Found a great fabric shop in Royal Oak. I definitely recommend skipping the trip to JoAnn's and checking this place out.
905 S Main St, Royal Oak, MI 48067 (248) 541-0010
This place is amazing! Probably the best selection I've found in Michigan. The staff are great and very helpful... and didn't think I was crazy when I explained what I plan on using the fabric for—always a plus.
This is what I like to see!
I want to use this fabric as a base coral texture by adhering/stiffening it and attaching it to my scenic sculpts. Now I just need to learn how to dye it.
Couldn't resist! I found this beauty on the bargain rack. I have just under a yard, but if I can even out the coloring, the little bit I have may go a long way.
One of my instructors turned me onto a place called Tropicorium in Romulus to do some research. They breed coral there and really know their stuff. I spoke with the owner—he absolutely loves what he does and is overflowing with information on salt water creatures. I learned a lot from that trip.
I took the video below to study the way that UV light interacts with various corals and creatures. The video isn't great, but it gets the job done. I can also look back on how the sea life moves with the current, which will be helpful later on when I'm ready to animate.
Tropicorium
20080 Inkster Rd, Romulus, MI 48174 (734) 782-2622
Lion Fish
I think I found a tank! Bad news... it's at least 200 lbs.
