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Consider sharing your musical talents with the world like these students did.

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What the World Needs Now - for Virtual Orchestra

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If you can sew, consider using some of your free time to make face masks for our friends in neighbors.

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Learn how to make a DIY mask with this easy tutorial. You can use your sewing machine or a hand stitch. Here you will learn to make 2 styles of face mask pattern so you can choose which suits your needs and sewing skill level.

DIY Mask - Fabric Face Mask Pattern

DISCLAIMER - DIY Mask and Coronavirus COVID-19

I am not a health professional and am providing these patterns free as a lot of people are asking. Even when wearing mine to the supermarket yesterday I got stopped a couple of times and asked where it was from. Perhaps I just stood out in my bright floral mask.

In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, surgical masks for the general public are in short supply in many countries. Currently, in Australia, there are few or no face masks available for sale unless you are a health professional. A fabric DIY mask will not stop a virus. Only viral surgical masks can possibly protect you from COVID-19. Some governments are currently recommending fabric and DIY mask patterns as an alternative that they consider to be better than no mask while other governments say you are better with no mask of any kind. A fabric DIY mask will not protect you from the COVID-19 virus

Why I Wear a DIY Mask

My daughter and I wear these fabric face masks if we need to go out during the current coronavirus quarantine period just to reduce us accidentally touching our mouth or nose with dirty hands since we cannot access surgical masks of any kind.

Depending on the source, it is commonly accepted that the average person touches their face 16-23 times per hour. That's a lot. No wonder my makeup always slides off!

When wearing the fabric DIY mask my face touching went down to zero as I would know the second I did it and stop myself. I know that my mask will not stop airborne virus particles but feel more comfortable with it than wearing nothing. You may have a different opinion and that's ok. As more information becomes available I may change my opinion too.

Make an Informed Decision

In order to make an informed decision on wearing a DIY face mask go to the following sites -

DIY Mask Pattern - Styles

This tutorial has 2 styles of DIY mask.

DIY Mask, Face Mask Pattern

Style #1 is a single-layered pleated style

Style #2 is a double layer shaped style.

Style #1 - Pleated

Cotton Fabric

1/4 inch elastic. Alternatives include ribbon or string

Style #2 - Shaped and Lined

Cotton Fabric

One-sided fusible interfacing. Alternatives include using an extra later of fabric

1/4 inch elastic. Alternatives include ribbon or string

Pattern (this is the printable piece) or paper to make your own pattern

DIY Mask, Face Mask Pattern - SUPLIES

DIY Mask Pattern - Supplies

DIY Mask - Stitching

Because face shapes and especially noses and chins vary immensely between us all, I recommend making a test mask first and then making adjustments before sewing your final mask.

A fabric face mask can be stitched with a sewing machine or by hand. Style #1 has a little less sewing but both are fairly easy to hand stitch.

Sewing by Machine

If you have a sewing machine you will be able to whip these up in no time. For the straight stitching choose a small length stitch.

Sewing by Hand

The strongest hand stitch is a backstitch. Try to get the stitches as small as possible. The smaller the stitches the stronger your seam will be.

Full Article - How to Backstitch

The other stitch you can use if you think a backstitch looks too tricky is a running stitch. This is simply an up and down stitch. Once again make the stitches as small as possible.

Full Article - How to do Running Stitch

DIY Mask - The Video

Watch this Youtube video I made for you showing you how to DIY mask. I post weekly sewing and craft videos so please subscribe.

DIY MASK PDF

This DIY mask pattern tutorial is now available as a PDF download in my sewing pattern shop. It is free to download but the site will ask you for an email (no credit details will be asked for this pattern) DOWNLOAD ENTIRE TUTORIAL AS A PDF or download SHAPED PATTERN PIECE ONLY (no instructions)

DOWNLOADS - DOWNLOAD ENTIRE TUTORIAL AS A PDF (all instructions and mask #2 pattern) OR SHAPED PATTERN PIECE ONLY (mask #2 pattern with NO instructions - view instructions on your computer here)

Style #1 - Pleated DIY Mask Pattern

This is a single-layered mask and is easiest if you are hand sewing since there are fewer seams. If you wanted it double fabric, just cut 2 layers and put them together.

Step 1 - Cut a Square

Cut a square of fabric 9.5 x 9.5 inches (24 x 24 cm)

Step 2 - Hem the Top and Bottom

On the WRONG side of the fabric, press over the raw edges by 3/8 inch (1cm) and then 3/8 inch (1cm) again to form a double hem.

