Printable Paper Dolls

Winter Fashion Week: Chic Dress & Tights

Today's printable paper doll outfit is a dress with tights and shoes inspired by Dutch wax print fabrics and winter clothing.

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

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
I knew I wanted to do a dress with tights and I wanted the dress to have a really strong pattern on it. I also figured that shoes with tights could then be worn with other clothing pieces (there will be a skirt later this week) and that way people would have more mix and match options.

It’s really important to remember when creating paper dolls that they are meant to be dressed up and played with. That’s the whole point, so I try to think about that when I’m planning out my outfits.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I love and delight in dutch wax print fabrics so much that I have a whole Pinterest board for them. But the patterns are often such large scale and so interconnected that they are really challenging to render. So, I tried to simplify those designs to create the pattern on the dress.

Specific Source Images: Patterns like this one, this one and this one.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: My Dutch Wax Prints and African Fashion Pinterest Board

Final Thoughts
I grew up in such a wet place (Southeast Alaska) that I never really understood the idea of a winter dress until I moved to the South. Now I love a nice winter dress, but they aren’t that warm most of the time.

If you want imput in what I create for the blog, join us on Patreon! The funds keep the blog around and you get to vote on things I create. I’m always super grateful for my Patrons.

Winter Fashion Week: Meet Jade & Her Booties

A curvy black paper doll with curly hair and three pairs of boots. Each paper doll can wear any clothing from other paper dolls in the Jewels & Gemstones collection.

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
I wanted to do a collection of contemporary fashions that were all winter themed and all in coordinating colors, so everything this week can be mix and matched. I also wanted to practice drawing tight curls (something I always need practice on).

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
So many things… Okay, so for this paper doll I was kinda obsessing over open toed booties. I’ve linked to the reference images below.

Her hair comes from one of my favorite resources for hair which is hairstyle magazines. Sophisticate’s Black Hairstyle and Care Guide shows lots of different hairstyles (updos, natural hair, treated hair, weaves, the whole nine yards). These magazines are a great way to help built a photo reference collection. I pick mine up at the local grocery store, but if you live in a place without a large black population, you might need to order it online.

Specific Source Images: Theses booties, these sandals, which I thought felt kinda wintery, and these booties.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Black Paper Dolls, One of my favorite Winter paper dolls, and More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: Did you know that Oprah’s stylist Andre Walker developed a hair typing system for curly hair? There’s some controversy around it (isn’t there around everything?), but it’s an interesting idea. I liked this guide, because it has photos.

Last Thoughts
Don’t expect me to continue this “theme week” and then “random week” pattern. It just happened, because this was what I had finished. I don’t want people to think there’s going to be a pattern, because then I’ll feel pressure for there to be a pattern.

My Patreon have been helping me plan for my next few theme weeks by kindly voting on ideas. If you are a Patron, please vote here, if not, than join us! Patron support keeps Paper Thin Personas around.

Tomorrow there will be another contemporary winter outfit for the ladies and then we’ll continue from there all week! How do you feel about the winter? Are you a fan of cold weather or do you prefer the summer?

Belly Dancer Costume for my Paper Dolls

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
When I was a kid the mother of a good friend’s cousin (talk about strange connections, huh?) was a belly dancer. When I was eight or nine, we had a sleep over at their house and tried on a bunch of her mom’s belly dancing stuff.

I was a chubby kid and I remember being so surprised that this older woman (who was not skinny by any means) would be willing to put on a bra and skirt and dance at all.

It was a strange idea- that there was a sort of dancing that didn’t have to be done only by skinny people. At the time it felt empowering, though as an adult, I realize that empowerment is complicated by institutionalized racism, sexualization of Middle Eastern women, and a whole lot of Victorian orientalist baggage.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I don’t know much about actual belly dancing costumes and I’m not an expert on their history. I looked up belly dancing costume sites like Belly Dance.com and Belly Dance Digs. I did want to include finger cymbals which are also called “zill”.

Specific Source Images: Coin bra’s like this one and this one

Learn/See More
On the Blog: This is my first ever belly dance costume! But here’s More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: Wikipedia on Zill, a fascinating history of belly dance, an article on appropriation in belly dance and an equally interesting response to said article
Last Thoughts
I don’t know a lot about belly dance, but I know enough to know that there’s serious issues around appropriation, sexualization, racism, orientalist fantasy and such in the whole thing. I went back and forth about posting this outfit, but in the end, I chose to share it.

