medieval inspired

Lady in the Castle Fantasy Gown

A colorful printable paper doll dress inspired by the medieval period and you can print it in color or in black and white for coloring.

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
I am really bad at coming up with names for these paper doll outfits. I really had no idea what to call this one. I think sometimes I shouldn’t name them at all, but I missed giving them names when I was not naming things. Now I am naming things and that’s giving me fits.

What’s the old saying? The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.

Anyway, I digress.

I suppose I could have called this- Vaguely Medieval Fantasy Creation, but that doesn’t really roll off the tongue, does it?

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I wanted to draw a medieval feeling gown without having to be historically accurate in anyway. So, I created this.

Specific Source Images: This surcoat from Pearson’s Renaissance Shoppe and this photograph of some character from the show Merlin. (Confession, I watched one season of Merlin and was not a big fan.)

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Medieval Inspired dresses & More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls
Around the Internet: Faerie Queen Costuming, Pearson’s Renaissance Shoppe and Armstreet are all fun places to see similar designs.

Last Thoughts
If you are a patron hop over to Patreon where there is a second pink and green color scheme for today’s paper doll dress. It was super fun to color. If you’re not a patron, consider joining.

I’m traveling a bit this week (last trip for a few weeks, thank goodness!) So, I maybe a little slow on responding to comments/approving them. I need to get my spam filtering stuff set back up. That’s a goal for May.

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.

A 14th Century Surcoat With Tibbets and Headdresses

Dress up a paper doll in historically accurate 1300s clothing including a surcoat over a kirtle and two head-dresses.

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First off 14th Century week continues with today’s surcoat over a kirtle and some headdresses. Second off Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrated yesterday.

Surcoats were worn over kirtles (I did one of those on Wednesday). Like a lot of surcoats, today’s has slits in the front that provided access to the purse worn off the girdle underneath. Think of it as the 14th century solution to pockets.

Today’s paper doll surcoat with kirtle was inspired by the Romance of Alexander from the Bodleian Library MS. Bodl. 264. There’s a bunch of different examples of this short sleeved surcoat in there, but I based this dress off the red dress in this miniature and the blue dress (and pink dress) in this miniature.

One of the interesting things about those miniatures and many others from this era (check out my 14th Century Dress Pinterest board for more) is how many of them show women with their hair uncovered. Unlike later eras (and some earlier ones) the 14th century seems to be a time when women could go around without covering their hair.

(Women shown with uncovered hair in miniatures from other eras are often depicting vice and/or wickedness and this is indicated by the uncovered hair. The scandal of showing one’s hair in the 15th century was intense. )

However, some women did still cover their hair. Here’s one miniature with some hair covered and here’s another and here’s a third one. You also see head coverings in statuary. One thing I do when I am trying to decide what to include in these historical sets is to try to find multiple examples of something. That’s why you see some duplication of types of images on my 14th Century Dress Pinterest board.

That’s also why when I am dealing with an era I don’t know much about it can take me a long long time before I am comfortable drawing a paper doll of it. I learned a lot of history from Tom Tierney’s historical paper dolls and I want mine to be as helpful and accurate as I can make them. 

If you want some say in the time periods I create paper dolls for, think about supporting the blog on Patreon. I tend to listen to my Patrons when they make requests. Here’s a post about what patrons have made possible from earlier this week. 

Have you enjoyed 14th Century week? Let me know. I love to hear from you. 

Need a doll to wear today’s paper doll clothing? All the A Pose Dolls & Clothing

A Medieval Fantasy Wedding Gown for the A Pose Ladies

A medieval wedding dress design trimmed in pink roses and pale blue with matching shoes for the paper dolls. Available to print for free in color or black and white.

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Whenever I post a wedding gown I seem to start by saying that I don’t often draw wedding gowns. Yet, since I seem to have posted several wedding gowns this year, maybe I should stop saying that. I guess what I would say is that I was never one of those people who was obsessed with weddings or wedding gowns. I like pretty dresses, of course. I draw a paper doll blog for goodness sake.

But there’s a ton of baggage wrapped up in wedding dresses.

I think that’s part of why I have such mixed feelings about the genre.

The medieval wedding gown here is part of the Fantasy Maiden Series. Fundamentally, there’s no reason I couldn’t have recolored it in bright purple or something and not called it a wedding gown. However, the source gown was described as a fantasy medieval wedding gown and who am I to argue?

