Printable Paper Dolls from Paper Thin Personas

A Purple Fantasy Princess Frock With Shoes

January 21, 2019January 16, 2019

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
The first paper doll outfits I drew for the Jewels and Gemstones were fantasy gowns. This was one of them. The other, I’ll be sharing on Friday for my Patrons.

I tend to return to these sorts of medieval inspired fantasy gowns when I don’t know what to draw. I don’t know why, exactly, but it’s a style I like and a style that doesn’t take a lot of thought for me. I think?

I’m not sure.

There are things like these sorts of gowns (another example, and another, and another) that are simple and I can draw without having to look at lots of source images or worry about historical accuracy.

The paper doll equivalent of that recipe you make over and over again, because you know it will come out. Maybe not super innovative, but comforting. The pumpkin bread of paper doll clothing.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
Today’s paper doll gown lacks a real specific inspiration. Medieval clothing, I suppose, but only in a fantasy universe sort of way.

Specific Source Images: I haven’t got any this time.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Medieval Inspired Paper Doll Gowns & More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: My Fantasy Clothing Pinterest Board

Last Thoughts
I almost called this set “Purple Princess”, but I felt weird doing that, because there’s also a black and white version.

Did you know there are weekly process posts on Patreon? And monthly paper dolls and weekly paper dolls? Consider joining here.

Some Work Chic Clothes for the Paper Dolls

January 15, 2019

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
It endlessly fascinates me that in my Etsy store, my second best selling paper doll clothing are my contemporary designs, but on the blog and social media, these styles get the least feedback or attention. I don’t know why the difference exists, exactly, but I am intriqued that it does.

Anyway, the contemporary paper dolls are fun to draw for me, because I’m always interested in what is happening in the fashion world. Today’s fashionable paper doll is a pretty simple outfit, but also one I think is very work appropriate.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I wanted to draw pants. I am not kidding. In my early sketching for the Jewels and Gemstones, I noticed that I had drawn nothing but skirts to start with. I thought to myself, “I need pants.”

Specific Source Images: The shoes were based on an add I saw in Instyle Magazine. I don’t have the issue anymore and don’t recall the brand.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Contemporary Fashion Paper Dolls & More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: Women’s work brands like Eloquii, Talbots & Ann Taylor (who I’m slightly reluctant to include because last time I was there, the customer service was awful; however, I do like their pants, but they don’t go past size 18)

Last Thoughts
It occurred to me as I writing this blog post, that while I drew this paper doll in her work chic clothing, I don’t actually know a lot of plus-sized work brands. I know Eloquii, but I don’t know any others. I’m sure there are others out there. Some people recommend Torrid, but I find their clothing a little too casual for work (or at least my work) most of the time. I don’t wear plus sizes, so it’s not a problem I’ve had to tackle much.

Readers, are there great brands of plus sized work clothing that I’m missing? Let me know!

As I often do, I want to make sure that I thank my Patrons, their support makes this possible. I know that it isn’t possible for everyone to support the blog financially, so you can always share on social media, follow me on social media or tell a friend about it.

Viking Woman Warrior Inspired Fantasy Outfit with Weapons

January 14, 2019January 14, 2019

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
On some level, I draw the sorts of paper dolls I wanted as a child. I wanted hundreds of outfits. I didn’t want 100s of dolls, but one doll with a huge wardrobe. Well, now a days I also recognize the importance of doll variety (being that I am no longer 12) and I have too much fun drawing different dolls to just have one.

Beyond all that, I draw things that I feel like drawing. This isn’t great for the sites stats, but it does make me happy. Sometimes, that means I draw a Viking woman warrior in the form of a paper doll outfit. I firmly believe anything can become paper doll clothing. (Not anything SHOULD become paper doll clothing, but that’s a whole different issue, you know?)

Now, I admit things get a little random around here. This week they certainly will, but I hope everyone has as much fun as I do with the random.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
In my head, I sort of organize my fantasy paper dolls in to several categories based on their general aesthetic. There’s Asia inspired or Renaissance inspired or Russia inspired. Today’s set was Viking inspired, but I mean… it’s a fantasy outfit, but it feels Viking to me.

