How to make Cute Minnie Mouse Ears

I was inspired to create this post when I started working on this Minnie Mouse cake.  I was looking for something to give Minnie a more feminine look than the same old round flat Mickey ears with a skewer through it.  So I ventured into creating an indented round ear... a step up in the 3D department!  What may appear difficult and laborous you may find that this mouse ear tutorial takes just a few extra minutes and a couple of extra tools than the flat ears.  The biggest challenge was coming up with the frame 'work'.  How to create a structure to support this shape and stay secure?  After a few days of hoping I would find something out there I realized the solution was right in my cake cupboard!  Cake wires were the answer.  I like to get them at my local cake shop (Every Baking Moment in Dixon).  But you can get them at any other cake shop as well.  Now all we have to do is shape them into place so... let's get started!

For a cliff note version check out our YouTube video at:

Minnie Mouse Ears - 3D Fondant

Materials

Black Fondant
Cornstarch
Gum-Tex
Round cutters (ear size and about 2 sizes smaller)
Flower Drying cups
Covered Cake Wire
Fondant Roller
Pliers (not pictured)
Paint brush (not pictured)

Step 1.  Make the Wire Frame

Center the wire on the smaller round cutter.  Gently and firmly push the wire around the cutter until the y meet.  Try to keep one side straight while bending the other (this prevents the frame you are making from losing a good shape).  Once shaped pull it out holding it carefully and secure it firmly with the pliers.

Now on ETSY

Purchase Read made frames at:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/183648957/cute-minnie-mouse-ear-frame-only-set-of?

Step 2.  Prepare the Fondant

I like to use ready made black fondant.  Sometimes the marshmallow fondant is a lot more trouble when it comes to making black!  Put a good amount of Gum-Tex on the fondant and knead in fully.  I like to use this combination instead instead of gumpaste.  Fondant keeps it's color nicely and dry with a 'softer' look.  Knead gumtex in fully.

Step 3.  Roll out your fondant

Prepare your surface by dusting it with cornstarch.  I like to use my clean counter for small pieces like this as it is nice and smooth and I don't need to wash an extra mat in my sink!  Roll out your fondant to about 1/8" thick and using your desired ear size cut out one ear layer.  Each ear will have 2 fondant 'layers'.  Cut a total of 4 ears.

Step 4.  Put it together!

Place one layer on the flower cup and with a paintbrush brush water on the ear.  Make sure to paint it completely edges, center, everywhere.  Place the ear frame you made inside the ear and press gently.  Center another ear piece directly ontop of your wet piece and frame, sandwiching the frame.  The water will stick them together and make the frame hold.

Step 5.  Final Touches

Dust your ears with a dry brush.  I like to use a small makeup powder brush.  Sometimes it is hard to get all that powder look off and any dry looking spots so to give it a clean smooth fresh look apply a small coat of shortening over the ear.  And we're done!