'Practical Wearable Art' for the New Normal of COVID-19

PORT BRUCE, ON, May 19, 2020 /CNW/ - We have all heard the expression: "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."  Welcome to the age of lemons, which for some, like Mark Kuper and his wife Shelagh Ashford, has inspired them to produce 'Practical Wearable Art' for the normal of COVID-19. The Ashford Twist, a company which produces colourful face masks and head scarves, was created by Mark and Shelagh to help combat this pandemic challenge in our lives.

"Face masks have suddenly become part of our daily routine," said Mark. "We all need to be safe and healthy, and also act responsibly to protect our communities."

The couple, who produce craft shows throughout the province, were left stranded when the annual Canada Blooms National Home Show in Toronto was abruptly cancelled in mid-March. After they returned to self-isolation in their home-cottage in Port Bruce, it took Shelagh just a few days to realize they could draw from their years of arts & crafts experience to create this viable and necessary public service.

The couple has designed more than 100 colourful and creative hand-crafted face masks made from 100% cotton fabric that meets the stringent CDC protocols. At present they have four full-time artisans sewing the designs in their own homes, and have been selling them throughout Canada and the USA. 

The Ashford Twist, an All-Canadian company, features not only high-quality materials and first-rate craftsmanship but also expedited same-day shipping which is insured and able to be tracked by the customer.

"I don't think it's just going to be a different summer," said Kuper, "it's going to be a different mindset from now on. We figured that face masks, necessary for health and safety, could also become fashion accessories for our foreseeable future."

"We are thankful we can be of service with The Ashford Twist because it is going to take some time before people are ready to go back to a busy art show."

They already have thousands of satisfied return customers who quite often order four masks at a time – a great deal since they are only charged for three face masks when they apply a coupon code as displayed on the website. 

We have all been told that we need to wear face masks for health and safety – but who says you can't be stylish at the same time? 

SOURCE The Ashford Twist

Coronavirus Is Our Future | Alanna Shaikh | TEDxSMU