The first bracelet I ever made wasn’t meant to start a business.
I was trying to find the perfect sentimental Father's Day gift for my husband – who is not exactly the “showy” jewelry type. If I gave him a bracelet that spelled out “I love you!” for the world to see, he’d politely smile and then it would live forever at the bottom of his drawer.
So instead, I spelled out our kids’ names in beaded Morse code.
It looked like a simple beaded bracelet — but he knew what it meant. And that made all the difference.
He wore it, and he loved it.
So naturally for our anniversary, I made him another one with a private joke between us that said “Nice Butt.”
He wore that too. (Obviously.)
That’s when I realized how special a “secret” message could be. Whether it’s a private joke, a little sarcasm, or something heartfelt you’d never wear written in bold letters — Morse code lets you keep it personal, but still carry it with you.
Friends started asking about the bracelets. Then friends of friends. Then strangers on the internet.
Now I run Arnica & Elm — named after the streets my husband and I grew up on — and inspired by a guy who was impossible to shop for… and accidentally helped start it all.
Product Story:
Every bracelet is handmade by me in Missoula, Montana, using high-quality Czech and Japanese glass beads, plus tarnish-resistant gold and silver-plated accents — because your secret message deserves to look good for the long haul.
Product Story:
Every bracelet is handmade by me in Missoula, Montana, using high-quality Czech and Japanese glass beads, plus tarnish-resistant gold and silver-plated accents — because your secret message deserves to look good for the long haul.
They’re pre-stretched (so they don’t stretch out over time), and field-tested for durability by my very energetic kids. If it survives them, it’s ready for you.
Packing and shipping? That’s a family affair too — my husband helps with every order, so from bead board to mailbox, this whole operation really is a team effort.
