How to make fake ears for cosplay?

Materials Needed

• Faux Fur: Choose the color and length of fur that matches your desired animal ears.
• Cardboard or EVA Foam: For the base structure of the ears.
• Aluminum Wire (12 gauge): To make the ears posable.
• Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks: For assembling the ears.
• Scissors and Craft Knife: For cutting the materials.
• Electric Shaver or Trimmer: To trim the fur for a more realistic look.
• Hair Clips or Headband: For attaching the ears.
• Pink Felt: For the inner part of the ears.
• Markers or Chalk: For tracing patterns.
• Pattern Paper: To create and trace your ear patterns.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Creating the Pattern

1. Design the Shape: Draw the shape of your ears on pattern paper. Consider the size and style—whether they are long and pointy like elf ears or short and round like animal ears.
2. Cut Out the Pattern: Once satisfied with the design, cut out the pattern. You will need two patterns for each ear—one for the front and one for the back.

2. Cutting the Materials

1. Trace the Pattern: Place the pattern on the EVA foam or cardboard and trace around it. Do this for both the front and back patterns.
2. Cut the Foam/Cardboard: Carefully cut out the shapes using scissors or a craft knife.
3. Prepare the Fur: Lay the faux fur cloth side up and check the direction of the fur fibers. Ensure the fur points upward towards the tips of the ears. Trace the foam shapes onto the back of the fur, leaving a 1/4 inch gap for seam allowance. Cut the fur using scissors.

3. Assembling the Ears

1. Attach the Wire: Shape the aluminum wire along the edge of the foam pieces, leaving about a two-inch tail on each end. This will help in attaching the ears to the headband. Use the hot glue gun to secure the wire in place.
2. Glue the Fur: Glue the fur pieces onto the foam, ensuring the fur fibers are pointing in the right direction. Start with the front piece, then the back piece, and finally, glue the edges together. Be careful not to glue the fur fibers themselves, as this can make the ears look unnatural.
3. Trim the Fur: Use an electric shaver or trimmer to trim the fur for a more realistic look. Trim the edges to create a clean line and shape the fur to match the desired look.

4. Adding Details

1. Inner Ear: Cut out small pieces of pink felt for the inner part of the ears and glue them in place.
2. Painting and Shading: Use paint or hair chalk to add shadows and texture. Professionals might use an airbrush, but you can also use a toothbrush dipped in watered-down paint to apply the details.
3. Decorations: Add any additional decorations like silver rings or studs using super glue.

5. Attaching the Ears

1. Headband Method: Take the long pieces of wire left earlier and bend and wrap them around a headband tightly. Ensure the ears are secure and can be positioned as desired.
2. Hair Clips Method: If using hair clips, glue the clips to the base of the ears. This method allows for more flexibility in placement.

Additional Tips and Resources

• CrazeCosplay.com: While there are no specific tutorials on CrazeCosplay for making animal ears, the website offers a wide range of cosplay accessories and costumes that can complement your DIY ears.
• Rank No.1: This source provides high-quality cosplay materials and patterns that can be useful for your project.
• Books and Patterns: Ears and Tails for Cosplay by Kinpatsu Cosplay provides seven detailed tutorials for making different kinds of ears and tails, complete with step-by-step pictures and instructions. This book is a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced cosplayers.

Conclusion