Skip to Content
Featured

How to Make Easy DIY Face Masks, as Explained in English and Spanish by the Latina Costume Designer From ‘Gentefied’

[dropcap size=big]W[/dropcap]hile the media continues to argue the validity of using face masks in public as effective preventative measures against COVID-19, the truth of the matter in the larger picture still stands: There aren’t enough of them out there. 

This reality prompted some like Jen Martin, and many others, to redirect their skills to teaching people how to make them at home through simplified video tutorials. The difference, however, between Martin and everyone else?  The local Costume Designer who recently worked on Gentefied did it to the tropical Afro-Latin sounds of the L.A. band, Quitapenas turned all the way up. 

English

Español

"When the pandemic started it became clear immediately that there weren’t enough face masks, so I started using my sewing skills to make masks for friends who work in hospitals and do community outreach,” she writes L.A. Taco via email. 

She shares that the situation was so dire, that “After I finished my first batch of masks, I received about 50 more commissions from people who desperately needed PPE.” This prompted her and her creative friends to collaborate remotely and create a short, very danceable video tutorial. “[We] got to support all those folks working to keep Los Angeles running.” 

The video’s director informs L.A. Taco that they are working on a version en Español, which we will post when it becomes available. 

Credits:

Sewing Pattern and Produced by Jen Martín @jenmar10

Song by Quita Penas @quitapenasmusic

Illustrations by Richie Velasquez @deladeso

Cinematography by Daniel Trujillo  @DdTtru

Editing and lots of help by Andrew Vasquez @flandres.la

Voice over by Selene Santiago @dear.selene

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

A Guide to Every Congressional Candidate Being Funded by AIPAC

This article is intended to provide L.A. voters with publicly available information on pro-Israel PACs, as L.A. TACO believes transparency about political funding and endorsements allows voters to make informed electoral decisions.

May 18, 2026

Legal Coalition Prepares Restraining Orders Against Feds Who Targeted VC Defensa

Between 50 - 60 members, volunteers, and activists of the group have been targeted by federal agencies through a combination of tactics like raids, searches, and seizures, including agents allegedly following people home and flashing their lights.

Celebrating 50 Years Of L.A.’s Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA)

DCBA is marking its 50th anniversary with a yearlong celebration honoring the accomplishments that helped earn its reputation as “The People’s Department,” while also reflecting on the agency’s ongoing impact and future role in serving Los Angeles County residents.

May 16, 2026

Weekend Eats: A New Ukrainian-Owned Pastel de Nata Truck Opens In Venice

We've also got a new taquería from Vegas trying their luck in L.A.'s Taco Life, a dark forest-themed brewery in North Hollywood, a contest to get the keys to your own burger ranch, and a sweet, creative use of Japanese milk bread.

May 15, 2026

Are These Birria Soup Dumplings Worth the Hype or Just Another Stunt Dish Made For Instagram?

You only have until the end of May to get the dish that blew our editor's mind.

May 14, 2026

Investigations Newsletter: Dr. Oz In MacArthur Park

The physician argued that Los Angeles is “farming homelessness” in MacArthur Park.

May 14, 2026
See all posts