Ancient Elegance: A Foray into Fantasy Greek Inspired Gowns

A printable paper doll coloring sheet titled "Ancient Elegance" from the Ensemble Eclectica series by Paper Thin Personas. The central doll has braided styled with a headpiece and bold earrings. She wears a strapless bodysuit and sandals. Surrounding her are two Ancient Greek toga-inspired gowns. Additional accessories include strappy sandals, gold and blue jewelry, a scroll, and Greek-style decorative vases and pitchers. The sheet is designed with cut-out tabs for dressing the doll.
A printable paper doll sheet titled "Ancient Elegance" from the Ensemble Eclectica series by Paper Thin Personas. The central doll has light skin, pale green eyes, and braided red-brown hair styled with a gold headpiece. She wears a blue strapless bodysuit with gold details and blue sandals. Surrounding her are Ancient Greek toga-inspired gowns, including a flowing deep blue mermaid-style dress and a pale green and navy layered gown with a gold belt. Additional accessories include strappy sandals, gold and blue jewelry, a scroll, and Greek-style decorative vases and pitchers. The sheet is designed with cut-out tabs for dressing the doll.

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Step into the world of myth and elegance with today’s paper doll set, Ancient Elegance, part of my Ensemble Eclectica series. This Greek mythology fashion doll is well within the realm of fantasy and one of two dolls with this theme I drew. I’ll share the second soon, I’m sure. 

I’ve loved Greek myths since I was a child, devouring them in every form I could find from illustrated books for kids to my mother’s old college encyclopedia of mythology. Of course, if you’ve been around here for any lenght of time, you know I also loved the old Xena television shows.

One of the rare things I did with this paper doll (that I don’t do with many of my creations) is I gave her a head piece. It’s easy enough to trim off with a pair of scissors, should you wish to do so. I just thought it added a fun element to the paper doll. She’s got two gowns, of course. To complete the set, you’ll find strappy sandals, jewelry, a scroll, and a collection of decorative Greek-style vases and pitchers and these the kinds of treasures you might imagine in a temple or mythic hero’s home.

Color scheme-wise I went with blues and pale green. I don’t know that I’ve ever done a color scheme quite like this and it was largely inspired by a color card from the Color Cube, something I treated myself too as a source for color schemes last year, I think. This was card 007 from volume 1 of the cube, which I am not sharing out of respect for the creator of the Color Cubes. It’s very blue color scheme! As you can see, I suspect.

As fall tips into winter up here in Alaska, I always notice my cat deciding that yes, my lap is officially the warmest place in the house (a sure sign that winter has arrived, even if snow has not). It does make cozy evenings, but it also make drawing occasionally challenging when there’s a needy cat.

Celestial Fashionista: A Fantasy Astronomer Paper Doll

A paper doll coloring page with braided hair, wearing corsets and bodices. The set includes two gowns, a pair of boots, an armillary sphere, books, and notepaper.
A red-brown skinned paper doll with braided hair, wearing corsets and bodices. The set includes two gowns, a pair of boots, an armillary sphere, books, and notepaper.

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Today’s paper doll is a fantasy scientist I think. Some sort of astrologer or astronomer paper doll perhaps? I’ll leave that up to others to decide.

Netflix did a version of Cinderella back in 2021 and honestly, it was not a film I enjoyed very much. The attempt to modernize the story fell a bit flat. The costumes were cool and I love a musical, but I didn’t actually think it was a very good movie. The film’s excessive close-ups and awkward staging make it feel less like a true musical and more like a disjointed movie where people randomly burst into song. It was a jukebox musical, but not one that worked very well. I thought Pierce Brosnan was quite funny as the king and Camila Cabello was charming enough as the lead.

Even though nothing will ever replace the 1997 Brandy version of Cinderella in my heart, I did find some of the costume designs in the Netflix version interesting. I created this printable paper doll inspired by those looks—specifically the main outfit Cinderella wears for most of the movie which is a heavily boned set of stays over a skit with a wrap belt of some sort.

After designing the two dresses, I started thinking about the character behind them. There was something practical about the costumes that made me imagine this astronomer paper doll. That’s when the idea to draw the armillary sphere came in, and the concept evolved from there. The color palette was inspired by what I think of as “galactic” colors. Not colors I tend to use that much, I don’t think.

This photo from Pinterest inspired her hair. I added some dramatic earrings.

