Vinita

Vinita batik accessories

"Hello, My name is Vinita Tongtawat. My first name comes from the combination of my father's (Pinit) and my mother's (Viboonwan) names. Although my name is not defined in the dictionary, I'm very proud of this name. It is the name given by my parents with their love. I was born in Lampang, then moved on to study in Chiang Mai and when I finished high school, I went to study at the College of Fine Arts in Bangkok and completed my bachelor's degree at the Faculty of Fine Art, Silpakorn University. Here I discovered my true identity — I express myself through tangible art, especially by creating unique colors with batik apparel.

"My thesis was on batik textiles with a very good combination of colors. It was very beautiful and lively. My work was selected for publication on a pamphlet for The Student's Thesis Work. Much of my beautiful work was purchased by Austrians. All of my pieces selected for exhibition were sold out. I was very grateful for the success I achieved through this.

"After graduating in 1983, I married my husband who was a student at my same university. I started to work for a home décor company in Bangkok as a designer. By 1989, we had a small son and daughter, and we decided to follow our dreams for our children to grow in a land of peace, beauty and with a simple lifestyle. Chiang Mai is the city that offered us what we were looking for, plus it is also the center Thai of handicrafts so I started working for a big exporter of saa paper when we moved here.

"I worked there for some time and then I quit to start my own venture focusing on textile arts. I have the ability to make a good selection of colors for dyeing fibers. The color combinations are beautiful and definitely reflect my identity as well. At the beginning, I studied the color absorbing qualities of each type of fiber in order to get beautiful, stable colors. Some fabrics require pretreatment before dyeing. After that, I started dyeing fabric by doing a few pieces at a time, boiling them in a small old pot.

"Once I made sure that I could get beautiful and stable colors, then I started to experiment with techniques to add texture to the fabric, like waxed batik, tie-dye and stitching. I constantly produce new colors to complete my stock. My designs received good response from people who loved my work. They started to place orders.

"I started with a small pot for dyeing and eventually moved to a big pan with a diameter about the spread of human arms. The one important thing for me is to always mix the dyeing colors myself to get the right color. Before dyeing, I check every piece of fabric to make sure that it is good quality with no defect at all.

"Since I studied art, the very first lot of my production reflected quite a lot about myself. I sometimes forget to think about the market demand. My client was trying to help by telling what the market trend was. I tried to change and produce to meet the needs of the market.

"I am very happy with what I have achieved so far. When asked about any challenges to overcome, I would say that I never have any obstacles. I think I do what I can do and don't force things that aren't ready or things that I cannot do. That way my work can run smoothly.

"Every day, the first thing I do in the morning is pay my respects to Buddha. Then I walk to the small garden at the center of my house, prepare breakfast, chat with family, then go to work. My husband has a small studio where he paints. I have a small area for my fabric work. I'm getting older now and my venture is stable, and I have my daughter who graduated from art school as well to help me take care it.

"Now I have more time to work on what I love — waxed drawing and coloring to make batik. It is the same art work I did when I was studying. My family is a family of artists, my husband and my children are art graduates. When we are together, it is a very happy time. Our happiness is expressed in our art work. Now my daughter and I have joined you. Hopefully we will get a warm welcome from all of you. Thank you."

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Chiang Mai, Thailand

"My thesis was on batik textiles with a very good combination of colors. It was very beautiful and lively. My work was selected for publication on a pamphlet for The Student's Thesis Work. Much of my beautiful work was purchased by Austrians. All of my pieces selected for exhibition were sold out. I was very grateful for the success I achieved through this.

"After graduating in 1983, I married my husband who was a student at my same university. I started to work for a home décor company in Bangkok as a designer. By 1989, we had a small son and daughter, and we decided to follow our dreams for our children to grow in a land of peace, beauty and with a simple lifestyle. Chiang Mai is the city that offered us what we were looking for, plus it is also the center Thai of handicrafts so I started working for a big exporter of saa paper when we moved here.

"I worked there for some time and then I quit to start my own venture focusing on textile arts. I have the ability to make a good selection of colors for dyeing fibers. The color combinations are beautiful and definitely reflect my identity as well. At the beginning, I studied the color absorbing qualities of each type of fiber in order to get beautiful, stable colors. Some fabrics require pretreatment before dyeing. After that, I started dyeing fabric by doing a few pieces at a time, boiling them in a small old pot.

"Once I made sure that I could get beautiful and stable colors, then I started to experiment with techniques to add texture to the fabric, like waxed batik, tie-dye and stitching. I constantly produce new colors to complete my stock. My designs received good response from people who loved my work. They started to place orders.

"I started with a small pot for dyeing and eventually moved to a big pan with a diameter about the spread of human arms. The one important thing for me is to always mix the dyeing colors myself to get the right color. Before dyeing, I check every piece of fabric to make sure that it is good quality with no defect at all.

"Since I studied art, the very first lot of my production reflected quite a lot about myself. I sometimes forget to think about the market demand. My client was trying to help by telling what the market trend was. I tried to change and produce to meet the needs of the market.