Specific Source Images: This Viking Woman Warrior which I found on Pinterest and couldn’t find a source for, sadly. It’s lovely digital art. Let me know if you know the artist.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Viking Inspired Paper Dolls & More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: The Viking Inspired Section of my Fantasy Pinterest Board

Last Thoughts
Today’s Viking inspired fantasy outfit will be followed by some professional wear tomorrow. See, I said this week would be random.

This week’s random collection would have gone up last week, but cybergoth won the poll I gave those who support me on Patreon. If you want some input into those things, you can join us there.

Now, I know I will always sometimes have random weeks, because I don’t always want to draw a bunch of the same thing, but I am curious. Do you prefer weeks with themes or weeks of random? I feel a little divided. I think theme weeks are great if you like the theme, but maybe little dull if you happen to hate cybergoth or something. What do you think? Let me know in a comment.

Pink Stripes In Cybergoth

January 14, 2019January 10, 2019

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
And today is the last day for cybergoth week on the blog (but there is a Friday additional post on Patreon for my backers).

One thing I noticed in my cybergoth research was a real prevalence of black with a strong accent color and an aesthetic that emphasized matching clothing pieces. So, for example, if the accent color was pink than I wasn’t seeing a lot of deviation from that pink. That meant, that I stuck to just five colors- black, white, pink, blue and green for this whole week.

All of those colors are in the Lapis’s cyberlox if you’re wondering. I did think about that.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
As I often do, I cobbled together several different outfits and pieces to make today’s outfit. Since I used pretty much the same sources for this whole week (because it was a project drawn all at once), I seem to be linking to the same things every time. But that’s okay, because who knows how people will view these posts in the future.

Specific Source Images: This Lovely Lady (her corset over tank) from Pinterest, this Other Delightful Person (her tights) from Pinterest, & these pants from Rebels Market

Learn/See More
On the Blog: My other Foray into Cybergoth & More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: Wikipedia’s Article on Cybergoth, Cyberdog (clothing brand), Lip Service (clothing brand) & Cyber Goth (On Tumblr, Rather NSFW)

Last Thoughts
I know striped tights are kinda of a 90s/2000s thing, but I still love them. Probably because I was in high school back then. Well… early 2000s really. I graduated in 2003.

Over on Patreon there will be an exclusive cybergoth outfit for my Patrons. It’s maybe my favorite one for this whole week.

If you’re ever wondering what my sketchbook looks like or seeing little videos of me inking, than follow me on Instagram. That’s where I tend to share that stuff… Well, Instagram and Patreon.

As Cybergoth Fashion Week Continues Blue Bones

January 14, 2019January 9, 2019

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
As we continue cybergoth fashion week, today’s outfit is one of less traditional. I noticed some cybergoth images used white as the neutral color rather than black. I didn’t want to do a solid white outfit, because I wasn’t sure how well it would mix and match with the rest of the clothing designs. So, I settled on a white and black combination.

I titled this set “blue bones” because the piece over the shirt looks like ribs and a spine to me.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I loved the original body suit this top is based on, but I had no idea how to make it a viable paper doll outfit!

Specific Source Images: This Fierce Fashionista (her body suit) and these Pants found on Pinterest

Learn/See More
On the Blog: My other Foray into Cybergoth & More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: Wikipedia’s Article on Cybergoth, Cyberdog (clothing brand), Voodoo Maniacs (German clothing brand), & Cyber Goth (Tumblr, Also Rather NSFW)

Last Thoughts
I always try to remember to thank my supporters on Patreon, because they make the blog possible. So, thank you all!

There must be a term in linguistics for creating new words by combining other words like cyberpunk + goth = cybergoth. I have no idea what it is though. Too long since I took a linguistics class in college. Anyone know?

