Black & White

Sweet Style for March 2019! Collaboration Paper Doll

A coloring page focused on food/sweet fashion clothing.

Black and White PDF | More of the Paper Doll Collaboration 2019

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
As my long time readers know, I’ve teamed up with some amazing paper doll artists around the internet Julie of Paper Doll School, Melissa of Miss. Missy’s Paper Dolls  and Boots of Popculture and Paper Dolls to create a shared paper doll project every month.

Life was nuts last month, so I skipped it, but this month I was excited for the “sweet/food” clothing theme. I chose to keep things kinda simple by using food items as graphics on some contemporary clothing pieces.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
My two big inspirations were sprinkles and the things that sprinkles can go on- cupcakes and ice-cream cones.

Specific Source Images: Nothing really specific this time.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: There’s the 2017 Collaborative Paper Doll Project and the 2018 Collaborative Paper Doll Project
Around the Internet: My partners in crime- the lovely Julie of Paper Doll School, the remarkable Melissa of Miss. Missy’s Paper Dolls, and the delightful Boots of Popculture and Paper Dolls

Last Thoughts

Be sure to check out the versions of this today’s theme from Paper Doll School, Miss. Missy’s Paper Dolls and Popculture and Paper Dolls.

We all looked at it quite differently, which for me is my favorite part of this process. I love seeing how different people create for the same theme.

Suit From the Mid-1950s

A fitted suit from 1956 with bucket hat and matching necklace. Free to print from paperthinpersonas.com.

Black and White PDF | Color PDF | More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
When I think of the 1950s, I think of suits and dresses. Sure, pants and shorts existed, but I always think of crisp suits and soft dresses. So, I knew I wanted to do a suit or two.

There’s really two fashionable shapes for suits in the 1950s. One is tight and sleek. The other is a fitted bodice and a full skirt as in Dior’s New Look.

Personally, I love both.

Today’s suit though is of the tight skirted variety.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I was really intrigued by this pattern from Advance, because I am always am fascinated by the idea of separates in the past. It’s an idea that has been around for as long as I think women have been getting dressed. You can see the concept as far back as the 18th century when different jackets would be paired with different skirts. I suspect you could trace it back further, but I never have attempted too.

Specific Source Images: Advance 8114

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls &  more paper dolls from the 1950s
Around the Internet: Since I mentioned Dior’s New Look, you can read more here .

Last Thoughts
My lovely supporters on Patreon will be getting another suit on Friday. So, be sure to check that out if you’re a patron.

Additionally, I am considering doing another 100 day project this year. Last year, I drew 100 dresses and took pictures of them on Instagram. You can see them all here.

Summer Dress from 1951 with Hat & Purse

Black and White PDF | Color PDF | More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
Vintage clothing, like the 1950s, are fascinating to me, because really women’s clothing hasn’t dramatically changed in the last 80 years or so. So, I think what makes the 1950s really the 1950s are the accessories- the hats, purses and gloves that women don’t wear anymore.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I wanted to draw a summer day dress when I stumbled across these digitized images from Montgomery Ward Spring Summer 1950 catalogs posted by the Closet Historian. Basically, I wanted an excuse to draw one of those fantastic straw hats.

Specific Source Images: Simplicity 3572, Montgomery Ward Spring Summer 1950 catalog and this purse from the Met.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls &  more paper dolls from the 1950s
Around the Internet: Check out the Vintage Pattern Wiki for more 1950s and other vintage pattern goodness.

Last Thoughts
Because I might be a tiny bit OCD, the green in today’s dress matches the green in the sandals from this set.

Patreon on Friday will also be a 1950s dress. Also, I think this is a collab Friday, but I haven’t even drawn mine yet. I should get on that.

Sapphire & The 1950s

A curvy black paper doll with historical underwear from the 1950s and three pairs of shoes. Her underwear and shoes come from various museum collections. Her short black hair is styled based on black actresses and singers of the 1950s.

Black and White PDF | Color PDF | More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
Some themes I know I want to explore from the very beginning of a paper doll project and this was one of those themes. I knew I wanted to do a 1950s paper doll.

I love 1950s clothing. Also, historical paper dolls are what I mostly collect and were my favorites as a child. So, it is a win-win all around for me.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I really wanted to start with a basic set of underwear (strapless to accommodate evening gowns) and four pairs of shoes. I wanted the shoes to be mix and match-able with the dresses I designed around the same time (I’ll be sharing those later.)

One of my favorite tricks for hair from this era (or any time in the last 90 years) is to chose from actresses in Hollywood. Not only did actresses set the hairstyles of their time, but they are often more racially diverse than models in magazines or catalogs (until 1970 when that improves a bit).

For Sapphire’s hair, I based her style off the hair styles worn by Dorothy Dandridge and Leana Horne in the 1950s. Dorothy Dandridge was an actress who died young, sadly. Lena Horne was a wildly successful singer who did some acting, but mostly was known for her singing.

