Paper Thin Personas • Page 66 of 145 • Rachel Cohen's Paper Doll Creations

Marisole Monday & Friends Sunset Inspired Fantasy Ballgown

December 6, 2020February 16, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Huge Skirted Ballgowns and The Colors of the Sunset

I love big skirted ballgowns. I love crazy over the top big skirted princess paper doll ball gowns.

Obviously, I am expressing this love today.

Another love of mine, from when I was a kid, are off the shoulder dresses. Generally, I blame this on being a child of the 1980s.

This ballgown was actually part of a set of two big skirted fantasy gowns I designed back in 2015. Yes, that’s right, 2015. A long long time ago, I confess.

Anyway, I found them again and I hated one of them. This one I thought, “You know, that’s not bad.”

Now, the color scheme it had back then involved lime green and orange, so that had to go. Once I had it re-colored, I actually thought it was pretty beautiful, so it wasn’t a hard decision to repost it.

So, how do people feel about big skirted ball gowns?

And think about becoming a patron if you like the blog. Every little bit helps, plus there’s previews and sketchbook content. And, I’ve got a new facebook page, so like it and such if you want. It’s home to archives posts from the depths of the blog.

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

Ms. Mannequin’s Summery Paper Doll Dress from 1935

May 28, 2020February 15, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: This 1935 McCalls Pattern & This 1935 Fabric

This is only the second historical paper doll outfit I have ever made for the Ms. Mannequin series. My last one was my second foray into Viking dress. This is a bit more current and I do think the paper doll’s pose works better with more contemporary fashions (if you can call the 1930s contemporary) than it did with Viking looks.

I suppose contemporary is really just a matter of point of view.

What I liked about the pattern cover that inspired today’s paper doll dress was the split sleeves and the wide white collar.

Confession time: The dress fabric pattern is way out of scale for what was common in the 1930s, but I found this amazing pattern swatch from the V&A and I just had to use it. The tulips felt so modern and contemporary. Obviously, I heavily adapted the pattern, so it was more of a jumping off point than anything else.

Part of what I wanted to do was a spring dress in black which isn’t a color usually associated with Springtime fashions.

What are your favorite spring colors? I love corals and yellows. Let me know in a comment.

Meanwhile, if you like the blog, then consider donating through Patreon, plus there’s a behind the scenes blog and early paper doll previews and other fun content.

Also, you can follow it on Facebook where I am sharing past paper dolls I love from the archives of PTP.

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

A Fancy Valentine’s Day Affair with the Sprites Paper Dolls

May 28, 2020February 14, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Valentine’s Day & James Bond

I seriously thought I had done a set of suits for the Sprites before this, but I think I was thinking of the Sprite’s predecessor the Pixie and Puck series. So, here is the first suit for the Sprites gents and, I think, the first ballgown for the Sprites ladies. A bunch of first today.

Also, it’s Valentine’s Day! So, Happy Valentine’s Day! Here’s a paper doll!

On the left, there’s a tuxedo with a white jacket, very James Bond, for the Sprites Guys. On the right, there’s an evening gown for the Sprite’s Ladies.

The pink heart was supposed to be one of those padded boxes of chocolate, but I’m not sure that’s very obvious.

Looking for other Valentine’s Day paper dolls? There’s a few more options here.

Also, there’s an different color scheme for these Sprites outfits over on my Patreon page. It’s open to the public as a Valentine’s Day treat. Of course, if while you are there, you want to become a patron, well, I wouldn’t mind at all. 🙂

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

A Pink Haired, Green Skinned, Butterfly Winged Fairy Poppet Paper Doll

May 19, 2020February 13, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Unisex Children’s Clothing, Fig & Me Dolls, Untied Shoes, and Twig & Tale Sewing Patterns

One of my Patron requests for 2017 was more fantasy creatures like mermaids and fairies. So, today’s fairy Poppet paper doll in my response to that request from Cathy W and I thought someone else, but I couldn’t verify that. So, other person who I couldn’t verify, if you exist outside my head, this is also for you.

Who doesn’t want an excuse to draw a printable fairy paper doll?

Seriously for a moment though, I was sort of surprised by the request for more fairies. One of the oddities of my brain is that I assume everyone has the same knowledge of my archive as me. So, sometimes when someone says, “Hey, could you draw…”

I think- “But I did draw that.”

Except sometimes it turns out that paper doll was like four years ago and I’m the only person who remembers that I drew it. So my first reaction to being asked for fairies was to think, “But I’ve done fairies.”

And then I paused and looked at my Archives and I was like, “Oh. Not as much as I thought.”

Also, just because I have done something once, doesn’t mean I can’t do it again. There’s not like statute of limitations on paper doll production, you know?

Anyhow, this is all a convoluted way of saying that I plan to do more mermaids and fairies in 2017. (In fact, come back February 21st, that’s all I’m saying…)

The wings are meant to be glued to the back of the paper doll along the white section. Last time I posted a fairy with wings, there was some confusion about this.

