Dolls

Amethyst and the Ballet and Dancing Collection

A curvy paper doll with brown skin, black hair, a pair of modern dance shoes and a pair of toe shoes. Free to print and she can wear any of the clothing from the Jewels and Gemstones collection.

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

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
There are several different styles of shoes worn for dance. The most iconic is probably the en pointe shoes and I made sure to include those with Amethyst today.

However, her other shoes are known as “lyrical shoes” they are usually worn for modern dance. The shoes leave the toes exposed and really only cover the ball of the foot for protection. Years ago, when I did tech theater work, we used to drape carpets over the edges of lighting rigs so dancers would feel the different fabric when leaving stage and know there was heavy piece of metal underneath the carpet.

Stubbed toes are not a minor issue when you’re a professional dancer.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I was thinking of ballet of course and dance when I dis this paper doll. I wanted to do a companion to Pearl.

Specific Source Images: These dance shoes

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls & More of the Ballet and Dancing Collection
Around the Internet: Discount Dance Supply is my go-to for images of dancing shoes & What is Lyrical Dance?

Last Thoughts
Can I just say that I love theatre. I have a Master Degree in the stupid topic. I know more about theater then most rational people do. However, I’ll be darned if I can figure out the difference between lyrical and modern dance. I am sorry dance people, but your nuances befuddle me.

Now, if anyone would like a talk on how Masque evolved into Opera and Ballet, I can hook you up. (No one wants this, I assure you.)

Did you know I have a Patreon? You probably do, but I’m always happy to remind you. Head over here if you want more paper dolls each week.

Okay, so I want to draw more dancing stuff that is not ballet, even though ballet was how we started. I’m thinking maybe hip-hop dance or modern or something. Any suggestions? Let me know in a comment.

Opal and her Party Dress

A printable Asian paper doll named Opal with a pale blue cocktail dress and two pairs of formal shoes. Free to print from paperthinpersonas.com.

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

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
I really wanted to do a series of paper dolls with party dresses. Mostly, because I realized I’d managed to create basically no party dresses for the Jewels and Gemstones. Also, it’s really easy to fit in two pairs of shoes and one dress in the layouts. Opal was the first of the Jewels and Gemstones to debut, but as been kinda neglected since then. I have one other Asian paper doll, Diamond, but Opal was the first.

Plus, I really do love the name Opal.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
My two goals with today’s outfit were- casual and summer. I really wanted to make something cute and also spring like. I mostly did that through color, but I have been seeing a lot of striped patterns with floral motifs on top of them. So, the striped shirt with the flower is my ode to that style.

Specific Source Images: This Dress, This Dress and This Dress

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls & More Asian paper dolls
Around the Internet: My Formal Gowns/Cocktail Dresses Pinterest Board

Last Thoughts

Want an extra paper doll content every week? Check out the Patreon

Additionally, I think it is kinda important to make an Asian paper doll wearing non-Asian traditional dress, because when I was a kid all the Asian paper dolls I had were in things like Traditional Japanese Fashions Paper Dolls and Traditional Chinese Fashion Paper Dolls. I think the diversity in paper dolls (and dolls in general) has improved a lot in the last ten years, but there’s still a long way to go.

Meet Topaz In the Cyberpunk Future

A cyberpunk inspired paper doll with multi-colored hair and an outfit to print from paperthinpersonas.com.

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

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
I love all things cyberpunk. Not only do I love William Gibson’s books, but I play a game called Shadowrun which is a magic meets cyberpunk sort of setting. Anyway, I do love me my 1990s and 1980s cyberpunk futures. They fill me with a strange sort of joy. No lie.

One of the things I like about cyberpunk is that it is often a near future setting, rather than a far future one. It really engages in questions of what the current path we are on involving technology might lead us too. It’s a dark genre, unlike a lot of steampunk, but I still enjoy it. I think it’s partly because I also have a soft place in my soul for noir and they share a lot of stylistic elements.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
Topaz was born out of a desire to have a paper doll with lighter skin than Pearl or Amethyst, but darker skin than Ruby or Lapis. Her clothing is, obviously, cyberpunk inspired, but there’s a bit of the Fifth Element futurism in there too, I think.

Specific Source Images: These Shoes and This Dress

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls & more Cyberpunk paper dolls
Around the Internet: A Nice list of Cyberpunk Books, most of which I have read and some of which I haven’t.

Last Thoughts
While this clothing isn’t specifically cybergoth, you could share some of the cybergoth pieces from that collection with Lapis with theses. This set and this set would mix and match particularly well. Honestly, cybergoth, cyberpunk, futuristic… it all sort of flows together after a while, I think.

If you didn’t know, over on there’s an extra paper doll outfit every Friday for members. Join if you’d like.