This month has absolutely flown by. It’s been one of those stretches where I keep thinking “I’ll do that when I have a moment” but those moments are in short supply lately. I’ve been teaching, attending a historical conference, catching up after August travel, and taking a class.

I have been scheming on a October project, so that might be happening. We shall see!

Garden Gowns: A Coloring Page from my Patron with the Cut & Color Paper Dolls

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Chivalry in Paper: Cut & Color Couture Knight Paper Doll

A knight paper doll coloring page with mix and match armor, a sowrd and an axe.

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Today’s paper doll is a knight, decked out in her armor and ready for adventure. She comes with both a sword and an axe, because why settle for just one weapon when you can have options? I really love her sword and her axe. I’ve done a fair number of knights over the years. You can check all those knights out here. This knight’s series has been running for a while, so you can mix and match with Archer of the Realm, In Full Armor, and Gallant Garb, of course.

Of course, I couldn’t resist giving her cute hair, because knights deserve good hair days too. Just because you’re wearing heavy plate and carrying sharp objects doesn’t mean you can’t have style. I have always loved two buns as a hair style. I think it’s super cute, even though I’ve never worn it much myself.

Underneath all that metal, she’s wearing a padded coat called a gambeson. Gambesons were basically the medieval multitaskers of clothing. They could be worn on their own as light armor, or layered under chainmail and plate to add cushioning and keep the metal from rubbing skin raw. Think of it as a combination safety pad and anti-chafing solution, because no one wants to spend the day riding a horse, swinging a sword, and getting stabbed while also dealing with terrible blisters.

So, this knight paper doll isn’t just fierce. She’s also fashionable and practical. You might remember some of the previews of these outfits, if you’re a patron.

September has just slipped away from me. I don’t mind. I’m busy and that’s not a bad thing, but it hasn’t left much time for working on paper dolls. I hope once winter comes things might slow down a little.

Printable 1640s Paper Doll: Dive into Baroque Elegance with the Cut & Color Couture Paper Dolls

17th-century paper doll printable coloring page featuring two historically inspired Baroque gowns from the 1630s and 1640s. Outfits include detailed lace, broad shoulders, high waistlines, and dramatic sleeves adorned with ribbons and rosettes—capturing the opulence of early Baroque fashion.

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And today’s creation is a 17th century paper doll printable and I’ll be the first to confess that the 1600s isn’t my favorite era of historical fashion. But maybe that’s exactly why I chose it. I’d already explored the art deco silhouettes of the 1920s and suits of the 1940s for the Cut & Color series. It felt time to venture into deeper historical waters and to stretch myself creatively, and yes… finally wrestle with drawing lace. So. Much. Lace.

Lace is the thing in this era. It was painstakingly handmade, expensive, and time-consuming to produce all of which made it a powerful symbol of wealth and social standing. And fashion, after all, is often about signaling social status. When I say social status, I don’t just mean money. Fashion helps people visually place themselves within (or outside of) certain groups.

My lace drawing owes a huge debt to Charles Ventura and Larry Bassin, both masters of pen and ink whose lace I have examined closely. Do you have any favorite artists whose work you go back to over and over again?

This 17th century paper doll printable reflects a typical silhouette of the 1640s with broad shoulders and gowns that hint at the transition to the 1650s. Bodices fastened with stomachers, usually, matching the dress fabric. Sleeves in this era were everything. Billowing, gathered, often tied with ribbons or adorned with decorative rosettes. The cherry on top of Baroque splendor was lace and ribbon rosettes. I made sure to include at least one gown with these statement sleeves in the doll’s wardrobe.

Explore More About 1640s Fashion

While I probably won’t wake up tomorrow feeling like, “I love the 1600s” I do think I’ve gained some appreciation for this time period through the two paper dolls (you can see the other one here) that I’ve drawn for it.

Ribbons and Ruching: A Paid Patrons Exculsive Printable Paper Doll

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Sleek Simplicity: Summer Minimalism with Ensemble Eclectica

Printable minimalist fashion paper doll with chic minimalist outfits! Mix and match Bermuda shorts, skirts, wide-leg pants, dresses, and tops in a sleek Summer 2025 style. Perfect for paper doll collectors and DIY craft lovers.
Download and color this stylish printable paper doll coloring page with mix-and-match minimalist outfits. Inspired by Summer 2025 fashion trends, this set features Bermuda shorts, pleated skirts, and elegant draped tops—perfect for fashion lovers and paper doll fans.

