mannequin for your tail!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1o4VVj25iCg&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Let me know if you have any questions! :yay:

[Mermaid Kelda]

Whheee! I will get my boyfriend to help me with this as soon as I can buy the stuff :)

[PearlieMae]

Great! So it's pretty easy to figure out, yes? It's so much easier with an assistant!Also, I will need you to make a tracing of your feet, so I can customize your monofin! Let me know if you have questions!

[PearlieMae]

Also, keep track out how much the tape, postage, and stuff cost, so I can deduct it from your shipping costs. :)

[Mermaid Kelda]

Super simple! I will let you know if I have any troubles once I get started :)


Also, keep track out how much the tape, postage, and stuff cost, so I can deduct it from your shipping costs. :)
Aw, thanks<3 I can't imagine the tape will be very expensive, but I'll see about the shipping.

[MermaidStormy]

​Ooo this is so excited :)

[PearlieMae]

Damn, I look tired!

:lol:

[MarkF]

To go crazy you could add bounce lighting from the sides to even out the lights and darks. I think your message came across perfectly.

[PearlieMae]

Yeah, I was in my bedroom...didn't feel like dragging out the whole studio setup. And I shot it with my phone. (I'm a pro photographer and am embarrassed by the lack of quality!)

[PearlieMae]

Melaina, darlin', are you awake?

I'm going to start building your library of scales, just wanted to confirm your Cosmos colorway! You are going to be the loveliest opalescent mermaid EVER!

Can I start pouring your scales? ;)

[Prairie Mermaid Jamie]

Oh Pearlie this is beautiful work!

The fact that you make them and build them up one by one shows just how much heart and dedication you have. Im so excited to see your magic at work again!
*runs and put money into my Pearlie tail fund*

[PearlieMae]

Thanks, Jamie! I love what I do! I'm obsessed! :)

[Mermaid Kelda]

Can I start pouring your scales? ;)
I can confirm that I want the colours you have so far, but I'm also thinking I might like to add one or two colours... Maybe on the red/orange scale (heh)? When I look at pictures of opals, most of them have warm colours mixed in with the cool :)

[PearlieMae]

Absolutely! The colors I've shown so far were tests of the new pigments. I'm going by your awesome collage, which is a huge help, by the way, and this particular opal photo really speaks to me...

25309

I'll have plenty of colors for you to choose from and we can eliminate any you don't like! Part of the advantage of my individual scale build is that you'll be able to choose and reconfigure your tail until it's exactly what you want before final assembly!

Out of the images you sent, which one is your favorite?

[Mermaid Kelda]

It's really hard to say! Part of me wants to be more of a "moonlight" mermaid, with only cooler colours, but I'm also drawn to the really colourful opals:

http://i.imgur.com/W9g428W.jpg?1

http://www.opals-on-black.com/images/TriangleBlackSolidOpal-Home.jpg

http://www.australianblackopals.com/images/frontnew1.jpg


http://i.imgur.com/CffHpqV.jpg?1

Those last two images, in particular, and then the last image especially ;)

[PearlieMae]

:jawdrop: :swoon:

How about a moonlight belly, moving to brighter colors on your hips and backside, moving to darker cosmos colors toward the fluke? That way, you can have all the colors you love!

[PearlieMae]

PS: that last one looks like there's a ghost in it! I love it!

[Mermaid Melanie]

Oh man such gorgeous colours! [emoji7]

[MarkF]

They look like some organic alien find.
Beautiful.

[MermaidAmestris]

UGH stop making me want to see the finished tail so badly! Waiting is driving me insane and this isn't even my tail haha

[Mermaid Kelda]

How about a moonlight belly, moving to brighter colors on your hips and backside, moving to darker cosmos colors toward the fluke? That way, you can have all the colors you love!
Sounds lovely! I'm still wanting the mother of pearl belly, and it most certainly is moonlight-y! Just hints of blue and pink and green :)


PS: that last one looks like there's a ghost in it! I love it!
Isn't it fantastic? Opals have got to be some of the prettiest stones!

[PearlieMae]

Excellent! I will paint comp version, to give you an idea of it. ;)

[Echidna]

Opals have got to be some of the prettiest stones!

they don't look like stones.
They look like nebulae, especially the last one.

If it's possible to somehow transport that look onto a tail, it's going to look stellar.
Literally.

[PearlieMae]

Building Melaina's Scale Library...here's a sampling under work lighting.
25392
25393
25394

It's hard to show the depth of color, and many of these are color shifting pigments, but I think this sampling isn't too bad :)

[AniaR]

Ermagerd!!!!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Pretty!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[OceanRose]

OoooOoo soo beautiful!!

