Merbellas Thread

Absolutely, Iona! And I'm glad you understand my feelings so well. I can see your points and I can only imagine how difficult it must be for Raven to create clearly visible color differences in blue tails, especially the back sides. And yes, I think many of Ravens clients tend to just wanting already finished color schemes and styles that they see on FB photos instead of thinking about their own merperson style. So for now I just hope that frontside and possible bra will be different from mine ;-)

OMG! That first tail is yours? It's SO gorgeous. Your color scheme looks amazing. Seriously, I LOVE that tail.

Ya I saw the top and it really is amazing and so original : )

just be careful folks when posting other people's tail, they may belong to someone on the forum who had no intention of copying you. Don't wanna hurt anyone's feelings ;) I think she means the second tail is hers, the first tail is one Raven recently posted.

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Originally Posted by Arella

Ya I saw the top and it really is amazing and so original : )

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Where did you see it? I'm so curious!

Well, SeaNymph, at least the fluke is quite distinct....Though I have noticed a recurring trend among Merbella Studio's customers; wishing that our tails could be more "upgraded" after seeing Raven top herself yet again!

By the way, Arion and Raina; thank you for asking and answering the question about rolling up dorsal fins; I've been curious about that for awhile as I shall have a dorsal and two pectoral fins (the latter on my hips). :mermaid kiss:

People had tails with those color schemes before you though

I do wanna say though Raven does not LET people copy other tails. There is no way someone saw your colours on her FB and said "I want a tail just like that" and she said yes. She always tells people no. I sincerely think this is just a case of similar colours and it's going to happen a lot in the mermaid community. There's no way to avoid it. plus, i'm fairly certain that while the colours are similar they are totally different pigments. As it's been pointed out the tails themselves are different too. Blue and gold is super popular you can see that in all of the tail makers (that looks green and gold to me, your computer monitor shows colours differently unless you have it calibrated and different light looks different too)

Other blue and gold or similar tails:

https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/...77261362_n.jpg

https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/...99017959_o.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...70176297_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.n...24124210_n.jpg

https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/...75194109_o.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.n...49614528_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.n...67313083_o.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.n...46447581_n.jpg

tails by other tail makers in that same scheme:
(linked only cuz this is merbellas thread ;) )
https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/...10332962_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/...32938002_o.jpg
https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/...14112744_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/...80667000_n.jpg



I think unless you add some defining features, a blue/green tail with gold/yellow accents is fairly vague. If you had a bunch of stripes and spots etc and they were identical on another Id get that. but it be like Iona getting upset because blue mermaid has blue tails with purple accents, when purple is pretty commonly used for accent with blue.

when you see the tails all lined up like that yours looks really similar to Hyli's ;) I think it's all a matter of light and perspective!

(Not trying to invalidate anyone's feelings here) in addition to what's been said, as a person trying to come up with a color scheme, it's really hard to be original. People have had tails of every color and since I don't want any bold pattern like stripes or spots, it's really difficult to come up with a color scheme that I find pretty and that doesn't look like a rip off of someone else that I talk to on here. That being said, I did find something I think works well and if someone were to come out with a very similar color scheme shortly
Before or after mine I would be bummed, but you can't really blame them. They probably didn't do it on purpose and things happen. It's more than likely that no members of the public will ever see both of us in our tails and will never know better anyways. *shrug*


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Haha I know I am beating this to death just as someone who does photography and photoshop etc I know light plays a huge role in how colours come across along with white balance (which phones are known for messing up).

Here is a better look at your tail and the other tail side by side

Attachment 20137
Attachment 20138


See what I'm getting at? All perspective, and light. Just like in the photo links above yours look so similar to Hyli's.

