Aug. 19, 2024

Sage and Bear Leatherworks, a handmade leather goods business, began as a hobby during the COVID-19 pandemic for owner Timothy Bahr.

Now in its fourth year, the business delivers competitive pricing and eco-friendly materials, the self-taught Army veteran said.

“I was given my grandfather’s leather-working tools from Portugal a few years before he passed,” Bahr said. “With the encouragement of family, I taught myself and kept pursuing it during my full-time career in retail.”

Bahr, who moved to Sioux Falls from Connecticut, said he fell in love with the landscape, especially the Black Hills. Sage and Bear will be at the 605 Made Night Market from 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday in the Raven parking lot at Sixth Street and Phillips Avenue. More than three dozen vendors and food trucks will be at the free event, which includes entertainment throughout.

“The business name comes from my wife, Kaylie, and I’s favorite place in the Badlands — Sage Creek,” Bahr said. “And my last name in German means bear, so it just fit.”

Sage and Bear Leatherworks is an online business with no storefront yet. Bahr said he uses only American leather and is careful not to waste materials, striving to use every inch of leather when making a product.

“We make nearly everything from hand,” Bahr said. “I dye and hand stitch everything myself.”

The business offers different varieties of items during holidays such as Halloween and Christmas, some of which will be available at the 605 Made Night Market.

Sage and Bear Leatherworks sell belts, totes, earrings, wallets, keychains, bookmarks and valet trays.

“We are very affordably priced, well crafted, and we strive to use green materials,” Bahr said. “Our packing is biodegradable, and we design the leather to be compostable.”

Follow the 605 Made Night Market on Facebook here.

605 Made is co-organized by Knotty Gnome Variety & Salvage and SiouxFalls.Business. It’s sponsored by The First National Bank in Sioux Falls and Dakota Business Finance.

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