Meet the Maker

Hi!

My name is Julie and I am the creative mind behind The Playhouse Kid.  I learned to sew when I was in high school, and it quickly morphed into a small business selling handmade apparel at local art/craft fairs and flea markets.  When my nieces and nephews were born (nearly 35 years ago already!), I created and made card table playhouses for them.  Flash forward to being an "older" mom in 2006 and I started making playhouses for my own children.  My sister was actually the one who suggested I start selling my card table playhouses on Etsy.

Since I started on Etsy in 2008, I have developed a large product line of card table playhouses, larger size playhouses, teepees, imaginative play toys and useful household items.  I have had quite a few of my patterns licensed and featured by pattern companies including Simplicity!  I have won the Etsy Member's Choice Award for best toy and have sold over 25,000 items on Etsy alone.  My website keeps up right alongside Etsy!

Children are naturally drawn to the magical art of make believe. But, did you know it's more than just fun? Creating a make believe space, playing dress up, and reenacting stories can play key roles in child development. My playhouses and toys encourage your child to dream and imagine and grow through play.

My teepee, playhouses, toys and sewing patterns are lovingly handmade in my small studio in Menomonee Falls, WI.  ALL of my toys are kid tested and mom approved!  My own children inspired most of the items that I make.  My daughter, Katie and my son, William, even helped me with ideas!  They played with these toys themselves and had wonderful childhoods filled with love and play.  Imaginative play helped them become the smart, competent college students they are today.

Thank you for visiting my website.  Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Playfully yours,

Julie