Black & White Archives • Page 2 of 93 • Paper Thin Personas

Chivalry in Paper: Cut & Color Couture Knight Paper Doll

September 19, 2025

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.

Ribbons and Ruching: A Paid Patrons Exculsive Printable Paper Doll

August 27, 2025

Sleek Simplicity: Summer Minimalism with Ensemble Eclectica

August 22, 2025

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.

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

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

August 13, 2025

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.

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

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

September 15, 2025July 30, 2025

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.

Download Black and White PDF | More Paper Dolls from the Cut & Color Couture Series

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

July 24, 2025

Scallops & Sunshine: Printable Summer Paper Doll for Ensemble Eclectica

July 22, 2025July 22, 2025

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

July 16, 2025

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.

Download Black and White PDF | More Paper Dolls from the Cut & Color Couture Series

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.

Pastel Punk: Mix and Match Paper Doll for Creative Kids

July 9, 2025

Black paper doll coloring page featuring a girl with natural hair in a bun and glasses, wearing a bra and underwear. Includes a variety of mix-and-match outfits to color, such as pleated skirts, ripped jeans, crop tops with skull and heart designs, fishnet tights, and platform shoes. Printable fashion paper doll from the Ensemble Eclectica collection by Rachel L. Cohen, perfect for kids, crafters, and paper doll enthusiasts.

Printable Black paper doll with natural hair and glasses, wearing purple lingerie, from the Ensemble Eclectica collection by Paper Thin Personas. Includes a mix-and-match wardrobe of pastel goth and kawaii-inspired outfits with lavender ripped jeans, pleated skirts, crop tops with skull and heart graphics, fishnet tights, and platform shoes. Designed by Rachel L. Cohen, perfect for coloring, crafting, and dress-up play.

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

Say hello to the latest addition to the Ensemble Eclectica paper doll series! This week’s printable paper doll is a pastel punk Black girl paper doll with her hair up in dreads and funky glasses.

Pastel Punk is what happens when soft, sugary pastels collide with 1970s punk fashion and somehow it works. From my limited understanding, the style pulls some inspiration from Kawaii and Harajuku fashion in Japan, mixed with the grit and DIY spirit of classic punk. I like the contrast of the surgery sweet with the spikes myself.

With more than fifty potential outfit combinations, she undoubtedly possesses a wealth of sartorial choices, as any paper doll should. I wanted these pieces to all be able to be mixed and matched for maximum versatility, so I kept to a very limited color palette. After all, what paper doll doesn’t need the juxtaposition of soft lilacs and mints paired with skull prints, fishnets, and a serious attitude? I can’t think of one…

Of course, if you’d prefer a more traditional punk color scheme, there’s always the coloring page version. Maybe she’s more red and black tartan punk than lavender and mint. You do you.

Don’t forget, she can share clothing with my other Ensemble Eclectica paper dolls. She has the same skin tone as some of my other Black girl paper doll creations including Sweat in Style, Straps and Lace, and In 1938. None of them match as well stylistically as the Gothic Glamour sets I did for Halloween back in 2023. Lots of skulls in those sets to expand her collection here.

I’ll admit that drawing alt fashion always makes me a little nervous. I’m more of a t-shirt and jeans (or cardigan and tweed) kind of person. I love the boldness of alternative styles, even if I’m not brave enough to wear them myself. They are a lot of fun to draw.

If you like this set, please consider sharing it on Pinterest or supporting my work through Patreon or Etsy. Even a little love goes a long way in helping me keep creating these!

Archer of the Realm: A Warrior Woman Paper Doll

September 15, 2025June 19, 2025

Black and white printable paper doll coloring page titled "Archer of the Realm" from Paper Thin Personas. The sheet features a female doll with braided hair in underwear, a medieval-inspired wardrobe with three pieces (a tunic top with armor and puffy sleeves, a tunic with chaimaile over it, and matching armored pants tucked into boots), a sword, a bow, and a quiver of arrows. Decorative border with loops surrounds the page. Instructions on the right side explain how to print, cut, and use the doll. Created by Rachel L. Cohen, 2025. Great for homeschooling, rainy days, or fantasy-themed play!

