How to make elf ears?

[Mermaid Saphira]

I want to learn how to make costume elf ears. I have heard of people using silicone or latex, but I can't really use these materials. I have even heard of people using foam. Are there any other materials that you can use? THANX :)

[Mermaid Saphira]

This looks like a good tutorial..

http://zeldaness.deviantart.com/art/How-to-Make-Costume-Elf-Ears-135064150

[malinghi]

Haha, you could always try the DIY elf ears surgery (http://www.instructables.com/id/Body-Mod-Elf-Ears/)!*






*for liability purposes I'd like to stress that I do not recommend DIY elf ears surgery

[Winged Mermaid]

I actually bookmarked a link on Instructables.com that I was going to post and completely forgot! Here you go: http://www.instructables.com/id/Elf-Ears-custom-made-in-silicone-rubber/

[LittleTreasure]

This one was on MerYuku I believe: http://browse.deviantart.com/resources/?q=mermaid%20tutorial#/dxo1um

It'd be fun to make a pair of mermaid ears like these: http://www.etsy.com/listing/56711771/merfolk-mermaid-siren-dragon-elf-fairy
Of course it'd be easier to just buy those, but I think they'd look prettier with more extended 'points' and shimmery color on the ends or something.

[Azurin Luna]

http://lluhnij.deviantart.com/gallery/?offset=72#/dxo1um Mermaid ears toturial

You could do the same for elf ears. She makes them herself and also sells them, they are very good ears and can endure alot. I got them myself and I'm a LARPer and it's not allways friendly there ;)

[Mermaid Fenicia]

I make and sell latex elf-ear-tips ;) http://users.telenet.be/the-mermaid/verkoop/prop/latex/latexe.htm

[Mermaid Saphira]

Thank you 4 all of these wonderful tutorials! I think I'll start researching now, I want to make fin ears for us mers ;)

[Fortuna]

I've always wanted elf ears^^ I just recently found out that there actually was a plastic surgery market for it. I don't think it would make such a big change, just look a little prettier. After all it's just the ears :P

[Azurin Luna]

The surgery doesn't always go right either, if the healing of the cut goes wrong your ear gets misshapen. I love having elf ears, but I rather use the prosthetic ears instead or risking cauliflower ears (kick boxers and waterpolo players used to get them alot before the got the padding)

[Joy&RaptorsUnrestrained!]

You can also get dozens of them in all shapes and sizes for between $3-$20. It hardly seems worth the surgery or the crafting. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=elf+ears

[Mermaid Saphira]

^ Yes, but I want to learn how to make them myself X_x

[seagirls626]

I don't know how to make them, but this company sells really great elf ears (I don't think you can swim with them if that's what you want) : http://www.aradanicostumes.com/elf_ears I have the small elf ears, and they are so comfortable I don't even notice that I have them on!

[Mermaid Saphira]

^ I suppose I should look into purchasing a pair :p thanQ

[MerEmma]

Purchasing is the best idea. I was an Elf for Halloween a few years back and they worked great the first time, but the second time they didn't stay on right. =\

[Mermaid Saphira]

do you mers think the elf ears would hold up well in the water? Maybe a few drops of eyelash glue would keep them on better???

[Rat-Soup]

I've always wanted elf ears^^ I just recently found out that there actually was a plastic surgery market for it. I don't think it would make such a big change, just look a little prettier. After all it's just the ears :P

I got my ears altered, and I love them to bits! That said though, it's a big commitment, and you need to REALLY want it and find someone who knows what they're doing.

http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/401551_329431440423220_646318616_n.jpg

Sorry for the hugeness...

Most realistic fake ears are made with foam latex, which are quite delicate, and can only be used a few times because the blending edges tear and wear away.

[Miyu]

Oh wow Rat-soup, that's so awesome, thanks for sharing! I've always wanted elf ears, and after all the bad press the body alteration method got, I'm so happy to see a nice picture and hear that you love them! And you're a girl! Most of the "real" elf ears I see are on guys...

Also, about "appliance" ears - I had some once, I couldn't afford the nice tips, but I met some nice young elves (way back when I was a teenager and LOTR was still new) at a Halloween party, and I guess they loved me or something, because one of them gave me their ears - just some cheap costume store "sleeves" (the kind that go over the whole ear). I wore them like that for a while, but decided I needed them to be more realistic, so I carefully cut the tips off to line up well on my own ears, and adhered them with spirit glue (I'm sure my grandma thought I was weird for asking for spirit glue for my birthday, but she took me to Renfest every year, so I can imagine she understood...).

[Kumori Kitsune]

Ive made some from fabric they work pretty well

[Miyu]

Also, this (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/elf-ears-headband), this (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/knitted-pointy-elf---spock-ears), and this (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/spock)! :P

[Kumori Kitsune]

thatd be great but one of the few crafting styles I cant do is knitting but id try that if i could

for those who cant or just want to use fabric my vid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhSpVDcWMuo&feature=share&list=UUfvM6_fymj-7NjlnUTnKODg

[Mermaid Alora]

do you mers think the elf ears would hold up well in the water? Maybe a few drops of eyelash glue would keep them on better???

NOOOO! Use spirit gum! Lash glue will irritate your skin!

[Miyu]

seconding the spirit glue method - it's a sturdier bond than eyelash glue anyways!

[Vrindavana Starfish]

Spirit gum for sure. Just don't get your hair in it. Ouch! I have a pair of elf ears I got probably 7 years ago. They're the sleeve kind that fit over your ears. I have small ears and had to trim them down, and I also painted them to better match my skin. Spirit gum, and a little makeup over the seams, and everyone is fooled. If you use makeup like theater grease paint, then it'll hold up in water.