Specific Source Images: These shoes, these shoes, these shoes and these sandals all from The Met. This corset from the V&A. Photos of Lena Horne and Dorothy Dandridge (Here’s the same hair again on Dorothy Dandridge in 1954). I like it when I see the same hairstyle on several actresses, because then I know it wasn’t just a quirk of one woman, but something several women chose to wear.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls &  more paper dolls from the 1950s
Around the Internet: Check out The Met and The V&A, both of which have great costume collections. Also, check out my 1950s fashion Pinterest Board.

Last Thoughts
I had a lot of fun creating a “set” of clothing for Sapphire, so tune in for the next few days. I’ll be sharing 1950s fashions. It’s going to be super fun.

Want an extra paper doll or dress each week? Than join us on Patreon.

Architectural Evening Gown for the Paper Dolls

A beautiful architectural eveninf gown in green with a origami style bodice for the paper dolls to print.

Black and White PDF | Color PDF | More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
I have themes I return to over and over again. Evening gowns are one of them. They are sort of the “comfort food” of my drawing life. I enjoy creating them and, best of all, they are pretty easy to draw.

The challenge of evening gowns is not always drawing basically the same thing over and over again.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I really have been in love with architectural evening gowns lately. I love the complex folded patterns. They’re also fun to try to draw. However, they often need extra tabs, like the floating tab I created fr this one. You’ll want to attach it to the shoulder.

Specific Source Images: This dress which I think is from Hannibal Laguna, though I haven’t been able to match it to specific season.

Learn/See More
On the Blog:More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls
Around the Internet: My Pinterest Board devoted toFormal Gowns and Cocktail dresses

Last Thoughts
It occurs to me I haven’t done a cocktail dress yet for the Jewels and Gemstones paper dolls. I probably should get on that. A project for another day, I think.

In case you missed it, I am changing things up in regards to scheduling. I’m just updating when I feel like it and time allows. If you want a weekly update, join Patreon. There will be a Friday paper doll outfit there every week. Also, you can sign up for email notifications and the will let you know when the site has updated.

Pirate Costume for the Paper Dolls! Sailing the High Seas

We're having fun with pirates today with a printable pirate costume for the paper dolls including a top, hat, sword, pants and boots.

Black and White PDF | Color PDF | More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
My favorite book as a child was Treasure Island. I’ve read it many many times now and I love it more each time. I even listened to it on audio while driving between states during my move. The characters are incredible and every-time I read it, I notice something new I didn’t see before.

Through Treasure Island, I fell in love with super old-school adventure novels. By high school, I had read Robinson Crusoe, Three Musketeers, Count of Monte Cristo and Kidnapped. My first love though remains Treasure Island.

Three Musketeers is a close second.

So, I like to draw pirate outfits. I blame is enjoyment on my love of Treasure Island. I suppose I could blame it on something else, I don’t know what I would point to.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
Pirates, of course. Not real pirates (who I expect were rather smelly and dirty), but fantasy pirates who are much more fun and less likely to have scurvy.

Specific Source Images:This image from Pinterest

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Pirate Paper Dolls, Another Jewels & Gemstones Foray into the Genre & More Jewels and Gemstones Generally
Around the Internet: My Pinterest board section devoted to Pirates.

Last Thoughts
By the way, I’m doing March Meet the Maker on Instagram (mostly, though I am also posting to Facebook when it makes sense) and if you want to follow along, you can follow me on Instagram.

My patrons got a Pirate set on Monday and that set does mix and match with this set. What more paper dolls? Then come join up on Patreon.

What were your favorite books as a kid? Did you love pirate stories or something else? I was a pirates and fairy tale fan. Not shocking, I know.

Superhero: Lightning Cloud

A colorful superhero costume for the paper dolls! Chose color or a coloring page. Mix and match with other clothing for the Jewels & Gemstone paper dolls.

Black and White PDF | Color PDF | More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
I am not great at coming up with superhero names. Let me state that straight up, but superheroes are really popular at the moment.

When I was designing this paper doll outfit, I was not thinking of contemporary superheroes, but rather the cartoon superheroes of my youth. Lots of bright colors, spandex and implausible outfits. It was the early 1990s, after all.

As for power, I don’t know. Probably something lightening related? I mean… or a Storm from the X-men rip off. I’m flexible.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
Three of my favorite childhood cartoons were the X-men, She-Ra Princess of Power and Batman: The Animated Series. Batman was my favorite, but I have to say… man, that show was a lot darker than I remember thinking it was when I was 8.

Specific Source Images: Nothing today!.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Super Hero paper dolls & More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls
Around the Internet: There’s a surprisingly detailed article on Batman: The Animated Series on Wikipedia and a much less detailed one on She-Ra: Princess of Power.

Last Thoughts
Has anyone noticed that “Super Hero” and “Superhero” both seem to be correct in the English language? That’s just annoying. English should really get it’s orthography sorted, darn it! (Clearly, I am such an English major.)

