Gold Gable Studio – Mask Master
It began as a fun hobby to spend time during quarantine and contribute to the community in a small way. Bonnie Halvorsen dusted off her sewing machine when she heard that some folks wanted cloth masks to ensure their safety while driving around the city delivering food. While honing her mask-making skills, Bonnie gave away many early prototypes to her neighbors and colleagues at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. When asked how much these masks cost, the response was, “Make a $25 donation to Tandem or UWM Food Pantry!” Soon the barrage of requests via email and text required a shift to a more formal business model. So Bonnie dusted off her old Etsy shop to help streamline her life a little and manage the high demand.
Bonnie’s masks set themselves apart with their unique artistic flair. From a past life as an interior designer, Bonnie had a large book of fabric samples from a famous textile designer, Mariano Fortuny. This book of 9”x 11” fabric swatches had laid untouched for decades but were the perfect size for Bonnie’s mask patterns. Seeing the high demand for everyday masks, Bonnie decided to throw some organic cotton into the mix.
Through her online venture, Bonnie has raised thousands of dollars for charity. Her masks have been purchased by people as far as the United Kingdom. She continues to work hard to support the community and has expanded her volunteer sewing circle to include a few other dedicated local women.