ReeReeCraftShop

My name is LaRita and I started on Etsy selling face masks for the 2020 health crisis we are in. I am a registered nurse and I worked for the VA hospital for several years. I was also a clinical nurse instructor for several Atlanta facilities. I am a 22 year Air Force Reserve Veteran. I am medically retired from nursing due to a back injury. I have always LOVED doing arts, crafts, decorating and DIY projects. I had not been able to craft as I wanted to, but I absolutely wanted to try making masks for the community. I regularly donate masks to the local post office as I feel they are an essential pulse to the Etsy community I have also donated to local hospitals for patients waiting for care.

My shop currently features face masks and I plan to try venturing into new crafting endeavors in the future.

When I started trying to design the face masks, I pulled out my old sewing machine and got ready for action! I tried different designs...diaper masks(hilarious),etc to donate to local hospitals in the waiting rooms. I saw the call for face masks from Etsy and decided to give cloth face masks a try. I ventured out to look for basic mask supplies and there was no elastic anywhere. I started out using hair elastic ties on the ears. The local customers feedback was that those were much too tight and they put pressure on the ears. I had to find a solution. I ordered elastic but it was going to take weeks to get it.

I found there was barely any supplies for making masks. Fabrics were low. I actually purchase most fabrics right here on Etsy. I checked Amazon, Walmart, etc, but like the rest of the world, staying home is safer. Local shopping is very hard to do with the current COVID-19 situation.

I researched several styles on You Tube. Thank goodness for the You Tube vloggers. There were so many videos to watch that taught the skills, and I stayed up nights trying to find a good design. I finally found a nurse who created what she called the rope design. She said that the nurses were complaining about even wearing the soft elastic on their ears for several hours a day. I decided to try a similar design like hers and sent it to my cousin in California,who is also a nurse and has to wear a mask for several hours. She liked it, so I kept making the rope design. It is a single tie design that stays put with no pressure on the ears. It is also adjustable for most adult faces. I quilt most of my design, and they are soft and comfortable. They are also machine washable. I just recommend a light iron to re compress the batting inside.
So far the feedback from the customers has been very positive.

I have several colors, prints and styles.Most of the masks in my shop are animated, brightly colored and artsy. If we must wear masks to protect others, we might as well have a little fun with it.

The year of 2020 has been tough, and probably for all of us, the most harrowing experience in our lifetimes. I believe it is raining, in fact it is a storm. It will pass like all storms eventually do. I am sad about the recent events in the US that have compounded our sorrow we were already dealing with. I hope for eventual peace, unity, compassion and understanding. I thank Etsy for offering crafters and seamstresses the opportunity to help the community.


Hoping you stay safe and optimistic.

Thanks for visiting my shop

Ree