Topaz is probably my last new Jewels and Gemstones family member for a while, I think. I have a second version of her already drawn, but I don’t know yet when that’ll go live.

Pearl & The Ballet and Dancing Collection

A ballerina paper doll with en pointe shoes and practice slippers. She can share any of the paper doll clothing from the Jewels and Gemstones series.

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

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
I was never a dancer. I just didn’t take to it as a kid. My lack of coordination generally leaves something to be desired. However, I do love to dance, even if I do so badly. Who cares? I’m also never going to be a professional weight-lifter, but I like lifting weights.

One of the things that is important to me is that all bodies have value and all bodies are beautiful. Ballet, to a high degree, profits from the deprivation of female bodies and the idealization of a form of beauty to which few can attain naturally. So, clearly I have mixed feelings about the whole thing, but what the heck? I have mixed feelings about all sorts of topics from drawing pulpy sexy armor to princess dresses.

Mixed feeling just means being aware of the complexities of the universe and that’s something I think is important to cultivate.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
All right, so I wanted to make sure to include pointe shoes with each of my ballerina paper dolls, because I wanted them to match the dolls individual skintone. There’s this concept in ballet called “breaking the line” and you don’t want the color of the toe shoes to break the smooth expanse of leg. However, toe shoes take up a lot of room, so there’s not a lot of space for other stuff on the page. Opps.

Specific Source Images: Well, I googled en pointe shoes and went from there? I mean, I don’t have a specific image to share here.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls & other Ballerina paper dolls
Around the Internet: There’s a super interesting article from New York Times about the introduction of brown pointe shoes in 2018.

Last Thoughts
True story, I will never forget my sister (who did ballet) being given a lecture by her dance teacher on the proper location for the bun on her head. It was one of those moments, when I recall thinking that the level of weird obsessive detail in ballet is… well, weird.

I do not know if Pearl’s bun would be considered acceptable, but I’m also pretty sure I don’t care.

I love creating paper dolls (as you know) and becoming a patron helps you partner with me to make this happen. So, consider joining us!

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think of today’s paper doll! I love hearing from you all.

Lapis and her Summer Shoes

A dark haired paper doll with summer shoes. Free to print from paperthinpersonas.com

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

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
You know, I really don’t do a lot of paper dolls with fair skin and dark hair. I’m not sure why I don’t… but I don’t. So, here is one today.

It’s kinda strange that I don’t, because my favorite two Barbie’s as a kid were a Jasmine Barbie from the movie Aladdin (which my sister melted in the microwave, true story) and a really pale doll with super dark hair. I don’t think either of those dolls were actual Barbie branded, but that’s neither here nor there.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I was working on my summery clothing for the paper dolls and I realized I have never done a Lapis paper doll with shoes. I’ve done a medieval fantasy one and a cybergoth one. Both of those were super fun to design, but I did find myself thinking- maybe I should have one that’s got like just some shoes.

Plus, I do love drawing shoes.

Specific Source Images: I used Instyle March 2019 issue– their big Spring Fashion report. I like getting away from screens when I draw. That’s why I haven’t gone digital yet for my art.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls
Around the Internet: All the colors (except her hair and eyes) come from Pantone’s Spring 2019 Color Report

Last Thoughts
Just so folks know, there is a bunch of stuff related to my personal life and work happening. None of it bad, but all of it time consuming. So, the blog posts are going to continue to be super erratic until… well, things settle which might be like 2020. Ain’t gonna lie.

However, my Patreon content is my main priority. So, if you do want more regular content, come over and join up.

As always, I love hearing from you and I try to respond to questions, so feel free to leave a comment if you like.

Diamond and her Shoes

An Asian printable paper doll with three pairs of shoes. Print her in color or as a coloring page.

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

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
This is the 51st post in the Jewels and Gemstones series. Dames and Dandies got to 129 last year, but I have no idea if I will get Jewels and Gemstones to that many. Life is been extremely busy this year and it doesn’t look like it will be slowing down anytime soon. I’m still drawing and still very happy to be creating my paper dolls. I’m just not naive about how much time I have these days to devote to my paper doll related activities.

And I actually have an absurd about of stuff in “progress”, but I have been having trouble finishing anything. There’s some big skirted princess dresses, three paper dolls with cocktail dresses, a mermaid, and a whole set of ballet stuff that’s all in various states of “not quite done yet.”

But I digress.

Here is Diamond getting her shoe set. I try to do some of these sets of every paper doll, because skin-tone is visible on shoes and shoes are hard to cut out while omitting skin tone. Those white and black strappy sandals would be nigh impossible to cut out, so I do these sets to help increase the mix and match options for my paper dolls while also having a bunch of diverse paper doll skin-tones.