Cyberpunk Fashion Time! Green Goddess

January 14, 2019January 8, 2019

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
As we continue our cybergoth theme, I thought it would be fun to share a little fact that I don’t know how many of my readers know. My first cybergoth paper doll, Circuits and Fishnet, remains to this day the only paper doll I’ve ever had someone tell me was not appropriate for children.

As I said that the time, if you don’t think the paper doll is appropriate for children than might I suggest not giving it to any? That’ll solve the problem.

Seriously though, I’m fascinated that a paper doll (of all things) got an angry email from a reader.

I guess you never can tell what will set someone off.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I didn’t have a lot of specific reference images. The dress was based on my own design, though I did use a lot of source images for aesthetic reasons. I’ve linked two below.

Specific Source Images: This Fierce Fashionista (her furry leg warmers) and this Other Fierce Fashionista (the top on the left) from Pinterest

Last Thoughts
One of the challenges of cybergoth fashion for me is the styles love of pvc which is very shiny. So, this whole set was a great challenge for me in my “shiny” reflection skills. I love to challenge myself.

This week would have been random stuff, but my patrons voted for cybergoth. Supporting the blog through Patreon keeps it on the interwebs.

Also, when ever I see those furry leg warmers, my thought is- “Omg, someone skinned a Muppet.”

Lapis is Celebrating Cybergoth

January 7, 2020January 7, 2019

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
This week every post on the blog (and the Friday post for my patrons) will be cybergoth themed. I’m sort of excited, because I haven’t done cybergoth paper dolls in a long time- the last one was in 2012.

So, based on my limited understanding, Cybergoth is largely a European fashion style. It’s basically what might happen if rave fashion and goth fashion had a love child with an obsession with crazy hair pieces. Think a lot of torn fishnet and pvc, plus gas masks and googles. It’s not a style I would ever wear (but like, neither are 99% of my paper dolls) and that’s okay!

The hair pieces are really important to the style, so I knew I needed to make sure I had one.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
A lot of cybergoth clothing style is very close to being cyberpunk or rave fashion. The hairpieces are a big differentiator, so I spent a fair bit of time researching what are often called “cyberlox” which is a combination of the words cyber and dreadlocks. Some of them are even made of fiberoptic materials or rubber.

I rarely put a NSFW disclaimer on anything, because I draw paper dolls and they’re hardly X rated, but I will openly state that some of the Tumblrs I have linked too, while I didn’t see any nudity, there’s a fair bit of fetish fashion and sexy content. So, don’t be surprised by that.

Specific Source Images: These Lovely Ladies (one in the center) & these Amazing Shoes from Cryoflesh

Learn/See More
On the Blog: My Other Foray into Cybergoth & More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: Wikipedia’s Article on Cybergoth, Cyberdog (clothing brand), Lip Service (clothing brand), Cryoflesh (clothing brand), F*** Yeah Cyberlox (Tumblr site devoted to Cyberlox) & Cyber Goth (Another Tumblr)

Last Thoughts
Tomorrow, cybergoth week will continue with some clothing. I hope you tune in. I had a lot of fun designing these pieces.

A thank you to my patrons who voted for this week’s theme. Your support makes all the difference.

Lastly, cybergoth, what do you think? Strange? Okay, but not your taste? Super cool? Let me know in a comment!

Pearl in Pulpy Fantasy Armor

January 3, 2019

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
One of the quirky thing about creating a long term project like Paper Thin Personas is that I tend to think “Oh, everyone reads every post” and then reality is that most people don’t read every post. I probably shouldn’t worry so much about repeating myself when I write these posts.

So, at the danger of repeating myself, I should say that today’s paper doll is a theme I have done many times before. I do love pulpy improbable fantasy armor.

I get that this armor caters to the “male gaze.” I understand it wouldn’t work to possibly defend yourself. And I know it’s completely illogical, sexualized, and ridiculous.

And I really don’t care- I still like it.

I believe that the best thing you can do when you like something is to draw it, because you like it. No one else has to be pleased or satisfied with my paper dolls, but me.

Well, me and my Patrons, but they’re a pretty supportive lot.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I watched a lot of Xena: Warrior Princess and I love the old pulp comics like Flash Gordon.