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Sometimes people ask me, “Where do you get ideas for paper dolls?”

And in the old days (like a decade ago), I would always say fashion magazines. Fashion magazines, however, are getting thinner and thinner on the ground. I really miss them! So, instead, I am reduced to searching the internet to try to find fashion trends I want to turn into paper doll sets like today’s delightful minimalist fashion paper doll.

Last time I did this, one of the trends I saw for Summer 2025 was minimalism, according to Marie Claire. Also, Bermuda length shorts. Color trends, I also looked up, but honestly I didn’t love any of them, so this set didn’t get colored in wispy pink or tangerine. Another set someday, perhaps. I don’t hate any of those colors, but I didn’t love any of them either, so here we are.

Style-wise, this paper doll owes a lot to the Summer 2025 collection from Massimo Dutt, a Spanish premium clothing retailer. (For a long time I thought Massimo Dutti was a single designer, but it’s actually a brand. Now I know!) The company started in 1985 focusing on menswear, and expanded into womenswear in 1995. I really loved their summer collection. It’s not the kind of clothing I’d usually wear myself, but I loved how draped and elegant it felt.

(Also, my computer keeps trying to autocorrect womenswear to women swear and honestly… I feel that in my bones.)

If you’re enjoying my printable paper dolls, you might also like my published paper doll books or the exclusive designs I share on Patreon. You can also find unique sets in my Etsy store. Each is another way to support my work and keep the dolls coming.

Free Roaming Fashions: Outdoor Mix and Match Fashions

Printable hiking paper doll coloring page featuring a stylish outdoorsy wardrobe. Includes floral t-shirts, jogger pants, cargo shorts, a casual dress, and accessories like a water bottle and crossbody bag. Perfect for hiking lovers, craft fans, and anyone who enjoys coloring and cutting out paper dolls. Download this printable hiking paper doll for a fun summer activity or to add to your paper doll collection.
Printable hiking paper doll featuring a stylish outdoor wardrobe in fun summer colors. Includes floral t-shirts, jogger pants, cargo shorts, a casual dress, and accessories like a water bottle and crossbody bag. Perfect for hiking lovers, craft enthusiasts, and paper doll collectors. Download this printable hiking paper doll for a fun summer activity or to add to your paper doll collection.

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As I think I’ve said, for all my love of fashion, I am not a very fashionable dresser. Even today’s printable hiking paper doll is better dressed than me.

Living in interior Alaska means summers are full throttle. Everything is go, go, go because winter’s cold, snow, and endless darkness are never far away. It also means that most of us dress like we’ve stepped straight out of a slightly rumpled, far less coordinated REI catalog. Hiking boots and practical pants aren’t just for weekends here; they’re basically the everyday uniform.

For today’s printable hiking paper doll, I wanted to capture that practical, outdoorsy vibe but give it a style-conscious twist. She’s ready for the trail with practical sandals, floral prints, and accessories like the ever-present water bottle and a crossbody bag. I gave her a top knot and a bit of a summer tan for a relaxed, fresh look.

The color palette was tricky to choose, but I kept it light and summery with lots of greens, soft pinks, and touches of sky blue. And while I’m not usually a jogger-pants fan, they make great hiking pants here. They’re comfortable, easy to move in, and perfect for tucking into boots if the weather changes.

I hope this printable hiking paper doll brings some trail-ready fashion to your paper doll collection. No hiking boots required, though I am living in mine this week.

Be sure to tell me your favorite outfit in the comments! And if you want access to some exclusive sets and behind-the-scenes extras, join me on Patreon. Your support keeps the paper dolls coming.

Gallant Garb: A Paper Doll Adventurer

Fantasy armor coloring page printable paper doll to cut and color featuring a female character with micro braids and her two mix-and-match armored outfits, including a armored corsets over blouses, pants, and accessories like a sword, bow, arrows, dagger, and bag. Great for kids, screen-free play, or homeschool on a rainy day.

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There was no way I was going to create a fantasy armor coloring page paper doll and not end up with armored corsets. I mean, I am me. Two things I love are corsets and fantasy outfits featuring pants. After all, I have a Pinterest board devoted to fantasy armor and another one solely for “fantasy outfits with pants” and I probably should have one for corsets, but I do not.