Why? Because my rule has always been not to post anything with sacred religious meaning. None of my research suggested that there was religious meaning in belly dance costumes, unlike, for example, Native American regalia (which often includes holy symbols) or Catholic nun habits.

In case you’ve ever wondered why I don’t have any nun paper dolls, now you know.

Tomorrow on Patreon there will be a medieval inspired princess paper doll for my Patrons. Join now and you can check her out too!

I want to do more dance costumes. Any suggestions? I’m thinking maybe Irish step or a classic tutu.

A Purple Fantasy Princess Frock With Shoes

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
The first paper doll outfits I drew for the Jewels and Gemstones were fantasy gowns. This was one of them. The other, I’ll be sharing on Friday for my Patrons.

I tend to return to these sorts of medieval inspired fantasy gowns when I don’t know what to draw. I don’t know why, exactly, but it’s a style I like and a style that doesn’t take a lot of thought for me. I think?

I’m not sure.

There are things  like these sorts of gowns (another example, and another, and another) that are simple and I can draw without having to look at lots of source images or worry about historical accuracy.

The paper doll equivalent of that recipe you make over and over again, because you know it will come out. Maybe not super innovative, but comforting. The pumpkin bread of paper doll clothing.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
Today’s paper doll gown lacks a real specific inspiration. Medieval clothing, I suppose, but only in a fantasy universe sort of way.

Specific Source Images: I haven’t got any this time.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Medieval Inspired Paper Doll Gowns & More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: My Fantasy Clothing Pinterest Board

Last Thoughts
I almost called this set “Purple Princess”, but I felt weird doing that, because there’s also a black and white version.

Did you know there are weekly process posts on Patreon? And monthly paper dolls and weekly paper dolls? Consider joining here.

Some Work Chic Clothes for the Paper Dolls

Today's paper doll outfit is a set of professional clothing with grey trousers and berry colored high heeled boots.

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
It endlessly fascinates me that in my Etsy store, my second best selling paper doll clothing are my contemporary designs, but on the blog and social media, these styles get the least feedback or attention. I don’t know why the difference exists, exactly, but I am intriqued that it does.

Anyway, the contemporary paper dolls are fun to draw for me, because I’m always interested in what is happening in the fashion world. Today’s fashionable paper doll is a pretty simple outfit, but also one I think is very work appropriate.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I wanted to draw pants. I am not kidding. In my early sketching for the Jewels and Gemstones, I noticed that I had drawn nothing but skirts to start with. I thought to myself, “I need pants.”

Specific Source Images: The shoes were based on an add I saw in Instyle Magazine. I don’t have the issue anymore and don’t recall the brand.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Contemporary Fashion Paper Dolls & More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: Women’s work brands like Eloquii, Talbots & Ann Taylor (who I’m slightly reluctant to include because last time I was there, the customer service was awful; however, I do like their pants, but they don’t go past size 18)

Last Thoughts
It occurred to me as I writing this blog post, that while I drew this paper doll in her work chic clothing, I don’t actually know a lot of plus-sized work brands. I know Eloquii, but I don’t know any others. I’m sure there are others out there. Some people recommend Torrid, but I find their clothing a little too casual for work (or at least my work) most of the time. I don’t wear plus sizes, so it’s not a problem I’ve had to tackle much.

Readers, are there great brands of plus sized work clothing that I’m missing? Let me know!

As I often do, I want to make sure that I thank my Patrons, their support makes this possible. I know that it isn’t possible for everyone to support the blog financially, so you can always share on social media, follow me on social media or tell a friend about it.

Viking Woman Warrior Inspired Fantasy Outfit with Weapons

A viking woman warrior fantasy outfit with trousers, tunic and weapons. The weapons are critical to the design. A free printable art design in color or black and white.

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

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
On some level, I draw the sorts of paper dolls I wanted as a child. I wanted hundreds of outfits. I didn’t want 100s of dolls, but one doll with a huge wardrobe. Well, now a days I also recognize the importance of doll variety (being that I am no longer 12) and I have too much fun drawing different dolls to just have one.

