Mini Maidens Archives • Page 3 of 8 • Paper Thin Personas

A Mini-Maiden Fantasy Outfit & Some Words on the Design Process

May 19, 2020April 7, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: A pair of cosplayers, a red tunic and this fantasy gown

For someone who is as opposed to leggings as I am in the real world, I sure do enjoy drawing them as part of a good looking paper doll fantasy outfit.

When I am working on fantasy things, I often start by going through my Pinterest boards. I collect inspiring images there and it’s a great way to track what I have seen. So, as hard as it maybe to believe, this fantasy outfit as inspired by this pair of cosplayers, this red tunic and this fantasy gown.

Then I think a little about silhouette. Silhouette is the shape of a design and it’s critical when identifying different fashion eras. It is also a great way to design a consistent set of pieces.

The silhouette I settled on for this set was a high waisted tunics defined by a belt and leggings. This means all three pieces feel like they “go together” even if they are original fantasy designs.

I’d recommend thinking about silhouette when trying to design fantasy pieces. It makes things feel more consistent and therefore more realistic.

And, as always, if you like the blog, consider donating through Patreon. It helps keep the blog on the interwebs.

Need a Mini-Maiden paper doll to wear today’s outfit? Pick a Mini-Maiden Paper Doll Here.

A 1930s Dress to Color & Dress a Paper Doll In

March 30, 2017March 29, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Simplicity 1781 from 1935

So, this is my first 1930s dress for the Mini-Maidens paper dolls. That surprised me, but it is true. I even went through the archives to confirm- I’ve done 1920s and 1940s, but never a 1930s dress.

The dress is based on this pattern cover from Simplicity 1781 designed in 1935. The two part dress had an optional coat which I did not end up drawing. Mostly, what I liked about the dress’s design was the super cool square belt buckle.

Yes, sometimes I’m that easy to please.

I should add that I also really liked the pockets on the button of the top and the very art deco feeling of the whole piece, but mostly… mostly I liked the belt buckle.

One problem of doing my first mini-maidens’ 1930s dress is that I don’t have a really good Mini-Maiden doll with the right hair for the era. This Hazel has 1940s hair which doesn’t quite work. The closest two choices are probably my 1920s Faye paper doll whose wavy bob is not too far off or my steampunk Greta paper doll.

Clearly, this is evidence that I need to draw more than one 1930s dress for the Mini-maidens printable paper dolls.

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The Reader2017 coupon for 25% off in the Etsy store is good for just two more days. So, if there’s something you want, I’d grab it.

Now, I am curious. Should I do more 1930s stuff for the Mini-Maidens? Is there another decade you’d like to see? Let me know in a comment.

Need a Mini-Maiden paper doll to wear today’s outfit? Pick a Mini-Maiden Paper Doll Here.

Mini-Maiden Paper Dolls Get Statement Pencil Skirts for Spring 2017

March 24, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations:Statement Pencil Skirts from the Fashion Magazines

You can blame today’s printable paper doll clothing on my addiction to fashion magazines. Or I suppose be thankful to my addiction. Your choice. 🙂

For someone who wears almost the same thing to work every day, I love looking at the fashion magazines. It doesn’t matter that I’ll never wear half of what is in the fashion magazine, I still enjoy looking at the pictures.

My favorite pictures get to become paper doll clothes. I noticed a lot of pencil skirts with super bold patterns on them. I actually really like this idea and if I wasn’t such a conservative dresser, I would totally try out this look. Maybe I still will if I can find one I like enough.

Until them I am sticking too my cardigans, grey trousers and white button down look. It has served me well.

To turn the pencil skirts into a real paper doll outfit, I added the pretty simple blouse and some cute shoes.I think this set with Faye, this set with Hazel or this set with Isadora would be great for mixing and matching in.

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Meanwhile, my Reader2017 coupon for 25% off still running in the Etsy store until the end of the month.

And the blog has a facebook page, so go there, like it, and spread the word about PTP! It really does help.

Or, of course, I always love comments.

Need a Mini-Maiden paper doll to wear today’s outfit? Pick a Mini-Maiden Paper Doll Here.

Isadora as a Faun

March 13, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Patron Requests for More Fantasy Creatures

Not a lot to say tonight about today’s faun paper doll. It’s been a super productive weekend in paper doll creation land, but I rather forgot about today’s post until late Sunday night.

I admit I don’t mind working against the clock, but I don’t write my most compelling posts when I am up against the wire like this.

So, fauns… I wanted to do a fantasy creature that I had never done before. Something that wasn’t a mermaid or a fairy or an elf. I spent some time gathering image source ideas on my Fairies and Fauns Pinterest board.

