Paper Thin Personas • Page 38 of 173 • Rachel Cohen's Paper Doll Creations

A Long Ruffled Tunic, Peddle-Pushers & Shorts

June 12, 2019

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
I really love how clothing changes with the seasons. Maybe, because I grew up in Alaska where there were really only two seasons- rain and icy rain. But then I moved to the midwest and there were four seasons and I was quite happy to discover fall and spring.

Now I live in the South where, I confess, there really are once again two seasons- chilly and so hot you want to die. There’s a short period between these that is relatively pleasant, but this spring has been brutally hot.

So, I try to pick up the big fashion magazine issues in March and September, which tend to be thick with forecasts on what is coming down the pike in the fashion world. Not coincidentally, this lines up with Fashion Week in New York.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
The color comes from the Pantone 2019 Spring Color trend report which predicts the popular colors each year in home goods and fashion. One of the trends that is very popular at the moment is ruffles, so that was part of my inspiration here. I added in some shorts and white peddle pushers, because I was also thinking about paper doll wardrobe building and those are such great basic pieces.

Specific Source Images: I used Instyle March 2019 issue– their big Spring Fashion report. Often when I draw, I like to get away from screens.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls
Around the Internet: Pantone’s Spring 2019 Color Report & An Article about the Importance of Ruffles

Last Thoughts
I have fun drawing all sorts of things, but I try to mix it up. I know my favorite paper dolls as a child were historical or fantasy, but I like drawing contemporary fashion. It feels real and meaningful for paper dolls to be reflective of their time-period. Plus, not all my readers are me.

Love the blog? Want to help support it? Become a Patron.

What’s your favorite style of paper doll? Let me know in a comment. I’m super curious.

Regency Fashions: Dress, Spencer and Bonnet

May 12, 2020June 10, 2019

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
I’ve been a on regency romance novel reading kick. I just finished the whole Pennyroyal Green Series which was okay. I confess that when it comes to my regency romance novels (or historical romances in general), I really only expect one out of five to be really good. Two out of five usually fail the 50 page test. (This is, for the record, where I read 50 pages and if I don’t want to continue I stop reading.)

It’s just that there are so many regency (and historical, I’m flexible on time period) romances in the world that I don’t see any reason to waste my time with ones that don’t engage me.

Anyway, since I have been enjoying this particularly fluffy genre, I remembered I had one regency dress I made a while ago that I hadn’t yet gotten around to sharing.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
So, the red dress is round gown. This was a style that was popular in the every early part of the 19th century and really evolved pretty directly out of the Chemise A La Rein . A lot of round gowns have trains, but not all. Most have very high waistlines and rounded out skirts. The style sticks around until about 1810 or so when it is replaced by more structured garments. Making things a bit more confusing is the fact that the round gown can refer to 18th century styles that fastened in the front. So, this make the terminology a bit of a nightmare.

Generally, though not always, you can sort of get a sense of the era of a garment in this period by how high the waistline is. The higher the waist- the earlier the gown. But fashion trends moved a bit more slowly than they do today and, like today, a lot of people wore what they liked even if it was a year or two out of date. After all, not everyone wears skinny jeans now.

When I was picking source images for this collection, I wanted to stay before 1810, though I wasn’t super picky about year.

Specific Source Images: This 1802 English Round Gown, This Undated Spencer (it’s undated, but the very very high waist is indicative of the very early party of the 19th century), and bonnets like these from 1808.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls & More Regency paper dolls
Around the Internet: Here’s a few nice articles I found- one on the changing Regency silhouette, 18th Century Round Gowns (earlier than this one), and another nice example from The Met of the style

Last Thoughts
While I don’t really know if I have favorite periods of fashion history, I do have periods I seem to go back to more than other periods. I think part of why I like the regency era is that there were so many amazing fashion magazines of the time that make it really fun (and fairly easy) to get a good idea of what was in style.

It occurs to me that some might have missed all of the Jewels and Gemstones Regency paper dolls thus far, so here they all are. There’s also a Dinner Dress and a Morning Dress for my Patrons. If you enjoy the blog than consider becoming a patron, there’s an extra paper doll dress for my Patrons on Fridays.

The Jewels & Gemstones Regency Dress Thus Far

As usual, comments are always delightful and I’d love to hear what you think about today’s regency paper doll dress. Is there an era of fashion you really love?

