There are some things out there that I have to buy cause I don’t have the skill and time to make myself, but there are others that I know I can tackle (or at the very least attempt). A do it yourself face mask lanyard for my daughter to use as she returns to school was one of those things.

When I ran into this “new product concept” online, I knew right away this was a must-have for a young child going back to school in the middle of a pandemic. I am certain this will keep her from misplacing her mask and it avoids her from having to put it down on surfaces if she needs to remove it; for lunch for example.

If you have been following my content recently, I’ve shared how I have been preparing my daughter to return to school. You can learn more tips, tricks and recommendations in my “Preparing Kids for “Back to School” in a Pandemic” post. Now to the instructions on how to make these adorable and useful face mask lanyards.

DIY Face Mask Lanyard

What You Need

• – Bead Landing Rainbow Rattail Cord
  – Bead Landing Alpha Blocks Beads
  – Bead Landing Mixed Coloured Beads (these weren’t the exact ones I purchased but linking them for example)
  – Bead Landing Closures in Silver
  – Bead Landing Cord End Caps

Disclaimer: I bought all these items from Michaels Canada, however if you find them in a different retailer or location then feel free to shop there. This is not a sponsored post of any kind.

Instructions

1. 1. Measure the length of the cord to desired level on chest (pretend as if the mask is hanging there already) and make sure that it is long enough to comfortably be put on and taken off. This is key, especially for kids who may not be able to use the clasp yet and prevent the string from becoming a choking hazard.
2. 2. Once measured, add about an inch and cut the string in as many equal pieces as you would like to make. I cut 4 as I was making 4 lanyards.
3. 3. Taking a cord end cap and one end of the string, fold the end and place over the cord end cap. Ensure that the string loop is on the side of the end cap hoop and you are left with enough string tip to surpass the bottom of the end cap on the opposite side. This will allow for a more snug and secure fit when the end cap is sealed – this is why I recommended adding an inch to your measurement above.
4. 4. Using a flat plier (I got this set at Michaels), bend one flat of the end cap until flat followed by the other. Ensure that the top end is flat and folds over the first flap securely.
5. 5. Using the end with no end cap, you can now add in your beads in whatever sequence you like best. I did 3 coloured beads, followed by the name, a heart bead, and 3 more coloured beads.
6. 6. Once you are all done with the beads, repeat steps 3 and 4 on the other tip of the string to seal it off.
7. 6. Add a ring and clasp to both sides of the end caps. A this point you can also clip it on to the end of your mask. It should look like this:

1. 7. Try it on with the mask and see how the length of the lanyard feels. If it fits how you like it, then you’re all set!

I have to mention that while this post was geared at parents with kids going back to school, I will likely make myself one the day I return back to the office. I have accepted mask wearing as a new normal, so I might as well be prepared.

If you have any questions about this DIY face mask lanyard project, feel free to leave me a comment below or reach me on Instagram.