Starting my first painted neoprene tail - Advice needed

[Luna Dreamtide]

Wow! Your drawings are stunning. I'm following this!
Did you use coloured pencil for them?

[Weaslet]

Yeah, they're coloured pencil. Spent probably way longer on them than was necessary but I've not done any drawing for ages so I was having fun .



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[Weaslet]

Paint test!

[Luna Dreamtide]

That looks great! I'm painting a tail at the moment too - what type of paint are you using?
Edit: found it on the other page! How well do they hold up to any fabric stretch?

[Weaslet]

They sink right into the fabric and bleed quite a bit if they are watered down even slightly, almost like dyes. I'm still waiting for them to dry completely, but I have given it a good stretch and it doesn't seem to change or crack anywhere. If I run into any problems once dry I will paint the actual tail with the neoprene stretched over a dummy. Seems promising though.

[MermaidRachelNola]

Those colors look great, honestly thought the photo was of a digitally draw picture. You're a very talented painted


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[Mermaid Mystery]

Oh my gosh that is stunning!

[Shyren Shey]

Such pretty colors! I wish I had your skills with painting/colors, but I've never really tried it before. I can't wait to see what it will look like when it's finished!

[Mermaid_Sarina]

The designs and colours look amazing! I can't wait to see how your tail turns out! <3

[Kait]

Oh wow I can't believe I've only just come accross your page.
You're so talented, those sketches are gorgeous
Can't wait to see your progress!

[Mermaid Saoirse]

Woooahhhh! The blending is PHENOMENAL!! If that's a test swatch, I'm going to be blown away when you finish your tail!

[Weaslet]

QUICK UPDATE: Ran into a few problems with the construction.....

Problem 1:
Sewing machine broke but has now been fixed. It goes through the neoprene like it's just normal fabric .

Problem 2:
Made a pattern, cut out the neoprene, stitched together the sides.... and it's waaaay too big. There are lots of wrinkles at the side seams :/. I've taken it in a bit but still needs quite a bit of adjustment! Particularly around the bum, ankles and fluke :S.

Problem 3:
My plan was to sew zips into the inside of the fluke to allow the monofin to be removed when it needs to be, but it looks like the stitching is going to show through pretty badly. Hope I can disguise it a bit with the paint job!

Problem 4:
As the fluke is much longer than the fin and the neoprene is pretty soft, it's going to dangle off it in a bit of a weird way when it's out of water. I've not found a decent way of stiffening it yet. Hopefully it'll look ok when it swims. Please, please, please!

I seems I have lots of learning to do! Much respect for all you tailmakers out there!

[Midakwe]

QUICK UPDATE: Ran into a few problems with the construction.....

Problem 1:
Sewing machine broke but has now been fixed. It goes through the neoprene like it's just normal fabric .

Problem 2:
Made a pattern, cut out the neoprene, stitched together the sides.... and it's waaaay too big. There are lots of wrinkles at the side seams :/. I've taken it in a bit but still needs quite a bit of adjustment! Particularly around the bum, ankles and fluke :S.

Problem 3:
My plan was to sew zips into the inside of the fluke to allow the monofin to be removed when it needs to be, but it looks like the stitching is going to show through pretty badly. Hope I can disguise it a bit with the paint job!

Problem 4:
As the fluke is much longer than the fin and the neoprene is pretty soft, it's going to dangle off it in a bit of a weird way when it's out of water. I've not found a decent way of stiffening it yet. Hopefully it'll look ok when it swims. Please, please, please!

I seems I have lots of learning to do! Much respect for all you tailmakers out there!

I can't wait to see more progress! The sketches and test paint all look amazing!

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[mermaidopal]

The sketching and painting is seriously AMAZING. I'm not sure if I would ever have enough patience to paint in such great detail, but I agree with everyone else in that I seriously can't wait to see how it goes, this is just breathtaking and makes me want to make a neoprene tail!

[Weaslet]

Hey all,

Photo update! It's now stitched together and fits ok (I think), and all the scales are blocked in. Starting on the fluke tomorrow!

Here's the mono and the cut neoprene.


Starting to paint the nearly 1800 or so scales :0. It was at about this point I realised I have started something that is waaaay to ambitious to be finished in time for the dive show.



Here's the front so far...


and here's the back...


The plan is to get it all looking reasonable in time for the show on the 23rd and 24th so I can swim test it in the tank. If the fluke is done in time I think it'll be ok. Extra bits, like highlights on the scales and the little fins I wanted to have on there will have to be added later on.

Still lots to do but pleased so far . Hope you like.

[Mermaid_Sarina]

😍😍😍😍 IT LOOKS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!

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[Luna Dreamtide]

This is unbelievably amazing! I'm doing a painted tail too and now I wish I don't even more detail. Your work is gorgeous!

[Mermaid Russet]

That is amazing!! I am in awe of your talent.

[mermaid_selene]

STUNNING!


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[PearlieMae]

Beautiful!