I know it sucks to have others with similar tail colors- it happens to me a lot, too. Sometimes I get really jealous of other people with tails in the same kind of color scheme as me, and I have to step back and remind myself that a) there's nothing new or really unique under the sun, and b) there is only so much you can do with a tail format. I started to think of it as less of a "you're stealing my idea!" issue and more in the sense of "I'm a sunset mermaid, and there are other sunset mermaids too! Cool, it's like we're mermaids from the same family tree."

Raven tries really hard to make each tail unique. Some of them might be complementary, but don't get rattled if you can help it :) Look at pictures of bridal parties- a lot of the time they're in the same color, but different dresses. But when you put everyone side by side, they're clearly individuals :)

Here's a couple of examples of tails that are similar in color to mine, so you know you're not alone in this issue:

Mine:
Attachment 20140
Attachment 20141

Similar to mine, also by Raven:
Attachment 20142
Attachment 20143

By others (Mertailor, MVD, Finfolk)
Attachment 20144
Attachment 20145
Attachment 20146
Attachment 20147

They're all beautiful, all similar, but still unique :)

I like the idea that you're related! Mer family's have similar tails obviously lol


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I agree that having something basic as "I want a (insert basic colour) tail" can only go so far. Personally, I'm not too worried about being copied, but that's because I went so bold and out there. Without doing that, it's hard to be completely unique. But, hey, look at fish! There's more than one clown fish in the ocean, and quite a few of them look similar. There are a few whose patterns are different than the average, but they still have the same colour.

So, why can't mermaids be from the same species? What's really different is the person IN the tail. :-)

Side note: My fluke is getting some love! :-) I wonder what people call it. Hm... Like what do they ask for when they want it for their tail?

(Also, I think that fluke is only available cut down like that. She and I are the only ones with the straight edge. ...I think.)

Well said, Kailani, and your tail is gorgeous! I would call it "Hawaiian Sunset", but that's just me. :mermaid kiss:

I certainly hope mine is unique; not because I don't want other fiery angels around (a whole host of us would be extremely cool), but because I don't want anyone else to go through the near-death experience I did to be inspired to do it!

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Originally Posted by Kailani

I agree that having something basic as "I want a (insert basic colour) tail" can only go so far. Personally, I'm not too worried about being copied, but that's because I went so bold and out there. Without doing that, it's hard to be completely unique. But, hey, look at fish! There's more than one clown fish in the ocean, and quite a few of them look similar. There are a few whose patterns are different than the average, but they still have the same colour.

So, why can't mermaids be from the same species? What's really different is the person IN the tail. :-)

Side note: My fluke is getting some love! :-) I wonder what people call it. Hm... Like what do they ask for when they want it for their tail?

(Also, I think that fluke is only available cut down like that. She and I are the only ones with the straight edge. ...I think.)

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Definitely Hawaiian or Tropical Sunset - the colors are sooooo vivid!!! :D

I think this pic from NCMerfest sums up the colour overlap really well, lol

https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/...52086303_n.jpg

Finnally have my Unboxing video up for my Hybrid Tail (after tail evolution upgrade)

http://youtu.be/iY5JY2q_wCs

The glitter looks SO good on your tail! I love your voice; and your tail's color scheme is so pretty. <3 There's no powermesh backing on your tail though is there?

Yes, indeed; both your tail and you yourself are cute and lovely! :mermaid kiss: I am also quite pleased with how the fins and the glitter came out; it should be impressive in the water too!

Once again a customer is rewarded by relying on Raven's creativity and artistic advice! The Dragonskin silicone is very fleshy in appearance and texture, though I am a bit worried about the hearts when it comes to donning the tail. What lubricant did you use on your legs to minimize friction, if I may ask?

Ha ha, I really love all your tail pictures to show me similar colors!!! But, seriously: everything is okay, I can clearly see now that the tails are colored differently. Raven is in fact a genius to do even blue tails unique!

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though I am a bit worried about the hearts when it comes to donning the tail. What lubricant did you use on your legs to minimize friction, if I may ask?

