In case you haven’t noticed, we are currently obsessed with sea life as 

evidenced by our new sea life stickers and sea life nursery art print. As you 

know, I was born and raised in Washington State. This is where my love of water 

and sea life began as I was surrounded by it every day. Although I now live in the 

desert, the memories of water, beaches and sea creatures are crystal clear in my 

mind and are a constant inspiration for me.

While in college, one of my favorite places to visit in Seattle was the Ballard 

Locks. It is an amazing park/botanical garden/fish ladder and boat link. The locks 

provide a way for boats to move between the saltwater of the Puget Sound and 

the fresh water of Lake Union and Lake Washington. There is a 26 foot height 

difference between both bodies of water, so boats either rise or fall while in the 

locks depending on which way they are traveling. So cool.

The other part of the locks that is always fascinating is the fish ladder. The 

ladder was created to allow salmon to pass between the fresh water and the salt 

water. Glass windows below the water line allow people to watch the fish as they 

swim through. It’s the perfect place to take kids of all ages.

I know the locks are unique to Seattle, but no matter where you live, sea life can 

inspire you by visiting your local aquarium. The aquarium is a great way to spend 

time with your family, plus your kids will have a blast looking at jellyfish, turtles, 

seahorses and schools of fish, many of which are featured on our new stickers and 

prints.

I will never forget my Washington roots as those memories continually play a huge role in my inspiration.