Two-tailed project! One fabric, one silicone

[Dancing Fish]

First couple of practice scales turned out cool, though. So the answer is yes, you can cast your silicone directly into wet clay and it peels out beautifully. But...unless I want this tail to take months, I'm going to have to make sturdy molds with multiple scales or I'll go insane. Also saw recommended multiple times, use oil-based clay or it'll crack as it dries. (Or pour while it's still wet? Might as well get the Plastilina that Pearlie Mae uses, 'cause there's a store here that has it relatively cheap, and it's half the price of Monster).

Rowan is so stoked-- she says she's going to take all the practice scales and make a fashion belt. After reading zillions of posts on the subject, it looks like Lowes is the place to go for resin. There's all these little details I want to ask about- what surface do you all put under your clay? Does the resin interact with or eat certain materials? Can I get away with a cheap sheet of plastic? Would a layer of saran wrap over wood also work? If the clay is not oily do I have to seal it? I'll just try it and see what I can get away with...

For reference, here is some good advice (I swear I've seen every post, and then I type in new key words, and...)
Tips for using fiberglass resin
Fiberglass resin can be removed with acetone, good to know. Sealing the clay with paint/acrylic first is also a good idea. Good stuff here!
Recommended brand: Bondo fiberglass resin, with or without fiberglass matting or cloth (not necessary, unless you need strength)
Mermaid Oshun recommends letting the fiberglass cure for a week then wiping down with acetone before use. If there's still a problem with inhibition of silicone curing, a single coat of clear acrylic lacquer will help.