Meanwhile, if you want to support the blog, then think about becoming a Patron or liking it on facebook.

Mostly, I am using Facebook to share stuff from the Archives, because I expect no one to really go through nearly 1,000 posts. Not quote 1,000. I should do something cool when I hit 1,000.

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

Ms. Mannequin Printable Paper Dolls Get Fall Fashions 2016

May 28, 2020February 10, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Fall Fashions 2016

Today’s post is a chance to go back to where the the Ms. Mannequin printable paper doll series began and once again embrace the original idea. Wide legged trousers, cold shoulder tops and a brocade skirt are all taken straight from my fashion magazine collection.

When I first started the Ms. Mannequin paper dolls, the idea as that they were models. Their pose and body build were both intended to evoke the idea of a contemporary fashion model. In fact, when I first posted them, I didn’t really intend for them to become a series. I figured I would post a few pages for them and move on.

But, as it turned out, the response to Ms. Mannequin paper dolls was very positive.

Plus, I found I enjoyed drawing contemporary fashion for them. Over time, that contemporary fashion has expanded into fantasy, history, cyberpunk and steampunk paper doll clothing.

I must confess I am curious through, what do you like more? Contemporary clothing or other stuff for the Ms. Mannequins? Let me know in a comment.

As I announced Wednesday, I now have an Etsy Store! So, 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

And, as always, if you love the blog, think about becoming a patron or liking the blog’s facebook page, or both.

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

Marisole Monday & Friends Printable Paper Dolls Get Cocktail Dresses

May 28, 2020February 8, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Fashion Magazines and Cocktail Dresses

I gotta confess this has been a wide ranging week for printable paper doll themes. We’ve gone from Monday aliens to Tuesday Little Bo Peep and now we’ve got some cocktail dresses. Well, it can never be said that I don’t have a lot of variety and diversity in my little paper doll populated corner of the interwebs.

I love fashion magazines. My favorites to draw from are People Style Watch and Instyle. Both of these magazines are pretty easy read and you can see the images of the clothing well. After all, I might not ever buy a 600 dollar blouse, but I like to see it clearly for drawing purposes. I have noticed I draw a lot less modern stuff now that I have the new format. Not really sure why that is, but there you go.

Anyway, this fall there was a whole pastel cocktail dresses for wintertime thing going in the fashion magazines I read. So, I wanted to create a pair of pastel winter paper doll cocktail dresses for holiday parties. Now, I realize it is February and most holiday parties are past, so maybe a Valentine’s Day date night option?

Yeah, I kinda missed the boat on when to post this pair of dresses, but that happens to me on occasion. No shame.

I am curious though. Do people miss modern paper doll clothing? Would you like to see more of that? Let me know in a comment.

I’m also super pleased to announce that there is now a Paper Thin Personas Etsy Store! You might have noticed the addition of the Shop tab at the top of the page a few days ago. I had fantasized about doing some big perfect announcement, but you know what? Done is better than perfect, so I am releasing the store into the wild today.

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

Plus, remember that becoming a patron has some great benefits and helps cover the blogs costs each month.

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

A Little Bo Beep Paper Doll Costume for the Poppets Paper Dolls

May 19, 2020February 7, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Vintage Little Bo Peep Illustrations Like This and This

While I have abandoned my sets, I haven’t really given up the whole themes for paper dolls idea. The truth is that I like themes. They help me keep my head on straight and they give me something to draw when I don’t know what to draw.

At the end of 2016, I asked my Patrons what they would like to see in 2017. I got requests for fairy tales from several of them. Well, fortunately, I already had plans for introducing a Poppets Paper Doll year long Fairy Tale and Nursery Rhyme theme.

This might last longer than a year, but I am aiming for a year. Who knows? I can be fickle.

I am starting the series it this Little Bo Beep paper doll printable. It’ll fit any of the Poppets paper dolls, of course. Most, if not all of us, known the nursery rhyme Little Bo Peep. The version I remember goes like this:

Little Bo-Peep has lost her sheep,
and can’t tell where to find them;
leave them alone, And they’ll come home
wagging their tails behind them.

I knew I wanted to do something that felt a little vintage and old fashioned without actually being historical. The nursery rhyme was first published in the early 1800s, but the exact age is unknown. I wanted to be traditional in my depiction of Little Bo Peep. Also, I got to draw lots of tiny sheep.

You can check out my Fairy Tales and Nursery Rhymes board on Pinterest to see some of my inspirational images. Plus, there are hints at a few other fairy tales and nursery rhymes I am planning to feature over the course of the year.

Which brings me to my next point, is there a fairy tale you’d like to see the Poppets get an outfit from? Let me know in a comment.

Meanwhile, if you want to support the blog, then think about becoming a Patron or liking it on facebook.

