★ The Accessory Making FAQ ★

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I don't know if anyone has mentioned it yet, but you can buy NEW netting from fishing and tackle shops. Or any place that sells fishing stuff.

Here are some names for them, Prawn Net Replacement, Landing Net Replacement, Boat Net Replacement, Keeper Net.

Prawn Netting is quite fine, almost like a thin thread. The rest are made with slightly thicker cords.

[Naufra]

I've used push up bras for my tops and they were fine. It's mostly about picking material that will do well in the water and dry fast out of - which is why I've only found one brand that is strapless, nude, right fabric, and other stuff. They were regular ones though, not the "Bombshell" ones that make you 1-2 cup sizes bigger.

What brand did you find that worked well for you, Iona? What materials would you recommend? ^_^

[Winged Mermaid]

Bras made of nylon/spandex are best. Same material as we use to make tails and that bathing suits are made of. It holds up and doesn't sag in water, plus it dries faster. I like Warner's "this is not a bra" strapless. It's nylon, push up, strapless, underwire isn't visible (smooth front and smooth cups), silicone grip straps inside the band, AND they carry my size (34D). http://m.kohls.com/kohlsopenapi/prod...pless-1693.jsp

[MermaidBrandie]

Hmm, thanks winged mermaid! I might have to get me one. I have netting, seashell, and seaweed. lol Looks like I just need a bra.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I wear underwire padded sports bras, the kind for running, as it dries fast and the fabric keeps you cool.

It doesn't feel itchy when its wet, so that's another plus there.

And I prefer bras with thick wide straps cos I'm super paranoid about exposing myself even if it was an accident!

[Winged Mermaid]

Also, I just remembered- I've known some mermaids that made a top out of TWO self adhesive tops made into one, for more size in the chest area. They took one of the silicone bras that add a cup size and they sewed and/or glued it into a regular non-filled adhesive top that was the next cup size up from what they were. I suspect the same thing could be done with inserts and regular bras as well! Also you cold probably layer these to make the finished top multiple cup sizes larger, instead of just one. I know cosplayers do that kind of stuff all the time! The silicone ones are best becuase they're solid and neutrally buoyant. With too much foam, you could end up with it sagging down with water weight- not good!

[Mermaid Wesley]

Good idea!


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[Aziara]

As for keeping earrings from falling off underwater, I use leverback ear wires instead of normal fishhook-style. These things will not fall off! http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/...-wires-449736/

[Mermaid Harmony]

Munich Mermaid that's amazing. Like super amazing. Did you create a backing besides the headband to keep it vertical?

[Naufra]

Leverbacks are an excellent idea, Aziara! When I made earrings for my niece I used leverbacks so they would be harder to lose.

[Mermaid Harmony]

Question, trying to make some hair clips, what do you guys use as a strong base? I've been using foam but it's more flimsy then I'd like. Thanks!

[Morticia Mermaid]

I've been using felt. It comes in zillions of colors and with the right glue it becomes a pretty sturdy base

Sent by star fish

[BayouMermaid]

And back on topic.... if anyone is looking for plastic sea shells in the USA, select Dollar Tree stores have them for $1. It's what I used to make my shell top and they are much lighter and easier to work with than real shells.

[Mermaid Wesley]

I'll have to check out our local dollar tree


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[AniaR]

I've been using felt. It comes in zillions of colors and with the right glue it becomes a pretty sturdy base

I use felt too!!!

I upcycled scales that are used locally in window hangings and glue them on the felt and the clip. Then add all my embellishments and make hair extensions that are affixed as well. They're a HUGE hit at my parties, and we sell them at a local store.

[Mermaid Isabel(:]

Oh and btw those plastic shells from dollar tree are pretty great I painted them with a matt paint to make them look more realistic and they look pretty good so definitely go to your dollar tree stores and see if they have them!

[Mermaid Wesley]

How big are they, out of curiosity? or do you have a picture of the top?

[Mermaid Isabel(:]

I haven't finished mine yet I got distracted by other projects but this is what they look like. This is with paint on them, before they were pure white. I wear a C cup and they cover me alright but I'm putting them on a nude swim top for more support and coverage.

[Mermaid Wesley]

oooh thanks they look great!!i might have to pick some up even if i just use them as accessories or for a belt or something

[Naufra]

I should see if there's a Dollar Tree in my area so I can look for them, those do look easier to work with than real shells and I probably could have saved some money considering how rarely I actually swim. What colors do they come in?