RLC

Paper Doll Collaboration for April! Cosplay & Fandom

Star Trek and Buffy coloring page with outfits from the two series to print, color and play with.

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

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
Every month, myself and some fantastic 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 all create an outfit for the same paper doll pose. That way, in theory anyway, the all the dolls can share all the clothing.

It’s a super fun way to share how different artists view the same subject matter. Plus it really makes me (I can’t speak for the others) stretch, because the themes are often things I wouldn’t normally create.

For example, I really don’t do cosplay and I rarely draw fanart. I have complex mixed feelings about the ethics of fanart in general (which I won’t get into here), but I also realize that in a lot of geek culture there’s a long history of fanart being accepted. So, I tend to come down on the side of it being okay, as long as I am not profiting from it directly. But I don’t imagine it will become a big part of what I tend to illustrate.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
If there are two shows that deeply defined my teenage life, they would be Buffy: The Vampire Slayer and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. My high school let out at 2:15 and I was home by 3 and that was when Buffy aired. I painstakingly recorded every episode and I remember carefully reading the TV listings to make sure I could catch on re-run ones I had missed. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine was on from 9pm to 10pm. My bedtime was 9:30, so every night I set the VCR to record the episode, so I could watch it when I got home from school the next day.

Specific Source Images: The Star Trek Uniform was based on the uniforms from seasons 1 through 6. The Buffy outfit is based on what Buffy wears in the second season episode School Hard. I like Buffy’s girly looks, because I loved the contrast of a character in pastels kicking butt.

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

I spent a truly insane amount of time trying to find a decent shot of Buffy’s shoes to try to draw them. After a lot of re-watching scenes in slow motion, the best I can tell they are chunky heeled slingback loafers in white which might (or might not) have some sort of toe detail. I think, based on how much reflection they have, that they maybe patent leather or at least fake patent? Anyway, I did by best guessing based on the few images of them I could find.

Remember that Paper Doll School, Miss. Missy’s Paper Dolls and Popculture and Paper Dolls all have their own versions of today’s theme. Go check them out!

1955 Summer Dress With Hat and Purse

A lovely Mid-1950s Summer Dress with hat. The dress is from Vogue in 1955. The hat is from Montgomery Ward in 1950. The purse is from Sears.

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

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
There’s a few silhouettes one tends to associate with retro 50s fashion. There’s the tight waisted, full skirt look (like this) or the narrow fitted suit look (like this). There’s also a few variations on this and one of those variation is the dropwaist version of the full skirted look.

A dropwaist is when the waist (aka seam where the bodice meets the skirt) is lower than the natural waist on a person. A highwaist is when the waist is raised above the natural waist, but below the bust. An empire waist is when the waist of a dress is located right under the bust.

More than you maybe wanted to know about fashion terminology. I digress.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
Summer is coming rapidly to Alabama. I love the Fall in Alabama and I like the Winter. I could leave the Summer without any sense of guilt at all. It’s hot and humid and my allergies are exploding. Ugh!

Anyway, I always think women in retro spring fashion ads look so wonderfully cool and calm and it probably sucked living in Alabama in the 1950s when air conditioning was rare and petticoats were common. None the less, I loved the concept if not the reality.

Specific Source Images: Vogue 8596, Montgomery Ward Spring/Summer 1950 hats pages and Sears (I used Everyday Fashions of the Fifties As Pictured in Sears Catalogs)

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls & More 1950s Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: Closet Historian regularly posts images from vintage catalogs in her collection and they are fascinating.

Last Thoughts
I’ve done two more 1950’s paper doll dresses and shared them with my Patrons. They are a 1950s suit and 1950s day dress. Join Us on Patreon if you’d like to support the blog (and get more paper doll content!)

Also, if you’re thinking- Well, I wish I had a 1950s paper doll to wear this stylin’ 1950s dress, I’ve made a version of the ever delightful Sapphire in 1950’s underwear. So, you can print her, but, as always, this dress will fit any of the Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls. Retro 50s fashion is so popular right now.

