Lace kitty ears were a big hit with fashionistas last season, with Hollywood stars like Nicole Richie, Rihanna and Katy Perry rocking the cat-tastic accessory while sauntering down the red carpet.

But I think the idea also lends itself wonderfully for Easter – all you need is some few pipe-cleaners, a doily, strong glue, a headband, and a spare hour.

You can also vary the shape so they can become almost any kind of animal – I’ve done rabbits, tiger ears, horse ears…. They can be created in almost any colour and little girls will just love them – I can’t wait to give the purple ears to my niece Ruby!   The beauty of these is that they are so easy to make – it’s a great craft to get the kids involved with. You could also experiment with different fabric or even doilies.

What you will need:

• Ribbon Covered Headband
• 4 x Black Chenille Sticks or pipe cleaners
• 130mm wide lace trim or a doily
• Fabric glue
• Fabric scissors

1. Take two chenille sticks and twist them together at one end.

2. Shape the chenille sticks into the desired “bunny ear” shape leaving approximately 5cm space between the two chenille sticks at the bottom. Allow 5cm of length at the end of each chenille stick for attaching to the headband.

3. Cut the lace trim as long as your chenille sticks. If you are making doily mouse ears, try to get a doily with a few circle patterns and use this as your guide as to where you will cut, and glue the pipecleaners.

4. Position the lace under the pipe cleaner shape ensuring that the lace sits under the chenille sticks at all points with the bottom edge of the lace stopping 5cm above the bottom edges of the chenille sticks.

5. Place small amount of fabric glue along one side of the pipe cleaners (do not place glue along the 5cm lengths at the bottom). Lay the chenille sticks glue side down onto the right side of the lace and press down lightly.

6. Allow the glue to dry and then roughly cut away the excess lace along the outside edge of the chenille stick to achieve the desired look. Do not cut too close to the chenille sticks.

7. Repeat steps 1 to 6 for the second ear.

8. Position the ears onto the desired spots on the headband and wrap the 5cm chenille stick tails tightly around the headband starting from the inside and working away from the ear.

 

 

Trim the excess lace at the bottom, and fold up and under to  hide the chenille stick. Secure with pegs and leave to dry ten minutes.

Make enough headbands for all your bunny friends! I had the most wonderful afternoon with my crafty friends Maris, Lilyanne and Phionna – we couldn’t resist a few selfies at the end.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t limit yourself to bunny ears – once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll discover this method lends itself to all kinds of animal ears! Think kitty ears, horse ears, lion and tiger ears (for the boys!).

Can someone PLEASE throw an animal themed dress up party so I have an excuse to wear them?!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And of course I couldn’t resist making a pair for George and Robbie! Patient darlings…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First published on LifestyleHOME