ROCHELLE – One local business is doing its part to help make wearing a face mask less of a nuisance and more of a manner of personal expression.

926 Custom Embroidery, located at 404 Lincoln Highway in downtown Rochelle, has begun making custom face masks in addition to its other custom decorated apparel. The masks are made of either two or three plies of cotton and can include many different pre-made designs or any design a customer would like.

The cotton plies of the mask are first put together, then a vinyl cutting program cuts out the design. The design is then removed from the excess vinyl and lastly the design is attached to the mask using a heat press. Co-owners Heidi Bratko and Dana Theiss thought the masks would be a fun way for people to express themselves, especially kids when school returns in the fall.

“We just started making masks when the school districts announced they would be requiring them when school is back in session,” Theiss said.  “Currently, there is a high demand for masks and the fact that we can customize them makes them a little more fun. We thought maybe this will help kids want to wear their masks.”

Many of the designs were created by Bratko, but the design combinations are endless. Adult masks are available for $6 each, youth masks for $8 each and any image can have glitter added for an additional $1.

Mask orders can be placed by calling 815-561-9500, contacting 926 Custom Embroidery via email at 926customembroidery@gmail.com or by sending a message via the 926 Custom Embroidery Facebook page. Bratko and Theiss are very happy to be able to help during such tough times and they thank the community for its continued support.

“We love doing what we do, putting a smile on people’s faces and making people happy,” Bratko said. “We are in the downtown area and we are for Rochelle. The community has supported us throughout this entire process and we just want to say thank you.”