Nostalgic Fantasy Gown with Some Wedding Dress Influences

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

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
I am really not sure how to classify this dress. It could be fantasy. It could be steampunk. It could be princess.

I suppose it can be whatever you want it to be. I just wanted to draw a pretty dress and this was the outcome of that. I chose the word “nostalgic” for it, because the dusty colors reminded me of Victorian post cards.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I don’t really know. I think the skirt shape probably owes something to dresses like this one. Since it is a pretty stiff aline, but there isn’t a specific source I can point to.

Specific Source Images: Nothing today.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls
Around the Internet: So, I am weirdly obsessed with Japanese bridal sites, because the dresses are so over the top. Kuraudia has the full Barbie wedding dress line. And it is amazing.

Last Thoughts
I am not lying when I tell you I love these Barbie wedding dresses. I would never wear them, but I am kinda in love with them. You can see the catalogs here.

A big thank you to my patrons for their amazing support. I know one of my patrons really loves it when I do full skirted fancy dresses, so I hope she enjoys this little foray into that style, though I don’t think this dress is that over the top.

How would you classify this dress? Fantasy? Princess? Steampunk? Let me know in a comment.

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.

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

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.

Archives Dive: Paper Dolls of the 1960s & Their Clothing

I love 1960s fashion. So, I also love paper dolls of the 1960s and these paper dolls are my ode to that era and it’s amazing fashions. Seriously, drawing this beehive for Abigail was maybe the most fun thing I’ve done in a while. I still find the beehive one of those hairstyle that you think must be a joke, until you find vintage photos.

And then it is like, nope… that was a real thing. (Yes, I know I can’t make too much fun- I was alive in the 1990s.)

Paper Dolls Of the 1960s & Clothing of the 1960s

The other really great thing about the 1960s is how colorful it was. One of the best parts of that decade was that they really embraced radical color schemes. I know some people might argue some of the radical color schemes weren’t attractive, but as someone who loves color. I think it is super fun.

As always, it is Friday, so a friendly reminder that over on patreon there’s a Friday Paper Doll Post for my 2 dollar and up patrons every Friday.

Meet Diamond, a New Asian Paper Doll with Practical Fantasy Armor

An Asian paper doll with practical fantasy armor and weapons for slaying/riding dragons or generally just having a good time. Print her in color or as a coloring page. Great rainy day activity.

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

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
This Diamond, a new Asian paper doll for the Jewels and Gemstones family. I really wanted to draw a paper doll with some practical fantasy armor for slaying/riding dragons or making friends with them I suppose.

I just recently divided the Jewels and Gemstones into two subsections- one for dolls and one for clothing. I figure sometimes people want a doll and sometimes people want clothing (though all the dolls have clothing, so arguably my taxonomy isn’t perfect.)

But then, what is?

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I keep a running list of themes I want to be sure to draw for any new series and “practical fantasy armor” is always on the list. While I love my pulpy fantasy armor (and I always will), I also think it is important to draw armor that might actually protect someone in a fight. Not that I recommend testing it.

Specific Source Images: This illustration and this Illustration, both from Pinterest

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls &  more armor designs in my armor tag
Around the Internet: I collect drawings of Fantasy Armor on my Pinterest board. See also, Women Fighters in Reasonable Armor and Bikini Armor Battle Damage from Tumblr.

Last Thoughts
Not to start a battle over the best armor, but which do you prefer? Practical armor or pulpy armor? I’m evenly divided on the topic. Meanwhile, do you have a favorite source of armor illustration that I missed? I’d love to see it.

Patreon is the best way to show the blog some love and get extra content each week. Join us!

Also, am I the only one who thinks Daimond’s hair here could also stand in for a punk look? I really should draw some punk clothing for the Jewels & Gemstones. I haven’t yet.

A Steampunk Mechanic with Striped Trousers

A set of printable paper doll clothing with striped trousers, shirt and boots in a steampunk style from paperthinpersonas.com. Includes tools as an accessory and can 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
I really wanted to do a steampunk set that felt different from some of the other steampunk things I have done in the past. I occasionally like to dabble in what I think of as “steampunk for the lower classes”. While I tend to love my over the top ruffles and bows, I thought it might be fun to do a steampunk mechanic sort of get up.

