About Purple Raincoat

Why “Purple Raincoat”?

Yes, there is a purple raincoat. My purple raincoat is the piece of clothing I would take with me to a desert island.

I don’t remember exactly when I bought it, but I know I was wearing it while I was pregnant with my daughter, who was born in 1992, so it must be at least 15 years old.  It appears to be indestructible.

The purple raincoat has never failed me. It keeps me dry, and I am never too hot or too cold when I am wearing it. It can be (and has been) used as a pillow and a blanket.

But there is so much more to the purple raincoat. It has personality. It has:

• A red lining (and secret pockets).
• The ability to stand out in a crowd.
• It is functional and funky.
• And lastly, it is unique.

It means a lot to me. Purple Raincoat is my mantra for my keepsakes.

 

About the artist: How did I get here?

My path to this business has been anything but linear. As you can see from this early work, who knew I would become an artist?

Born in Detroit, Michigan, I have been living in the Boston metropolitan area since 1980. I have been happily married to Steven since 1989; our daughter Zoe started high school in September, 2006. 

For 20 years, I worked as a transportation and management consultant in the public and private sector. Then:

• My daughter was born and I inherited “the box” of unorganized photos from my mother.
• I became passionate about creating keepsakes to preserve the documents that serve as touchstones for our memories.
•  I started a business focused on helping my clients create keepsakes using their photographs and memorabilia.
• I began selling invitations as a fundraiser for a local organization.

These worlds collided when one of my invitation clients showed me a framed invitation keepsake that her older daughter had received as a gift. She asked if I could make a similar personalized keepsake collage for her younger daughter.

When I first saw the original framed collage, I couldn’t believe how beautiful it was – and what a great idea.

• Invitations are loaded with emotion – that’s why they make such powerful keepsakes.
• I already knew how to interpret invitations, and the collage showed me how the spirit of an invitation could be captured in a work of art.

So I said, “yes, I would love to do this for you” and went to work. The design came together easily and effortlessly. Making it was a joy. Then my daughter wanted one for her own Bat Mitzvah invitation, and I was hooked. Purple Raincoat was born.

Now, by popular demand, I’m creating framed keepsake collages that aren’t based on invitations alone. Some combine invitations with photos - some use only photos.

I love solving problems for people and I’m always open to new ideas.

My goal is to create unique and beautiful keepsakes that celebrate the memories of life’s special occasions. Your memories are my business. What keepsakes can Purple Raincoat create for you?

Carol Colman
President
Purple Raincoat

 

Purple Raincoat keepsakes: how are they made?

A passion for detail goes into every Purple Raincoat keepsake

The creative process begins with inspiration from the theme and style of the keepsake’s focal point, whether it is an invitation, photograph, or some combination of the two. (Here, we are using “invitation” generically – it can be a birth or engagement announcement, for example). 

•   We start with the invitation and any associated materials (envelope linings, place cards, thank-you notes) along with color requests and any other information you give us about the event or the honorees. 
•   Then, we begin layering paper and other elements – ribbons, mesh, metal elements, flowers, beads, buttons, skeleton leaves – mixing colors, patterns, and textures to create a design that fits our interpretation  of the invitation. 
•   We may echo the invitation’s design motifs (such as flowers or Stars of David).
•   When we can’t find what we want we create it using embossing, stamping, punches, or scissors. 
•   We select a frame that pulls the whole work together.

When photographs are involved, the setting and colors of the photos are considered as part of the design process.

Color matters

A passion for detail goes into every Purple Raincoat keepsake

The creative process begins with inspiration from the theme and style of the keepsake’s focal point, whether it is an invitation, photograph, or some combination of the two. (Here, we are using “invitation” generically – it can be a birth or engagement announcement, for example). 
•   We start with the invitation and any associated materials (envelope linings, place cards, thank-you notes) along with color requests and any other information you give us about the event or the honorees. 
•   Then, we begin layering paper and other elements – ribbons, mesh, metal elements, flowers, beads, buttons, skeleton leaves – mixing colors, patterns, and textures to create a design that fits our interpretation  of the invitation. 
•   We may echo the invitation’s design motifs (such as flowers or Stars of David).
•   When we can’t find what we want we create it using embossing, stamping, punches, or scissors. 
•   We select a frame that pulls the whole work together.

When photographs are involved, the setting and colors of the photos are considered as part of the design process.

Color matters

We are particularly meticulous about color because getting the colors just right is critical. It’s like picking out a paint color for your walls: you want green walls, and you can’t believe how many shades of green there are – but when you find the one that exactly matches the design in the room’s rug it all falls into place.

In the end, we achieve our goal:  we create a unique, personalized work of art that enhances and complements the invitation – a framed keepsake that brings back wonderful memories and can be enjoyed every day.

Are you ready to order? Prices and Ordering
Would you like to see more samples? Visit our portfolio.