I’ll confess that at first I was thinking a deer woman, but only male deer have antlers, and I don’t think without horns it would be obvious what I was drawing. Unless I did like a caribou woman (caribou females have antlers).

See, I did some research.

So, I settled on a faun which is basically a goat woman. Both male and female goats have horns. (See, more research.)

Meanwhile, I designed this set so that the hooves and legs can fit any of the Mini-Maiden dolls.

As always, if you love the blog, think about becoming a Patron, following it on Facebook or telling a friend about it.

Need a more outfits for today’s Mini-Maiden Paper Doll? Find More Clothing Here.

The Mini-Maidens Visit the 1950s and Drink a Cocktail

March 8, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations:Cocktail Dresses of the 1950s, Specifically this one and this one

Today, the Mini-Maiden paper dolls are getting a pair of 1950s cocktail dresses. The top dress is based on a Vogue sewing pattern and the bottom dress is based on an example from the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The style of skirt on both dresses is called a “barrel skirt”.

Central to my life philosophy is this: You can choose to look at the bright side, or you can not, but I try to look at the bright side. Which means, mostly, I try to see the things I am proud about in a paper doll set rather than the things that bug the heck out of me.

I succeed in this about 83% of the time, which isn’t bad, really.

So, when I see the floral print, I am trying to focus on the things I like about it and not the things that sort of annoy me. I am succeeding, mostly.

Meanwhile, both these cocktail dresses are based on the same basic silhouette. I’m always on the look out for styles that seem to show up repeatedly in the same time period. That indicates that they were common, rather than unusual. I loved the pattern on the illustration on the Vogue pattern envelope, so I tried to recreate something like it on the top dress.

I think my success was strictly mixed.

Moving on from my angst over the floral pattern, I actually am pretty pleased with these two cocktail dresses.

What do you all think? Floral or not floral? Let me know in a comment.

Meanwhile, I’m still running a sale on the blog’s Etsy Store. There a coupon code good for 25% off an order of 4.00 or more until the end of March. Use the code: READER2017

Or if you’d rather become a Patron and see behind the scenes, then donate through Patreon.

Need a Mini-Maiden paper doll to wear today’s outfit? Pick a Mini-Maiden Paper Doll Here.

A Sailor Lolita Outfit for the Mini-Maiden Printable Paper Dolls

March 2, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Patron Requests for and Sailor Lolita Styles

I have done a variety of Lolita styles before, but never Sailor Lolita as was pointed out by one of my Patrons. (Join here if you want to support PTP.) So, here’s my foray into that style.

Lolita is an alliterative fashion style from Japan that is heavily influenced by Victorian and Edwardian children’s clothing. It’s street fashion and like every genre of street fashion, there are seemingly endless variations. Sailor Lolita is the term used for Lolita dresses infulenced by sailor suits of the Edwardian and Victorian era. There is a nearly endless obcession with sailor suits in the 19th and 20th century.

Examples of early sailor suits include these designs from the 1900s, this version from 1905 and this version from the 1920s. I decided to base today’s Sailor Lolita outfit off of examples like this one and this one.

You can see a bunch more on my Lolita Fashion board on Pinterest.

I’m adding new things to the Paper Thin Personas shop on Etsy this week, inculding steampunk styles in three color schemes and black and white.Remember, the coupon called: READER2017 is good for 25% off an order of 4.00 or more through the end of March.

Need a Mini-Maiden paper doll to wear today’s outfit? Pick a Mini-Maiden Paper Doll Here.

Mini-Maiden Mermaid Paper Dolls Going Deep Into the Sea

May 19, 2020February 22, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Patron Requests for Mermaids and Liana’s Paper Dolls

I was asked by two Patrons, Cathy W. and the Steger family to make more fairy tale and mermaid paper dolls. So, I decided to finally get around to a posting a paper doll I drew last year. When I create mermaid paper dolls, I always think of Liana’s mermaids.

Who was Liana? You wonder, well, she ran a site called Liana’s Paper Dolls and created the best mermaid paper dolls. The mermaids of Liana of Liana’s Paper Dolls. Her mermaids weren’t just beautiful and innovative, this black tailed adventurer mermaid was a favorite of mine, but also had amazing detail stories about the world that mermaids came from.

If you’re new to the paper doll website world and you’ve never spent anytime on her site, you really should. She’s not updating these days, but there’s plenty of backlog and her art is really outstanding. I would suspect that there would be no other paper doll blogs (and certainly this site wouldn’t exist) if not for Liana’s Paper Doll blog.