The Jewels and Gemstones series, for example, has 8 skin-tones at this point.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I really have been seeing a lot of pastel tennis shoes lately. Plus, I try yo give every paper doll skintone a pair of super absurd strappy heels for fancy dresses. As a kid, I loved paper dolls with fancy dresses, so I try to channel that.

Specific Source Images: Nothing really this time!

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls &  more armor designs in my Other Version of Diamond
Around the Internet: Along with collecting fashion images, I also keep a Pinterest board devoted to hair. Diamond’s hair today is pretty straight forward, but I did want to mention it in case folks were curious.

Last Thoughts
My hair goes down to my waist and I have to say, I love how it looks, but occasionally I get really annoyed at it. Mostly when it gets caught in like a car door or my cat attacks it.

Patreon gets you more paper dolls every week. Join here!

Don’t forget that if you want this paper doll to actually wear clothing, you’ll need to cut along between her hair and shoulders, also by her side. There’s dots indicating that, but I like to remind folks in case they don’t notice.

Lapis the Fantasy Lady & Her Gown

A paper doll with a fantasy gown inspired by the medieval time period with shoes and a book.

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

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
Last time we saw Lapis, she was being all Cybergoth and so I thought it would be nice if she had an option that didn’t involve amazing locks and fishnet tights. Not that I don’t love both cyberlocks and fishnet tights. This is, if you’re counting, the 16th Jewels and Gemstones doll.

I really enjoy drawing these medieval inspired fantasy gowns (as anyone whose been following the blog for a while knows), for this medieval fantasy dress I really wanted to create something simple. Sometimes, I love draw super complicated medieval inspired things with ruffles and roses and draped skirts (like this one or this one) but I also like drawing simpler fantasy things as well.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
Well, this is obviously a medieval fantasy dress. Specifically, the long underdress sleeves shoved up around the wrists are a nod to the style of the Anglo-Saxons and the double wrapped girdle is a nod to the 12th century Norman dress.

Specific Source Images: Nothing this time.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls & More Medieval inspired paper dolls
Around the Internet: I have a medieval inspired section in my Fantasy Clothing Pinterest board

Last Thoughts
I’ve got a poll going on over on Patreon about what time periods I should draw some paper dolls from. Feel free to go vote.

Additionally, if you aren’t following along, I am doing a 100 days project on Instagram where I am drawing #100daysofpaperdolls. It’s been super fun. I missed a few days, but I am caught up now! At the moment, my theme is mermaids, but that will probably change soon.

Lastly, I always love hearing from you all, so feel free to leave a comment and let me know what you think of today’s paper doll.

Reminder, there’s always an extra paper doll outfit on Fridays over on Patreon for my 2 dollar and up patrons.

Jade: A Space Princess

A printable paper doll celebrating Space Princesses with pink hair and an elegant futuristic gown.

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

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
Way back in January, I asked my Patrons to vote on some ideas of theme weeks. I threw up some ideas I’d been considering and then I added Space Princess on a whim. To my own astonishment (I never thought it would beat out Lolita AND Regency), the Space Princess won the poll. I was both excited and, I’ll be honest, super surprised.

I then tossed up another poll just last week see how I should share my finished Space Princess creation and weekly won. So, for the rest of the month of May, every Tuesday, there will be a Space Princess post. We’re starting, logically, with the Space Princess herself and then we’ll go from there.

If you’d like to get into the poll voting activities, head on over to Patreon and join us by donating. You get access to polls and you get to help support Paper Thin Personas.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
Okay, so when I was kid my Grandmother would send me cards with paper dolls in them and I got this card at some point. And ever since I have had this strange affection for the idea of Space Princesses. I don’t know what makes a Space Princess, exactly, except perhaps a Princess in Space? I think that’s basically it.

I chose Jade as the model for the Space Princess, because there has one been one Jade paper doll on the blog so far and it was very nice and very modern and I thought… clearly, she needs a super absurd hairstyle and fantasy gown. After all, doesn’t everyone?

Specific Source Images: This hair, this gown, this gown from Dior 2006, and this gown.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls & this paper doll, this paper doll and these paper doll clothes
Around the Internet: There is an Adventure Time character called Lumpy Space Princess (I know very little about Adventure Time, FYI). Also, I’m in love with all of Dior’s 2006 Fall collection. John Galliano, I have mixed feelings about as a human, but I can’t deny his mid-2000s work is incredible.

Last Thoughts
Be sure to come back next week on Tuesday for another Space Princess design. I normally share these things on Monday, but I thought doing a Tuesday series would be a fun change of pace. Also, I was out of town Monday, so Tuesday was easier for me.

Meanwhile on Friday, there will be another Space Princess outfit for the Patrons, join us if you like.

Also, as always, I love to hear from you, so leave me a comment and let me know what you think of this month of Space Princess stuff.

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.

