How to Make Rope Mickey Ears for Disney or a Cruise
Learn how to make rope Mickey Mouse ears for a set of fun cruise-inspired Disney ears or resort stay! I’ve tested the best way to make them, so let’s get started.
What You'll Find On This Page
How to Make Disney Cruise Rope Mickey Ears
Here at Ruffles and Rain Boots, it’s no secret I like making Mickey and Minnie ears. I’ve shared how to make your own Mickey ears by sewing adorable ones like these preppy cruise mouse ears or letting a cutting machine do the work for you, as with these Lilo and Scrump Minnie ears.
But for an upcoming cruise, I wanted to make something a bit different. I wanted to have lightweight, waterproof (oh yeah) ears that could withstand the tugs of a 7-year-old. But it took me a few tries to get it right.
These open rope Mickey ears (or Minnie, whichever you prefer) are SOLID. My little one is not easy on ears and these have handled the rough pulls, tosses, and a myriad of other tests only a child’s imagination could muster. If this sounds like something you need, let’s get started.
No Time to Make These Now? Save it for Later
If you don’t have time to make these now or are just in the idea-gathering stage, save these ears to your favorite Pinterest board or to a Disney-lovers Facebook group!
Tips for Making Mickey Mouse Ears with Rope
I made a few sets of these ears and put them through the most vigorous test I could think of – I handed them to a 7-year-old who lived in the rainiest city of Seattle. Friends, these will stand the test of time.
- Make sure you’re building these ears on a flat surface which is either out of the way or can be moved out of the way. The ears will need time to dry.
- Craft stores have TONS of charms. If I had to do this project again, I would have gone for charms that were just a bit bigger (about 1.5 or 2 inches).
- This is a project that can be done in stages. Start with the ears so they can set and then move onto the ribbon bows. Those take no time at all, so you’ll be done with everything in no time.
How Do I Make Rope Mickey Mouse Ears?
I’m so glad you asked how to make these adorable rope ear Mickey ears. Scroll down for the instructions. If you’re putting together a DIY Mickey Ears playlist or a Disney vacation playlist on YouTube, here is our rope Mickey Mouse ears video tutorial.
How to Make Rope Mickey Ears
These open rope Mickey ears are built with a fun new way of displaying a little charm.
Materials
- 1-inch plastic headband
- craft rope
- woven ribbon (looks like burlap)
- striped grosgrain ribbon
- solid grosgrain ribbon
- nautical charms, jewelry wire, and jewel (optional)
Tools
- hot glue gun and glue sticks
- scissors
- lighter or matches to burn the ends of the ribbon
- pencil
- parchment paper and tape
Instructions
- Trace the 1-inch headband arc onto a piece of paper, leaving the bottom 3-inches. Use a bowl or compass to create a 4-inch diameter circle which arcs the headband. Repeat on the other side (I flipped my paper and traced the exact shape). Tape paper down to the work surface and cover with a large piece of parchment paper also taped down.
- Measure the rope along the outline of the ear, including only the arc of the headband, not the full circle. Use tape to secure the cut line and then cut the rope with scissors. Join the two ends with tape. Repeat for the other ear.
- Mix 2 parts ModPodge with 1 part water and stir until fully combined. Immerse the rope strands, one at a time, into the mixture. With gloved hands, work the mixture into the rope. Wipe off the excess and line the rope up with the Mickey ear template. Repeat for the other side and let dry completely. After an hour of drying, I was able to gently remove the rope from the template and flip it over. Take care not to adjust the shape of the ears.
- Once the rope has fully dried (overnight for me), I sprayed them with two coats of the waterproof UV sealant following the can's directions for application. I set them aside to dry.
- Next, I measured 15 inches of woven ribbon, 14 inches of red striped ribbon, and 11 inches of blue ribbon and burned the ends to avoid frays.
- I folded each ribbon in half and then folded the ends to the halfway point, securing them down with hot glue. This creates a two-loop bow. Set aside the woven ribbon and secure the striped and blue ribbons together in the center (see video for detail). Secure with a small length of ribbon around the join point.
- Wrap the headband in ribbon (i used striped ribbon) and secure with glue. See video for how I covered the ends.
- Secure each each to the headband with hot glue, wiping away any excess as shown in the video.
- Attach the woven ribbon to the headband (along the front), and layer the joined bow on top. Secure with hot glue.
- Tie on the charms to the rope ears and you're done!
Notes
See the video for detailed work.
More DIY Mickey Mouse ears (& Minnie Mouse Ears, Too)!
- Preppy Disney Cruise Ears – Oh, the cuteness cannot be contained!
- Snow White Minnie Ears Headband – These are no-sew and downright adorable.
- Dumbo Mickey Ears – Grab the kids and let them help with these fun Dumbo-themed ears.
Please Save This to Pinterest
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