Hi, I'm Jolene
— the mom behind The Playdough Kitchen.
I live in beautiful Hermanus with my husband, Michael, and our two little ones — a wild one-year-old and a curious three-year-old who keep us on our toes.
Like so many moms, I always imagined I’d be creating elaborate, Pinterest-worthy sensory setups for my kids. But real life (and real exhaustion!) had other plans. Between naptimes, snacks, and the daily chaos, I simply didn’t have the time or energy.
One day, in an effort to do something simple and engaging, we made a batch of homemade playdough together. And honestly? It was a turning point.
Where it began
The dough we made was softer, smelled better, lasted way longer than the sticky, smelly store-bought stuff I’d always hated. Plus, if she had a lick (which she always did), I didn’t have to panic, because I knew exactly what was in it.
Over the next two years, I kept refining the recipe until it was absolutely perfect, and in the meantime, I watched how beautifully it supported my sensory-seeking daughter. It became the one activity she asked for again and again - keeping her engaged and focused in a way nothing else did.
I started making playdough for friends, for birthday parties, for gifts… and eventually I realised something important: There must be other moms like me.
Moms who want to give their kids enriching, open-ended, sensory play — but who don’t have the time, energy, or mental bandwidth to plan and prep it all.
So I started The Playdough Kitchen
A small, heartfelt business that makes non-toxic, food-grade, handmade playdough and creative kits for busy families who want safe, magic-filled play without the fuss.
Every batch is made with love, intention, and the hope that it gives you the same gift it gave me:
a happy, engaged child — and a moment to breathe and drink your coffee while it is still hot!
