As Ohio continues social distancing protocols moving into late summer, many people have chosen to get creative and make their own homemade face masks in order to prevent the spread of germs. Scioto County Daily News asked our viewers to send us some of their homemade masks designs and explain why they made them, and we received a huge outpouring of responses that we would like to share.
One user, Trisha Schmidt, shared a heartfelt story about how her homemade mask sales are being used to offset the costs of her dog’s surgery. She also said that her family’s involvement has made the project “a great way to spend time together and feel productive.”
The variety of masks shown by our viewers was very impressive. Amy Gammon displayed her mask that is designed in a Dia de Los Muertos style, Fran Carter’s masks are made to look like the faces of various animals such as dogs and cats, and Kim Townshend made a set of masks for her grandkids using prints from various cartoons and comic books.
Some of these masks are being donated to individuals and health organizations. For example, Connie Sine-Howie has given away hundreds of masks to members of our community in order to do her part to keep us all safe. Sharon Pertuset donates her masks to SOMC Hospice and includes a “pocket” that allows extra protection to be placed in the masks.
The viewers of Scioto County Daily News are doing a wonderful job keeping their community safe as the pandemic rages around us. Thank you to everyone who participated in this challenge, whether you were mentioned or not. We look forward to hearing from our community again soon in the near future.
Tammy Bernard Lewis
My grandson has autism, made for autism awareness
Ashley Collins
My mom sewed 100-150 masks a week for almost 6 weeks for free.. she didn’t ask a single dime for them. Her reasoning she wants everyone to be safe so she can love on her babies again.
Michael Bell
As President of the Autism Project of Southern Ohio and also an Autism Parent…love the mask. I also wear mine not only for COVID-19 but also for Autism Awareness. Mine was made by one of the Adults with Autism in our Autism Project. It’s just plain “AU-SOME” seeing someone else with one. Thank you.
Alicia Howell
I’m a professional seamstress, so when COVID-19 first hit the US and masks were in short supply I started creating masks to keep family members safe
Pam Altman
I started sewing masks many weeks ago. I’ve donated hundreds. My goal was to do my part to keep people as safe as possible. I put an adjustable wire inside at the top and a pleat under the chin to secure any gaps. After donating for weeks, I am now selling them.
Judy Shonkwiler Simpson
I have made several for family and neighbors. I just received some Ohio State fabric, so it’s time to get back to the sewing machine. I have also made some Cincinnati Reds, but the camera is not working right now for photos.
Jeffrey Daniel Jones
My friend who is a Nurse made mine, she’s a Pittsburgh Steelers fan and I’m a Bengals fan, she said she had to wash her hands 5 times after sewing a Bengals mask lol
Angie Roth
Because there was a need! And I’m a seamstress
Jessica Shelpman
We have pediatric surgical masks. Not homemade though. I have a couple of homemade that someone made for us but no pictures.
Trisha Essman Schmidt
I started making them to help friends and family then my 8-year-old Boston Terrier had to have major surgery to remove a tumor in her mouth. We had to see a specialist. The masks became a way to offset the costs for her surgery. I’ve enjoyed making them and the challenge of finding the perfect fabric! My family have jumped in to help, my daughter is in charge of mailing and vinyl application and my husband is in charge of packaging. It’s been a great way to spend time together and feel productive.
Patricia N George Adams
O-H……I-O
Barb Gronna Coriell
April T Hooper
Bridget Magnatta Warren
Amy E. Fisher Gammon
Both pictures are the same mask as I made it reversible. I make my mask at a $5.00 charge to pay for materials as well I have given a free mask to family & friends. My masks are two layers and they open on either side so that you can put in a filter. I also make custom masks if you want to come in and pick material out for both sides of your mask. I do them for Free if people provide the fabric and let me keep the leftovers to make other masks. I also offer 4 different sizes of masks as well as 2 different styles.
Connie Sine-Howie
I have made & given away hundreds of masks. Trying to do my part to help keep us all safe!
Kim Osborne Townsend
Made them for my grandkids when Corona started
Michele Reed
Made by a dear friend Rose Ann Russell-Rosier
Amy Leigh Neace
Made by my mom Jacie White Scroggins
