For a bit of the unexpected and to make the pattern "my own", I would try a very small black & white check for all of the ears and make them dimensional and attach them only at the side so that they stand away from the body (as a real
elephant's ears do) - this would look something like a capital "D" - 2 pieces of ear, right sides together and a piece of batting on top - sew around round part and leave straight part open - turn right side out and you have an ear. Sew the straight part on to the elephant and fiddle with it so that it stands out from the quilt.
I hope I didn't overstep any bounds, but you asked for any and all suggestions.