Made in Barcelona: Children’s Art Masks
How It Started
Set up in March 2020, Barcelona-based toy designer Amy Holden got the idea for MasksForAll when she could not buy face masks suitable for her children. She wanted an eco-friendly option that didn’t use up valuable PPE (personal protective equipment), which is vitally needed for essential workers. Amy quickly realized she could make reusable, sustainable masks locally in Barcelona.
“I knew it would be a huge logistical challenge to start producing masks during the lockdown, so I called on my network of mums and now there are five of us all working remotely to make this happen while we try to supervise our children’s schoolwork at the same time. They do say if you want something done, ask a busy mum!”
Kids Pitch In
Children all over the world are making rainbow art with the words “Everything will be OK” in many different languages and displaying them on their balconies and windows during lockdown. This has been a sign of strength and optimism from the children and an international symbol that we are all in this together.
“The lockdown has been a momentous event in the lives of children,” Amy explains. “We have created something we can keep forever to remember this exceptional time, and that recognizes the part children have played in reducing the spread of the virus.”
MasksForAll collected photos of children’s rainbow art from families all over Spain and turned them into a rainbow design which has now been printed onto fabric and made into brightly-colored face masks in sizes for all the family.
“Rainbow paintings on windows and balconies were a way for children to connect and share a positive message with each other from their own home. Now, as they begin to go out into the world again, we want them to see their rainbows on other children and to realize that we are all in this together,” she adds.
Up to Spec
The MasksForAll Shop sells hygienic fabric face masks which comply with UNE 0065 Specifications. They are made from two layers of soft, 100% cotton fabric, allowing a filter to be inserted between the layers and they have a curved shape which reduces gaping over the nose. The 100% organic cotton lining is a sanitary fabric which has been tested to offer more than 94% filtration capacity. The masks are made locally on the outskirts of Barcelona.
As well as selling the masks online, MasksForAll makes an extra mask for every three sold and have so far donated over 500 masks to local charities and good causes, such as El Casal dels Infants del Raval and Caritas.
The full range of masks and further information can be found on the company website at masksforall.shop. MasksForAll is a project of World Alive SL, creators of well-known children’s toy brands. World Alive products include Aqua Dragons and Soul Mates yoga mats. World Alive SL is also offering the hygienic masks wholesale or in packs for schools or groups.