A book focusing on crafts in Bermuda has won an honourable mention in the culture category of the Eric Hoffer Awards.

The book, Hands On! The Art of Traditional Crafts and Play in Bermuda by Shirley Pearman, frames the experience of childhood play within Bermuda’s seasons.

Reflecting on Bermudian childhood the book is also a “how to” guide for dozens of traditional crafts and toys including Bermuda kites, tissue paper carnations, memory scrapbooks, banana dolls, bay grape leaf angels and comic book movie boxes.

Through this practical direction, the modern Bermudian child can experience the same kind of timeless enjoyment as their parents and grandparents did.

The book is produced by the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs with design and pre-press production by the Department of Communications.

Minister of Social Development and Sports Michael Weeks said: “I understand that this project has been a labour of love for Mrs Pearman, who first began collecting this material as far back as 2001 in preparation for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. It brings me great joy to congratulate her on receiving an honourable mention from the Eric Hoffer Awards.

“I would like to commend folklife officer Kim Dismont Robinson who led this project and served as editor, as well as her administrative assistant Veney Sims who typed much of the manuscript.

“We value the expertise and dedication of the entire Creative Services team at the Department of Communications, particularly graphic designers Suzette Sailsman, Jamie McDowell, Keno Simmons and photographer Stephan Raynor.

“Reading this book is guaranteed to fill any Bermudian with a strong sense of nostalgia for days gone by. And this book also serves as a reminder that if we do not record certain traditions, they are at great risk of dying away and being forgotten. Cultural traditions bind us together as a people in a collective experience.”

The Eric Hoffer Awards honour the memory of American philosopher Eric Hoffer by highlighting salient writing, as well as the independent spirit of small publishers.

“The Hoffer” has become one of the largest international book awards for small, academic, and independent presses.

Copies of the book are available at the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs for $35 and from retailers around the island. For more information, call 292-1681.