[Mermaid Kelda]

Breath taking! I love them! :)

[Mermaid Kassandra]

I have no words for this!
It's beauty at its pure stage! <3

[Mermaid Galene]

Stunning!

[MerEmma]

OH MY GOSH. :O

[Jessica]

Melaina, I'm so happy for you!! Your tail is going to be incredible! Pearlie is an amazing artist and I can tell you from experience that these pictures do NOT do her scales justice. They are absolutely incredible in person and a million times more beautiful! I'm so in love with Pearlie scales����

and pearlie I LOVE the new pigments! Beautiful! I can't wait to see this tail finished!

[PearlieMae]

Trying out some opal scales...will have to test for durability, but ooooooh! Aren't they pretty: :swoon:


25418

[MermaidAmestris]

:drool: :drool: :drool:

[Mermaid Kelda]

Eee, pretty! I really do want to make this tail sort of "crystalline" so that's perfect :)

[Ariel-Starfish]

OMG! how could I have missed all of this? :GASP: this is so awsome!! :yay:

[Mermaid Leira]

Holy Wow! Luuuuurve them :)

[Sherielle]

Ye gods, I cannot WAIT to see this tail!

[Mer-gal]

OMG!!! OMG, OMG, OMG!!! I think I just fell in love!

[Mermaid Galene]

Wow. Pearlie,you are a miracle worker.

[Vrindavana Starfish]

Wow those are amazing. Are those chunks of colors, like the plastic gems, or flakes?

[Vela]

oh my goodness I cannot wait to see more about this tail!! I love it!!

[PearlieMae]

Wow those are amazing. Are those chunks of colors, like the plastic gems, or flakes?


They are iridescent flakes...I may have to add an interfacing to make them stable. Embedded chunky glitter has proven to cut itself out of some scales, but work really well on not flexible places...I have some in my fluke!

I won't know until I try to destroy them later.

[PearlieMae]

Eee, pretty! I really do want to make this tail sort of "crystalline" so that's perfect :)


Also, your monofin polycarbonate has arrived! :yay:

[Mermaid Aika]

This tail is going to be gorgeous!

[MermaidBrandie]

I can't wait to see how this goes!

[Koral]

Pearlie, you're a finspiration. I saw your tail on Facebook (where I think I left some messages on a few pics), recently I've returned here and now I'm hunting for your old thread to help me create an alternative of my own. I don't know how you get the scales to stick durable to power mesh but as I hunt for the old thread I hope to find some answers to that and scale molding questions I have. Look before asking, I know. I just wanted to shower you in adoration and love, your tail rocketed to my favorite, as well as your method.

I'm a mermaid of very little money and using unorthodox methods for making scale molds for my own tail, but it seems to be working except that my pigmented silicone of an unrecommended type started eating at my inner shells and I have more testing to do that got paused when I got sick. So, I'm off to hunt for your other thread now for answers!

I loooove your work, you're a true mermaid MUSE!

[PearlieMae]

Awwwww! Thank you! You are so sweet!

My other thread is here: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?6109-PearlieMae-s-Silicone-Tail-Journey

Ask me anything if you need help! :mermaid kiss:

[PearlieMae]

New scales' picture time! I've been pinning them to my personal mermaid mannequin, as I finish each batch, and I'm really happy with the way they're coming out! Now I want to make another tail for myself (but not to worry, I won't work on a tail for myself until I'm done with my orders)!
25436

25437

25438

25439

25440

25441

25442

25443

[Mermaid Aika]

Beautiful!

[Merman Jamie]

Awesomely beautiful

[MarkF]

All tails are works of art, this stand out so significantly it's just in another league by itself.

[Echidna]

that last picture :drool:

oh, and Mermaid Kassandra.
you have a beautiful signature, but you'll have to scale it down to 500 length and 175 height max, or it will cause problems on the server.

[PearlieMae]

Here's a video of it in the sunlight. The scales aren't positioned yet, I just pinned batches a they were completed. The color shift in the sunlight is hypnotizing!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TvH36aWiLM&feature=youtube_gdata_player

[Yulia]

The lightblue and petrol ones are soooooooo pretty!
You're tempting me so hard to become a maemaid too!

http://mrwgifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Shocked-Jaw-Drop-British-Man.gif

[PearlieMae]

Hehehe! Maemaid! I love it!