Any of my paper doll blogging friends feel the same way?

Frankly I’m not good with coming up with personal stories about my paper dolls. I rarely think of them that way. I sometimes think about time period or technology level, but I tend to think on a society level rather than on a personality level. For example, I love writing pseudo Victorian descriptions for my steampunk outfits (like this one), but I can’t imagine trying to decide the personality of the doll.

Bios like these Boots writes are just impossible for me to imagine.

I think this is okay though. The world would be super boring if we were all alike.

Meanwhile, I’m still running a sale on the blog’s Etsy Store. There a coupon code good for 25% off an order of 4.00 or more until the end of March. Use the code: READER2017

Or if you’d rather become a Patron and see behind the scenes, then donate through Patreon.

Need a Mini-Maiden paper doll to wear today’s outfit? Pick a Mini-Maiden Paper Doll Here.

Mini-Maiden’s Lord of the Rings Inspired Fantasy Gown

December 6, 2020February 9, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Patron Requests for Lord of the Rings Inspired Fantasy Gowns

Three of my patrons all requested Lord of the Rings style fantasy paper doll content for 2017, so Denise, Chris and Grace, this is for y’all. Now, I will confess that I find Lord of the Rings to be among the most boring books ever written. I know there are circles where this opinion would get me shot, but I can’t help it. There is so much description. I just don’t care about trees that much. Give me The Hobbit an I am a happy camper. I would far rather read it.

Still, the movies are visually stunning. So, that is where my inspiration came from for today’s Lord of the Rings dress. Specifically, I was thinking of Eowyn’s “White Wool” Gown. Personally, I wouldn’t color this white myself. I would go for a rich red or blue.

That’s just me though. Don’t let me stifle anyone’s creative juices.

Anyway, when someone says Lord of the Rings dress, I think of classic high fantasy and for me that means sleeves you could hide a small army in. A very small army, but an army none the less. Maybe a mouse army.

I digress.

As I announced yesterday, I now have an Etsy Store! Just for my blog readers, there is a coupon code good for 25% off an order of 4.00 or more until the end of March. Visit the shop and use the code: READER2017

Also, the blog has a fairly new facebook page which is pretty neat. I’m using it to show off stuff from the expansive and amazing archives of PTP. Trust me, there’s a lot of material in there.

And, as always, if you love the blog, think about becoming a patron.

Need a Mini-Maiden paper doll to wear today’s outfit? Pick a Mini-Maiden Paper Doll Here.

A Wintertime Steampunk Costume for the Mini-Maidens Paper Dolls

May 19, 2020February 3, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: The Greta’s Trousseau Project

So, back in 2013, I started a project called Greta’s Steampunk Trousseau. The idea was to draw the extensive ladies wardrobe of the 19th century in a steampunk style. I added steampunk costumes to Greta’s Trousseau until about 2015 when I lost interest in the project and moved onto other paper doll things.

But, earlier this month, I was panicking. That the end of January was near and I didn’t have any Mini-Maiden paper doll posts ready for February. Searching for something to post, I discovered this wintertime steampunk costume which I had created for Greta’s Trousseau.

I thought to myself, “I swear I posted that.”

And then a through search of my archives informed me that I hadn’t.

So, because I am not one to waste a perfectly good paper doll outfit find and because everyone needs thigh high gaiters, I cleaned it up and here it is today.

As some of you know, I love Victorian fashion magazines. So, here’s me channeling my inner Victorian fashion magazine to describe today’s steampunk costume:

An elegant, but practical, promenade toilette for the colder months of the year. The jeacket has draped sleeves trimmed in fur, a high collar and a longer silouette with provides additional protection from the chilled air. The draped skirt is trimmed in fur. The long gaiters provide needed protection against winter mud and muck, while also being a practical alternative to high boots. The hat is a simple style and trimmed in wide ruched ribbon.

In case you doubt how old this design is, here’s the doodle it was based on from 2014.

So, should I take on another long term project like this? I have a few ideas for one which I am letting my Patrons vote on right now. So far the things that have been bouncing around in my head range from another steampunk thing (I do love me my neo-Victorian stuff) to a alien space princess. Everything is better with Alien space princesses.

Thoughts from y’all? Is another long term thing like this a good idea? Let me know in a comment.

Meanwhile, if you want to vote, then become a patron. Plus, the blog has a facebook page now which is pretty neat.

Need a Mini-Maiden paper doll to wear today’s outfit? Pick a Mini-Maiden Paper Doll Here.

