Paper Thin Personas • Page 79 of 173 • Rachel Cohen's Paper Doll Creations

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.

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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.

Ursula’s Modern Clothes: A Printable Paper Doll

May 19, 2020January 31, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: What I see College Girl’s wearing

First off, my favorite thing about this Ursula paper doll is her hair. I love dreads and I particularly think they look cool when they are styled up into an updo.

Because the lady Sprites have much smaller stands then the guy sprites, I could fit two pairs of shoes onto this page with with Ursula. So, I did a pair of white shoes and a pair of black shoes. I figured that covered all the basic shoes a person might need.

All the Ursula dolls have the same skintone, so she had borrow some sandals from her mermaid version if she wants too. If there are more Ursula paper dolls (and there probably will be eventually), then you can pick out shoes from those dolls as well. Any of the shoes that don’t show skin tone, of course, will fit any of the Sprites ladies.

And if you enjoy the blog, but want to see my process and get early previews, then join us on Patreon. It’s a lot of fun.

Looking for something for today’s Sprite paper doll to wear? Pick out some clothing here.

Zachary: A Modern African-American Guy Paper Doll

May 19, 2020January 30, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: What I see College Guys Wearing, But With More Color

Back when the Sprites started, I had planned to start with a lady paper doll as the first Sprite. However, I’d decided to name them in reverse alphabetical order. I find if I have a naming scheme it makes coming up with paper doll names easier.

So, I was stuck with starting with Z. There just aren’t that many names that start with Z, so I started with Zachary here instead of starting with Yumiko.

I’m sure you all really cared about this random piece of paper doll blog history.

Anyway, I do think there are advantages to contemporary dolls. I think they sort of act as basic options. There’s no colorful hair here, so this version of Zachary could be a mermaid or he could be going to the park or borrowing this nifty elf armor, The point is that he’s a bit more neutral than the two pervious Zachary versions I have created.

Tomorrow, there will be a contemporary fashion Ursula to join Zachary.

Meanwhile, if you want to support the blog on Patreon I would be mighty appreciative. If you are interested in the process of how I work, there’s a behind the scenes blog there.

Alternatively, you can follow the blog on facebook for blog updates, some random sketchbook photos (which my Patrons see first, I confess), fun historical fashion things I find, and picks from the Archives.

Looking for something for today’s Sprite paper doll to wear? Pick out some clothing here.

Collaborative Paper Doll Project 2017: The Year I was Born

May 28, 2020January 27, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations:A Dress from 1985

The first theme for our collaborative project was a dress from the year we were each born. So, for me that meant drawing something from 1985.

So, I went loooking for clothing from 1885 and came cross this Barbie dresses from Oscar De La Renta. I love Oscar De La Renta’s designs and I had no idea he’d done a series of Barbie clothing. Inspired, I combined this dress and this dress. You can see more of his Barbie designs here and here.

My mother was pretty anti-Barbie when I was a kid. She felt that it wasn’t a healthy body type for girls to aspire too, so she mostly bought me Ginny dolls. I did have a few Barbies, of course, but they weren’t my favorites.

Anyway, I’m sure Julie and Boots are posting great outfits over on Popculture & Paper Dolls and Paper Doll School, so go check those out to flash out your Collaborative Paper Doll Project wardrobe.

Meanwhile, you can donate to support the blog on Patreon or follow the blog on facebook. Yes, there is now a facebook page for the blog.

Need a doll to wear this stylish outfit? Grab the Doll here.

Ms. Mannequin: On Future Streets, Again

May 28, 2020January 26, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Cyberpunk Fashion and my 2014 paper doll set- On Future Streets

Last year, I decided I would draw some paper dolls based on older sets I have as a way to revisiting older work. So, today’s Ms. Mannequin outfit was inspired by this cyberpunk paper doll clothing set called “On Future Streets” that I created in 2014.