Beyond all that, I draw things that I feel like drawing. This isn’t great for the sites stats, but it does make me happy. Sometimes, that means I draw a Viking woman warrior in the form of a paper doll outfit. I firmly believe anything can become paper doll clothing. (Not anything SHOULD become paper doll clothing, but that’s a whole different issue, you know?)

Now, I admit things get a little random around here. This week they certainly will, but I hope everyone has as much fun as I do with the random.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
In my head, I sort of organize my fantasy paper dolls in to several categories based on their general aesthetic. There’s Asia inspired or Renaissance inspired or Russia inspired. Today’s set was Viking inspired, but I mean… it’s a fantasy outfit, but it feels Viking to me.

Specific Source Images: This Viking Woman Warrior which I found on Pinterest and couldn’t find a source for, sadly. It’s lovely digital art. Let me know if you know the artist.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Viking Inspired Paper Dolls & More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: The Viking Inspired Section of my Fantasy Pinterest Board

Last Thoughts
Today’s Viking inspired fantasy outfit will be followed by some professional wear tomorrow. See, I said this week would be random.

This week’s random collection would have gone up last week, but cybergoth won the poll I gave those who support me on Patreon. If you want some input into those things, you can join us there.

Now, I know I will always sometimes have random weeks, because I don’t always want to draw a bunch of the same thing, but I am curious. Do you prefer weeks with themes or weeks of random? I feel a little divided. I think theme weeks are great if you like the theme, but maybe little dull if you happen to hate cybergoth or something. What do you think? Let me know in a comment.

Pink Stripes In Cybergoth

Today's paper doll clothes are inspired by cybergoth fashions. There's shorts, a tank and an under-bust corset, plus platform boots and striped tights.

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
And today is the last day for cybergoth week on the blog (but there is a Friday additional post on Patreon for my backers).

One thing I noticed in my cybergoth research was a real prevalence of black with a strong accent color and an aesthetic that emphasized matching clothing pieces. So, for example, if the accent color was pink than I wasn’t seeing a lot of deviation from that pink. That meant, that I stuck to just five colors- black, white, pink, blue and green for this whole week.

All of those colors are in the Lapis’s cyberlox if you’re wondering. I did think about that.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
As I often do, I cobbled together several different outfits and pieces to make today’s outfit. Since I used pretty much the same sources for this whole week (because it was a project drawn all at once), I seem to be linking to the same things every time. But that’s okay, because who knows how people will view these posts in the future.

Specific Source Images: This Lovely Lady (her corset over tank) from Pinterest, this Other Delightful Person (her tights) from Pinterest, & these pants from Rebels Market

Learn/See More
On the Blog: My other Foray into Cybergoth & More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: Wikipedia’s Article on Cybergoth, Cyberdog (clothing brand), Lip Service (clothing brand) & Cyber Goth (On Tumblr, Rather NSFW)

Last Thoughts
I know striped tights are kinda of a 90s/2000s thing, but I still love them. Probably because I was in high school back then. Well… early 2000s really. I graduated in 2003.

Over on Patreon there will be an exclusive cybergoth outfit for my Patrons. It’s maybe my favorite one for this whole week.

If you’re ever wondering what my sketchbook looks like or seeing little videos of me inking, than follow me on Instagram. That’s where I tend to share that stuff… Well, Instagram and Patreon.

As Cybergoth Fashion Week Continues Blue Bones

A super fun set of white shorts and blue top for my paper doll cybergoth week. Nothing says paper dolls like cybergoth?

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
As we continue cybergoth fashion week, today’s outfit is one of less traditional. I noticed some cybergoth images used white as the neutral color rather than black. I didn’t want to do a solid white outfit, because I wasn’t sure how well it would mix and match with the rest of the clothing designs. So, I settled on a white and black combination.

I titled this set “blue bones” because the piece over the shirt looks like ribs and a spine to me.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I loved the original body suit this top is based on, but I had no idea how to make it a viable paper doll outfit!

