The Autistic Mermaid Project needs tail!!!!

**TheSaltySiren** · 07-08-2016, 06:37 AM

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**merwandering** · 07-08-2016, 08:37 PM

If you look around, there are some really, really great fabric tail options- if it didn't work it might not have been the right fit? Worth trying to figure out, because kids are absolutely mesmerized by fabric tailed mermaids

Growing up, we used to go to a place called Aquarena Springs, which had fabric tailed mermaids, and I always thought of them as real! Perhaps you could find one that works better for you than the one you tried.
My 15 year old daughter will be working with traumatized children, and she is making her own tail. She did have the opportunity that the materials were paid for, because I offer to pay for the supplies for a large project each summer. But she is investing an incredible amount of time, and is earning quite a bit of money for other expenses that she will incur, because she wants to use jewelry making as a way to comfortably talk in a small group seated closely together, without the pressure of eye contact, and to incorporate charms that represent parts of the story she will be reading. That to say- it is possible! and a lot of work, but worth it! you can do it!

**KateyMermaid** · 07-09-2016, 10:32 AM

What you described actually fits a neoprene tail better. Fabric tails do wear out, you're right. But if you want an affordable tail that is going to last years, what you want is a neoprene tail. Neoprene tails cost $500-$600 and are incredibly durable. They are the perfect "budget" tail while still looking realistic.

If your mermaid has never used a tail seriously before, I do not recommend going straight into silicone. Silicone tails are a different beast altogether.

Talk to Purple Mermaid Studios or Lotus the Rocky Mountain Mermaid. They both make beautiful neoprene tails.

Heck, if you have a sewing machine, make a neoprene tail yourself! Cost of materials for a good neoprene tail is around $300.

A $600 neoprene tail would be easier, more durable and cheaper than crowdfunding $3,000 tail. If your mermaid is comfortable in her neoprene tail, start setting aside income from the lessons and events and start a silicone tail fund. Then you will have the experience as $$ for a merbellas or finfolk creation!

**merwandering** · 07-09-2016, 11:07 PM

I forget that there are fabric vs neoprene- in my head I think of neoprene, I reeeeally don't know enough about what's out there, but I just made a silicone tail, and because of the weight of carrying it around, and it being heavy to wear out of the water, I am thinking I may really want a fabric tail of some sort.
Was also just thinking that- if you have a tail, if it can at all be fit so that it works, don't wait! If you have a place, there are kids who could really benefit. If there is any way, do it!
(speaking as a mom who has a kid on the spectrum and another with a different neuro dx but that also has the same traits as autism:)