Two Modifcations to Craft Passion's Facemask Pattern Make a Better Fit and Seal

Kudos to Craft Passion for making an awesome cloth facemask pattern. After working with the pattern, I have made small adjustments, which I think improve the fit and seal. First, it is hard to get the elastic length right, because head sizes are different, and elastic stretches out over time. A solution is to only tack down one end of each elastic and add a small elastic loop to the area where you would normally tack down the other end. This way, the wearer can fit it perfectly to their face by knotting the elastic to the loop, and also tighten it down later when it starts to stretch out after washes. 

Second, the fit at the nose bridge of the original pattern is a bit loose.  A solution is to add a plastic-coated twist tie or 16-gauge coated magnet wire so it sits between the two layers of fabrics. The kind of coated twist ties from bread bags will work. Bend the ends of the wire inward so they do not have sharp ends.  Stitch the wire into a separate piece of fabric and then stitch that piece so that it ends up in between the two layers centered at the arch. 

Thanks for reading.

Cory Trusty

Aquarian Bath

How Growing Native Plants Helps Insects and Birds

Carolina Wild Petunia (Ruellia caroliniensis) is one native plant found in our wildlife habitat. It provides Nectar and may attract Hummingbirds, Mockingbirds, Thrashers, Orioles, Sparrows, Vireos, Waxwings, and Wood Warblers 

I went to an Audubon "Plants for Birds" program this Saturday and learned why native plants are important for birds. The presentation was given by Melissa Lammers of Halifax River Audubon at the Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center. The following stood out from the presentation: 

Native plants are essential for healthy insect and bird populations, buy why? Ninety percent of plant-eating insects eat only native plants with whom they co-evolved. Ninety-six percent of land birds feed insects to their babies, who need the protein to grow. A nest of chickadees requires 570 caterpillars per day, which is 9000 caterpillars per nest. Common yard plants like Crotons and Philodendron do not provide food to insects, and 80% of the suburban landscape is sterile with these types of non-native plants. In contrast oaks support 557 species of caterpillars. Some common native plants for Florida are Live Oaks, Beauty Berry, Cedar, Pine, Magnolia, Spiderwort, purple Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) vine, Pine, Beach Dune Flower, Blanket Flower, and even common Ragweed. In a before an after “yard makeover” one household found that by increasing the number of native plant species in their yard from 2 to 60, the variety of birds species increased from only 4 to 18. A good goal for a yard or a lot is 70% native species of plants. 

It's very simple to remember this way: 
No natives, no insects 
No insects, no birds 

To find out recommended natives species of plants for your area visit: http://www.audubon.com/native-plants and enter your zip code.

Help Bird and Insect Populations with your Yard or Garden

Florida Native Wildflower Monarda punctata (spotted Horsemint)

According to scientists who published in the journal Science this month the number of birds in the United States and Canada has declined by 3 billion over the past 50 years. That is nearly 30 percent of bird populations, and not just rare or endangered bird species but also common birds. Birds particularly impacted are those which feed on insects.  This downward trend runs parallel to a downward global trend in insect populations. A few of the suggested causes for the insect decline include habitat destruction caused by urbanisation, pesticides, climate change, and artificial lighting.

 There are two easy ways that you can help make a difference in healthy insect and bird populations. First, eliminate pesticides from your yard, and second grow a garden. Any size garden is helpful, even potted patio plants. Native plants for the yard are low maintenance and act as host plants for insects and pollinators. Another good place to start is with an Organic soil mix and seeds of native wildflowers. Look for native wildflowers and plants at your local farmer's markets.

Florida Wildflower Tropical Sage,  photo by Carl E Lewis (CC BY 2.0)

Aquarian Bath is doing our part to improve habitat for birds and insects! We were recently featured in the Daytona Beach News Journal for creating a certified wildlife habitat though the National Wildlife Federation and the Florida Wildlife Federation.

Clip of News Journal Article "Local business makes a difference to protect wildlife" Sept 2019

Ormond Beach Lecture: Single Use Plastics: Understanding the Need for Commercial Composting

Saturday October 12, 2019 11-12 pm
Ormond Beach  Environmental Discovery Center
601 Division Ave
Learn the facts about single use plastic and what you can do to make a difference.
Reserved your seat by calling 386-615-7081

Check out Mimosa Saturdays at Beehive Antiques in Daytona Beach

Start your weekend right with a free mimosa while sipping and shopping over a dozen great antique dealers and Aquarian Bath soaps and shampoos in the new Beehive Antiques 3000 sq foot location at 1019 Ridgewood Ave, Daytona Beach, FL.

Saturday, July 6, 2019 at 10 AM – 5 PM  

Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 10 AM – 5 PM