One of the things that keeps me so drawn to collecting reference images on Pinterest is that they constantly inspire new interpretations. I remember a lesson from a poetry class in college that I’ve carried with me: My professor said that waiting for inspiration to strike is a surefire way to spend more time waiting than actually creating. Waiting for the perfect spark is less effective than actively engaging in things that will give you ideas. Paper dolls are a visual medium, so I tend towards visuals.

If you want to support my work (and dress some paper dolls while you’re at it), take a look at my Patreon and my newest book from Paper Doll Review, Big Eyed Girlies.

Patreon Exclusive: Fashionable Night for Cut and Color Couture

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Scallops & Sunshine: Printable Summer Paper Doll for Ensemble Eclectica

Printable paper doll coloring page featuring a stylish Latina girl with glasses and a mix-and-match wardrobe. Includes dresses, tops, skirts, shoes, and accessories with fun scallop details—all in black and white, ready to be colored. A creative and customizable activity from the "Ensemble Eclectica" series from Paper Thin Personas by Rachel Cohen, perfect for kids, crafters, and paper doll fans.
Colorful printable paper doll featuring a stylish Latina girl with glasses and a vibrant pastel wardrobe. Includes mix-and-match scallop-trimmed dresses, tops, skirts, and accessories in sunny shades of coral, yellow, aqua, and purple. Part of the "Ensemble Eclectica" series from Paper Thin Personas by Rachel Cohen—perfect for creative play, DIY crafts, and paper doll collectors.

Download Black and White PDF | Download Color PDF | More Paper Dolls from the Ensemble Eclectica Series

I’m thrilled to share the latest paper doll addition to the Ensemble Eclectica series called Sunshine & Scallops in both a full-color printable paper doll and a black-and-white paper doll coloring page versions, so you can decide which was brings you more joy.

Sunshine & Scallops is a summer paper doll set featuring a stylish doll with glasses, a bright smile, and a fabulous wardrobe full of scallop-trimmed fashion. Think breezy dresses, mix-and-match separates, and cheerful accessories in a palette inspired by sunshine, sherbet, beach days other summery things. I think of her as being Latina, but you know, there’s no reason why she has to be. You do you, as my students are fond of telling me.

A quick tip! Don’t forget to trim along the doll’s shoulders to make the outfit tabs fit correctly. I include small dots to guide where to cut, but it’s easy to miss if you’re new to my designs or paper dolls. It’s so easy for me to forget that people are discovering paper dolls everyday and maybe they don’t know how they work.

Funny story: I was just explaining them to an teenage boy this week who had no idea what I was talking about until I finally got out pictures. Not sure I made a paper doll fan out of him, but at least now he knows. And as they say, knowing is half the battle.

If you’re thinking: Wow, you seem to be doing a lot of paper dolls with glasses lately, you are right! I think paper dolls with glasses are an unserved segment of the paper doll world.

If you love what I do and want to support the creation of more paper dolls, consider checking out my Patreon Page. It’s a lovely way to help keep the site going, and you’ll get early access, behind-the-scenes sketches, and monthly exclusive content. Every little bit makes a big difference.

In Full Armor: A Knight Paper Doll

Printable lady knight paper craft to cut and color includes detailed medieval armor, sword, and dagger. She has short hair. Great for creative play or homeschool activities.

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So, as I mentioned last time I shared one of these knights, you know that moment when a single idea takes hold and before you realize it, you’ve found yourself fully immersed in a creative rabbit hole? That’s exactly what happened here.

I thought I’d just draw a little fantasy armor, and then things spiraled. Before I knew it, I had created a whole series of knight paper craft designs—more than I honestly knew what to do with. Well, that’s not totally true. I knew exactly what to do: finish them up and share them here. This blog exists because I need a place for all the paper dolls I make, and these knight paper craft creations fit right in.

I should probably always include a disclaimer with these posts: I know next to nothing about how actual full plate armor works, and I’m sure I’ve gotten plenty of details wrong. But hey, artistic license, right?

On my head, this paper doll is the sort of “serious warrior” of the group, since she’s the one with full-plate armor, where everyone else has sort of more light weight armor options. So, maybe she’s a paladin, to put things in Dungeons & Dragons terminology.

If you want to support my work, don’t forget I have a new book, Big Eyed Girlies, from Paper Doll Review, and a Patreon. The book features fun paper dolls and Patreon supporters get an exclusive extra paper doll each month.