Mostly, I am using Facebook to share stuff from the Archives, but there is something specific that you’d like to see on the page, let me know in a comment. I am very new to Facebook.

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

B&B A Super Cute Sci-Fi Paper Doll

May 28, 2020February 6, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Space, the Final Frontier…

I grew up watching Star Trek: The Next Generation. My mother used to let me stay up an extra 30 minutes to watch the show with her. I have fond memories of Captain Picard and Co. running about the galaxy. I haven’t bought it yet, but I desperately want this book that came out recently about the costuming of Star Trek.

I remember reading once, I don’t know where, that they were never supposed to show zippers on anything in the future.

Anyway, whenever I draw aliens I think of Star Trek.

This is, for those of you counting, the first Buxom and Bodacious doll of 2017 and the 44th post in their series. Not bad really. If you think she need some more sci-fi/futuristic clothing to wear (and what alien paper doll doesn’t want an expansive wardrobe) then I would recommend last week’s retro sci-fi outfit, maybe some of Dragon Queen’s Dresses or maybe the fun of the first B&B doll’s cyperpunk wardrobe.

So, I gave her two pairs of shoes, because with this orange skin tone, she ain’t sharing with anyone. Though I think the black and white shoes are pretty flexible. An old Pixie paper doll named Jai inspired her crazy updo.

I love giving aliens insane hairstyles. Actually, I love giving all my paper dolls insane hairstyles. Probably because I wear my hair in a low ponytail all the time.

I bet I’ve asked this before, but here I go again. Are there any other Star Trek fans out there? What’s your favorite series? Let me know in a comment.

I grew up on Star Trek: The Next Generation, but my heart belongs to Star Trek: Deep Space Nice.

And if you love the blog, think about becoming a patron or liking the new facebook page.

Need to get some more clothing for this Bodacious & Buxom paper doll to wear? Pick out some clothing 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.

Marisole Monday & Friends Paper Dolls Get Some 1970s Clothing

December 11, 2017February 2, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Simplicity 9370 from 1971

So, I work in batches. This doesn’t just mean I tend to draw a batch of the same paper doll series together, it also means I sometimes draw the same themes together. For example, I drew today’s jumpsuit around the same time I drew the my 1970s Mini-Maiden. Sometimes, I get into a theme, like 1970s clothing, and want to spend some time there.

Then I promptly get over and am distracted by some other thing. That’s the nature of my brain.

Today’s jumpsuit was based on a 1971 Simplicity sewing pattern cover. Apparently the pattern was designed to be sewn quickly and only took two different pattern pieces. I loved the cheery bright yellow color in the cover art, so I kept it.

The wide brown belt was from the pattern cover, but it also was nice because it split up the jumpsuit. I think jumpsuits really need belts, don’t you?

This is probably the last piece of 1970s clothing for the paper dolls for a while. As I said above, I tend to be a bit flighty in my paper doll interests. I have been feeling very “over the top princess gowns” lately, so stay tuned for some of that, also I have been dabbling in the 1870s.

Out of the curiosity, which do you like better for the fashion- the 1970s, the 1870s or the 1770s?

I have so confess to being a pretty big 1870s fan. Let me know your favorite in a comment.

And think about becoming a patron if you like the blog to help support it, or check out the blog’s new facebook page. I’ll be using it to showcase some of the archives content, plus other stuff I think is cool.

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

The Curvy B&B Paper Dolls Get Some Retro Sci-fi Madness

December 11, 2017February 1, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Retro Sci-fi Cover Art, Specifically Wandl the Invader

I’ve always had a soft place in my heart for pulp novels of all kinds, particularly their cover art. So, today’s sci-fi outfit for the B&B printable paper doll series was inspired by this cover art for Wandl the Invader. I mean, how could anyone see that cover art and not think, “Wow, I should draw that for a paper doll?”

Of course, I think that a lot when I see odd things in this world which goes a long way to explaining why I have PTP.

Anyhow, Wandl the Invader first came out in 1932, but the edition I found on Pinterest looks like it is from the 1950s, based on the style. The author, Ray Cummings, wrote over 750 novels and short stories which is pretty astonishing. Like a lot of pulp authors of his day, he was astonishingly prolific.

Along with pulp sci-fi cover art, I’ve also always had a soft place in my heart for retro-futurism. In fact, I recently started a Pinterest board devoted to the retro-futuristic fashions. I think this today’s outfit is a little retro-futuristic (is that a word?) along with being very pulpy.

A friend of my retro sci-fi look in theme, if not in paper doll series, was my astronaut from last October.

I wish I could think of more to say here, but I am writing this post after a thirteen hour day at work and I just want to wash this makeup off (I don’t usually wear makeup) and crawl into my bed.

So, I’m wrapping things up here.

Want to help with the blog’s upkeep? Then donate and become a Patron. Not up for that? No problem, you can always follow the blog on Twitter, leave a comment, and/or like it on its new facebook page.

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

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