As long time readers will know, I am a wee bit obsessed with bridal trousseaux and I kinda found myself thinking of the Fantasy Maiden Series in that context. Once I did that, I knew I had to draw a wedding gown.

While this certainly isn’t the last of the Fantasy Maiden Series, I thought it might be neat to see all the gowns together.

The Fantasy Maiden Paper Doll Gowns Thus Far…

It’s very easy for me to lose track of what I’ve done and feel like there is never enough. So, for me, putting together these little galleries reminds me that I have achieved something. That there are a few different gown options. It’s helpful for me to see things as a collection and not just a series of posts. I hope it is helpful for you all as well.

What do you think? Should I keep going with the series? Comment if you like and let me know.

I’d like to add a Happy New Year to everyone who (like me) is celebrating today. Shana Tova! Happy 5779! May you all have a sweet wonderful year.

Need a doll to wear today’s paper doll clothing? All the A Pose Dolls & Clothing

A Fantasy Maiden Paper Doll Gown in Sunset Colors

A fantasy maiden gown for a paper doll in sunset colors with accessories from paperthinpersonas.com.

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Today’s paper doll gown is a new addition to the Fantasy Maiden Series. I really wanted something that felt soft and drapy to contrast with the corset over top of it.

In my continuing efforts to come up with medieval fantasy style accessories that made sense, I gave her a primitive looking embroidery frame. 

The color scheme of today’s dress was inspired by the sunset. I wanted it to be rich and warm, which I think I worked pretty well. 

I wanted to thank the folks (there were a few) who emailed me after last week’s foray into coloring pages. Your emails were super kind. Thank you! And I learned things about people who like to color. I always love to hear from folks and it is kind emails that keep me going when I get full of ennui.

Ennui does happen occasionally. Fortunately not as much ennui as I felt when I was 14 and thought that “Darkened Shards” was a totally rational name for a paper doll website. I am not making this up- I really did have a site named that.

A few folks asked about my pets, so if you want to see my cat, she is occasionally featured on my Instagram feed which is also full of sketchbook photos, little videos of me inking and other fun stuff. 

And if you’re a Patron (or become one), there’s a second purple based color scheme for today’s paper doll gown over there.

Need a doll to wear today’s paper doll clothing? All the A Pose Dolls & Clothing

A Banquet Gown for the A Pose Medieval Maiden Series

A fantasy paper doll dress to print inspired by medieval gowns and Lord of the Rings.

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Normally, the last Friday in the month is my paper doll collab day, but because of “life” we all agreed to move the usual sharing of the collaborative paper doll project to Monday. So, be sure to tune back, so to speak, for that. Today, instead, there is a new addition to the Fantasy Maiden Series.

As some of you may recall, I introduced this series back on the 6th of July.

Today’s addition to the Fantasy Maiden Series is a more formal down than my last one. I think perhaps something meant for an event or maybe a banquet. I also imagine it as being made of velvet and silk, but, of course, you may decide yourself what fabrics are in use.

I didn’t want to draw yet another sword/dagger (which is my default medieval accessory), so instead I drew a book of music and a flute. I’m not very musical myself, but I like to think my paper dolls have all sorts of talents that I don’t possess.

 One of my personal challenges with this color scheme was not to use any black at all. Instead, I used a deep navy to accent the other shades which I think gives a sort of seaside or mist filled morning feel to the gown. 

If you want to help keep the blog on the internet and ad free, than consider joining the Patreon page. For my patrons, there is an alternative color scheme in reds and purples.

Need a doll to wear today’s paper doll clothing? All the A Pose Dolls & Clothing

A Medieval Inspired Fantasy Gown for the A Pose Dames & The Beginning of a New Collection

A Fantasy Medieval Princess gown for the A Pose printable paper dolls with matching shoes. The gown has an under-gown with long sleeves and an over-gown with flared sleeves. The shoes have attached stockings with garters at the top.

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Some of you who’ve been reading the blog for a while may recall that I’ve done series around specific themes a few times. There was my 1920s Children’s Wardrobe collection and the Fairy Tale and Nursery Rhyme series for the Poppets which I drew for last year. This year, I’ve decided to do a new collection around fantasy medieval princess-ish gowns for the A Pose dames paper dolls and today’s is the first medieval princess gown in the collection. I’ve creatively titled the series- Fantasy Maiden Series. Inspired, I know. 🙂

I’m retroactively adding the first medieval fantasy gown I drew to the collection. I probably should draw some crowns if I want to consider this a medieval princess gown rather than just a medieval fantasy gown. I always forget to draw my princesses crowns. I should get on that. Maybe for another set. 

