help me figure out how to make this headfin

[Merman Lir]

here's the idea: a silicone headfin/cap to match my tail.

I'm a bald mer, so i might as well have fun with it. The body of the cap (in blue) should be scales, the side fins and top fins more floppy. How would/could I start?

[Keiris]

You might be able to start with a swim cap as a base. If the cap is made of latex, you should use latex or fabric to construct your fins or even plastic carpet runner and shred or scallop it to achieve the fin-effect you want.

If the cap is silicone you will need to use silicone to glue it and probably stitch it first for strength. Silicone can only be painted with silicone. Nothing else sticks to it.

[WaterDragon]

if you want to make one from scratch you might be able to use a silicone thinker and one of these heads?
http://www.amazon.com/Mannequin-Dura...VXS3X8KAGC1RSJ

I don't know how well it would work but its a thought.

[Cordelia]

You can also find male/female head styrofoam head forms from Hobby Lobby or Michael's for a few dollars. I think I picked up one for selling crochet hats for like 5 bucks. It'll be cheaper if you can find a 40% off coupon online, too. Even if it is not an exact fit, the silicon should stretch far enough.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

There is also neoprene head caps. Custom neoprene ones too. I think its Polar Bear Caps or Polar Caps, something like that.

[Merman Lir]

Thanks everyone! I have some ideas now. I think what I will start with is this "mohawk" that's supposed to be stuck on a motorcycle helmet, and one of these lycra swim caps. Then I can add silicone scales over the cap, using a wig head as a form. (possibly dummied out with tape and padding to match my actual head size.

If I can commission someone like Pearliemae to make some individual scales for me... First I have to figure out an estimate of the number of scales i need.

I also think I will lose the side of head fins and just put a stripe in the scale colors.

[Keiris]

Actually, Pearlie might be able to construct the whole base since she silicones her scales to powermesh and reinforces it with more silicone. The Mohawk fin could be cast in silicone and be more fishlike and it would stick better to the base as it's all silicone. It stretches quite a bit so should conform to your head.

[Merman Lir]

i guess i could use the lycra cap as a pattern for a powermesh cap and cover that with scales etc. I like the brush style mohawk. ideally it would be something similar with silicone bristles. I want it to be on the line between fin and hair, then scales to cover the cap. I'll see what Pearlie would charge. I do like to do for myself when I can, but I'm not confident about casting my own scales... and the set up for that would be cost prohibitive for one piece.

[Keiris]

i guess i could use the lycra cap as a pattern for a powermesh cap and cover that with scales etc. I like the brush style mohawk. ideally it would be something similar with silicone bristles. I want it to be on the line between fin and hair, then scales to cover the cap. I'll see what Pearlie would charge. I do like to do for myself when I can, but I'm not confident about casting my own scales... and the set up for that would be cost prohibitive for one piece.

Chris if it's something you really want to do yourself you can order a small amt. of silicone, mix a little pigment of your choice into it, and pour it into a cookie sheet. Once this cures, you can simply cut out the scale shape of your choice and overlap them from small to large. You can then add any decorative spots, glitter or extra colors by simply painting it on in thin layers. Remember each layer thickens the finished piece so if you're using the silicone as paint you may want to thin it a bit.

[Mermaid Wesley]

^good idea


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Merman Lir]

Chris if it's something you really want to do yourself you can order a small amt. of silicone, mix a little pigment of your choice into it, and pour it into a cookie sheet. Once this cures, you can simply cut out the scale shape of your choice and overlap them from small to large. You can then add any decorative spots, glitter or extra colors by simply painting it on in thin layers. Remember each layer thickens the finished piece so if you're using the silicone as paint you may want to thin it a bit.

thanks Keiris, that's easier than making a mold and all that! less intimidating.

[PearlieMae]

Hmmmm...

Interesting challenge. Depends on the size of the scales, I would think...are you going to use that yellow brush thing on the motorcycle helmet?

[Merman Lir]

Hmmmm...

Interesting challenge. Depends on the size of the scales, I would think...are you going to use that yellow brush thing on the motorcycle helmet?

That's my thought at this point. It's so close to what I had in mind... My thought would be to sew it to a lycra swim cap and then scale over the join. I mean... Ideally it would look like maybe it was just growing out of my head, but I never find bald caps believable without a lot of careful blending make up (my background is theatre/musical theatre,) and that's a lot of work. so instead we make it look like some mermen have scales instead of hair.

It's just an additional look besides a. my natural scalp and b. wigs and shell headbands...

I'd welcome your thoughts on construction, or design, or aesthetic.

[PearlieMae]

Let me mull it over some...I'm at work right now!

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