Printable Paper Dolls from Paper Thin Personas

B&B Get a Victorian Fantasy Ball Gown

May 28, 2020December 22, 2016

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Rosettes, Victorian Ball Gowns and Corsets

Victorian inspired madness today. Madness!

Okay, maybe not madness… but this is a pretty over the top Victorian corset ball gown creation. Still, if you spent any time with Victorian fashions, they do get pretty over the top.

And I like rosettes. They’re fun to draw. I don’t know when things get too over the top. I mean, does the ruching do it? Or the pleated details? Or the corset? I mean, at what point do you say, “Girl, that is a bit much.”

But here’s my thing, I figure the B&B series stands for Bodacious and Buxom. What is more bodacious than a ball gown covered in three types of trimming?

I did try to make things feel cohesive (something you have to do with three trims) by using a monochromatic color scheme. This is a fantasy Victorian corset ball gown, it does not need a super contrasting color scheme to go on top of all that. Unless you really want one, in which case I direct you to the black and white version and say, “You go for it!”

Meanwhile, I am going to stick with my slightly sedate (as much as this dress could be called sedate) version here. Somehow, despite the rosettes, with these colors, this dress reminds me of winter skies.

The actual “winter” themed paper doll set for the day will be up Friday. There are carolers and my first ever Christmas paper doll.

Also, am I the only person who thinks “ball gown” should be one word and not two? Seriously.

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Mini-Maidens are Off to Fight a Dragon!

May 19, 2020December 21, 2016

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations:Plate Armor Like This and This

The first time I ever tried to draw plate women’s armor, I was so nervous. Now, I find I still like to have reference photos, but I have a much better idea of how the armor goes together. Plus, I don’t actually expect anyone will be looking at my armor designs and being overly critical. Designing armor is something I really enjoy doing. Sometimes, I want to draw totally absurd women’s armor like I did a few weeks ago in this Xena inspired armor set for Marisole Monday & Friends.

Other times, like to day, I want my women’s armor to be a little more practical and realistic. I keep a whole board on Pinterest devoted to fantasy armors. This image and this armor from 1580 were both inspirations for today’s armor. I really did want something that felt like a lady could wear it to go slay a dragon.

Should, you know, there be a dragon out there that needed slaying.

The legging like thing she is wearing under her leg armor is really just there to make it easier for the paper doll to function. Plus, when I draw more armor (assuming I do) then you can mix and match the armor tops with armor bottoms.

Which brings me to this question: More armor? Yay or Nay? Let me know.

Also, today is the first day of Yule. Once, in high school, a friend of mine and I went in search of a Yule Log for her in the woods, because she had read that you shouldn’t buy a Yule Log. That, apparently, was bad luck. Needless to say, it was a cold, wet, rather miserable experience that involved Devils Club, a spiky poisonous plant, and falling into a snow bank. Now, whenever anyone mentions Yule, I think of that afternoon in December in Alaska.

So Happy Yule to anyone who is celebrating. May your search for a Yule Log be much less exciting than ours was.

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

Marisole Monday & Friends: The Gents Get Some T-Shirts and Jeans

May 28, 2020December 20, 2016

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: T-shirts and Jeans, Nothing More, Nothing Less

Maybe this isn’t the most “thrilling” set of guy paper doll clothing. I mean, maybe if you were like, “I want to go fight a monster” than you might want to reach for something more like this or this. However, if your paper doll guys want to go to the store or take one of the paper doll ladies or gents out on a nice casual date, than they need some gear for that.

While I wouldn’t want to spend the rest of my life drawing nothing but paper doll t-shirts and jeans, today’s versions are pretty fun. I am trying to learn to think of them as blank canvases which have options for dynamic design. The basic form of a t-shirt is always the same, but there are cool things that can be done with one.

I’m actually pretty happy with the jeans. I am still working on learning how to make folds look natural on men’s pants. I think today’s jeans are a pretty good middle ground.

One of my goals for 2016 was to create more guy paper dolls and I’ll confess that guy paper doll clothing has challenges. Truth is that I find it pretty much “same old, same old”. Still, as I said above, I am trying to learn to embrace it as a blank canvas.