Nebula Gown: Space Princess Collection

December 6, 2020June 4, 2019

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
I know you’re not supposed to have favorites among your children and I probably shouldn’t have favorites among my paper dolls, but I did sort of save my favorite Space Princess Gown for last. Sure, I love them all, but today’s gown is my favorite.

I don’t know if my Patrons would agree, but I am a sucker for the high-waist and the reflective bodice which, in my head, is armored.

While I never thought Space Princesses would win the poll I gave my Patrons, I am sort of over joyed the theme won, because it has been so much fun to draw these over the top outfits.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
As some of you may recall, my affection for Space Princesses dates back to this card. My grandmother sent it to me when I was a kid and ever since, I’ve had a thing for Space Princesses. I don’t know what a space princess is… but it sure is a good excuse to draw futuristic fantasy gowns and who doesn’t want an excuse to do that?

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 gown from my Pinterest Sci-Fi fashion board.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls & Jade: Space Princess
Around the Internet: My Pinterest Cyberpunk/Sci-Fi Fashion Board

Last Thoughts
I have one more big piece of travel in June and then hopefully things will quiet down for a little bit. Or not. I keep thinking… soon I’ll have more paper doll time, but paper doll time has been in short supply. I am drawing a lot, but I’m not finishing much. Follow me on Instagram if you want to see my progress on the #100dayproject where I’m drawing #100daysofpaperdolls along with some other amazing artists.

There was an extra Space Princess outfit for my Patrons (join us if you like), but this is the last Space Princess piece for the moment. Maybe I’ll draw more later.

Should I draw more Space Princess content? Let me know in a comment. I love to hear from y’all.

Galaxy Frock: Space Princess Collection

September 20, 2021May 28, 2019

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
So, I am a little annoyed at WordPress at the moment, somehow it missed posting all the stuff I carefully had scheduled for last week. As a result, I am posting those things this week. Sigh.

My Patrons chose this theme of Space Princess dresses back in January. In case you are wondering how long it take me to finish things, well… I started this back in January. See, I am clearly not a very fast paper doll creator.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
I love the work of Guo Pei. She’s a Chinese fashion designer and there’s something that just feel Space Princess to me in so much of her work. I could have drawn the whole Space Princess wardrobe from her designs. They are amazing.

Specific Source Images: This gown from Guo Pei Spring 2019 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: Guo Pei’s collections are all amazing. She has a wonderful, almost fantastical style with a strong traditional Chinese influence. A nice article on her called Guo Pei: Couture Beyond

Last Thoughts
Be sure to come back next week on Tuesday for another Space Princess design, unless WordPress once again decides it hates me. I think I got the problem fixed. I think…

As always a big thank you to my Amazing Patrons, they make the blog possible.

Lapis the Fantasy Lady & Her Gown

May 17, 2019

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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.

Tropical Mini-Dresses

May 16, 2019

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
It seemed long past time that I created some summer time casual clothing for the Jewels & Gemstones, since summer is fast approaching. It’s already May after all.

Every March and September the fashion magazines usually report on the Spring and Fall New York Fashion weeks which means those magazines are the big fashion issues for the year. This is getting less and less true with the internet, but I still like to pick up magazines in those months.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
My fashion magazines tell me that Tropical prints are still in style this next year and volume seems to be a real trend as well, so I designed these two dresses. The color scheme comes from the Pantone 2019 Spring Color trend report.

Specific Source Images: Nothing I can link to this time, because I used Instyle March 2019 issue, which is their big Spring Fashion report. Sometimes I like doing paper research.

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls
Around the Internet: Pantone’s Spring 2019 Color Report & Harper’s Bazaar on the Spring 2019 Trends

Last Thoughts
While I love drawing fantasy things and that tends to be my usual style, I also really enjoy taking breaks for forays into contemporary style. My favorite paper dolls as a child were historical ones and that’s also a favorite style, but it usually requires research and sometimes I just want to draw.

This is actually the first of several pieces I have drawn that are summer contemporary fashions. Some of those sets are going to be for Patrons and some will show up here.

So, are you happy for summer fashion? I personally am more of a fall person, but that’s just me. Let me know in a comment.

Starlight Leggings: Space Princess

May 14, 2019

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
As I explained last week, I occasionally let my Patrons help me pick out my paper doll themes and I was both pleased and surprised when Space Princess won the poll I had put together. So, every Tuesday for the rest of the month, there will be a space princess post.

If you’d like some say in what I create hop over to Patreon and join us by donating. You get access to polls, and at two dollars a month, there’s extra paper doll outfits and you get to help support Paper Thin Personas.

