Mickey Mouse is the universal symbol of the Disney empire. It is loved by children all over the world and it is no surprise that they want to wear its ears during their games or as a Carnival costume. But remember that you don't have to pay staggering prices to make them, you just need some material that you probably already have at home.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Making the Ears
Step 1. Gather all the material
You will need black felt and construction paper to build the ears. However, if you don't have cardboard, you can use regular cardboard as well, since it is quite stiff and thick.
- You can buy everything you need for the project at a home improvement store or haberdashery.
- If you don't have felt, you can color or paint the cardboard discs black or cover them by gluing on regular black film (the one used to line school books).
- If you don't have cardboard to build the ears, you can glue several layers of sturdy cardboard.
- The material you decide to use should be stiff enough so that the ears do not sag once they are attached to the headband or headband.
Step 2. Purchase a headband
It should be black and at least 13mm thick. It will be the basis for mouse ears and you will need it to be able to wear them. A thicker headband will allow more stability to the ears.
Step 3. Make two identical circles as a pattern
You need to draw two circles, one for each ear. The circumference should have a diameter between 8 and 13 cm with a "tongue" at the base about 13 mm long. The hoops should resemble spherical lamps, while the tab will serve as an anchor to attach the ears to the headband.
Step 4. Return the circular patterns to the felt
Hold the model with one hand and trace the outline with the other to make four discs from the black felt. You can draw the circumference with a piece of chalk. Afterwards, you can wipe away any traces of chalk with a wet cloth.
Step 5. Return the pattern to the card stock
The purpose of these discs is to support the fabric of Mickey's ears so that they stand upright. You will need two cardboard discs, one for the right ear and one for the left.
Alternatively, you can use the base of a bowl to create the circumferences for the ears
Step 6. Cut out the felt discs
You will need sharp scissors or a dressmaker's scissors, otherwise you will not be able to get a continuous curved line. Follow the contours of the discs with a steady hand and cut out the fabric. When finished, you can remove the imperfections along the edge once the discs have been removed from the piece of felt.
Step 7. Cut out the cardboard circles
At this point, you need to proceed in the same way as you cut the felt discs and get two identical circles from the cardboard sheet. Later, you will use them to reinforce the fabric and make the ears more robust.
Step 8. Glue the felt to the cardstock evenly
School glue is generally more than enough to ensure a good seal on both sides of the card. This way, the inside of the ears will be as stable as cardboard, but the outside will have the look and color of mouse ears.
Part 2 of 2: Attach the Ears to the Headband
Step 1. If you need to attach your ears to a plastic headband, use a hot glue gun
The quality of this adhesive is better and creates a stronger bond between the ear cups and the base. If you have chosen an elastic headband or headband made of more flexible material, you can simply secure the ears with staples.
Step 2. Fold and glue the tabs under the headband
You should space the two discs about 7-8 cm apart, then glue them firmly to the headband thanks to the two tabs and hot glue. To place the ears exactly, make a mark at each spot where you plan to glue them to the headband.
You will need to fold your ears up and forward to make them stand vertically
Step 3. Let the glue dry completely if you have used this method
In fact, the staples do not need to stabilize, but if you have opted for glue, you will have to wait 30 to 60 minutes. If you apply a little pressure between the tabs and the headband for 5-10 minutes while the glue dries, you will get a better anchor.
Step 4. Put on the Mickey Mouse costume and show off your ears
You should be able to make a good impression by wearing the character's signature yellow shoes and a pair of red shorts. Alternatively, you can also play one of Mickey's classic roles, as the sorcerer's helper from the animated film Fantasia.
Advice
- Consider replacing the pieces of cardboard with hard foam. Glue two overlapping discs and remember to make a tab so you can attach them to the headband or headband.
- Mickey Mouse Ears are sold in Disney theme parks and Disney Stores; these are attached to a cap instead of a headband. If you want to get a result that is more like the original, consider gluing the ears you made to a black cap.
- If you don't have hot glue, you can replace it with a sturdy stapler.