And that Hugh Laurie gif kills me! :lol:

[Mermaid Kelda]

Mermaed? ;)

Those two toned scales are stunning (they all are!) and your cat is a sweetie :D

[PearlieMae]

I hope these are among the colors you've imagined!

Moochie is a real sweetie and a big love sponge ;)

Permaid, Maemaid, Mermae...hehehe! :lol:

[Anahita]

Pearlie, how is it possible that so much awesome has made its way into one person? Like, omfg, I was in love with your first tail, and this one, it's just a few scale patches right now and it's already taking my breath away!

[PearlieMae]

The first one was practice ;)


Thank you! :mermaid kiss:

[Mermaid Kelda]

Definitely the colours I'm after, and even some I didn't know I was after ;D I love them all!

[Mermaid Nessie]

Ermagerd so purdy. I seriously geek over your work Pearlie Mae, it's so beautifu!

[PearlieMae]

Definitely the colours I'm after, and even some I didn't know I was after ;D I love them all!Excellent! Once I get a few more batches laid out, I'll do a few color sketches on configuration. The beauty of individual scales is that we can move them around until we get a design you love before committing to the build.How's your tape dummy coming along? :)

[Vrindavana Starfish]

http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/mind_blown.gif

Yeah, I want a PearlieMae tail.

[PearlieMae]

Hehehe! Thank you, everyone! But it's Melaina's inspired color choices that are really driving this tail. I'm as anxious as everyone to watch it come together!:dance:

[Mermaid Kelda]

How's your tape dummy coming along? :)
I'm getting there xD we've had the G20 going on in Brisbane, so most shops have been closed and no where that's open seems to have packing tape. But I'm off to my parents' house today so I'll see if they have one. In any case, I should be able to do it and send it off by the end of the week :) fingers crossed!

[PearlieMae]

Ah! I forgot about the G20. No worries, I'm just so excited to be building this!

I've got a lot of different scales going and since the photos don't do them justice, would you like me to mail you a sampling so you can choose your favorites? I could drop them in the mail tomorrow!

PS- your next post is your 700th!

[Mermaid Kelda]

Yeah, unfortunately we get the inconvenience of road blocks and restrictions and reduced public transport, all while having to watch our PM make an arse of himself :rolleyes: that said, it is nice to be a part of history (even if our country is on the wrong side of it).

I'm excited too, so it'll be in the mail as soon as I can manage ;)
That'd be lovely if you could send samples! Do you have my address or shall I pm it to you?

Woo 700 posts :D

[PearlieMae]

Hey Sugarplum! I forgot to post this, but they are on their way!

25537

I hope you love them!

[Seatan]

Oh my gosh, just found this thread... You are always so inspiring, Pearlie!

[CowgirlMermaid]

Gosh, I those samples are beautiful!!
Love them!

[Mermaid Galene]

This is going to be such a gorgeous tail!

[PearlieMae]

I just realized that the colors in Melaina's tail are the same colors in this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wppM8ycod0&feature=youtu.be

[Mermaid Wesley]

Oooooh


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Anahita]

I'm in love with the way the one labelled O looks.

[Mermaid Kelda]

They're beautiful! I can't wait to get them :D

[PearlieMae]

The one labeled O looks like opal (I saved O for that one!). I shot this so there wasn't any glare, but they are glassy smooth and shiny!

They should be there in a few days, I hope! :dance:

[Mermaid Aika]

These scales are beautiful, Pearlie!

[Seatan]

Pearlie you have GOT to bring some of your awesome scales to merfest so we can lay our eyes upon their beauty! Seriously, the coloring of your scales is just breathtaking. You should sell single scale necklaces!

[Mermaid Lunette]

^ I second this and I would so buy that.

[MerEmma]

OPJKRL are my favorites as a combination. UNBELIEVABLY BEAUTIFUL!

[Harpress]

What's in number 'O' Pearlie to make it so Beautiful? :) All the scales are just stunning!

[Harpress]

Gasp! Pearlie I just watched the vid of the scales!!! I've got to say your tails are a freaking work of art!

[Miyu]

I VOTE ALSO FOR SINGLE SCALE NECKLACE CHARMS

We could collect all our faves, and there'd be like super-rare ones all the time and oh it would be so awesome...

[Anahita]

We could collect all our faves, and there'd be like super-rare ones all the time and oh it would be so awesome...

OMG, like pokemon cards.... But PearlieMae scales..... Lol!

I totally want this to happen!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Oh my gosh adorable idea


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sherielle]

OMG, like pokemon cards.... But PearlieMae scales..... Lol!