As 2016 is coming to a close, I have to confess I am struck with how many things I “tried” on the blog this year. I’m thankful for everyone who stuck with me through trying to sort out what I wanted to blog to be. Also, everyone who supports the blog on Patreon or leaves a comment or who follows me on Twitter or who just comes to read. Your support means a lot to me.

And that leads me to the question, more guy paper doll content in 2017? Is that something y’all want to see?

Need a Marisole Monday & Friends Guy Paper Doll to wear today’s outfit? Pick One Out Here.

Meet a New Natural Haired Poppet Paper Doll

May 19, 2020December 19, 2016

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Curls, BJDs and Cute Sandals

Once in a while, a paper doll face comes out just as I imagined it. And this is one of those paper dolls. I think she’s very cute and I couldn’t be more pleased with how she turned out. I was a little scared to draw a paper doll with natural hair, so I hope she looks okay.

As with my last Poppet paper doll, I didn’t name her, but feel free to do so yourself. She has the same skin-tone as Petal, so they can share shoes. I indicated that by making the paper dolls bases the same color.

The Poppets paper doll body design was based on by Ball Jointed Dolls (BJDs) sold by companies like Volks, Iplehouse and Fairyland. While BDJs are beautiful, they can be super expensive. Plus, as they are made of resin, they can’t be in direct light and have to be handled while wearing gloves. I just can’t imagine owning a doll that I was scared to touch. One of the best parts of printable paper dolls is that if one gets damaged, it is not big deal. Just print another one.

There’s no specific BJD that inspired today’s brown skinned Poppet paper doll, but I like to mention the original inspiration for the Poppets when I can. I don’t think of the Poppets as “real” children, but rather dolls. I loved paper dolls of dolls when I was a child, especially the ones by Peck-Grande like this one from Ebay.

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Need more clothes for today’s Poppet paper doll? Find Additional Outfits Here.

Ms Mannequin’s Get an Evil Sorceress Gown & Crown

May 28, 2020December 16, 2016

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: This Evil Sorceress Paper Doll Set from 2010

Inspired by a Curves paper doll set from many years ago, today the Ms. Mannequinn paper dolls are getting distinctly magical. I have to confess, I had a lot of fun visiting the evil sorceress gown designing game. I make need to make more of these. They are so unlike the sort of sweet gowns I tend to draw.

You see, I think if you’re going to be an evil sorceress, you can’t just wear anything. I mean, who would take you seriously in pale pink? Therefore, if you’re going to practice black magic, you need some fancy get up to do it. This lovely paper doll evil sorceress gown is black and purple trimmed in bright green and has a black and white striped corset top. The high stand collar frames the face. So, if you’re going to be evil and you’re going to do magic, I figure the least you can do is look darn sexy while you’re at it.

Also, I gave her a crown, because every paper doll evil sorceress needs one.

Confession- I did not test the collar, so I am a little skittish about how it will work on an actual Ms. Mannequin paper doll. I think it should work, but I thought I should mention it in case I was wrong.

So, you tell me, want to see more evil sorceress gowns in the coming year? I had way more fun designing this then I probably should admit.

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Need a paper doll to wear today’s outfit? Pick out a Ms. Mannequin Paper Doll Here

Mini-Maidens Visit The 17th Century

May 19, 2020December 15, 2016

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations:Severall Habits of English Women Plate 11 By Wenceslaus Hollar and Shoes from 1640

Just like when I go clothing shopping, I am naturally attracted to tweed and cardigans, when I look at historical clothing, certain periods are more appealing to me then others. I have never found the 17th century to be a very interesting clothing era, which is odd considering how much I love the book Three Musketeers.

Part of the liberty of drawing “one” printable paper doll outfit at a time is being able to say, “Well, I can try this and I am not committing to something crazy.”

So, today I am showing off my first ever 17th century paper doll dress. This dress is based on this image from the 1640s. I don’t think the sleeves are quit right and drawing lace is always a challenge, but I have to remind myself that it is my first try, so I should probably be more forgiving of my own work.