Download Black and White PDF | More Paper Dolls from the Cut & Color Couture Series

Have I ever mentioned how I tend to get into a “theme” and then realize I’ve drawn way too much of it? Yeah, that’s pretty much what happens to me.

I decide I want to draw armor. The next thing I know, I’ve done like five different versions of a warrior woman paper doll. And I’m just like… welp, that’s getting into series territory, ain’t it?

Part of this was about me learning to draw chainmail on an iPad. Part of it was me just wanting to draw some cool fantasy armor for ladies.

Anyway, this is the first in a little collection of paper doll knights, adventurers, warrior women, and ladies wearing fantasy outfits that include pants… you can call them whatever you like. Fantasy armor and outfits with pants are recurring obsessions of mine. I have an entire Pinterest board devoted to fantasy armor and another one solely for “fantasy outfits with pants.”

Please, don’t judge the clothing of this warrior woman paper doll based on practicality. Because, let’s be honest, could someone survive an actual fight in these outfits? No idea, but they look cool.

I might be defeating my own argument about not caring for practicality when I admit that my obsession with fantasy outfits featuring pants probably started as a child. Back then, I watched Xena and thought, “Someone, anyone, get these women some dang trousers, please.”

I wanted to be Xena really badly, but I also really badly did not want to wear a skirt. So, maybe all my armor drawing is my way of solving this problem for young Rachel.

If you want to support my work (and dress some dolls while you’re at it), don’t forget that I have a new book Big Eyed Girlies from Paper Doll Review. This one’s close to my heart, and I’d love for you to check it out.

Dapper Daze: Mix-and-Match Vintage Outfits for the Ensemble Eclectica

June 12, 2025

Asian printable paper doll coloring page titled “Dapper Daze” featuring an elegant Asian female character with 1950s-style hair. The set includes mix-and-match vintage-inspired outfits: two fitted skirts, high-waisted pants, three blouses with puffed sleeves and collars, a jacket, two retro handbags, and a pearl necklace. Designed by Rachel L. Cohen for Paper Thin Personas.

Asian printable paper doll titled “Dapper Daze” featuring an elegant Asian female character with 1950s-style dark hair and bright red lip-stick. The set includes mix-and-match vintage-inspired outfits: two fitted skirts, high-waisted pants, three blouses with puffed sleeves and collars, a jacket, two retro handbags, and a pearl necklace. Designed by Rachel L. Cohen for Paper Thin Personas.

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

Today’s Asian printable paper doll features a retro 1950s-inspired wardrobe, complete with classic women’s suits, soft tucked-in blouses, and a couple of purses I low-key wish I owned. (Even though I’m totally a cross-body bag kind of person. I just can’t carry a purse in my hand all day.) Of course, this isn’t the first time I’ve dived into vintage styles for the Ensemble Eclectica ladies. You can look at this more colorful 1960s inspired one if you need more outfit options. There’s also actual historical 1950s fashions, I have a whole collection of those.

As I was coloring Dapper Daze here, I kept thinking about a long conversation Julie Matthews (of Paper Doll School) recently had about mix and match paper dolls and how important a consistent limited color palette is to make a set really versatile.

Yes, this is what I text my friends about. Don’t judge me.

Lately, I’ve been on a mission to finish up all the paper doll projects gathering dust on my iPad. Starting things? Easy. Finishing them? A little harder in digital format, where it’s way too tempting to start something new instead of wrapping up what’s already halfway done. It’s so easy.

So, I dug through the files, polished off a few nearly-finished pieces, and ta-da! Today’s paper doll is finally ready to share. (Though I’ll admit I don’t fully remember what I was thinking when I first designed her. Artist brain is a mystery.)

Still, it feels great to finally bring some of these printable paper dolls across the finish line. I have more to share. Promise.

PS: Got room in your collection for even more big-eyed charm? My newest paper doll book, Big Eyed Girlies, is officially available for pre-order from Paper Doll Review! So, go check that out, too.

Patron Exclusive: Evening Lace with Cut & Color Couture

May 27, 2025May 27, 2025