The Delta variant of the Covid-19 has made CDC recommend face mask-wearing because of the detrimental and lethal effects of this new variant on our lives. As such, face mask-wearing will still be part of our daily hygiene routine especially when we are in public places and are not yet fully vaccinated. However, there are cases of death as reported in the news even after an individual has been vaccinated twice. In this regard, wearing a face mask is still good protection to prevent contracting this lethal disease.

Many people wanted to be free from wearing masks as they have presented different opinions on this. They don’t consider it necessary to protect themselves from covid-19 and some people are having difficulty breathing while wearing face masks. Others believe that wearing face masks restricts them from speaking clearly or not being heard clearly by the listener in a conversation. One study revealed some certain reasons that face mask-wearing hinders effective interpersonal communication. 

"Interpersonal communication has been severely affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Protective measures, such as social distancing and face masks, are essential to mitigate efforts against the virus, but pose challenges on daily face-to-face communication”

(https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.582191).

“Face masks, particularly, muffle sounds and cover facial expressions that ease comprehension during live communication. Here, we explore the role of facial expressions in communication and we highlight how the face mask can hinder interpersonal connection. In addition, we offer coping strategies and skills that can ease communication with face masks as we navigate the current and any future pandemic"

Admittedly, face mask-wearing, while it protects us from possible risks of contracting Covid-19, brings about negative situations that are proven by research such as the aforementioned study. However, the most relevant reason for doing this health protocol is to ensure our safety and one’s health is our top priority. In short, we cannot at this moment, part ways with face mask-wearing.

As such, making face masks is one lucrative business for now. A Lot of business establishments are manufacturing their own face masks in different colors, sizes, and designs. They make them as a business venture and also an advertising strategy to make their products more saleable to the target market. For example, if you buy a certain product, you can have a free face mask upon purchase. So this is also a marketing strategy. 

While others are buying face masks, it is also possible that you can make your own at home. An online article shared some ways to do it. I want to share it with you which I have written verbatim with the link for other ways to make your own face mask. (https://www.creativebloq.com/news/how-to-make-a-face-mask). 

Bandana-style face mask

You will need the following:

1. A bandana or scarf

2. 2 x elastic or rubber bands, or hair ties

3. A coffee filter, paper towel, or kitchen roll (optional)

The easiest method for making your own face mask is as simple as folding a bandana or a scarf. Note that you need to choose the right bandana or scarf or you risk your mask won't be effective, or not being able to breathe properly.

Hold your material up to the light to see how much you can see through it. The less you can see, the better; if the material is too thin then your face mask won't be as effective. Tightly woven, 100 percent cotton is best. 

Fold your bandana in half, then fold it again twice – lengthways from both the top and the bottom. At this point, you can also add a square piece of coffee filter, paper towel, or kitchen roll to your mask – which you can change regularly.

Then, place your rubber bands or hair ties around your strip of material, and fold the material in towards the middle, tucking the ends into each other if possible.

Making a cloth face mask without a sewing machine

You will need the following:

1. Cotton fabric (10-11-inches or 25-28cm in diameter)

2. 2 x 6-inch (15cm) pieces of elastic or rubber bands, hair ties, or strips of cloth

3. A plate, or something round to use as a template

4. Needle and thread

5. Scissors

6. Pins

7. Jewelry wire or similar (optional)

Iron your material if necessary, and then place your material face down on a flat surface. Place a plate, which is roughly 10-12-inches or 25-28cm in diameter, on top of it, and draw around the plate. 

Then cut out your circle shape. Once it is cut out, fold it twice, so you get four curved triangles on top of each other, and then cut down the sides of your triangles, so you have four separate shapes (watch the video if you're unsure about this and all will become clear!).

Next, place one shape face up, and another face down on top of it, so the wrong sides of the material are on the outside. Pin together if you have pins. Do the same with the other two shapes. 

Then, stitch along the curved edge of your fabric with a needle and thread, using a running stitch or similar. You ideally don't want any gaps between your stitches. Once you have done this, unfold your triangles, so you get a sort of dome-like structure. Place the domes on top of each other, front sides together

If you want to insert some sort of wire into your face mask – this is useful for stopping your glasses fogging up when you're wearing your face mask – then insert it now by placing it along the nose (or middle) section of the top side of your mask and folding down the material. Jewelry wire works well, something like sandwich bag ties can also work.

Then sew along the top edge of the mask, encasing the wire into your face mask. Whether or not you have inserted your nose wire, the next step is to pin your mask in place and sew around the edges of your face mask, leaving a small gap at one end.

Next, pull your material through the gap (carefully), until you have the front sides of your material on the outside of your face mask, then stitch up the small gap – it is probably easiest to do this by hand.

All you need to do now is insert your ties into your face mask. To do this, fold one of the pointy edges of your mask over itself and then sew it down. Then do the same on the other side. You should now have created a little pocket, or hem, to insert your ties into. You can then insert your elastic or ties, using a safety pin or needle to thread them through the hem. Tie up your elastic and you are done. You can pull the ties so that the knots are inside your face mask if you want to, and you are done.

Making your own face mask will be an enjoyable and lucrative business when you do it on a Standing Desk Pro Series-Extra large desktop from FlexiSpot. As its name suggests, it is huge enough to accommodate your tools and materials for creative hobbies and for your children who are returning to school soon. It is height adjustable, with memory presets, and a  programmable sit/stand reminder system.  Have one for your family.