Stitch the hems.

Step 3 - Pleat

Fold 3 pleats into the fabric with the hems still being top and bottom. The finished height should be 3.5 inches (9cm). It is easiest just to lightly fold, measure and then press last. Don't obsess over them all being perfectly even. I did that for the first mask I sampled and it took forever and really didn't look that different in the end.

Baste the edges to hold the pleats in place.

Step 4 - Fold the Ends

Finish the ends with a serger or zig-zag. If you are hand stitching then just neaten the ends with a pair of scissors.

On the wrong side, fold the ends over by 3/8 inch (1cm and stitch.

STRING OR RIBBON - Cut 4 pieces of 18 inches (46cm)

ELASTIC BEHIND EARS - Cut 2 pieces of 7 inches (17.7cm). Sew the elastic at the sides.

ELASTIC TO GO AROUND HEAD - Cut 2 pieces 14 inches (35.5cm). Sew the elastic at the top and bottom.

Step 5 - Add String or Elastic

DIY Mask, Face Mask Pattern

All face shapes and elastics are different so you may need to make some alterations but here are some cutting guides.

For a neat finish, you can stitch the elastic over the side seam so it blends in.

Style #2 - Lined and Shaped DIY Mask Pattern

For my DIY mask, I purposely used a different fabric for the front and back. That way if I accidentally pulled it off I could put it back on the same way.

Face Mask Pattern

You can print my pattern if you don't have access to a printer you can draw up your own using the dimensions in my photo below.

Here is a printable pattern >>> DOWNLOAD THE PATTERN (pattern piece only) or DOWNLOAD ENTIRE TUTORIAL AS A PDF (free PDF from my pattern shop)

The link will open in a new window. If you are new to printing a PDF read my article on how to print PDF patterns. Make sure you measure the test square to make sure your pattern has printed to scale. The best way to print the PDF is to download it to your computer and then open in Adobe Reader. Some internet PDF readers are not great and can cause issues. Adobe Reader is a free program that most of you will have already.

Here are the measurements. There is a bit of rounding so I could give you imperial and metric measurements.

Step 1 - Cut the Fabric

FABRIC - Cut around the solid line of the template. Make sure you have the following pieces cut. See how they are all mirror images. The easiest way to cut mirror images is to fold your fabric in half and cut through 2 layers at once.

INTERFACING - For the interfacing cut the face mask paper pattern back to the dotted line and use that as your template. That way the interfacing is a bit smaller than the fabric pieces and it will reduce bulk in the seams. Like the fabric, make sure you fold the interfacing before cutting to produce mirror images. The glue will only be on one side so this is important.

If you made your own pattern, this dotted line is 3/8 inch (1cm) smaller around the curved edges.

Step 2 - Fuse the Interfacing

On the WRONG side of the backs, press the interfacing glue side down. The interfacing should be even at the short straight side of the backs and have a gap around the curved edges.

Step 3 - Stitch the Curve

Put the fronts and backs RIGHT sides together and stitch around the curved edge as shown. with a 3/8 inch (1cm) seam allowance.

Step 4 - Press

Press open the seams.

Step 5 - Stitch the Top and Bottom

Put the front and back together with RIGHT sides together and stitch and top and bottom edges with a 3/8 inch (1cm) seam allowance. Make sure you leave the ends open.

Step 6 - Turn

Turn the DIY mask to the right side through one of the open ends. Press.

Step 7 - Finish Ends

Finish the raw ends with a zig-zag or serger. If you are hand stitching and don't have a machine, just neatly trim the ends. Pinking shears if you have them can also stop fraying.

Turn the ends over to the wrong side by 3/8 inch (1cm) and stitch.

Step 8 - Add Elastic or String

STRING OR RIBBON - Cut 4 pieces of 18 inches (46cm)

ELASTIC BEHIND EARS - Cut 2 pieces of 7 inches (17.7cm). Sew the elastic at the sides.

ELASTIC TO GO AROUND HEAD - Cut 2 pieces 14 inches (35.5cm). Sew the elastic at the top and bottom.

Add elastic or string to the corners. Overlap underneath by 3/8 inch (1cm) and stitch well.

DIY Mask, Face Mask Pattern

All face shapes and elastics are different so you may need to make some alterations but here are some cutting guides.

For a neat finish, you can stitch the elastic over the side seam so it blends in.

DIY Mask - In Conclusion

As I mentioned previously if your first mask needs a little more shaping for the nose or chin you can adjust your pattern and make another. We are all shaped differently and have different sized heads. The tighter the fit of the mask the better it is.