I also wanted to practice drawing vertical stripes which are a bit of a challenge for me.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
So, there was a short fad in the 19th century for striped pants for men. They weren’t quite this bold though, generally. Really, this outfit was heavily influenced by men’s clothing of the 1800s, but I didn’t use any actual historical sources.

Specific Source Images: These pants and this belt both of which I found on Pinterest.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls &  more Steampunk Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: So, I’ve got a bunch of Steampunk Fashion ideas on my Pinterest board devoted to it. Also, here’s the Wikipedia article on Steampunk fashion which I think gives a decent overview.

Last Thoughts
Friendly reminder, on Instagram, some other paper doll artists and myself are all using #100daysofpaperdolls to share 100 days of paper doll clothing pieces. It’s been so much fun to draw these! I’m going strong, but I confess I’m a little nervous about making it to 100. So, keep me company while I try.

Plus, if you’re a patron (thank you for your support) head over to Patreon because I am doing a poll for my next theme for my 100 days of paper doll project.

Meanwhile, I’m super happy to say that later this week there will be a new Jewels and Gemstones paper doll debuting and a round up of 1960s paper dolls from the blog.

A Fairy Gown with Wings (Fairies need wings, after all)

An elegant fairy gown with wings!

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

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
When I consider themes I like to draw for paper dolls (and there are a lot) fairies usually show up somehow.

It’s funny to me how much I like drawing sweet flower fairies with butterfly wings given my preference for actual fairy folklore where you do not really want their attention and they might kill you.

Still, it is more fun to draw versions with butterfly wings and draped grecian gowns.

Every paper doll fairy needs wings! So, you can glue these wings to the back of the paper dolls and they can fly! (Well, not literally) But you should glue the wings to the back of the paper doll and then fold them back slightly, carefully. Then the tabs for the clothing can slide between the wings and the back of the doll.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I wanted to do a draped grecian inspired fairy gown with boots and I wanted to draw some over the top fairy wings.

Specific Source Images: This illustration from Pinterest and This Illustration from DeviantArt

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls &  my round-up of all my fairy paper dolls from the blog
Around the Internet: I collect illustrations of Fairies (and Fauns) on my Pinterest board.

Last Thoughts
Yesterday, my amazing supporters on Patreon got a evening gown yesterday, so join up if you want a Friday paper doll outfit every week!

Plus, if you follow me on Instagram, you can see the 100 days of paper dolls I’ve been working on. Me and three other paper doll artists are all using #100daysofpaperdolls to share our work.

I’m Doing #The100DayProject

Prepping for the 100 Day Project!

I could not be more excited to say that I am going to tackle the 100 Day Project this year! I’m going to try super hard not to cheat and create a bunch at once, unless I absolutely have to. I will be doing some travel, so some of that maybe necessary.

What is the 100 Day Project? Well, I’m glad you asked! It’s basically a challenge born on Instagram to pick a project and then do it for 100 days.

A best friend is doing 100 days of 100 words a day. I’m doing 100 days of paper doll clothing. No full outfits mind you, but like a shirt, or shoes, or dress or something. I suppose if I need to do something super quick, I could even do a necklace. But the idea is to do 100 days of different paper doll pieces.

And what is the prize? Well…. nothing. I just get to say I did.

The paper doll I’ll be drawing for is from my Etsy store. I’ve been meaning to create more clothing for those dolls for weeks/months and I am WAY behind. So, I thought- Well, this is a great chance. I know I need about 8 to 10 pieces to make up a page, so I can try to get 10 or more pages done.

If you want to follow along as I do my drawing, then follow me on Instagram. I’ll be posting there. I will try to remember to also post to Facebook and Twitter, but I’m not 100% reliable about that.

Tomorrow I’ll share my first piece on Instagram! Come say Hi! I could use the moral support.

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.