Specific Source Images:Callisto’s Armor from Xena: Warrior Princess

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Paper Doll Armor & More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: Women Fighters In Reasonable Armor (aka: Not What This Paper Doll Wears) & My Fantasy Armor Pinterest Board

Last Thoughts
Tomorrow will be the first Archives post featuring fairy paper dolls. It should be super fun. I didn’t realize how many fairies I had drawn over the years.

Over on Patreon there will be an exclusive snow princess paper doll for my Patrons. Join and you can see her, too.

Steampunk Sapphire with her Fantastic Top Hat

January 14, 2019January 2, 2019

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
Continuing my Gemstone naming theme, Sapphire is today’s black steampunk paper doll. I probably should get better at spelling Sapphire, because I keep wanting to give the word two Rs.

Steampunk, which is today’s paper doll style, is a style based on the idea of Victorian clothing crossed with anachronistic styles. So, corsets, bustles, top hats and such combined in ways they never would have been combined in the actual 19th century.

Personally, I’m a bit conflicted about steampunk (especially the fiction), because I rarely see the genre engaging with the inherent colonial and racist underpinnings of British and American empire building in the 19th century. So, while I love the fashion, but I don’t want to glorify that period in history, or any period, actually. There’s no magical Golden Age.

One interesting thing I recently discovered is steamfunk which is an afro-futuristic approach to steampunk and engages in this same issue. I need to learn more about it. I literally discovered it last week.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I wanted to do a steampunk paper doll. That’s all really. Also, I’m kinda in love with her hat.

Plus, I know I have some Patrons who love steampunk fashion and I couldn’t imagine starting out the new series with out doing at least one steampunk set.

Specific Source Images: This Wig & King’s Road Corset from Violet Vixen (the corset isn’t on their website anymore, hence the Pinterest link)

Learn/See More
On the Blog: Steampunk Paper Dolls, Victorian Inspired Paper Dolls, & More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: Steampunk as Defined on Wikipedia, My Steampunk Pinterest Board, The Intersection of Race and Steampunk from Silver Goggles (from 2009, but still well worth a read), & Chronicles of Harriet article on Steamfunk

Last Thoughts
Is it wrong that a part of me still sees steampunk fashion as super close to old school Victorian inspired goth fashion? I feel like there are steampunk purists who would question that.

I do have a Patreon page where I have exclusive content and such, if you’re interested.

Steampunk? Are you into it? Not into it? Have a book recommendation for me in the genre? Drop me a note in the comments.

Ruby Celebrates the New Year

December 6, 2020January 1, 2019

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
I try to walk a line between being specific in each of my paper doll designs and being general. So, today’s formal gown and shoes are both coordinated, but I chose colors and styles that could be worn with other future evening wear. I don’t have any more paper doll evening wear yet, but I will eventually. It’s not like this is the only paper doll with an evening gown I plan to draw ever.

Plus, I think her hair style could be either steampunk or wedding or evening or… there’s a lot of options in that hairstyle.

Also, can someone explain to me why evening clutches are always too small to actually hold anything useful? Sometimes a girl needs more than just lipstick and her phone.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
The name Ruby, because that seemed so fitting for a redhead paper doll. Cliche perhaps, but I can live with that. Plus I do love redhead paper dolls. Always have.

Something about New Years always makes me think formal gowns and when it comes to formal gowns, I love gowns by Marchesa.

Specific Source Images: Sofia Vergara’s 2016 Oscar Gown by Marchesa & this Wedding Hairstyle from my Hair Pinterest Board

Learn/See More
On the Blog: Paper Doll Evening Gowns, New Years Paper Dolls, & More Jewels & Gemstones Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: My Hair Pinterest Board, Boot’s amazing Marchesa Paper Dolls Gowns & Marchesa’s Website

Last Thoughts
I hope everyone who has today off is having a lovely New Years day.

There is unique content on Patreon, including a totally an exclusive Friday paper doll.

As always, I love to hear what folks are thinking in the comments. Do you love redhead paper dolls as much I do?

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