Table of Contents
This set of paper doll ideas gives you twenty two young women, each dressed for the job or hobby she loves best, from a florist with a bucket of tulips to a violinist mid song. Print the whole set for a card-making afternoon, or pull out a favorite for a gift tag, a junk journal spread or a birthday card for someone who shares that hobby.
Print every sheet on matte cardstock at actual size, then cut around each doll leaving a thin white edge so the ink line stays crisp. Keep the sheets together in a folder and you have a ready stash for the next card, tag or journal page, no extra drawing required.
Using these images: free for personal projects such as printing, coloring, cards, journals and gifts. Handmade items that include them may be sold up to 30 pieces per design. More than that is commercial use and is not permitted, and neither is selling or sharing the images themselves or passing them off as your own. Please ask before any other use.
Garden And Growing
Holding a bucket of fresh tulips, this florist with an auburn top knot and linen apron makes the perfect card for a friend who always has fresh flowers on her kitchen table, or for the gardener on your gift list this spring.
Her delighted smile sets the tone for the whole card, so pair her with a short note about blooming where you are planted and let the tulips do the rest of the talking.
Brown wavy hair spills from under a sun hat as this gardener in denim dungarees giggles over the giant cabbage she is barely able to hold, a funny line about a harvest that got away perfectly beside her on any card.
Steady hands and a blonde braid under a white veil hat give this beekeeper her quiet calm as she holds up a honeycomb frame dripping gently with honey, a lovely anchor for a journal page about slow mornings.
Mount her on a foam dot over a strip of hexagon washi tape for a little lift off the page, and let the honeycomb pattern on her suit do double duty as the page’s own pattern.
Studio And Makers
Clay smeared across her apron and a dark ponytail slipping loose, this potter beams with pride over a lopsided vase held up in both hands, ideal for a card to a friend who just started a new craft and loves it anyway.
A lilac bob and a paint-splattered smock mark this painter out at a glance, her dreamy gaze fixed somewhere past the edge of the page as she holds a big loaded brush ready to make the next stroke.
Pair her with the potter for a two-doll card about creative friends, or tuck her alone into a art journal spread as the page’s quiet mascot.
Silver curls and a chunky sweater suit this knitter perfectly as she sits content with a half-finished scarf trailing from her needles, a gentle choice for a card to a grandmother or any friend who always has yarn nearby.
Smart And Skilled
Round glasses and black braids frame the delighted shock on this scientist’s face as her flask fizzes over, a fun one for a child who loves science class or a grandchild who asks a hundred questions a day.
Give her a speech bubble with a funny line about an experiment gone slightly wrong, and she becomes the star of a card nobody throws away.
A gray bob and a warm steady look define this doctor as she holds her stethoscope loosely in one hand, a gentle card choice for anyone recovering from illness or a thank you note for a caring nurse or doctor friend.
A red bob and a mustard cardigan give this librarian her cosy charm as she smiles and shushes with one finger to her lips, the other arm balancing a tall stack of books.
She slots neatly beside any bookish friend’s card, and works beautifully on a journal page about a favorite reading nook; see more ideas like that in this reading roundup.
Sky And Space
Short black curls peek from under her cap as this pilot in a crisp navy uniform holds a little model airplane with total confidence, a strong pick for a card to a grandson who dreams of flying someday.
Tight coils frame a face full of wonder as this astronaut in a full white space suit tucks her helmet under one arm, amazed at whatever she has just seen beyond the page.
She works wonderfully on a card for a space-mad kid, and she pairs well with the pilot for a two-doll set about reaching for the sky; browse more sky themes in this astrology collection.
Sun And Sport
Sun-streaked hair and a sleek wetsuit mark this surfer as she grips her board with a grin, stoked after what was clearly the best wave of the day, a cheerful pick for a summer card or beach-themed tag.
A high ponytail bounces as this tennis player in a pleated white dress holds her trophy high, triumphant after match point, a perfect card for anyone who just won something, big or small.
Add a little gold star sticker beside the trophy for extra shine, or trim her onto a plain gift tag for a sporty friend’s birthday.
Pink pigtails and a graphic tee give this skater girl her easy cool as she holds her skateboard under one arm, relaxed and sure of herself, a fun choice for a teenager’s card or a grandchild’s lunchbox note.
A red bandana holds back brown hair as this hiker studies her trail map with real determination, sturdy boots planted wide as if the next ridge is already in sight.
She anchors a travel journal spread beautifully, and makes a thoughtful card for anyone about to set off on a trip of their own.
Stage And Song
On tiptoe in a pale pink tutu, this ballerina holds a single rose with quiet grace, sleek top knot catching the light, ideal for a recital card or a gift tag for a young dancer in the family.
Long black hair falls over a velvet dress as this violinist closes her eyes in a dreamy half smile, violin tucked under her chin mid note.
Pair her with the ballerina for a card about a daughter’s recital season, or cut a five minute version with the dress simplified to one flat color block for a quick card today.
Kitchen And Service
Dark hair swept into a chignon under her toque, this chef in a white double-breasted jacket flips a pancake mid air with real sass, a funny addition to a brunch card or a birthday card for the family cook.
A blonde ponytail trails from under her helmet as this firefighter in a yellow coat grips the hose nozzle with real bravery, ready for whatever comes next.
She makes a strong thank you card for anyone in emergency services, and stands up nicely on a craft stick for a classroom gift tag.
Brown curls bounce under her cap as this mail carrier in a blue uniform holds up a wrapped parcel with a cheerful grin, perfect for a thank you card tucked inside a care package or a gift tag on a parcel itself.
A gray pixie cut and a mint scrub top suit this vet perfectly as she cradles a sleepy puppy against her shoulder, gentle and unhurried, a lovely card for anyone who just welcomed a new pet.
Try her next to the photographer for a card about capturing a new puppy’s first week home, two dolls together telling one small story.
Curly hair falls loose from under a utility vest as this photographer lifts a vintage camera to one eye, fully focused on the shot in front of her, a natural fit for a card celebrating a milestone worth capturing.
What to Do Next
Print the sheets that catch your eye first, start with one card or tag, and let the rest of the set wait in the folder for the next rainy afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What paper works best for these paper dolls?
Matte cardstock in the 65 to 110 lb range works best, since it holds color well and cuts cleanly. Avoid glossy photo paper, which can crack along tight folds and shows fingerprints after handling.
What printer settings give the sharpest result?
Set the printer to its best or photo quality setting and print at actual size, not scaled to fit the page. Choose the matte paper type in the print dialog if your printer offers it, for crisper edges on the small details.
How do I cut out the small details without tearing the paper?
Start with small detail scissors or a craft knife on a cutting mat, working slowly around curves like hair and hands. Cut on the outside of the printed line, leaving a thin white edge, which hides tiny slips far better than cutting exactly on the ink.
How do I make the dolls stand up on a shelf or table?
Fold a small cardstock triangle into a stand and glue it to the back of each doll near the feet. A craft stick glued flat down the spine also works, and doubles as a handle for puppet-style play.
Can I use these dolls for pop up cards as well as flat cards?
Yes, foam adhesive dots lift any doll off a flat card base for a simple pop up effect. Stack two or three dots under the busiest part of the figure, such as the arms or the held object, for the most noticeable lift.
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