Everybody’s Homemade Face Masks

In Australia in efforts to contain the spread of the corona virus we have been asked to keep our distance from another person of at least 1.5 metres. With the exception of healthcare workers, the majority of us are not required to wear face masks at the moment.

However, if you do need one or are thinking about acquiring a mask, have you considered using a handkerchief & hair ties or even a T-shirt? I’ve put together a quick list of face masks anyone can easily make at home if they need a mask. And, especially for anyone living in countries where there are many people living close to each other, I hope this information is useful.

Japanese Creations have designed 2 DIY face masks.

No Sew Face Mask

This mask is made from a handkerchief and hair ties. I have seen others have added an extra gauze insert inside the handkerchief to boost filtration abilities of the masks.

How to Sew a Simple Fabric Face Mask

For the more creative person. A sewing machine is a must :0) This link includes a pattern template

Reusable masks by Marlena-Hand Made

I've read multi-layers of fabric are better than a single one. So here are a few handsewn pleated Small, Medium & Large masks with gauze inserts.

And here are some useful ideas from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the USA

Here is the link to other ways to make a mask including a mask made from a T-shirt :0)  This site recommends using a coffee filter insert for extra protection in a handmade mask. Other sites suggest fabrics to use other than cotton are silk and nylon or even a tea towel as the weave is finer.

One definite advantage to homemade masks is that they are washable (hot & soapy water) and reusable. If you make a face mask please feel free to share your handiwork with us. I am sure there will be some really fun and interesting masks. 

Here are some pretty Hello Kitty masks made by my friend who lives in Japan. They are so cute!

Just an update, in the past few days I've noticed a jump in the number of You Tube videos about making masks! Although medical advice states surgical masks are the best, I think making your own is at least taking some preventative steps. Of course, regular Tai Chi and Qigong practice to keep your immunity up is another important preventative measure we can all keep up. 

Stay Well Everybody.

Eight Sections of Brocade / Baduanjin / 八段锦 / Qigong

Well, it's been a while since my last post so I have just grabbed a moment to post a few tips on staying healthy at the moment. 

The great thing about tai chi and qigong (pronounced chee-goong) is that you can do it anywhere at any time. Baduanjin or 8 Sections of Brocade or 8 Golden Treasures is a qigong exercise comprised of 8 forms. Each one is designed to strengthen a certain part of your body.

There are many versions of Baduanjin.  I first did this particular qigong with a master from Wudang Mountain, Master Zhou Jinbo. Apparently, even if you only do this particular qigong each morning it is reputed to increase longevity. I found this short video by Master Zhong XueChao (Master Bing) from Wudang Dao Cultural Institute on You Tube. It is quite easy to follow and he lists each movement as well as all the benefits. 

The exercises help calm and relax while you breathe deeply and slowly stretch your legs, arms, back, neck, massage internal organs…everything! The gentle movements are a great workout and also energise and circulate qi and blood within your body. So vital to staying happy and healthy.

For anybody new to tai chi, only go as far as you feel comfortable. I really like the Wudang masters who can easily stretch lower, or kick higher than I can. Over time and with more practice however my dream is to become Super Stretchy and definitely more  flexible! But for now I know it's best to be sensible and not overdo it.

I hope you like the video as much as I do. Some people say just watching tai chi is relaxing.

Enjoy and Stay Well everybody.