Aug. 24, 2022

Seemingly everyone picked up a hobby in 2020, given the screeching halt of work and social interactions during the coronavirus pandemic.

Laura Olson, who says she was well known for making a hobby out of starting hobbies, began dabbling in polymer clay earring design. And this time, the hobby stuck — so much so that she has made a business out of it.

“I like to try everything, be creative and work with my hands,” Olson said. “Once I started with polymer clay, there were endless possibilities of how and what to make with it, and I was learning new things every day. It hasn’t tired me out yet.”

Tildesigns, a play off of Olson’s nickname, will make an appearance at the 605 Made Night Market on Saturday, selling earrings and other jewelry. Olson’s style ranges from neutral and subtle to colorful and bold to whimsical designs.

The 28-year-old paralegal hopes to make jewelry accessible and sustainable for her customers.

Olson can change the earring to accommodate people who have stretched ears with hoods or threaders. Olson, who has stretched ears herself, also sells earrings for those without piercings, using clips and magnets.

“I’ve been shopping where I see something I like and want it, but I know I can’t wear the earrings offered in stores,” Olson said. “I want to be able to have something for everybody. I think it’s good to be inclusive and think about everyone’s needs.”

For interested buyers at the 605 Made Night Market, they can request that an earring back is changed to accommodate their needs, she said.

Working at a law firm, Olson also has access to plenty of discarded legal pads. To save on waste, she reuses the legal pads as earring cards instead of buying them.

The 605 Made Night Market will be from 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday on the southeast corner of Sixth Street and Phillips Avenue. It’s co-organized by Knotty Gnome Variety & Salvage and SiouxFalls.Business and sponsored by The First National Bank in Sioux Falls and Dow Rummel Village.

Here’s your guide to shopping, food, entertainment at Saturday’s 605 Made Night Market