Good luck with your DIY mask. Stay safe and healthy and appreciate your family.

DIY MASK PDF

This DIY mask pattern tutorial is now available as a PDF download in my pattern shop. It is free to download. You will be asked for an email for your link but no credit details. DOWNLOAD ENTIRE TUTORIAL AS A PDF

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DIY Mask - Face Mask Pattern - 2 Styles | TREASURIE

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Learn how to make a DIY mask with this easy tutorial. You can use your sewing machine or a hand stitch. Here you will learn to make 2 styles of face mask pattern so you can choose which suits your needs and sewing skill level.

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Libby will allow you to access some really cool reads! All you need is your library card and to download the app.

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Libby, by OverDrive - an app for library ebooks and audiobooks

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Enjoy ebooks and audiobooks from your local library. Available for iPhone, iPad, and Android.

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For a little mental and physical health consider trying yoga.

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Full Body Flow  |  20-Minute Yoga Practice

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Spend some time visiting with our friends at the San Diego Zoo.

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Try these 16 easy recipes in your microwave.

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SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

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16 Surprising Healthy Recipes You Can Make in a Microwave

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SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

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Learn beginner, intermediate and advanced home workout routines.

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You can exercise at home without any equipment by practicing yoga poses and strength training exercises that use your body weight for resistance.

If the idea of a home workout makes you yawn, think again!

When executed correctly, using just your body weight can give you a run for your money.

So, whether the gym isn't your thing or you're short on time, clear out a space in the living room and prepare to sweat.

The 30 bodyweight moves we've detailed below can be scaled for beginner, intermediate, and advanced exercisers, so start where you feel ready and progress from there.

Our 10 picks for beginner bodyweight exercises will provide a full-body workout.

Complete 2 sets of 10 to 15 reps of each exercise, with 30 seconds to 1 minute of rest between each move.

This circuit should take about 15-20 minutes - a great beginner routine.

Bridge

Activate your core and posterior chain (a fancy term for the backside of your body) with a bridge. This is a great exercise to use as a warmup.

Directions:

Chair squat

Squat to strengthen your legs and core, which will make everyday movements easier. Starting with a chair underneath you will help you master proper form.

Directions:

Knee pushup

A beginner-style pushup, this move will help you build strength before attempting a standard pushup.

Directions:

Stationary lunge

Hit your quads, hamstrings, and glutes with a stationary lunge.

Directions:

Plank to Downward Dog

This move will test your upper body, especially your shoulders. Who says you need weights for a shoulder workout?

Directions:

Straight-leg donkey kick

Build those glutes with donkey kicks.

Directions:

1. Get on all fours, with your hands aligned with your shoulders and your knees aligned with your hips.

2. Keeping your back straight, push your right foot out to the imaginary wall behind you while keeping your leg straight.

3. Your foot should remain flexed (toes pointing down to the floor) throughout. Take care to keep your hips square to the ground. Squeeze your buttocks at the top.

4. Return to the starting position. Repeat for the desired number of reps. Repeat on the other leg.

Bird Dog

A full-body move that requires balance and stability, the Bird Dog pose is easily scalable to your ability level. Start with this version if you're a beginner.

Directions:

Forearm plank

A full-body exercise that requires strength and balance, planks put the core into overdrive.

Directions:

1. Assume a plank position on your forearms. Your body should form a straight line from head to feet.

2. Ensure your lower back and hips don't sag. Hold the position for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Side-lying hip abduction

You may not think about strengthening your hip muscles until they start to bother you, but please reconsider!

This is especially the case if you sit all day. Counteracting that with hip-targeting movements will be very beneficial.

Directions:

Bicycle crunch

Although you'll work your core with almost all of these strength exercises, a targeted ab move doesn't hurt.

Directions:

1. Lie on your back and bring your legs to a tabletop position. Bend your elbows, and put your hands behind your head.

2. Crunch up and bring your right elbow to your left knee, straightening your right leg.

3. Release the crunch slightly. Bend your right leg and straighten your left leg, then bring your left elbow to your right knee.

4. Repeat for the desired number of reps.

If you've mastered the beginner routine, you're ready to take on these intermediate moves.

Complete 2 sets of 10 to 15 reps of each exercise below, then move on to the next after 1 minute of rest.

An alternative, more advanced approach is to complete timed rounds. For instance, complete 1 minute of each exercise and repeat the circuit twice.

