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Blog Highlights

As 2021 begins, I wanted to show all of the Jewels and Gemstones 2.0 paper dolls of the year! Round ups like this are a great way for you to see everything from a year, but also for me to see what I've done and how I am thinking about it in the future. I tend to notice trends I wouldn't otherwise. In this case, I was struck by how many fantasy gowns I drew.

Paper Dolls & Dolls

Queen Elizabeth II Paper Dolls by Eileen Rudisill Miller just came out from Dover (Also, this coloring book looks super fun)
Betsy-Tacy books by Maud Hart Lovelace have inspired this paper doll from Eileen Rudisill Miller, also newish
It's not a paper doll, but this Jade Drive-In Paper Toy by Kwei-lin Lum from Paper Doll Review has me intrigued
The 2021 American Girl Girl of the Year is into conservation and Australia (and super blond)... I wonder if we'll get a paper doll of her
If you like to color, this Southern Magnolia Fairy paper doll by Andrea Helen Smith is really lovely (and reminds me of many years I lived in Alabama)

Fashion, Costume & Fashion History (1910s, this time)

Who What Wear has some Fashion Trends for 2021 predictions that might come to a paper doll near you soon
Pantone's new Color of the Year 2021 is two colors (can they do that?) a lovely grey and a nice yellow
Behr paints also have some colors of the year for 2021- I like that Behr does whole palettes
Young girl's hairstyles from 1911, if you were wondering what was and was not proper
Altman & Co. Fall and Winter Catalog from 1914/1915 has a few amazing coats and muffs, so many muffs
If you want an overview of the decade, FIT has a nice write up on their Fashion Timeline
The Best Outfits of Diana in Wonder Woman 1984 made me smile, but the movie was... meh

Other Interesting & Inspiring

#100DayProject is normally in June, but they are doing a January 2021 one this year starting on the 31st
Also, a girl asked for female green army soldiers and now they exist
New works are entering Public Domain, here's an overview of some of the gems that are now copyright free- paper doll options are certainly in there
I found this piece about female hunters in archeological sites from NYT really cool

Product Spotlight

Ramblings From Rachel

Newsletter issue #1!

Starting something new is scary. As a planner by nature, I tend to want to know "how to do something right" before I attempt do it at all. That means I often get lost in the research phase of a project. As this newsletter begins, I confess that I don't really know what I am doing.

This is both liberating and intimidating.

Anyway, I think things might shift around a bit as I get into the groove and I would love to hear what you think of the first issue! Let me know by just replying to this email.

What would you like to see here?

- Rachel

Book Recommendation: The Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher

A YA novel about a young wizard, her best friend, a semi-sentient highly aggressive sourdough starter, and finding your place in the world. (P.S. I don't get anything if you use this link, but this book isn't available from indie bookstores as far as I can tell.)

The Newsletter Paper Doll

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From the Archives: Evening Gowns to Ring in the New Year

“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” – Coco Chanel