The amount of cyberpunk stuff I draw for the paper dolls is directly proportional to the amount of Shadowrun I am playing at any given time. So, given that my usual group has gathered once more to play, I suspect 2017 will have more in the cyperpunk paper doll clothing genre.

I like revisiting my older sets for two reasons:

It helps me get ideas when I don’t have any ideas. A totally blank piece of paper is both the most inspiring and the most scary thing in the world.
It helps me write about the post when I have to write the post. Because writing about these paper doll outfits is sometimes the hardest thing.

So, I have the following things to say about this paper doll outfit today.

I did wanted to make something that could be cyberpunk, but could also just be scifi. I totally can imagine someone from 5th Element wearing this get up. Actually, all the costumes in the 5th Element are amazing. I love that movie.
Making things look shiny is a skill I was really out of practice at. I used to be so good at it. I shall have to practice more. Shiny things here I come!
Writing blog posts as numbered lists is actually kinda fun. I should do this more often.

As always, if you love PTP and want to donate to keep it up on the internets, please consider becoming a Patron. If you just want to know what I’m up too then you can follow it on Twitter. And if you want to make me feel less alone on the internet, leave a comment.

Tell me- Are you excited about more cyberpunk paper doll clothing?

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

Poppet’s Snowy Fantasy Burgundian Gown

May 19, 2020January 25, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: Burgundian gowns, Like this one

Today’s fantasy gown was inspired by the Burgundian gowns of the mid to late 1400s. The style was worn by women of wealth and status. This manuscript illustration of Fortune and her Wheel is particularly nice.

Now, my fantasy version hasn’t got a lot in common with this, but I really wanted to capture the spirit of the gown which, when I was a child, was something I always thought was worn by Princesses.

So, let’s talk about “Burgundian Gowns”, shall we? Here’s a nice article about how to make your own, plus some good pictures from A Damsel In This Dress. The term “Burgundian Gown” refers to the Duchy of Burgundy which was the leading fashion center of the time.

In the 1400s, the Duchy of Burgundy was Belguim, the Netherlands and parts of northern France. While England and France were busy duking it out in the Hundred Years War, this area became the cultural center of Europe.

The gowns, in the real world, consist of two parts. The kirtle and then a gown over it. The gown was lined in fur that showed when it was folded back to reveal the kirtle underneath. In my fantasy version, that’s the lace and ribbon trimmed part that’s visible in the deep v-neck of the outer gown.

Since it is winter outside, I chose to decorate my gown with a snowflake pattern.

Meanwhile, if you want to support the blog, then think about becoming a Patron.

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

Sprites as Superheroes

May 28, 2020January 24, 2017

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Today’s Printable Paper Doll Inspirations: The Golden Age of Superheros

Every year, I ask my Patrons to for ideas in December. I try to get to all their suggestions over the course of the year. And some of their suggestions were already in the works! That works out well for me and for them, because no one wants to wait eight months for a paper doll request to happen.

(Of course, sometimes people do, because that’s just how the cookie crumbles, but I do my best to be responsive to my Patrons.)

The Steger Family, some of my Patrons, asked for Superheroes. Well, today there are some. I don’t really know why Superheroes are required to wear absurd jumpsuits, but that seems to be the thing they do.

I try to draw what my Patron’s request. They, after all, giving me money. Join if you want to here.

When I was designing this set, I wanted to do a call back to classic comics. Back in the old days, comics could only be printed in a limited collection of colors- red, blue, yellow and black. Back in those days, the colors were printed as tiny dots and the dots overlapped each other creating the other colors.

The limitations of this printing style often meant that the color schemes for heroes and villains were very boldly defined by their colors. The Joker, for example, wears green and purple. Superman wears red and blue for the same reason. As a nod to that practice, I wanted to do this set of Sprites paper dolls in a limited color collection.

I was inspired to draw this set when I read that Superheroes out sold Princesses for Halloween in 2016. I have no idea where I read it, but there you go.

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

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