The shoes are based off this pair from 1640, but I also used the book Mode in Footwear to help me as well.

I think I would like to do more research and try a few more 17th century paper doll dress creations, but I need to learn more about it. I feel like I just don’t know enough to really get into the 1600s when I draw.

So, would you like to see more from the 17th century? Do you like this attempt? Should I keep exploring this period? Let me know in a comment.

Also, you might have noticed I have been playing around with the blog format. It has been the same for like three years and I think I am overdue for a change. We’ll see if I still like it in a few days. 🙂

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

B&B: A Steampunk Arctic Explorer

May 28, 2020December 14, 2016

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations:Arctic Explorers, Photos of Ladies on Glaciers in High Heels, and Fur Trim

This week’s “winter” outfit is this set of winter time steampunk arctic explorer clothing, because why not? I mean, everyone needs to have something fab to wear while exploring the arctic, don’t they?

I know nothing about arctic exploration, except what I know from living in Alaska and having to study the history of the state in school. My sister is a professional geologist and she has done crazy things like ice coring, but I didn’t ask for her advice.

I did try to be a bit practical with a skypole/walking stick with a spike and I went with trousers. I’ve seen 1890s photos of women on glaciers wearing high heels, so she got heels, but I wonder if maybe I should have drawn her some ice cleats or something. I’ll have to think about that next time I draw a steampunk arctic explorer outfit.

Maybe I should have asked Sis for advice. 🙂

This is only my second EVER steampunk inspired B&B paper doll outfit. I can’t believe that, but a quick foray into my archives does tell me it is true. Wow.

I have get on that in the New Year.

By the way, today’s post, as with all my posts, is possible because of my amazing Patrons, so think about giving a donation to help or following the blog on Twitter or leaving a comment or telling a friend about it or posting it to social media. Every little thing helps!

Need to get a Bodacious & Buxom paper doll to wear these fabulous clothes? Pick one out here.

The Poppets Visit 1908 and Get Some Edwardian Children’s Clothes

May 19, 2020December 13, 2016

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Macy’s 1908 Catalog

So, back in June, I posted a preview of this Edwardian Poppet dress from 1908. Today, I am posting it finished. So, you can print and dress up the Poppets in it. My source was this Macy’s 1908 catalog. You can find the dress on page 97. It’s described as being made from chambray and trimmed in white. It came in rose or blue and cost 97 cents in sizes 4 to 14. I imagine the Poppet paper dolls as about 10, so it is right in their age range.

The Edwardian period is only one decade, 1900 to 1910 during the reign of King Edward. A lot of people extend the fashion period to 1914 since World War 1 really changed clothing. That makes sense, but then what do you call the era from 1914 until 1920? Anyway, I haven’t decided if I am willing to extend my era beyond 1910.

I find Edwardian children’s clothing interesting, because it is so different from Victorian outfits. The popularity of Rousseau’s beliefs that children should be allowed to do play actively meant that the styles tend to be simpler. And unlike earlier periods, you can’t immediately ID the age of a child by the length of the skirt. Most skirts are just below knee length, no matter what the age.

Though simpler than Victorian outfits, Edwardian children’s clothing still feels stuffy compared to today. Several more Edwardian paper doll pieces planned, so eventually the Poppets will have a whole wardrobe of Edwardian outfits for all sorts of occasions.

Until then, enjoy today’s summery 1908 dress even if it is December and outside it might not be so warm.

So, Edwardian children’s clothes? Love them? Hate them? Personally, I have mixed feelings. I think it is the pigeon breasted thing. Other’s thoughts?

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

Marisole Monday & Friends: Marisole In 1968

May 28, 2020December 12, 2016

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: 1968 Pattern Covers, Jumpers and Harvest Colors

I created today’s printable African-American paper doll from the Marisole Monday & Friend’s series after I was inspired by this amazing vintage pattern cover from 1968 that I found on Pinterest. Brown skinned models don’t show up on pattern covers from the big name companies until the 1970s, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t brown skinned girls wearing and making the fashions.

