Mizuko's Silicone Tail

[Mizuko]

Still working on the scale sheet- annoyingly I'm having trouble cutting the shapes out (ugh!). I was using a cookie-cutter method but the clay has to be the right consistancy and the cutter I'm using is actually a paper stamp I pulled apart so its not ideal XD I'm going to go for a little search tonight after work to see if I can find a better shell-shaped cutter! Otherwise it will probably take me a few days to finish it- which is ok, as I've got all weekend

My fluke mold turned out perfectly!! I'm so relieved!
Here's some pictures of the process:

Fibre glassing the fluke mold. It was a nice sunny day I only did one layer of fibreglass and resin, though, as I ran out after that! The mold is sturdy, but I will still be extra careful with it as it could still snap if not looked after.

And after I'd scraped most of the clay out!
The Shell Shock captured all the details perfectly I still need to get rid of the clay in the ridges, but to do that I think I'll have to take it in the shower with me!! LOL! Hot running water usually gets the last of it out, but the mold is too big to fit in a sink! haha!

[MerEmma]

The images don't work D:

[Mizuko]

argh, let me see if I can fix it- its not letting me edit the post :P *shakes fist at computer*

[Mizuko]

Let me know if you can see them now XD

[MerEmma]

Yep!

[Mizuko]

Thank you!

[Jessica]

It looks great!! I'm so happy this turned out so well for you! You can dip a toothbrush in hot water to scrub the clay out...kids toothbrushes work well because they're tiny. It might be easier than taking a shower with your mold

[Mizuko]

I used a toothbrush and hot water, but I think the gaps are just too tiny XD I wish I had a hose or something outside that was hot!

[Jessica]

I also used q tips...both dry and dipped in hot water on my last mold and they worked well. I actually never got all of the clay out of my last mold.....there's still little bits in between the tiny lines. As long as the clay is sulfur free it won't stop the silicone from curing

You might be able to use a blow dryer to melt the clay...depends on the type of clay..but you have to be careful not to overheat the mold. Someone on here messed up a mold by applying too much heat...I can't remember who it was though...

good luck! It's so much fun to have someone to talk to about molds and silicone! There's only so much my family can stand to listen to

[Mizuko]

Ah, Q-tips! Thats a great idea! Thank you!
I've used Monster Makers clay- so it melts nicely :3 I really enjoyed scraping it out of the mold- it was like scooping up icecream!! haha!
I know exactly how you feel- my family are like ENOUGH WITH THE TAIL, OK?! because I just go on and on about it... LOL!! And they are patient, so you can tell how much I must talk about it!! hehe! I really appreciate all the advice you've been giving me! It really does make this experience so much more fun to have others who are interested and have been/going through it themselves

[Mermaid Lorelei]

I found using the back of different sized paintbrushes was the best way to get clay out of my fluke ridges. They're not sharp enough to scratch the mold, but they're small enough to fit the tiny lines. :3

[Mizuko]

Thank you Lorelei!
Today I am getting more Shell Shock- I managed to sell an expensive dress, so its paying for it! haha! I hope to finish the scale mold this weekend, then pour the Shell Shock either Monday or Tuesday night!

[Jessica]

Lorelei the paintbrushes work great!

Mizuko, did you use any release agent on your fluke? I was just wondering if it was necessary with monster makers clay. I used just a little bit on my fluke just in case.

[Mizuko]

I didn't use any release agent on my fluke It might've helped where the Shell Shock stuck to the cardboard, though! haha! The clay itself I just left in the sun to warm up, and scaped/brushed out. It didn't stick at all

[Trident True]

for my molds i use plaster of paris as you need a fair bit to do your flipper as you know. my filpper took 5kg of plaster but at 12.50 who can knock that back. I feel that plaster also allows you to extract the piece easier. when i extraced my flpper from the mold it came out very smoothly nothing stuck to the paris. I like how this is turing out it looks great. one of a kind

PS. it helps a great deal if you cover your cardboard template in clear contact adhesive, it works great and this way nothing can stick to it. Ive done it.

[Mizuko]

Well, it took me all weekend (as I thought) but I finally finished my scale sheet!

It took pretty long as I had to melt the clay in batches, pour it into an even level, then wait until it was slightly dry before cutting it and carefully peeling it out of the cutter.

I'm considering stamping some cute things into some of the scales- like heart shapes or something- to make it more 'me' lol!

I haven't been able to pour the Shell Shock on it yet! Planning to do it tonight or Tuesday night

[Jessica]

Mizuko,

this is just so YOU!! It's perfect for you...absolutely perfect! Did you use a cookie cutter? It looks so pretty! I'm planning on making a new scale sheet for my next tail and I won't be using foam again! I was thinking that it would be hard to get the scales uniform and level with clay, but you did an amazing job!

[Mizuko]

Thanks Jessica!
Yes, I used a cookie cutter. It took FOREVER. haha! But, I'm really happy with the results There are a few scales which are chunkier than the rest, and a few clumps I need to clean up, but I dont mind I made sure to make the sheet at least an inch (and more in other places) bigger than my actual measurements to guarantee I'd have enough scales to trim/stick if I make a mistake! hehe!

[jazz2453]

LOVE that shape! This is really going to turn out well!

[AniaR]

I gotta be honest, you all make me want to make a mermaid tail. But I suck with my fine motor skills! But still I think once in my life I might have to try just for the experience.