Specific Source Images: This Fierce Fashionista (her body suit) and these Pants found on Pinterest

Learn/See More
On the Blog: My other Foray into Cybergoth & More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: Wikipedia’s Article on Cybergoth, Cyberdog (clothing brand), Voodoo Maniacs (German clothing brand),  & Cyber Goth (Tumblr, Also Rather NSFW)

Last Thoughts
I always try to remember to thank my supporters on Patreon, because they make the blog possible. So, thank you all!

There must be a term in linguistics for creating new words by combining other words like cyberpunk + goth = cybergoth. I have no idea what it is though. Too long since I took a linguistics class in college. Anyone know?

Cyberpunk Fashion Time! Green Goddess

Today's paper doll outfit is a cybergoth dress with boots and furry leg-warmers. It's meant to be printed in color or black and white for coloring.

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

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
As we continue our cybergoth theme, I thought it would be fun to share a little fact that I don’t know how many of my readers know. My first cybergoth paper doll, Circuits and Fishnet, remains to this day the only paper doll I’ve ever had someone tell me was not appropriate for children.

As I said that the time, if you don’t think the paper doll is appropriate for children than might I suggest not giving it to any? That’ll solve the problem.

Seriously though, I’m fascinated that a paper doll (of all things) got an angry email from a reader.

I guess you never can tell what will set someone off.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I didn’t have a lot of specific reference images. The dress was based on my own design, though I did use a lot of source images for aesthetic reasons. I’ve linked two below.

Specific Source Images: This Fierce Fashionista (her furry leg warmers) and this Other Fierce Fashionista (the top on the left) from Pinterest

Learn/See More
On the Blog: My other Foray into Cybergoth & More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: Wikipedia’s Article on Cybergoth, Cyberdog (clothing brand), Lip Service (clothing brand) & Cyber Goth (Tumblr, Maybe NSFW)

Last Thoughts
One of the challenges of cybergoth fashion for me is the styles love of pvc which is very shiny. So, this whole set was a great challenge for me in my “shiny” reflection skills. I love to challenge myself.

This week would have been random stuff, but my patrons voted for cybergoth. Supporting the blog through Patreon keeps it on the interwebs.

Also, when ever I see those furry leg warmers, my thought is- “Omg, someone skinned a Muppet.”

Lapis is Celebrating Cybergoth

A cybergoth fashion paper doll named Lapis with a dress and two pairs of shoes. She's free to print in color or as a coloring page.

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

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
This week every post on the blog (and the Friday post for my patrons) will be cybergoth themed. I’m sort of excited, because I haven’t done cybergoth paper dolls in a long time- the last one was in 2012.

So, based on my limited understanding, Cybergoth is largely a European fashion style. It’s basically what might happen if rave fashion and goth fashion had a love child with an obsession with crazy hair pieces. Think a lot of torn fishnet and pvc, plus gas masks and googles. It’s not a style I would ever wear (but like, neither are 99% of my paper dolls) and that’s okay!

The hair pieces are really important to the style, so I knew I needed to make sure I had one.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
A lot of cybergoth clothing style is very close to being cyberpunk or rave fashion. The hairpieces are a big differentiator, so I spent a fair bit of time researching what are often called “cyberlox” which is a combination of the words cyber and dreadlocks. Some of them are even made of fiberoptic materials or rubber.

I rarely put a NSFW disclaimer on anything, because I draw paper dolls and they’re hardly X rated, but I will openly state that some of the Tumblrs I have linked too, while I didn’t see any nudity, there’s a fair bit of fetish fashion and sexy content. So, don’t be surprised by that.

Specific Source Images: These Lovely Ladies (one in the center) & these Amazing Shoes from Cryoflesh

Learn/See More
On the Blog: My Other Foray into Cybergoth & More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: Wikipedia’s Article on Cybergoth, Cyberdog (clothing brand), Lip Service (clothing brand), Cryoflesh (clothing brand), F*** Yeah Cyberlox (Tumblr site devoted to Cyberlox) & Cyber Goth (Another Tumblr)

Last Thoughts
Tomorrow, cybergoth week will continue with some clothing. I hope you tune in. I had a lot of fun designing these pieces.

A thank you to my patrons who voted for this week’s theme. Your support makes all the difference.

Lastly, cybergoth, what do you think? Strange? Okay, but not your taste? Super cool? Let me know in a comment!