The omission of diversity in historical fashion related documents is the result of the institutionalized racism of the time, but doesn’t indicate a lack of the presence of people of color in fashionable dress.

And now that I have finished my Primary Source Literacy explanation for the day (a danger of being a Special Collections Librarian), we can get back to the paper doll.

My only big frustration with today’s doll is her hair. I tried to get that 1960’s bouffant sorta look with her flip and I just don’t think I quite got it right. People say the 1980s were a time for big hair, but I think that is because they haven’t seen the 1960s. Teasing and hairspray were big things.

I love Pinterest for collecting paper doll inspiration and I have a whole 1960s fashion board, but things there often lack contextual information, so I tend to be pretty critical of what I use.

I know I have readers who were alive in the 1960s, so let me know how I did with today’s paper doll. Did I do justice to that decade? It was, I have to say, a bit before my time.

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Need a more outfits for today’s Marisole Monday & Friends Paper Doll? Find More Clothing Here.

Marisole Monday & Friends: Fantasy Warrior Paper Doll Armor

May 28, 2020December 9, 2016

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Xena: Warrior Princess, Ancient Roman Armor, and The Color Red

Happy Friday! I try to save paper doll pieces that I really like for the end of the week. I think of them as a fun treat.

So, I know I have mentioned in the past my love of Xena: Warrior Princess. I also know I have mentioned my strange affection for absurd fantasy armor that wouldn’t really protect you, but darn it looks good. So, today I am pleased to provide both a nod Xena and a nod to “Wow, I don’t think that armor will work like you think armor should work.”

But seriously for a second, I think sometimes there is a lot to be said for embracing absurdity. And since I embraced absurdity with this set, I will not apologize for giving her boots high heels.

Along with the armor and boots, she has fun weapons- a pair of swords and a spear. I actually had fun trying to make them all match in design motifs. These are the thing I think about when designing paper dolls.

So, my dear readers, should fantasy armor be practical or absurd? Let me know what you think in a comment.

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Need a Marisole Monday & Friends Paper Doll to wear today’s outfit? Pick One Out Here.

Sprites: Some Springtime Paper Doll Clothing in December

May 28, 2020December 8, 2016

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Springtime Colors, Striped Pockets, and Bucket Bags

Okay, so this does seem a little bit of a Spring-Like outfit choice considering that it is December 8th, but I created these outfits months and months ago and I really like the color scheme, so we are getting some Spring in December for the Sprites printable paper doll series.

One of the challenges of these modern sets has been to find color schemes that could go masculine or feminine. Pastels can be dangerous, but I think aqua is a color that can go either way.

I also had way more fun designing the purse to go with this set than I should probably admit to people.

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Looking for some Sprite paper dolls to wear these outfits? Pick out Sprite paper dolls here.

Ms. Mannequin: Coats and Boots for Fashionable Winter Wear

May 28, 2020December 7, 2016

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Sorel Boots, Coats and Boots Worn by College Students

I grew up in Southeast Alaska where the winter weather is so horrid that stylish winter wear is pretty much out of the question. One of the things I like about Alabama is that our winters are fairly mild and I can wear a coat that is cute, rather than waterproof and really warm.

As I mentioned last week, I am trying to post one “winter” themed piece a week for December. Today’s coats and boots are this weeks “winter” items. Not quite as ambitious as say Julie’s amazing 30 days of Angel paper dolls, but my little nod to the season. I do find since I just draw “one” thing for each day, it is much easier to do holiday/themed pieces, because finishing one paper doll outfit last minute is far simpler than finishing four or five that I needed to fill up a sheet in the past.

Needless to say, I am really enjoying this new way of doing things.

All right, so the white boots with the fur trim are based on some Sorel boots, but only in the vaguest of ways. The brown boots are based on some I saw a college student wearing and thought were cute. The coats are both based on items from various fashion magazines in my house.

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Need a paper doll to wear today’s outfit? Pick out a Ms. Mannequin Paper Doll Here.

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