Sapphire & The 1950s

A curvy black paper doll with historical underwear from the 1950s and three pairs of shoes. Her underwear and shoes come from various museum collections. Her short black hair is styled based on black actresses and singers of the 1950s.

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

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
Some themes I know I want to explore from the very beginning of a paper doll project and this was one of those themes. I knew I wanted to do a 1950s paper doll.

I love 1950s clothing. Also, historical paper dolls are what I mostly collect and were my favorites as a child. So, it is a win-win all around for me.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I really wanted to start with a basic set of underwear (strapless to accommodate evening gowns) and four pairs of shoes. I wanted the shoes to be mix and match-able with the dresses I designed around the same time (I’ll be sharing those later.)

One of my favorite tricks for hair from this era (or any time in the last 90 years) is to chose from actresses in Hollywood. Not only did actresses set the hairstyles of their time, but they are often more racially diverse than models in magazines or catalogs (until 1970 when that improves a bit).

For Sapphire’s hair, I based her style off the hair styles worn by Dorothy Dandridge and Leana Horne in the 1950s. Dorothy Dandridge was an actress who died young, sadly. Lena Horne was a wildly successful singer who did some acting, but mostly was known for her singing.

Specific Source Images: These shoes, these shoes, these shoes and these sandals all from The Met. This corset from the V&A. Photos of Lena Horne and Dorothy Dandridge (Here’s the same hair again on Dorothy Dandridge in 1954). I like it when I see the same hairstyle on several actresses, because then I know it wasn’t just a quirk of one woman, but something several women chose to wear.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls &  more paper dolls from the 1950s
Around the Internet: Check out The Met and The V&A, both of which have great costume collections. Also, check out my 1950s fashion Pinterest Board.

Last Thoughts
I had a lot of fun creating a “set” of clothing for Sapphire, so tune in for the next few days. I’ll be sharing 1950s fashions. It’s going to be super fun.

Want an extra paper doll or dress each week? Than join us on Patreon.

Opal & Her Favorite Shoes: A Curvy Asian Paper Doll

A beautiful curvy Asian paper doll with her shoes. Print her in color or in black and white as a coloring page. Unplugged fun for kids!

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

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
Opal is my only Asian Jewels and Gemstones paper doll at the moment. I have another one drawn, but she’s not ready for prime time yet. It’s a hard balance because while I enjoy drawing clothing so much more than I enjoy drawing dolls, I also can’t deny the fact that I want lots of diversity in my dolls. However, there’s no point to that if I don’t have any clothing to dress them up in.

The whole point of paper dolls, after all, is to dress them up in clothing.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I really wanted do a variety of shoes. Unlike some of the other paper dolls, the first version of Opal’s shoes aren’t very versatile, so I felt like I needed to get a lot of variety in here. That’s why there’s a pair of sandals, a pair of tennis shoes and a pair of strappy formal shoes.

Specific Source Images: This Hair.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls & my other version of Opal from January.
Around the Internet: Honestly, I’m not sure what to put here. I do keep a Hair Pinterest Board that’s kinda fun (and super random).

Last Thoughts
So, my favorite of these shoes are the colorful tennis shoes, even though I doubt they’re the most practical. I just like the purple.

As usual, I want to thank the folks who are on Patreon. Your support means the world to me.

Friday’s round up archives post might be superheros or might be 1960s. I’m not sure yet, but I am leaning towards superheros.

Ruby & Her Casual Shoes: A Curvy Blond Paper Doll

Today's paper doll is a cruvy blond with a pixie cut and sandals. She can be printed in color or as a coloring page.

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

Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
Sometimes, I have a lot to say about a paper doll set. Other times, not so much. This is falling into the not so much category, as are most of my posts this week. Sorry. I just don’t have that much to say about these paper dolls.

When it came to coloring today’s paper doll, I decided to go a little cliche and just do blue eyes and blond hair. Of course, there is a black and white version you can color anyway you like if you’d prefer a different combo.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
For Ruby, I chose to go very casual with her shoes. Mostly, because the other version of Ruby has such formal shoes. I figured she didn’t need another set of super formal shoes. Her hair was my attempt to practice drawing short hair. I love pixie cuts, but I don’t draw them much.

Specific Source Images: This hair & these sandals.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls and my formal version of Ruby from January.
Around the Internet:All my hair sources tend to come from my Hair Pinterest Board. I do also use hairstyle magazines as well.

Last Thoughts
Totally unrelated to paper dolls, but I’ve been binge watching Umbrella Academy on Netflix. I have two episodes left. It’s so fun! I find the exploration of how messed up having super powers would probably make you super interesting even if some of the content is a bit cliche.

Also, if you love the blog and want more paper doll content there’s Patreon. You get extra paper doll content and fun perks like polls and things.