Washington state artist Melanie Brauner of Verso is influenced by the tide pools, leaves, flowers and forests of the Pacific North West which is heavily reflected in their nature-inspired work. The work is made by dipping metal into a pulp of water and finely beaten fibers from a plant called abaca. The fibers cling to the metal and shrink as they dry, forming a paper skin, built up over successive dips. Melanie hand-dyes the paper, and seals the jewelry with resin to make the pieces waterproof and durable.