"I am very happy with what I have achieved so far. When asked about any challenges to overcome, I would say that I never have any obstacles. I think I do what I can do and don't force things that aren't ready or things that I cannot do. That way my work can run smoothly.

"Every day, the first thing I do in the morning is pay my respects to Buddha. Then I walk to the small garden at the center of my house, prepare breakfast, chat with family, then go to work. My husband has a small studio where he paints. I have a small area for my fabric work. I'm getting older now and my venture is stable, and I have my daughter who graduated from art school as well to help me take care it.

"Now I have more time to work on what I love — waxed drawing and coloring to make batik. It is the same art work I did when I was studying. My family is a family of artists, my husband and my children are art graduates. When we are together, it is a very happy time. Our happiness is expressed in our art work. Now my daughter and I have joined you. Hopefully we will get a warm welcome from all of you. Thank you."

Thailand Artisan Empowerment Hub

In Thailand, artistic skills and traditions have been passed down from generation to generation. As you explore our Thailand Collection you will discover handwoven silks and hand embroidered textiles, celadon and benjarong pottery, teak carvings, lacquerware and exquisite jewelry. All are handcrafted in traditional and contemporary designs by talented Thai artisans.

Learn More

Maker Badge Job Creator

Vinita is able to provide work for several assistants who live in her village. Novica sales provide a substantial portion of her workshop income, providing stability for her workers.

Maker Badge Media Featured

Vinita's batik work has been featured in the Thai magazines PRAEW and Lalana.

Maker Badge Empowering Women

The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.

Maker Badge Microcredit Financing

Vinita has received 4 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $2850 and the most recent for $2850.

Maker Badge Profound Impact

Every purchase from this artist has a profound impact on their livelihood and income.

Maker Badge Covering Basic Needs

This artist striving to supporting their own or their family's basic needs and improve their livelihood.

Alternate image for Pink and Purple Silk Scarf from Thailand Bold Orchid

$39.99

Item Detail

Pink and Purple Silk Scarf from Thailand 'Bold Orchid'

$39.99

5.0 ★ (7)

(7)

Comments

Sabrina It is the perfect combination of pink and violet for outfits that have both colors. The weave is light and consistent. The silk is soft on my neck.

6 more comments

Alternate image for Red Hill Tribe Silk Patterned Tote Bag with Inner Pockets Exotic Red

$139.99

Item Detail

Red Hill Tribe Silk Patterned Tote Bag with Inner Pockets 'Exotic Red'

$139.99

5.0 ★ (1)

(1)

Comments

L Lila Good quality and unique!

Alternate image for Ruby Red Tie-Dyed Handwoven Silk Scarf with Fringe Ruby Love

$47.99

Item Detail

Ruby Red Tie-Dyed Handwoven Silk Scarf with Fringe 'Ruby Love'

$47.99

5.0 ★ (2)

(2)

Comments

Sandra This scarf, in a simplistic way, really adds elegance.

1 more comment

Alternate image for Colorful 100 Cotton Hand Woven Infinity Scarf from Thailand Radiant Horizon

$39.99

Item Detail

Colorful 100 Cotton Hand Woven Infinity Scarf from Thailand 'Radiant Horizon'

$39.99

4.9 ★ (9)

(9)

Comments

Christy I would have liked it to be available in a little longer size as well, so it can also be worn as a shoulder drape over a camasol for a special occasion

8 more comments

Alternate image for Artisan Crafted 100 Silk Teal Wrap Scarf from Thailand Peacock Blue

$47.99

Item Detail

Artisan Crafted 100 Silk Teal Wrap Scarf from Thailand 'Peacock Blue'

$47.99

4.9 ★ (17)

(17)

Comments

Stephanie I have had this scarf for a while now. The fabric has softened while the color has stayed vibrant. It's perfect.

16 more comments

The shelves are empty for now. Every piece Vinita makes is one of a kind, and they've all found homes. Follow to be first to see the next collection. Follow Vinita.

Behind every piece is a story in motion Vinita hasn't shared a video yet. Follow to be there when they do.

6 Badges for Vinita

Maker Badge Job Creator

Vinita is able to provide work for several assistants who live in her village. Novica sales provide a substantial portion of her workshop income, providing stability for her workers.

Maker Badge Media Featured

Vinita's batik work has been featured in the Thai magazines PRAEW and Lalana.

Maker Badge Empowering Women

The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.

Maker Badge Microcredit Financing

Vinita has received 4 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $2850 and the most recent for $2850.

Maker Badge Profound Impact

Every purchase from this artist has a profound impact on their livelihood and income.

Maker Badge Covering Basic Needs

This artist striving to supporting their own or their family's basic needs and improve their livelihood.

325 Reviews for

Vinita

October 24, 2023

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

N Neal

My wife loves Vinita's cotton scarves. She has some in different colors. This white one is very stylish, contrasting with her clothing colors. She loves them, not only because they're casual but also slightly warm for the air conditioning in the summer time. Also, because they're not itchy despite her skin rashes issues.

Vinita

Vinita

Vinita

Blog Posts