By Samantha Simon
Michelle Donawa has authored the first comprehensive instructional manual dedicated to the traditional Antiguan craft of seedwork called “Seedwork Made Easy”, which was launched Sunday afternoon at the historic Copper & Lumber Store Hotel in English Harbour.
The manual, inspired by Donawa’s grandmother and the women of the English Harbour community, provides detailed instructions from seed collection through to creating finished pieces.
“This book was born out of a strong desire to preserve and celebrate the art of seedwork, a cherished tradition in Antiguan culture,” Donawa said during her emotional response at the launch. “It serves as my tribute to my grandmother’s legacy.”
Seedwork, a traditional Antiguan craft using natural seeds instead of beads, is used to create necklaces, bracelets, coasters, and other jewelry items. With only four or five artisans currently practising this craft, Donawa’s book arrives at a crucial time for preserving this cultural heritage by teaching others the craft.
“It’s very comprehensive,” Donawa explained. “It has everything from collecting to creating designs, with basic patterns that beginners can follow just by going through the instructions.”
The event, attended by His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, and St Paul representative Chet Greene, included a poignant moment of silence to remember the seedwork artisans of the past who helped build and sustain their communities through this traditional craft.
The craft has deep roots in the English Harbour community, where artisans like “Aunt Christy” spent decades creating and selling seedwork at the dockyard.
Speaking at the event, Kim Burdon noted that the manual is unique in teaching the specific art of stitching seeds together, rather than just placing seeds on substrate material.
Parks Commissioner Ann Marie Martin recalled several of these artisans by name, including Rosal, Charlotte, and Larina, who were instrumental in establishing seedwork as a vital economic force in the community.
“They built beautiful houses with this trade,” Martin shared, remembering when tourists would pay premium prices for seedwork pieces.
MP Greene, who is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs, pledged governmental support to promote the work internationally and presented a congratulatory token to the author.
“Far too often we see elements of our history go down the drain,” Greene noted.
The book is available for purchase on Amazon and locally at the Best of Books store and other locations.
The launch event concluded with a book signing session and a special “Sip ‘n Sew” engagement with attendees.
Donawa, who holds a BA in Health Studies and operates WeBeStitching Embroidery & Print, plans to introduce “Sip n Sew” workshops to a wider audience following the book launch, ensuring this traditional craft continues to thrive in modern Antigua and Barbuda.
Excellent! Congrats, Ms Donawa. I love the idea behind the book. Admirable!