Thimble's story begins in 2006 with Indira Tibblin in Thalahena, a little fishing village in Negombo. Its occupants: men who earned their living at sea, and women with an undiscovered potential to create. Born with a passion for the arts, Indira let her talents manifest through whatever she could cut, chop, sew or paint on; creating vibrant wall hangings, tapestries, cushions and that would soon make life in Thalahena just as lively.

Being the proprietress of Villa Hundira also played a salient role in her “Eureka” moment; for this was where she grasped how far the power of her fingertips could go. Guests spoke highly of her work and set their hearts on taking a part of Sri Lanka’s flamboyance back home with them, but she did not have enough to go around.

Indira had her mind set on unearthing hidden talent; the people who would take her vision, and make it a reality. She would teach her skills to the women in the village, and they would craft what was so frequently sought after; satisfying her guests while simultaneously empowering these women who were once only known as daughters and wives.

With these new techniques, the women created; each article representing a little piece of the island. With heeded hands they would bring pieces to life; wooden tuk-tuks seemed to almost sputter under each brushstroke, and hand-loomed elephants would trumpet as decorated caparisons were laid on them.

With a little imagination and perseverance, Thimble captured the essence of Sri Lanka. Gathered in an open courtyard studio, the women of Thalahena learnt the art of skill. They grew and began to understand their own strengths, and soon, they too became breadwinners. Instead of being burdened by what they lacked, they were now motivated by what they had.

Community is the essence of Thimble. Every colourful card a stack of loose papers. It is the ingenious minds of the women of Thalahena who gather around large tables in an open verandah; chatting, laughing and combining ideas, setting their hands and minds to work to make the colourful pieces you take back home.

They are supported by others, like the villagers who supply the raw materials. Thimble incorporates people within and beyond Thalahena, you could say it takes a herd to make a single elephant.

Each time you buy one of our products, you are not only supporting these women but these entire communities.