Austin and Travis County recently expanded their Stay Home-Stay Safe order to include a mandate that requires everyone over the age of 10 to wear a face covering in public. Luckily, the Chamber team has a variety of ways to create face masks, no matter what supplies you have on hand. From koozies to hair ties, there’s an option for every skill set!

If you don’t have elastic, this is a great option for creating face masks with hair ties. You can find a how-to via the Fat Quarter Shop in Buda, TX. This is a favorite tutorial of Chamber Customer Success Manager Katie Morgan because it’s perfect for a beginner sewer. She's even made them for fellow employees Sarah LeNoir and Britney Box.

Austin’s own Kendra Scott has an excellent how-to on how to create your own face mask. With written instructions and a quick how-to video, anyone can create this simple and effective face mask.

Chamber Content Strategy Director Amanda Gutman has created multiple face coverings using this Austin staple.

1. Select your koozie. You’ll be cutting it, so don’t choose a sentimental one—but pick one that makes you smile!
2. Cut along one of the side seams. (Amanda discovered that this koozie is reversible – fun!)
3. Sew the bottom flap down.
4. Sew ear loops to the sides – the hem of an old t-shirt sleeve works great. Amanda used an old Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot tee. She can’t wait to get out and run with people again!
5. Now you’re ready to pick up dinner curbside from your favorite local Austin restaurant!

Making face masks is so easy, you can even make one on the go - just take it from Austinite Bobby Bandito!

If you aren't crafty, several Austin businesses are selling face masks. You can find a list of these businesses here.