I totally want this to happen!Yes yes yes!

[Miyu]

PearlieMae, PLEEEEEEEEASE????

You could even make different types of scales, I know you made yours with shells as molds, so there could potentially be all sorts of special/limited edition scales! And I mean, having a bunch of scale pendants in the same colours as your own tail... how neat would that be? You could wear them in your hair, scatter them throughout a top, put them on a keychain or on your bag...

Or, my favorite idea - get a buttload of scale pendants in your tail's colours, and give them to kids/clients/friends/etc. as magical mermaid gifts!!! :swoon:

[PearlieMae]

You guys have ruined my Merfest surprise! :doh:

I have been thinking about this for a while!

[Sherielle]

You guys have ruined my Merfest surprise! :doh:

I have been thinking about this for a while!I WANT ONE!

[PearlieMae]

PS: I HATE the book 'Rainbow Fish'...

[-Annwyn-]

Ah! I forgot about the G20.



I think it would be best if we all forgot about the G20. Our PM is a pathetic, bumbling fool.... -.-;;;



http://youtu.be/_epjAMuS8Wo

[Miyu]

OH NOES! :cry:It's just that we love your work so much, PearlieMae!!! But really, your scales are just too perfect, everyone wants some!

[PearlieMae]

I think it would be best if we all forgot about the G20. Our PM is a pathetic, bumbling fool.... -.-;;;

Nice ears. Did he get them from George W. Bush? :D

[Seatan]

Nope, from my Papaw:

25551

EDIT: WOW OMG I DID NOT KNOW THAT PIC WAS SO BIG

EDIT AGAIN: There. Decent size now. LOL.

[Miyu]

Oooh, another quick scale pendant idea - you could make limited edition sets (or repeating sets, depending on what various mers feel like) of mer's tail colours, and people could collect certain mer's scales...

(um, yeah, I collected a lot of Pokemon and Digimon as a kid... and I just like collecting, period - it's a fun hobby, and this would be a relatively low-space-consuming collection)

[PearlieMae]

Nope, from my Papaw:

25551

EDIT: WOW OMG I DID NOT KNOW THAT PIC WAS SO BIG

EDIT AGAIN: There. Decent size now. LOL.

Such a handsome guy!

My Uncle Johnny had 'taxicab door ears' (my mom has them, too)...I could pick him out in a Navy photo of all the guys lined up on the deck of a battleship, I couldn't see his face, but I could see his ears! :lol:

[PearlieMae]

Oooh, another quick scale pendant idea - you could make limited edition sets (or repeating sets, depending on what various mers feel like) of mer's tail colours, and people could collect certain mer's scales...

(um, yeah, I collected a lot of Pokemon and Digimon as a kid... and I just like collecting, period - it's a fun hobby, and this would be a relatively low-space-consuming collection)

I LIKE it!

[PearlieMae]

Melaina, sorry we got off track here...this is what we do when you are on the other side of the world, sleeping! (Annwyn! Get to bed! ;) )

[Mermaid Galene]

I am totally onboard with the scale pendant idea!

[Vrindavana Starfish]

I WANT ONE!

I want all the colors!


PS: I HATE the book 'Rainbow Fish'...
I hated it too. I thought I was the only one, and that I'd be flogged for ever saying it.

[Vela]

I really like the scale pendent idea! I also love how the tail is coming cannot wait to see more!!

[Merman Jamie]

I think it would be best if we all forgot about the G20. Our PM is a pathetic, bumbling fool.... -.-;;;



http://youtu.be/_epjAMuS8Wo

agreed 100000% he is an idiot



also scales who doesn't want Pearlie Mae scales

[Anahita]

PS: I HATE the book 'Rainbow Fish'...

So do I. The lesson in the story is utter carp.

[Mermaid Kelda]

this is what we do when you are on the other side of the world, sleeping!
No worries, I am in total agreeance with what's been said ;) if you happen to pour a few too many scales, I would love to purchase them as extras!

[Mermaid Dottie]

YESYESYES! THOSE SCALES! Melaina you are SO lucky!

[PearlieMae]

No worries, I am in total agreeance with what's been said ;) if you happen to pour a few too many scales, I would love to purchase them as extras!

Hahaha! I'm sure some extra scales might find their way into the box with your tail! ;)

[Mermaid Kelda]

Yay! :D ooh, speaking of scales, I haven't figured out what I want my top to be!
If I do decide to have a "one piece" tail, would I need to extend the duct tape dummy?

