“Times are tough – just turn on the news and the world stresses you out,” Helena Girard said.
And that’s why her crocheted Emotional Support Pickles are flying off her table at Duchess Park Craft Fair Saturday morning.
They are nubby and woolen, soft and squishy, in all shades of green as pickles tend to be. And the clincher is there are kind and friendly little eyes sewn on each unique pickle.
Some pickles are bigger than your hand, there’s one tiny pickle pin on the lapel of Girard’s handmade sweater and some are even in pickle jars because a customer at the last craft fair made a joke about it.
“They just put a smile on your face,” Girard said. “People seem to really enjoy them.”
People are liking the quirky because her cuddle hens are popular too.
“These are my recycling project,” Girard said as she cradled a little hen in both hands to show how precious they are.
“These are something you can give a hug to and feel good about.”
A friend donated the yarn to Girard, whose business name is Handmade by Helena G.
“So I came up with the idea of the cuddle hen and they are filled with all my scrap pieces so they don’t end up in the landfill,” Girard.
Girard’s grandmother taught her how to crochet when she was little and then after covid hit she came back to it, learned to read patterns and then quickly decided to design her own. She creates dolls and clothing as well.
“The pickles seem to be the popular item this year,” Girard said. “People need a reason to smile.”
Duchess Park Craft Fair goes on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Checkout Girard's work at Handmade by Helena G Facebook page.
