DIY Tutorial: Crafting Custom Latex Pointed Ears for Costumes
Pointed ears are a defining feature of elves, fairies, demons, and similar fantasy beings. This guide walks through creating personalized latex ear tips using a few basic supplies, resulting in prosthetics that look far more convincing than store-bought options.
By Blake Lewis
Elf ears are popular at Halloween and Christmas.
Distinctive pointed ears are essential for any elf costume. Costume shops sell pre-made latex ear tips, but they tend to be one-size-fits-all and frequently appear artificial. Using materials available at the same shops, you can instead build custom ear tips tailored to the wearer. The process is straightforward, and the finished result looks considerably more lifelike than a packaged product.
Prepare the Plastic Wrap
Take a sheet of plastic wrap and cut a quarter-sized opening in it.
Position the Ear Through the Opening
Put plastic over ear.
Place the plastic wrap against the side of the model's head, drawing her ear through the opening. This layer of plastic wrap serves to shield her hair.
Shape the Putty Into an Ear Tip
Ensure the model's natural ears are thoroughly clean and dry.
Using nose putty, build up an ear tip on her ear. No special tools are required—your fingers will do. To prevent sticking, apply a small amount of baby oil to your fingers. Work along the existing contours of her ear so the added tip appears integrated rather than simply attached on top.
Use additional baby oil to blend the putty's borders into her skin, and smooth away any visible unevenness. Make sure to blend the putty on both the back and the front of her ear.
Soak Up Excess Oil
Lightly press a tissue against the tip to absorb leftover oil.
Apply Latex Over the Tip
Put liquid latex onto sponge.
Using a makeup sponge, dab liquid latex onto the sculpted ear tip, spreading it onto both the front and back of the model's real ear. Let it dry, then apply another coat. Aim for six to eight coats in total, with each successive layer stopping slightly higher than the last so the edge remains thin.
Dust With Powder
Apply baby powder to the latex ear to keep it from sticking to itself.
Peel Off and Powder
Gently lift the latex ear tip away, dusting the interior with powder as you separate it.
Clear Out the Putty
Take the putty out from inside the latex ear tip.
Make the Second Ear
Make the second ear.
Go through the same steps again for the opposite ear. If you're confident, you can work on both ears simultaneously to save time.