Mini-Maidens in some 1970s Fashions

December 6, 2020January 16, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations:Simplicity 6931 from 1975

Today, the Mini-Maidens are visiting 1975 with an outfit and hair inspired by the looks of that era. I’ve never been a big 1970s fashion fan, but I confess the period has grown on my lately. I think it’s the sideburns.

One thing I do love are vintage pattern covers. Everything about them from the pose to the styles are so much of their era. A 1975 pattern cover from Simplicity inspired today’s paper doll 1970s fashion. The pattern had two options- a dress or a blouse, but I liked the blouse better. Somehow, the dress reminded me a little too much of a nightgown. A lot of 1970s maxi dresses remind me a lot of nightgowns.

If you’re a sewist, Wren Feathers has a super cute pattern for a blouse in this style sized for slim body 18 inch dolls. I haven’t sewn it up yet, but it has been in my “to sew” pile for a long time. Just in case your non-paper dolls need some 1970s fashion.

Greta, one of the Mini-Maiden dolls, is modeling the outfit and has a 1970’s shag haircut. The pattern cover inspired the jeans and platform shoes too.

One thing I find fascinating about 1970s fashion is that a lot of it looks very contemporary. Sometimes it is just the hair or the textile that gives away the age of the garment. You could probably get away with the jeans and shoes today. I’m not so sure about the blouse. Something about those sleeves kinda feels very dowdy to me.

What do you think? Are you a 1970s fashion lover or is it a decade you could see less of? Let me know in a comment.

Tomorrow there will be 18th Century Sprites Clothing. Yes, male historical clothing. Shocking, I know.

Meanwhile, have you thought about donating? It’s quick and helps keep the blog around. Sign up through Patreon.

Also, happy MLK Day to everyone who is celebrating.

Need a more outfits for today’s Mini-Maiden Paper Doll? Find More Clothing Here.

Mini-Maiden’s Are Secretely Ninjas

May 19, 2020January 13, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Ninjas and How Bad I am at Drawing a Katana

Yesterday, I did a way more detailed explanation of why I drew this ninja outfit then I am going to do today. Mostly, it was because I didn’t have many ninja paper dolls. I especially wanted a ninja coloring page paper doll outfit. Why you ask?

Well, because I was asked for one.

Not recently, mind you, but years and years ago I was emailed to see if my Ninjas Vs Pirates paper doll set for Marisole Monday and Friends was available in black and white. It wasn’t and it won’t be, because I no longer have the master files for it. So, when I decided to draw ninjas, astronaut and circus themed paper dolls, I knew I needed to do one in black and white. Why those these topics? I explain in yesterday’s post.

So, here it is! Of course, my more recently Marisole Monday & Friend’s ninja is also available in black and white, but now there’s another option if you perfer Mini-Maidens to Marisole Monday & Friends. Everyone should have options.

Seriously, I swear this logic made sense in my head at the time.

Help support the blog! Donate and become a Patron!

Also, I hope everyone has a great weekend. Mine should be quiet which, frankly, is exactly how I like my weekends to be.

Need a Mini-Maiden paper doll to wear today’s outfit? Pick a Mini-Maiden Paper Doll Here.

Mini-Maidens Paper Dolls With a New Year’s Evening Gown

May 19, 2020December 28, 2016

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: This Zac Posen Gown

As I said yesterday, this week will be all about New Years gala sorts of gowns. Today, the Mini-Maiden paper dolls are getting their evening gown. This is based on a this gown designed by Zac Posen for David’s Bridal. The dress is several years old and I couldn’t find it on the current website, so I linked to my Pinterest page.

If you want to see more evening gowns and cocktail dresses that might someday turn into paper dolls, check out my Evening Gowns board. It is the home of gowns I like and may someday draw.

Heavily boned corsets like the one on this gown are very much a trademark of Zac Posen‘s designs and I love a good looking corset.

Plus, I think a New Years evening gown should be something sexy. By the way, I would never have the guts (nor the occasion) to wear something this fitted, but then what are paper dolls for?

I think I’ve mentioned before my guilty pleasure, Say Yes to the Dress. Thanks to that show, I can say mermaid dresses are very in style for weddings and this could easily be a wedding dress if you wanted that instead of a New Years dress.

I think Faye, Greta, Hazel or Isadora would love to get this gown, but since there are four of them, you might need more gowns. Therefore, I might I recommend this series of Prom dresses or this 1930s inspired evening gown.

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Need a Mini-Maiden paper doll to wear today’s outfit? Pick a Mini-Maiden Paper Doll Here.

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