hello Iain,
if you can get some midge diamond braid, in a pearl color, thats a good start. midge is the diameter you want, pearl color being very light, will take on any color from a marking pen. just a swipe at the top on the length of the tail with ( teal blue ) pen is perfect. now the tail has a darker top and a pearl silver bottom. a simple overhand knot at the end of the braid, note, leave a little end past the knot for effect. drop of super glue.i use a hopper hook , the braid is easy to penetrate with the hook eye. just judge the length of tail you want , and insert hook eye. now tye off the braid on the hook shank and build the rest of your fly from there. ice dub and pheasent marabou in a dubbing loop is a great body, marker pen that also. comb it out. let me know , catch one for me , pete.