Mostly when I think of Space Princesses I think of futuristic gowns, but I don’t think even Space Princesses want to wear gowns all the time. So, I wanted to create a non-gown based outfit for her.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
Before I start a collection like this, I tend to gather up inspirational images on Pinterest. Occasionally in that process I’ll find a single image that I really adore. In this case, it was this dress from Pedro Lourenço Spring 2011 collection. I don’t really know how these sleeves actually stay on, but I love it.

Specific Source Images: This dress from Pedro Lourenco’s Spring 2011 Collection

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls & Jade the Space Princess doll
Around the Internet: The whole Pedro Lourenço Spring 2011 collection is great.

Last Thoughts

If you are a patron, you might remember that on Friday I posted this bodysuit and jacket it can mix and match with today’s outfit perfectly. In fact, all of the Space Princess pieces have a shared color scheme for increased options when mixing and matching.

If you missed last week post, that was Jade as the Space Princess herself. Also, next Tuesday there will be another Space Princess piece.

Are you enjoying this Space Princess collection? Let me know in a comment. I love to get your feedback.

Jade: A Space Princess

May 7, 2019

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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.

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.

Archives Delve: Two Dozen Fun Mermaid Printable Paper Dolls from the Archives

May 15, 2019May 3, 2019

So, there’s this thing on the social medias (see, you can tell I’m super social media savvy by how I talk about it) where people say that May is “Mer-May” and they draw and celebrate mermaids, for I suspect, no reason except that mer-May sounds cool.

There maybe a nuance to this whole thing I am missing? I’m not sure.

Anyway, I thought it was a great excuse to collect up a bunch of the different mermaid paper dolls I’ve done over the years and share them here. I don’t think all of my work is super kid friendly, but when I draw mermaids I’m nearly always thinking about kids. I loved mermaids as a child. So, I think of these as all being mermaid printables for kids, where as some of my like- post-apocalyptic stuff is maybe less kid friendly.

Some of these are designed to be magnetic paper dolls and you can print them on magnetic paper. They are super addicting to play with (if you like dress up games and such- if you don’t like dress up than um… I don’t know if this is really the blog for you.)

24 Mermaid Printables for Kids

Hopefully, I will get more mermaids drawn this month. I have a few sketched, but I haven’t gotten them inked or scanned or even close to completion. So, stay tuned for that update and, as always, if you’re curious what I’m up too than you can follow me on the social medias for more in-progress images.

A Noble Female Knight & Her Armor

May 2, 2019

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Thoughts on Today’s Paper Doll
I draw a lot of warrior paper dolls, because I really enjoy designing both pragmatic practical looking armor (like today’s) and totally absurd insane impractical looking armor (like this one) and I think both have a place. I tend to think of my paper dolls that wear more practical plate style armor as knight paper dolls, even though there’s nothing that really specifies such a thing.

When I am dealing with plate armor there’s always going to be a lot of grey, so I try to find colors to accent it. For some reason, I really like purple with gray and brown, so that’s what I went with here. I also liked that it was a little unexpected.

Also I can’t decide how to describe this. I’ve settled on “female knight armor” which I like slightly more than “lady knight armor” or “woman’s knight armor”, but I’m not smitten with any of those descriptions. It really only matters for SEO reasons, but still… sigh.

Inspiration for Today’s Paper Doll
Hmmm… well, armor of course. I just wanted to do a plate armor design that didn’t go over maile (which is my usual default) so I ended up with this.

Specific Source Images: This fantasy armor illustration and this fantasy armor illustration

Learn/See More
On the Blog: More Jewels & Gemstones paper dolls & More Warrior Paper Dolls
Around the Internet: I keep a whole fantasy armor board on Pinterest for inspiration when designing these sorts of things.

Last Thoughts
I know there’s a word for these quilted coats that go under plate armor, but I’ll be darned if I can remember what it is. Maybe someone can help me out in the comments?

One of the blessings/curses of having done so many paper dolls is that I sometimes feel like I am repeating myself. I try not to let that bother me, because when it comes to paper dolls the process is what I really enjoy. I think of it like knitting or sewing. You can buy a shirt or a you can buy a hat, but if you enjoy the process of making one than who cares how many you have made? I do try to seek out variety though- both because it entertains me and because I think I would get really bored if I didn’t.

As always, comments are always appreciated and if you would like to support the blog than consider becoming a patron.

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24 Mermaid Printables for Kids

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