A hand-held barrier apparatus for forming a barrier between surfaces a hand-held housing, a pliable longitudinal element, and a first connector. The longitudinal element is retractably extendable from the hand-held housing and includes a first coupling member supported on an end thereof. The first coupling member has a mating surface. The first connector is configured to be movably disposed on the longitudinal element. The first connector has a first mating surface configured for detachable connection with the mating surface of the first coupling member of the longitudinal element such that the longitudinal element forms a first loop upon detachable connection of the first connector with the first coupling member of the longitudinal element.