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The hearts are an experiment, I wouldn't be worried about them. As someone who owns a tail I think it's a great addition as those areas have a lot of stress, but they're still being tested out with various mers. ;) if they concern you too much you can always ask her not to add them. She's actually mailing me some so I can add them myself to my tail.

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Ha ha, I really love all your tail pictures to show me similar colors!!! But, seriously: everything is okay, I can clearly see now that the tails are colored differently. Raven is in fact a genius to do even blue tails unique!

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Sorry if I overdid it in my replies :p I was talking to Iona about my posts and said I was trying not to be defensive and she said "you might of sounded a bit defensive" LOL. <3 I think I'm too used to people needing a mountain of evidence in order to see my view point

also I always call people with merbellas tail or the same coloured tail as me tail sisters haha XD

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Originally Posted by MermaidMichelle

Yes, indeed; both your tail and you yourself are cute and lovely! :mermaid kiss: I am also quite pleased with how the fins and the glitter came out; it should be impressive in the water too!

Once again a customer is rewarded by relying on Raven's creativity and artistic advice! The Dragonskin silicone is very fleshy in appearance and texture, though I am a bit worried about the hearts when it comes to donning the tail. What lubricant did you use on your legs to minimize friction, if I may ask?

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I use mineral oil or baby oil. In a huge pinch, I'll use conditioner, but only when I'm desperate, which has been once.

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Originally Posted by Kailani

Side note: My fluke is getting some love! :-) I wonder what people call it. Hm... Like what do they ask for when they want it for their tail?

(Also, I think that fluke is only available cut down like that. She and I are the only ones with the straight edge. ...I think.)

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I just call it the Kailani Fluke... though I suppose that wouldn't apply to someone who's not on the network.

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Originally Posted by nirix5

I use mineral oil or baby oil. In a huge pinch, I'll use conditioner, but only when I'm desperate, which has been once.

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Also I heard mineral oil and baby oil are not good for your tail. So if I'm wrong someone please correct me, if not then maybe it's something you should think about changing in the future <3

I'm not a fan of using mineral oil or baby oil -- I've also heard it could possibly damage the tail. I know people use personal lubricants, and I've done that for some shoots too and it works quite well haha, though it does leave a strange peeling residue when you're washing off. I personally like coconut oil, it's gentle and leaves you smooth and smelling nice ;)

O my word those hearts are genius, I always try to slide it up instead of pull, but it always invariably happens. I use waterbased lube and a water bottle of water to get mine on, and put water in the tail and on my legs, and then lube up one leg, put it in, lube up the other put it in, and then put more water and lube on my thighs and backs of top legs and waist, and then roll it all the way up. Works like a charm.

I'm going to be honest about the lubricant here, it is wildly debated. the lubricant usually gets washed off my legs when I swim so I don't worry too much about what I use when I swim. If I'm going to be sitting in the tail on dry land for a while I try to use something that will evaporate quickly because of sweat issues. As long as you clean your tail out effectively I think you're fine. I have a super thin tail. It only become an issue when you leave ANYTHING organic sitting in your tail for a long period of time. it'll cause mold and loads of issue.

Hm didn't I read somewhere thy Vaseline is a no-go with silicone?


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I think anything petroleum is probably bad in general for everything lol

Raven also tied straps on the foot pocket straps to help me pull the straps up over my heels. The straps come up to my knees, I just tuck them infront/behind my legs and I don't really notice it.
I only ever successfully put neoprene socks on with my basic tail ONCE. I was never able to get it on with socks after that. I have barely any issues pulling the straps up over my heels with socks on now that its a hybrid tail.

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Originally Posted by MerEmma

The glitter looks SO good on your tail! I love your voice; and your tail's color scheme is so pretty. <3 There's no powermesh backing on your tail though is there?

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Thank you MerEmma. There's some sort of mesh on the inside, it does have a layer of silicone over it though I think.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MermaidMichelle

Yes, indeed; both your tail and you yourself are cute and lovely! :mermaid kiss: I am also quite pleased with how the fins and the glitter came out; it should be impressive in the water too!