Compete against yourself to get just 1 or 2 more reps each time you complete the routine.

Single-leg bridge

Any time you take an exercise to a single leg, you'll automatically make it harder.

Here, follow the steps for a bridge, but lift one foot off the ground while keeping your leg bent for an intermediate challenge.

Complete the same number of reps on each side.

Squat

Taking out the chair allows you to master the form of a regular bodyweight squat.

The same motion is still applicable here, though. Imagine you're sitting down in a chair by hinging at the hips and pushing your bottom back.

Pushup

A standard pushup is the more challenging version of a knee pushup. Assume a high plank position and complete the pushup in the same way, allowing your elbows to flare out at a 45-degree angle.

Walking lunge

By traveling instead of staying stationary in a lunge, you'll add aspects of stability, mobility, and balance.

Start with your feet together and step forward, lunging with your right leg. Stand up, then repeat with your left leg.

Pike pushups

Adding a pushup to your pike will target those shoulders even more. The movement here is all in the arms, so keep the rest of your body stable.

To perform, assume a pike position and bend at the elbows - allowing them to flare out to the sides - directing the top of your head toward the ground.

Get-up squat

Get-up squats are great for time under tension, or keeping your legs and glutes under continuous work, which adds to the burn.

Directions:

1. Drop down into a squat position. You won't stand at all during this move.

2. Drop your knees down to the ground one at a time so you're kneeling.

3. Step your feet back to the ground one at a time, maintaining that squat position.

4. Repeat as quickly as you can while maintaining good form.

Superman

Work your lower back - and the whole backside of your body - with a superman. Go as slowly as you can here to really reap the benefits of this move.

Directions:

Plank with alternating leg lift

Adding a leg lift to a regular plank makes you unstable, requiring your core to work in overdrive and your three limbs to support more weight.

Lift one leg up, hold for 5 seconds, and return it to the ground. Repeat with the other leg.

Kneeling side plank with hip abduction

Holding your body up with your knee and your extended arm during a hip abduction makes this move an upper body exercise, too. Plus, it recruits the core even more.

To perform, assume a kneeling side plank, then lift the free leg up, pause, and lower it back down. Repeat on both sides.

Dead bug

Activate those deep core muscles with a dead bug.

Directions:

When the intermediate routine becomes a breeze, take a stab at these advanced moves.

Bridge with leg extended

Lifting the foot then extending the leg straight out will make a single-leg bridge even more difficult.

Keep your foot flexed throughout the movement. Complete the same number of reps on both legs.

Overhead squat

Extending your arms overhead will challenge your mobility and range of motion in your upper body, as well as give your lower body the benefits of a squat.

To perform, complete a squat with your arms extended overhead throughout.

One-legged pushup

Lifting one leg will again put more weight into your other three limbs, thus creating more of a challenge.

To get it done, assume a pushup position and lift one leg off the ground, then complete the pushup.

Jumping lunges

Jumping exercises - often known as plyometrics - require you to give it your max effort for a short interval of time.

Because of the power and strength they require, you'll feel the burn quickly.

Add a jump to your lunge, really exploding up in each rep, to challenge yourself.

Elevated pike pushups

Elevating your feet in a pike pushup will make this version the hardest.

Put your feet on an elevated surface, like a bench or a step, and complete an elevated pike pushup.

The higher the surface, the more challenging it will be.

Get-up squat with jump

Instead of stepping your feet back up from kneeling, jump them. You'll need lots of power and strength for this move.

Advanced Bird Dog

Get into a high plank position, then complete a Bird Dog, lifting one arm and the opposite leg simultaneously.

As with all advanced exercises, maintaining a straight spine is key here.

One-leg or one-arm plank

Lifting one arm or one leg - and holding it there - will take a plank up a notch. Hold for as many seconds as you can, then switch sides.

One leg will be more challenging than one arm, so choose the right version for you.

Side plank with hip abduction

Plank off your foot instead of your knee for a full-body challenge in this hip abduction.

To perform, assume a side plank, then perform a leg lift. Repeat on both sides.

Hollow hold to jackknife

This move requires you to contract your abs throughout.

Directions:

Bodyweight exercises will make your at-home workout challenging no matter your fitness level. Start with our beginner routine, and in just a matter of months, you could be well on your way to mastering the advanced routine. Earn that sweat equity today!

