These are handmade earrings by Washington artist Melanie Brauner of Verso. Melanie is influenced by Forests and the Pacific North West which is heavily reflected in her 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.
You can find these earrings and more pieces by Verso at Visual Index, which is home to artists from all 50 states!