[PearlieMae]

You can do it in two pieces, just make sure you mark your bellybutton (on both pieces so I can line them up), bewbies, waist, sides...and use a tape measure to measure around your neck, from nipple to nipple. You can draw a neckline on it as well for the coverage you want. :)

The more precise, the better I can customize!

[MermaidAmestris]

I'm on board for the PokeMae Charm Necklaces

[-Annwyn-]

Nice ears. Did he get them from George W. Bush? :D

I think that's where he got his inspiration! lol! :)

[Mermaid Aika]

Pearlie Mae necklaces? Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Azurin Luna]

Hey Sugarplum! I forgot to post this, but they are on their way!

25537

I hope you love them!

I'm gone for a few days and I nearly missed these beautiful scales! They are very lovely and I agree with the others, Pearlie scale necklaces would be really fun to have.
btw, these are my fav scale colors; G, I, J, P, N and R :D

[Mermaid Leira]

Holy Shark Pearlie! F, O, M actually all of them amazing! The opal is spectacular! So much true care and detail goes into your methods!

[PearlieMae]

Melaina, please let me know when the scale samples get there! I have no idea how long it will take to get to you!

[PearlieMae]

I heard about the terrible storms out by you! I hope you are okay!

:mermaid kiss:

[Mermaid Kelda]

Thanks Pearlie, we are fine! :) It was pretty insane though - all the cars along our street are missing their windscreens, and most of the houses have broken windows. We were lucky to be living on the lower floor of a two story unit, with trees and other buildings fairly close by, so the tennis ball sized hail stones didn't manage to break any of our windows. I got hit in the leg by one, though, while standing well over 4 metres undercover!

[PearlieMae]

Wow! I'm glad you weren't killed! :phew:

[Mermaid Kelda]

No one was seriously injured as far as I know, which is fortunate!

On another note, I will be going up to my parents' place tomorrow afternoon, which is where my mail is delivered, so I'll see if the scales have come! :)

[PearlieMae]

I am sooooo excited for you to see them! I hope they live up to expectations!

[MermaidBrandie]

25438


These. These are just the most beautiful color.


Will you be coming out with any other scale shape?

[PearlieMae]

Thanks! I love those!

I hadn't thought about new scale shapes. What did you have in mind? There seems to be a lot of pointy scales, lately.

[MermaidBrandie]

Haha that's what I had in mind. Maybe something pointy but with a Pearlie Mae edge to it. Lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MermaidAmestris]

I know this is boring, but I'd personally like to see your take on plain rounded scales. I'm not a huge fan of textured scales personally, although yours have me falling in love with other people's tails

[PearlieMae]

There seem to be plenty of folks doing round scales, my scales tend to lose depth without texture to catch highlights.

[Mermaid Sirenia]

I think your scales look amazing, I hope to see more styles on the future! Some based off different types of fish scales would be super cool

[MermaidBrandie]

Oh, yes! Base the other scales off of real stuff! I like snakes personally...lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mermaid Sirenia]

Oh, yes! Base the other scales off of real stuff! I like snakes personally...lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Ooh! A snake scale mermaid tail would be so cool! Especially for those swamp mers out there!

[MermaidBrandie]

Ooh! A snake scale mermaid tail would be so cool! Especially for those swamp mers out there!

Right? Right?!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mermaid Kelda]

No scales yet :( I'll check the post box tomorrow. Fins crossed they get here soon, because I am absolutely aching to see them!

Unfortunately my BF has been busy with his honours and hasn't been able to help me with my dummy (and I don't feel confident enough to do it alone), but I'll be seeing him on Thursday so we will send it out on Friday :)

I'm leaving for Sweden on the 7th, so I'm really anxious to get it all done before I go!

[PearlieMae]

Rats! I sent them standard mail, so it might take a while.

It's really hard to make the dummy alone. And as much as I hate to admit it, school is more important that mermaiding. :(

Sweden! How exciting! Dress warm! :yay: How long will you be there?

[Mermaid Kelda]

I've made sure he doesn't feel bad for giving himself priority, because it absolutely is more important!

I'm going for 6 weeks :) it'll be my fourth time, but that doesn't make it any less exciting.

[PearlieMae]

Wow! Christmas in Sweden must be pretty magical! Ha en underbar resa!

[Mermaid Kelda]

Tack så mycket ;)
Yeah, it is! They go all out :) they open their pressies on Christmas eve, too, so I don't have to wait as long xD

[Mermaid Lorelei]

What part of Sweden are you heading to? Some of my best friends live in the Stockholm. <3

[MermaidAmestris]

I figured, it was just a thought