the studio
For us, doing things by hand goes further than just hand printing our fabric. From jotting down a quick sketch, to mixing ink, to choosing fabric, handmade is not just our philosophy, but our way of doing things.
We started Paper Cloud in 2005, making handmade cards out of the kitchen of our small apartment in Cincinnati, Ohio. Then we added hand-bound journals which we created with décorative fabrics and papers, learning as we went, experimenting with various fabrics, papers, glues, and techniques. As designers, we wanted to add more of our own touch, our own aesthetic sensibilities, to the pieces we were creating. So we learned to screen-print, and we began creating our own fabrics which then led us into other areas. Needless to say, our small kitchen was drastically undersized. So in 2006 we moved to a larger space, and expanded our line to include handmade pillows, lighting, and apparel. Then in 2009 we moved again, to our current studio in downtown Cincinnati.
Each move brings us more space, more ideas, and more possibilities. Our current line of home décor, textiles, and apparel is inspired by the sometimes quirky beauty of nature, and interpretations of all that surrounds us. We’re constantly evolving, adding new designs and colors, dreaming about new products, and bringing them to life.
It's nice to meet you.
Ariana Broerman
Born to immigrant parents from Lithuania and Ukraine, Ariana grew up with her parents and younger brother near Dayton, Ohio surrounded by art, music, and many languages. Interested in art from a young age, Ariana took art classes in school and created projects at home. Whether she was making collages, creating jewelry, or designing cards, she always enjoyed the process of hand-crafting décorative pieces for herself and others.
Ariana has a degree in Graphic Design from the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning, and has worked as a professional designer for more the 10 years. She has worked on projects for Duracell, Pampers, and CoverGirl to name a few.
Matthew Broerman
Matt grew up on a farm in central Ohio with his parents, brother and two sisters. Between spending time outdoors, working in his family's slaughterhouse, and taking various art classes, Matt developed an incredible work ethic and an appreciation for art and design. A talented illustrator and painter, Matt continued taking art classes through high school and found that his sense of humor and artistic skill blended into his own unique style.
Matt has a degree in Graphic Design from the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning, and over the course of his more than 10 years as a designer, he has won numerous awards, and worked on projects for Warner Bros., Microsoft, HGTV, and DIY Network.
