POTC OST tail with Neoprene base

[Mermaid Dottie]

I decided that to tide over my strong desire for a merbellas tail (in other words, to keep the insanity at bay) I'm going to make a tail like the ones from On Stranger Tides, mostly so that I'll blend a bit better with the other members in my guild. Koral already has hers, from FishButts, and I think it'll add continuity if I match her a little. Especially since we have our own personal Captain Sparrow in the guild.
I've ordered a monofin, and the neoprene. I'm planning some kind of brilliant way to lengthen the leg portion of the fin, so that I'll look a little more wiggly.
I'm going to paint it, first, then decide later if I want sequins or Dragonskin on top.
Here's the design:

It will also have a couple fins on the back, up above mah butt.

I'll likely use the leftovers to make a corset-top, as well. (And then wear a white shirt over top, like Syrena! ^_^)

[Mermaid Saphira]

This looks like an exciting project to endure! I look forward to your progress, Dot :3

[Mermaid Dottie]

*mermish trilling* lol! Thanks Saphira. I'm excited. My friend Koriks' Rapid arrived yesterday, and as I was taking it out of the packaging I found these awesome plastic... feet?
Which I'm SURE I'll be able to use for my extender-thingy.

[Mermaid Dottie]

SOoooo....
I just got an email from Foamorder.com that says they got a declined or invalid card message. Right now I'm waiting for them to call me back about it. I called a little bit ago, but the guy wasn't in. They've been super nice and helpful, so far though. Good customer service.

[MerEmma]

Looks like a great design! And I also LOVE the little *mermish trill* hehe, so cute~ <3

[Mermaid Danielle]

Looks great! Please post lots of pictures/updates as you work!

[Mermaid Dottie]

Thanks Emma. ^_^
I totally will Danielle. I know how much I like seeing other people works as they go, so I will definitely do the same.

I just heard back from the Foamorder.com shipping guy, Larry Gulley. He is SO nice. He included a coupon with my receipt for $25 off my next purchase from them, and was real super nice and helpful, and was totally interested in the mermaid thing. They got back to me right away when I had a question about my order, Let me know asap that my card was expired, and topped it off with a coupon.

Edit: I forgot to mention: He said my neoprene will be here in the next couple of days via ups ground. !.! *hopping like a bunny*

[Mermaid Dottie]

I ALSO forgot to mention that I went to Joann Fabrics yesterday and picked up some gold fabric for the side fins, and paint for the neoprene, as well as gold Duck tape for my monofin modification. That way, if my monofin shows it'll still be gold.

The plan is to cut a v into the fin, then extend it as in Moonflower's tutorial, then cover it in flowy fabric. The fabric (and fins) will have silicone on them( similar to Moonflower's other tutorial), eventually, to stiffen and strengthen them, while maintaining the flow.

[Mermaid Dottie]

So, I was just looking through Prince Calypso's OST tail thread, and Aquatarian posted a whole bunch of awesomeness there, like the silicone dead mermaids, and an animated gif of the mermaids swimming. I will have to add another fin from my knees down in the back, but that shouldn't be a problem.

My Neoprene came friday. It's black with beige, 1.5 mm, and exactly what I ordered. I haven't unrolled it yet, but I know that it'll be plenty for what I want to do. I've also covered my fluke in a beige fabric that almost exactly matches the stuff I bought for my extra fins, but has a crinkly to it, almost like ribbing, which I think lends a realistic aspect to it.

I would also like to add that, while I love Noveli, and my fishbutt, I know now that it is not real neoprene inside my tail. It is, in fact, neoprin.

[Mermaid Dottie]

Progress Pictures:

[Mermaid Fenicia]

attachments don't work

[Mermaid Dottie]

attachments don't work

Sorry sugar. Try again, I think I fixed it.

[MerEmma]

Looks great so far! <3

[Mermaid Fenicia]

Yep, they work now Love your Ariel-cup

[Mermaid Dottie]

Haha! Thanks. It was less than a buck at walmart.

[Mermaid Fenicia]

No Walmart where I live (in Antwerp, Belgium)

[Mermaid Dottie]

No Walmart where I live (in Antwerp, Belgium)

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM6006410505P how about princess cups online?

[Mermaid Allie]

Looks awesome Dottie!

[Mermaid Fenicia]

Dottie, I can see the page as It's us-only

[Azurin Luna]

Looks really nice, but aren't you afraid it might tear at the v-shape? Cause the monofin looks like it has a sharp v point and any material under stress will tear there (The joys of mechanical stresses) If I were you I would round it there to avoid tearing, the fabric over it will still make it show as if it was a sharp v