Elven's mertops

Hello Merpeople,

I am am most exited about making my very first shell top - I will record every phase for you here and provide all information on where and how and what material I got for it. Also I am planning to use this thread for my other tops.
The reason of my exitement is that I've just received my AMAZING and HUGE shells from the US (note that I live in the UK) and they are ABSOLUTELY wonderful - and cover everything haha!
So my plan is: I will make the "standard" seaweed-netting-shell combination, with pearls, and smaller shells. I was thinking about painting/coloring the shells, but at the end I've decided over a more natural-like theme. I bought a LOT of different kind of artificial aquarium plants, sparkly but pale colored gemstones (I will also use freshwater pearls, hasn't arrived yet).

Details:

Lionpaw shells: I bought a pair on eBay! Very cheap, but the shipping is pricey! £3.90 + £11.19 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3214400587...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Sea plants: Expensive! I decided to get them from the Pets at home and also had a look in the Range. Well... Spent £35 on them, didn't bother to go on eBay this time, as I got way too exited when my shells arrived, I wanted them straight away!

Netting: I've read the thread, and decided to order the one everybody recommended (£4.84 from the US) Still waiting for it to arrive! http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1515706666...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Glue: Ordered E6000 as recommended (also on eBay!)

Sparkly bits: Just a few, I still need the pearls! I got 3kinds of gemstones, a bit pricey,£1.50 per sheet at the Range




Attachment 27355

Nice one I really look forward to seeing it come together! Still waiting on my E6000 to turn up in the post here in australia one of the last things along with a bridal pearl trim and some more seaweed. Today was the day it was due by so I hope it turns up on monday as the person I bought it from is away for quite awhile now till at least the 27th of Febuary!

Goodluck!

Can't wait to see it :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Elvenhaired

Lionpaw shells: I bought a pair on eBay! Very cheap, but the shipping is pricey!

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I don't know if this is a dumb question, but are there any stores where you live that sell lions paw shells? I thought this was pretty common in most craft stores. Are craft stores like Michaels and Jo Ann Fabrics just a US thing?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by malinghi

I don't know if this is a dumb question, but are there any stores where you live that sell lions paw shells? I thought this was pretty common in most craft stores. Are craft stores like Michaels and Jo Ann Fabrics just a US thing?

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To be honest Malinghi I found it very hard to find the shells I wanted in Australia (I am not UK but just putting my opinion in) But I was very lucky that I came accross a wholesaler that had a minimum order limit of $30 dollars so I was fortunately able to get my lionspaw shells.

If not for that I would have had to pay a fortune in online shipping for them. Its the same for my netting no where in australia sells it so I had to go online and get it from America.

So unfortunately for us and this is probably the same for the UK too we don't get the variation Americans have just because of the fact that we are smaller countries with the amount of people we have in our country. At least that is my thought anyway as I have often wished we had the range of things available here that Americans have

Wow! I can't wait to see them! And ugh, that shipping will get ya :p

Played a little with the glue, but to be honest I am not entirely happy :/ Something is not right, any ideas? :/

Attachment 27525Attachment 27526

Both of the links said they were invalid??

Now it should show! Also - here is the progress, I think, taking out (cutting out - lol!) the pink pieces was a good decision, I am much happier!

Attachment 27528

The second with the greenery looks amazing!

Thank you Harmony!!! I am waiting for the netting to arrive now. Also, I've decided not to mount them on a bra, but putting foam inserts in for ehhmm... push-up reasons :) a bit more green and beads and it is almost done!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Elvenhaired

Thank you Harmony!!! I am waiting for the netting to arrive now. Also, I've decided not to mount them on a bra, but putting foam inserts in for ehhmm... push-up reasons :) a bit more green and beads and it is almost done!

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lol 'push up reasons' ^.^
These are going to look beautiful when put together fully :D great job!

Also, I love the little crystal-y accents you put on! I just noticed them :)

Lovely color scheme!

I love the little details! If you don't mind me asking, how much did the gems cost you? Do you think the sticker part of them will hold up to water?

One sheet of gems cost 1.50, adhesives, but I put extra glue (E6000) under them, so they are properly fixed:) Also I've decided to use pearls instead of the gems, as they are not as visible :/ I will post a picture soon :) Still waiting for my netting :((

Neato

Wow that looks amazing! Those would also be nice hung for wall decor - I'm a fan of interior decorating.

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