At the heart of Okobojo Creek Designs is a love of the outdoors, creating one-of-a-kind jewelry inspired by the prairie, water, and the rugged beauty of South Dakota, says owner and creator Emily Kiel.
“Each piece carries the spirit of outdoor tradition, hard work, and resourcefulness—values that run deep in our family,” said Kiel.
Along with a love for her surroundings and the waters of Okobojo Creek in West Sully county (the company’s namesake), loved ones help drive Kiel’s inspiration when creating new pieces.
“Jewelry is not just an accessory, it is an expression. It is a conversation starter. It tells a story—your story.”
– Emily Kiel
“The artistic creation process often feels like a mix of instinct, intention, and a little bit of surprise. We are inspired by our outdoor experiences,” said Kiel. “My husband and I have a ton of ideas that we lean on to get started.”
Sometimes the couple is motivated by materials like stones or beads, and sometimes inspiration is found from landscapes, memories, or feelings, made with a thread of “wild energy” meant to connect, ground, and guide, Kiel says.
Okobojo Creek Designs specializes in creating bracelets, anklets, earrings, and necklaces.
Emily Kiel’s Creation Process
Gathering & Envisioning
The first part of her process starts with collecting and researching materials, catering to current and future clients.
Refinement
Shaping, polishing, and adjusting begins until it feels balanced and true to the Okobojo Creek Design’s brand. Recreation, readjusting, and refinement often take place during this part of the process.
Hands-On Making
She moves on to experimenting with texture, forms, and testing combinations of beads, stones, and colors.
Finishing Touches
Kiel says this is where the character of the piece comes alive and the beauty of the time spent on handmade work shows. A transformation that never existed before will now become someone else’s statement piece and “a piece of Kiel’s heart.”
Kingman Turquoise from Golden Valley, AZ, Sleeping Beauty Turquoise, Campitos Turquoise, Hubei Turquoise, coral beads, genuine Navajo Pearls from Albuquerque, NM, and freshwater pearls are incorporated into the handmade jewelry.
Sterling Silver spacers are used as accents, helping accentuate and contrast designs.
“What sets our work apart is the mix of meaningful materials and the handmade individuality in which no two pieces are ever exactly alike,” said Kiel. “Our pieces are rooted in the heart of storytelling.”
“The work we do should remind others of the strength of handmade craftsmanship, the importance of connection to place, and the beauty of wearing something created with heart.”
– Emily kiel
The Kiels also use porcupine quills, bison leather, brass, elk, and deer burrs along with deer antler beads to create their pieces.
Some of the jewelry uniquely uses bandanas, silk scarves, and Latigo leather.
“Each stone, each curve, each imperfection tells a story of resilience and beauty,” added Kiel.
“I WOULD LOVE FOR OKOBOJO CREEK Designs TO INSPIRE CONFIDENCE, PRIDE, AND JOY IN EVERYONE WHO WEARS IT, KEEPING THE SPIRIT OF THE SOUTH DAKOTA OUTDOORS AND ALL ITS RUSTIC BEAUTY ALIVE FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.”
– Emily kiel
MEET THE ARTIST IN PERSON
OCT. 5
Pumpkin Patch North of Pierre on Hwy 1804 | Spring and Cow Creek Turn-Off
NOV. 8 – 9
Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center Early Bird Vendor Show | Fort Pierre
DEC. 2 – 3
SD Cattleman’s Association Annual Conference | Deadwood
DEC . 6 – 7
Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center Cowboy Christmas Vendor Show | Fort Pierre
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“WE ARE A PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER-IT IS WHERE MY SON AND HUSBAND PICK ME WILD FLOWERS,WHERE WE FISH, TRAP, AND HUNT PHEASANTS, DOVE, AND DEER, SKIP ROCKS, AND LEARN ABOUT WHO WE ARE.”
– emily kiel
From collaborating with The Signature Lodge by Cheyenne Ridge Outfitters in Pierre and two Delta Waterfowl chapters in Pierre and Sioux Falls, to supporting the annual Cattlemen’s Association Conference and being part of Women’s Ag Day, Kiel says Okobojo Creek Design’s pieces have found a home across the state and beyond.
“And we have been extremely grateful for our collaborative work with Jewel of the West in Hill City,” said Kiel. “This has been an incredible blessing—our hearts are full knowing our work resonates so deeply with so many.”
Okobojo Creek Designs also does custom work for clients with specific wants and needs.
She says Okobojo Creek Designs doesn’t rely on the trends because they come and go so quickly. Kiel aims to create statement pieces that are timeless, hoping they will be passed down through generations.
“What we are doing is more than just a side hustle; it’s a way of honoring our love and passion for South Dakota’s outdoors and sharing a little piece of our hearts with others through meaningful, handcrafted designs,” said Kiel.
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