Once again a customer is rewarded by relying on Raven's creativity and artistic advice! The Dragonskin silicone is very fleshy in appearance and texture, though I am a bit worried about the hearts when it comes to donning the tail. What lubricant did you use on your legs to minimize friction, if I may ask?

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Thank you MermaidMichelle! Rainas right, the hearts are only experimental. I pretty sure the only reason mine popped is because I spent an hour and a half fighting with it the first time I put it on. And about 45minutes fighting with it the 2nd time I put it on. (It took real beating from me and my friend as we tried getting it on me those 2 times)
By the 3rd time I put it on, I finally had everything figured out on how to put it on, and got it on in 20minutes with a lot less effort. I don't think they will pop anymore though. Plus Raven is always improving her ideas I'm sure the technique will be set in no time :)
I like the hearts and feel a little safer with them there for pulling. (also the hearts popping has caused no damage to any other part of the tail or scales(outside and inside.)


I use personal water-based lubricant from Target (target brand) and a water spray bottle. I can't get the tail on with just water. It seems to stick pretty good to my skin. I can't use just the lubricant because it is sticky and dried fast.
So I put lots of lube on my skin, spray it with a little water, and it gets really slippery. And once my skin is in the tail, it seems to stay slippery so I can easily push&pull wrinkles up and out of it. And it just kind of washes away as I swim in the water, and the tail sticks to me nicely. And that seems to work very well for me.

I plan on trying other lubes, this is just what was easy&quick for me to buy.

it does get easier. silicone tails are just such beasts to get on. I can get mine on i about 2 minutes now because I am so used to it.

Just wanted to share pics from my tail. I had requested royal blue, teal, purple, gold. I sent photos of bellydance veils and some of my dance costumes to match the color tones I wanted. Different photos show the colors differently, so I am excited to see what it looks like in person. I love it! It will arrive last next week and I am a bit worried that I won't have enough 'practice time' getting in and out of it for my big gig next weekend. Any tips? It will be a dry land event :)Attachment 20162
Attachment 20163

it looks stunning I am so happy for you

The fins! I LOVE those fins.

What exactly are the hearts for? I always thought they were just like a cute little piece of scrap that came along with the tails, like a Merbellas signature thing. I didn't know they apparently had a(n experimental) purpose?

Sorry if this has been mentioned before somewhere, I don't remember if I ever went through all 182 pages on this thread or not. XD

That's a different heart. If you watch Phoenix's video there are little hearts stuck on the inside of the tail to reinforce some of it :)


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Wow both your tails look amazing <3 :D speaking of getting tails on i thought I read somewhere that you can use watered down conditioner for neoprene/silicone tail to get then on? Is this right?

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Originally Posted by Morticia Mermaid

Colors and fins on that tail are really pretty. Fluke texture kind of looks similar to this one

Attachment 20109

Is it just a cut down version maybe?

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Does this look like piano keys to anyone else? XD

I found putting on the neoprene/silicone tail worked best dry. While wet it has a lot of friction against the skin. I always had to make sure the neoprene in my tail was dry before I could put it on again and use it. I think it's still different for each person. Sometimes I would have to at least lube up my feet (I normally just used lotion.)

yeah I've always found neoprene works best dry

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Originally Posted by shimmygoddess

Just wanted to share pics from my tail. I had requested royal blue, teal, purple, gold. I sent photos of bellydance veils and some of my dance costumes to match the color tones I wanted. Different photos show the colors differently, so I am excited to see what it looks like in person. I love it! It will arrive last next week and I am a bit worried that I won't have enough 'practice time' getting in and out of it for my big gig next weekend. Any tips? It will be a dry land event :)Attachment 20162
Attachment 20163

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I'm not sure why but the images aren't showing up for me :-/ I'm sure it looks gorgeous! :)