Nicole Davis is a writer based in Madison, WI, a personal trainer, and a group fitness instructor whose goal is to help women live stronger, healthier, happier lives. When she's not working out with her husband or chasing around her young daughter, she's watching crime TV shows or making sourdough bread from scratch. Find her on Instagram for fitness tidbits, #momlife and more.

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The Ultimate Home Workout for Each Fitness Level

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If the idea of an at-home workout makes you yawn, think again! When executed correctly, using just your body weight can give you a run for your money. So, whether the gym isn't your thing or you're short on time, clear out a space in the living room and prepare to sweat.

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Take some time to make your bedroom a welcoming space to live and work in.

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Are you tired of complaining about the state of your teenager's room?

If your requests to tidy up fall on deaf ears, try giving them our step-by step guide. It might just work* AND you will regain your sanity!
* We cannot vouch for compliance in the actions of your teenager when undergoing our step-by-step guide! However if I could wave a magic wand for you, I sure would!
1. Put On Some Music

Dial up your mood and mindset by putting on music that help you get moving.

It will also feel like the time goes faster as you work away while singing or humming along.

2. Look Around You

Stand in the doorway of your room and take a good look around.
What do you see?
Think about what your parent/s see when they stand in the doorway and look in your room.

Taking a good look around you will help you decide where to start with step 3.

3. Put Things Away

Let's just start this process by putting things away. Pick your clothes off the floor and hang them up or take them to the laundry. Put things in drawers or cupboards. Throw out any rubbish.

In this step you are not decluttering as such, you are simply tidying your room.

The end result of this step will be that everything is put away, neat and tidy.

If you're happy with the result you might even want to dust, wipe things over or run a quick vac over the floor. But let's not get carried away! As a bare minimum, make the room tidy.

4. Start Decluttering

To begin this step you will need three boxes or large trash bags. These are for:

Trash (this is for items you no longer want or need, or that are broken/torn/tatty beyond repair)

Donation (this is for items you no longer want or need, in good condition and/or working order that someone else would appreciate).

Storage (this is for seasonal items that are taking up valuable space & can stored elsewhere)

Pick an area of your room to focus on.

It may be your bedside table, for example. Start going through the contents of the drawers or shelves and start deciding what you're going to do with these items.

Items you keep need to be folded or returned neatly. Other items are discarded as suggested above.

As you work your way around your room, think:

Have I outgrown this item?

Do I really need this item in my life?

Is this item just taking up space or do I actually use it?

All of these considerations are important when trying to maintain a positive and effective mindset for the long-term goal of keeping your room organized.

Steps 1-3 may be all you have time for today. And this is ok, for now.

I would think a minimum of 30 mins is all you need to get started. It's amazing how much you can achieve in 30 minutes once you get going.

Come back to Step 4 as soon as you can, remembering that you don't want to lose momentum so it's best turn up the volume and keep going.

Step 4 may take you some time. It depends how cluttered your room is.

If you have a short attention span I would suggest that you spend at least 30 minutes a day focusing on different areas in your bedroom. I doubt it will take that long, but it's a good time reference to guide you.

Ways to keep your room neat and tidy at all times can simply mean:

Put a laundry basket in the corner of your room so all dirty laundry ends up in one spot.

Get a small trash bin so everything you discard goes straight into the bin. All non-food items of course. We don't want to be attracting any uninvited guests into our room.

Put up some hooks if that will help with bags, jewelry, scarves or belts.

Make your bed in the morning. There is something strangely magical about a bed that's been made. It makes your room look tidier immediately and seriously requires very little effort.

Hang stuff up! Don't throw your jacket on the bed or on the floor. Hang it up straight away and keep walkways clear.

Well done!
Give yourself a pat on the back or reward yourself with a little treat!

Taking a little time each day to maintain your bedroom will help ease tension and stop your parent/s from nagging you about cleaning up your room.

It's worth a try, isn't it?

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Organize Your Bedroom: A Step-By-Step Guide For Teenagers

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Are you tired of complaining about the state of your teenager's room? If your requests to tidy up fall on deaf ears, try giving them our step-by step guide. It might just work* AND you will regain your sanity! * We cannot vouch for compliance in the actions of your teenager when undergoing our step-by-step guide!

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Give drawing and storytelling a try by creating your own comic strip. Check out some artists' YouTube pages for tips.

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I’m the author of many popular How-To-Draw books on everything from cartoons to anime and figure drawing. My books have sold over 8 million copies, and have been translated into 20 languages. You can buy my books at any bookseller. Check out my titles and social media at the links, below: AMAZON A…

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Try terrarium building to add some color to your home!