Mask On: Student Makes Mask Life Easier while Giving Back

Daily mask life is definitely an adjustment for us average Joes and Julies. But thanks to individuals like the talented and resourceful Patrick Tsang and his Covid-friendly creations, it’s getting a bit easier for everyone.

Patrick, a seventh grader at St. John's, has been using his 3D printer and laser-making skills to create a number of mask-tastic tools. He donates all of the money he earns to the Houston Food Bank to feed those in need.

With the state’s mask mandate, Patrick’s ingenious creations are more helpful than ever. Patrick is especially excited about his popular Face Mask Keeper, which consists of a premium paracord, break-away safety connector, and a name tag and push button adjuster. Compatible with both cloth and surgical masks, the Face Mask Keeper can be customized with a variety of paracord color options and laser-engraved name tags.

“The idea is to help the mask fit the best it can and more comfortably," Patrick says. "It can hang from the neck when, say, you’re doing things like eating. Plus, it helps [prevent] people, especially kids, from touching the mask too much and setting the mask down on a table, dirty surface or misplacing it.”

Patrick started using his 3D printer and laser-making skills for pandemic purposes in March, providing greater mask comfort for the tired ears of medical workers. The piece he first started making is called an ear saver. He created and donated over 2,000 ear savers to date. About a month ago, he started making the Face Mask Keepers and, so far, he’s sold several hundred on his website. In addition to the Face Mask Keeper and Ear Savers, he creates and sells Face Mask Strap Extenders, name tags for face shields, and hashtag signs of your choice like #MaskOn.

Patrick makes his craft look easy, but as he points out, 3D printing and laser-cutting have their challenges, especially when it comes to knowing just how much power to use to not overheat or burn.

With so many offerings on his website, Patrick has come a long way since he started making luggage tags for friends’ backpacks as a youngster with his dad. Patrick’s father, Charles Tsang says, “Patrick started learning to make these things with me when he was in first grade, but really started doing it himself at the end of second grade. And by fourth grade, he was designing and 3D-printing things like a dragon head for a school art car parade.”

Patrick’s goal is to donate $1000 to the Houston Food Bank—where he volunteered last school-year and during the pandemic.

When not volunteering or working on his business—which he does for several hours each day—he’s busy with his other passions like tennis, musical theater and tap dancing.

When he grows up, he’d like to be a doctor or an engineer. No doubt, with the business he has going on “engineering” so many things used by the healthcare community, he’s on the right track.

What’s Patrick’s advice to other kids who would like to help during the pandemic?  “Do your best, and every little bit helps.” He ends the question with a giggle. “Just get off your butt and make it happen. You can do it!”

Editor’s note: Find inspiration for kids and teens to safely help out – from home – during Covid-19 here, plus a list of more ways to help here.