My first swim in Chester 2.0 (henceforth to be referred to as Chester) was magical.

Mermaid Zelda invited me over for a swim at her mum's pool which was so beautiful!

The water was a tad chilly, but it warmed up once we got our fins moving.

I was a bit nervous about how this tail would feel in comparison to the other versions I've made (all of which have had fewer fins, or no extra fins at all). It was definitely heavier, but I actually feel like it benefited my overall form and forced me to slow down and pace myself.

I'm thrilled with how this tail looks, especially underwater. Everything flows together so beautifully and I am really pleased with the overall performance of this tail. 🥰

Don't laugh but I think this might actually be the definitive version of Chester and this may be his final evolution...

That doesn't mean that I will stop making tails, but I do think this will be the final version of THIS tail specifically. That's how happy I am with it. 💖

Now that my new mermaid top is in I'll be able to FINALLY complete my 2022 look!

I'm so happy with how the blending matches from the tail to the top and I really like this style because it creates space for my Ripple's Relics matching necklace.

I was thinking about commissioning a new necklace from Ripple for this tail so that it's predominantly blue but then get a few bright green accents in there as well.

I've also made myself three sets of matching cuffs (not pictured here) because I wasn't sure which I would like best. 

It'll take some guessing and testing, but overall I am thrilled with the progress of my 2022 look and I can't wait to get some actual proper photos taken.

I'm thrilled to finally be able to share the final design images for my new mermaid tail as well as all of the making-of footage that I have been collecting over the last few months!

I started working on the concepts and ideas for this tail at the very end of last year (end of November, beginning of December) and I really took my time with the design.

I took this idea in a few different directions (which you will see in the video) and I am so happy that I took the time to explore the many possibilities.

I also made a real effort (as I always do) to create something NEW and unique for my 2022 look. 💚💙

My look as a mermaid has evolved a lot over the years. I've made 3 different green and blue painted tails, 1 first gen printed tail, 2 second gen printed tails, 2 third gen, 1 fourth gen, 1 fifth gen, and 1 sixth gen.

The generations are defined by scales, level of detail, the overall timeline of my work, and the methods in which they were produced.

I picked 3 of the printed tails that I feel best represented me as a mermaid over the last few years to show alongside Chester 2.0 to give a good comparison for the overall journey and evolution my look has taken.

I can't wait to take this tail on its first swim!