Today’s gown was inspired the allique designs I often draw on tunics when I’m drawing fantasy men’s clothing- examples include this paper doll set, this paper doll set or this paper doll set. The color scheme was born out of a desire to steer clear of the primary colors I usually use and instead dabble in secondary colors- hence the orange, purple, and green accents with the pink base. I’m quite pleased with this dress in part, because I don’t think it looks like much I have ever drawn before. The shape of the neckline and shorter flared sleeves are both different from many of my other medieval inspired fantasy gowns.

What do you think? Excited about this new collection?

Love the blog? Want to help out? Consider donating through Patreon, liking the facebook page and/or leaving a comment.

Need a doll to wear today’s paper doll clothing? All the A Pose Dolls & Clothing

A Fantasy Prince Paper Doll Outfit C Pose Paper Doll

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So, I wanted to try to draw some formal fantasy paper doll clothing. I originally created this fantasy outfit for the C Pose guys and I think of it as a kinda classic fantasy outfit in a style I draw a lot. I wanted to do a spin-off outfit that would feel more formal and refined- like if this was a peasant outfit, than today’s outfit would be a prince or something.

In my head, the tunic is velvet over a silk shirt. I’m not sure what the pants are made of. Maybe something like really thin fine leather? Or perhaps a very nice soft wool? Silk wouldn’t stand up well to any sort of wear. Rather than my usual sword accessories, I decided a book was more fitting, though I’m sure he can borrow a weapon from here if he needs one.

There’s an alternative color scheme available for my Patrons over on my Patreon page. Join if you want. It’s a fun group and I try to post content there every week from my sketchbook or other sources.

Also, if you haven’t checked it out, I am doodling a dress every day and posting them to Instagram.

Need a a Doll to wear today’s clothing? All the C Pose Dolls & Clothing

A Fantasy Dress Design for the B Pose Paper Dolls

Today's paper doll dress is a fantasy dress design with a surcoat over a under-dress in black and white or in color. The accessories are a pair of boots, a book and a necklace.

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Some people develop elaborate backstories for their paper doll designs. I’ve always wished my brain worked that way, but generally I end up tapping into my history background. So, I find my inspiration for each fantasy dress design there. For today’s paper doll design, I was thinking of 14th century medieval dresses of Europe. Dresses back then usually had a kirtle (under-dress) which as worn with a surcoat (over-dress) on top.

When I was working on this fantasy dress design, I wanted an over-dress that would feel more decorated than the under-dress. Basically, the opposite of putting children wore pinafores in the 19th century to keep their dresses clean. 

Her chain belt owes something to the 12th century and the leather pouch I copied from this one I saw on Pinterest. I have no idea if that chain belt set up would work in the real world (I suspect not), but I did think it looked neat. And looking neat is really a more important priority in my paper doll drawing universe.

So, I’ve decided to take on The 100 Day Project on Instagram. Basically, I am drawing one dress a day (or more realistically several dresses and spacing them out over several days- I know me) for the next 100 days. If you don’t already follow me on Instagram, you can here. You can also follow the hashtag #100dressesproject if you want to just see what I’ve drawn so far.

Will some of these become paper doll dresses later? I deeply suspect so. But I’m intentionally only spending a few minutes per dress. My goal is under 10 minutes, because this is a thing I’m doing on the side. It is not my life.

Also, I have an alternative color scheme for today’s gown on Patreon for anyone who’d like to view it. It’s not just for Patrons this time. 🙂

Need a paper doll for today’s clothing? All the B Pose Dolls & Clothing.

C Pose Gents and Their Fantasy Warrior Attire

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When I first started the Dames and Dandies series, I made a list of some of the things I knew I needed to draw for them. A sort of wish list of sets that I knew I would want, because I try to draw a diverse variety of styles and sets.

One of the things towards the top of the list was to create what I think of as “classic fantasy” attire for all of the poses. To me, classic fantasy is sort of quasi-medieval looks with tunics for men and long gowns for women. Lots of solid colors and boots, maybe a sword or two.

In short, the think of Tolkien inspired stuff that tends to be classic when you imagine fantasy clothing.

There’s an additional color scheme for today’s paper doll on my Patreon page.

Need a a Doll to wear today’s clothing? All the C Pose Dolls & Clothing