time completed: Beginning of March 2005
hours spent: 20+
worn at: Anizona 2005, Dragoncon 2005

Why I chose to make this costume:
For a while I have been wanting to make a mermaid costume based on my art style, and I wanted to experiment with using wire and fabric to make fins. When I was invited to be a Guest at Anizona, it was a chance to debut something new, and I decided on this costume.

How I made this costume:
I covered fabric over wire frames for the fins and fishtail, created my own pattern for the tail part and casted plastic shells from a real seashell for the bra, which was painted in various shades of blue/green.. I hand stitched pearls scattered throughout the costume - on the headpiece, fins etc. I also made jewelry to go with the costume, such as the multi-tiered necklace. The makeup completed the ethereal mermaid look I was going for.

My thoughts on this costume:
I am very happy with the way this outfit turned out! I got to do an amazing photoshoot on the beach at sunrise in it, and it is well-received at both Anime and Sci-Fi cons. I feel very feminine and lady-like as the Sea Nymph, maybe because the tail only allows me to take dainty little steps, lol.