Behind the Scenes: The making of our Bloom Wildflower Dad Hat

Have you ever thought about how hand-painted flowers transition from paper to clothing? Here’s a step-by-step glimpse into the creation of our latest hat design, Bloom Wildflowers Dad Hat.

 

STEP 1:

Sarah crafts original paintings of common North American wildflowers using watercolors and pastel crayons on heavy watercolor paper. Her artworks are inspired by photographs she’s taken in the backcountry.

 

STEP 2:

The paintings are subsequently scanned and digitized, with the white background meticulously removed before being applied to a hat pattern. While this is a simplified overview, the process involves essential tools such as Adobe Photoshop, a scanner, and a great deal of attention to detail and precision.

 

STEP 3:

The final files are sent to our manufacturing partner.

Each hat is then made by Purnaa, a social enterprise and World Fair Trade Organization Guaranteed Member in Nepal with a mission to create jobs that empower marginalized people to fresh starts and fulfilled lives. At Purnaa, staff receive technical skills training, life-skills training, access to counseling, healthcare, and employer-matched savings in a positive work environment.

 

STEP 4:

The hats are shipped from Nepal to Alpinecho in Colorado, though they inevitably face delays at customs each time. Once they arrive, we inspect each hat and attach a tag.

 

STEP 5:

And that’s how hand-painted flowers transform into an ethically made accessory, ready to make their mark on the world. Whether you're a budding designer or a conscious consumer, understanding this process empowers you to make informed choices and celebrate the beauty of responsibly made fashion.

Written by Sarah Anderson, Co-founder + Artist

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