VERSO Papermaker & Metalsmith

  VERSO jewelry is made from metal forms cast in handmade paper. The metal is dipped into a pulp of water and finely beaten paper fibers from a plant called abaca. The fibers cling to the metal and shrink as they dry. A tight, translucent paper skin is built up on the form over successive dips. The concept is the same as making a sheet of handmade paper, but around a three-dimensional form, and by building up thin layers over the course of several days. 

After a translucent layer of paper has built up, the forms are hand-dyed, and finally sealed with resin to make them waterproof and durable. 

The pieces are inspired by ancient Nordic, Roman, and Greek jewelry, art nouveau and rococo design, and details found in the oceans and forests of the Pacific Northwest, like seeds, petals, dewdrops, flowers, the curves of a river, ferns, leaves, tide pools.

Melanie Brauner is a metalsmith, bookbinder, and papermaker. She holds a BFA from Oregon College of Art and Craft, where she studied bookbinding, arts and metals.   
Her studio is in Everett, Washington.