I owe a big thank you to the folks on Patreon. Your support means the world to me & your patience has been amazing! You’re all great.

So, I am changing things up in regards to scheduling. I am not going to promise a daily or three days a week or anything schedule. I’m doing update when I feel like it. If you want a more consistent schedule, than join Patreon. There will be a Friday paper doll outfit there every week.

Opal & Her Favorite Shoes: A Curvy Asian Paper Doll

A beautiful curvy Asian paper doll with her shoes. Print her in color or in black and white as a coloring page. Unplugged fun for kids!

Black and White PDF | Color PDF | More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
Opal is my only Asian Jewels and Gemstones paper doll at the moment. I have another one drawn, but she’s not ready for prime time yet. It’s a hard balance because while I enjoy drawing clothing so much more than I enjoy drawing dolls, I also can’t deny the fact that I want lots of diversity in my dolls. However, there’s no point to that if I don’t have any clothing to dress them up in.

The whole point of paper dolls, after all, is to dress them up in clothing.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I really wanted do a variety of shoes. Unlike some of the other paper dolls, the first version of Opal’s shoes aren’t very versatile, so I felt like I needed to get a lot of variety in here. That’s why there’s a pair of sandals, a pair of tennis shoes and a pair of strappy formal shoes.

Specific Source Images: This Hair.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls & my other version of Opal from January.
Around the Internet: Honestly, I’m not sure what to put here. I do keep a Hair Pinterest Board that’s kinda fun (and super random).

Last Thoughts
So, my favorite of these shoes are the colorful tennis shoes, even though I doubt they’re the most practical. I just like the purple.

As usual, I want to thank the folks who are on Patreon. Your support means the world to me.

Friday’s round up archives post might be superheros or might be 1960s. I’m not sure yet, but I am leaning towards superheros.

Ruby & Her Casual Shoes: A Curvy Blond Paper Doll

Today's paper doll is a cruvy blond with a pixie cut and sandals. She can be printed in color or as a coloring page.

Black and White PDF | Color PDF | More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
Sometimes, I have a lot to say about a paper doll set. Other times, not so much. This is falling into the not so much category, as are most of my posts this week. Sorry. I just don’t have that much to say about these paper dolls.

When it came to coloring today’s paper doll, I decided to go a little cliche and just do blue eyes and blond hair. Of course, there is a black and white version you can color anyway you like if you’d prefer a different combo.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
For Ruby, I chose to go very casual with her shoes. Mostly, because the other version of Ruby has such formal shoes. I figured she didn’t need another set of super formal shoes. Her hair was my attempt to practice drawing short hair. I love pixie cuts, but I don’t draw them much.

Specific Source Images: This hair & these sandals.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls and my formal version of Ruby from January.
Around the Internet:All my hair sources tend to come from my Hair Pinterest Board. I do also use hairstyle magazines as well.

Last Thoughts
Totally unrelated to paper dolls, but I’ve been binge watching Umbrella Academy on Netflix. I have two episodes left. It’s so fun! I find the exploration of how messed up having super powers would probably make you super interesting even if some of the content is a bit cliche.

Also, if you love the blog and want more paper doll content there’s Patreon. You get extra paper doll content and fun perks like polls and things.

Pearl and Her Sandals: A Curvy Printable Paper Doll

A free printable paper doll with warm brown skin, black hair and lots of sandals. She's printable in color or as a coloring sheet.

Black and White PDF | Color PDF | More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
So, today’s version of Pearl can, of course, share shoes with armored Pearl from January.

I really try hard to have a variety of skin-tones in my paper dolls. I also want versatility, which means limiting myself to some degree. It’s a hard line to walk and I am constantly debating the tension between versatility and variety.

There’s also a practical consideration which is that a lot of nuance doesn’t translate to print well. I assume most people print my paper dolls on home-printers and I’m aware their color registration isn’t always great. So, tiny variations in skin-tone or hair color won’t be picked up.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
Um…. I don’t really got much. I did want to celebrate summer with her sandals, so I tried to chose summery colors and I wanted at least one pair of have painted toenails. I love a nice pedicure in the summertime.

Specific Source Images:This pair of sandals.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls and my other version of Pearl from January.
Around the Internet: I keep all my hair images on this Hair Pinterest Board, but I also use hair style magazines. I don’t recall the source of her hairstyle.

Last Thoughts
So, I confess that I’m not totally happy with her hair. I was going for a layered bob, but I don’t think I quite captured it.

If you don’t want to see my sketchbooks and things by joining Patreon, you can also follow me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. I post a lot less there and much later, but I do post things. Also, I secretly hate Facebook, so it might be the worse way to get a hold of me. Just FYI.

And tune in tomorrow for Ruby whose getting a blond version. Anyone who has followed me for a while, knows that I seem to rarely do blond paper dolls. I think it’s because when I grew up there were so many blond paper dolls and I always wanted redheads.

What were your favorite paper dolls when you were a child?