DIY FACE MASK NECK CHAIN

Let me start off by saying how much I hate that there's even a need for this project!  I never dreamed I'd be making a "DIY Face Mask Neck Chain" tutorial.  I know we're all so weary of dealing with this virus and I hope that you all and your families are staying healthy!

I can't tell you how many times I've had my mask in my lap in the car, forgotten about it, and dropped it on the ground when I got out at my destination.  Or arrived at the door of a store only to realize that I left my mask in the car.  Or, left it looped on one ear while driving from place to place and having the wind blow it off before I reattach it to both ears!  This is a handy accessory to have, especially when running errands where you might be in and out of stores constantly putting your mask on and taking it off.  I do like the idea though, even after this threat has passed, for some who might still need to wear masks regularly for their job or personal health concerns.  Many thanks to my friend Carmel, I saw her mention making a mask chain on her Instagram stories and it started my wheels spinning to figure out how to make one of my own!

 

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When buying my supplies, I started off planning to use and gathering up lobster claw clasps to put on the end of the chain (that's like a traditional clasp on a necklace) to attach it to the mask straps.  As I thought about it though, I decided mini alligator clips would be easier (and eliminate the need for an additional piece-a jump ring) to use so I set off on a search for those.  Craft stores didn't have what I had in mind with the jewelry-making supplies, so I searched the internet and finally found the clamps I wanted... and come to find out they're the same clips that are used on curtain ring clips!  So, if you have some extra curtain ring clips that you can take the clip off of, great!  If not, I bought this inexpensive pack of 100.  I know, 100 is a lot, but it was a better price than some of the smaller quantity packs and I planned on making several of these for friends, so now I'll have plenty.  

I made a 6 second video of the process to share on Instagram, and that video took me much longer to put together than actually making the necklace!  This is such and easy project with just a few supplies.  Here's what you'll need-

*A long necklace.  Any that you have should work!  I bought a bunch of these beaded necklaces at Hobby Lobby when the Spring Shop items hit 90% off a while back, but most stores or even thrift shops will have inexpensive options if you don't want to use one you already have.  

*Mini Alligator Clips

*Scissors, a Ruler, and Pliers

*Hot Glue Gun (if desired)

*Face Masks (I just bought a pack of these and they're my favorite ones I've tried so far!  They are light weight, aren't hot, have adjustable ear straps, and don't move around when I talk.)

It only takes a few simple steps to make this necklace!  First, start by cutting it apart.  I didn't need the tassel/charms on mine so that's where I cut the string.  

Then, remove enough of the beads to leave you with about 3" of string on each end.  Don't skimp and try to leave less than 3", I tried one with only about 2" and it was way too hard to tie securely in a following step.

After I made a couple of these, I decided that it would probably be best if the beads were secured in case one of the alligator clips happens to come off at some point... I don't want beads flying everywhere!  Ideally, I would tie a knot big enough to hold the last bead on each side in place, but I couldn't get my fingers to tie a knot close enough to the beads.  So, I just used a tiny dot of hot glue at each end to fill the bead hole and secure it to the string.  Don't do a huge glob that will be noticeable, just a little dab is sufficient and now they're not going anywhere!  

Now, get two of your mini alligator clips

and squeeze the hooks to make a closed loop.  You might even want one end to overlap the other like shown here, it creates the most secure way to attach the necklace.  

Thread each end through a clip and knot it securely, as close to the beads as possible. Make a triple knot at least, you don't want the knot sliding out! 

Trim the excess ends to make a clean knot.

Attach your clips to the ear straps on your mask and you're done!

 

Super easy off and on mask wearing, and you'll never drop your mask in the parking lot again!   ;)

I also made a neck chain with an old necklace that had metal links.  I trimmed some of the excess extender links off of the end with my pliers.  Then, I used the lobster claw that was already on one end of the necklace and clipped it to the alligator clip loop.  On the other side, the metal link was so small I linked the clip hook through the circle first, then squeezed the hook closed with the pliers.  

Let me know if you make one, I pray we don't need these for much longer!!  

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