Ink on Paper Source X E. Frances

E. Frances, named for their beloved Grandmothers, is run by two sisters and cousin in the salty air of Newport, RI. They create hand-painted, watercolor paper goods that inspire real, authentic connection. From greeting cards to notepads and stationery, each product evokes love, gratitude, and kindness. Their warm, familiar style comes together like a hug, making it easy to create small gestures that have big impacts. Trish Whalen, CEO and founder of E. Frances Paper, described their art style as joyful. “My work combines traditional watercolor painting with a modern sense of humor and a little unexpected charm. We sometimes describe it as “prute,” pretty and cute, but never generic. Even the simplest designs have a great deal of thought, emotion, and storytelling behind them.” 

“I always knew I wanted to be an artist,” Trish said. “I studied at Massachusetts College of Art and Design and began my career in fashion illustration and graphic design before starting my own freelance design business. But I had always dreamed of building something with my sister, Jenni. In 2012, we realized that stationery was the perfect home for my artwork and our shared love of paper, words, and connecting with people. We officially launched E. Frances in 2013 with our cousin Pippi, making us a true family business. The company is named for our grandmothers, Elizabeth and Frances, who taught us so much about kindness and connection.” 

During her time at school she shared, “When I was a broke college student in Boston, I used to go into the local Paper Source store and just drool. That 'paper bar' with the colors and envelopes in every size…. stuff of dreams. So, I pinch myself now that my art is actually in the stores. Paper Source has always celebrated the tactile, personal, and creative power of paper, so seeing our work there is incredibly meaningful. It is a destination for people who genuinely love stationery and understand how special a handwritten note can be. We have been fortunate to work with Paper Source for years, but this personalized collection feels especially exciting. It allows customers to take our artwork and make it uniquely their own. Knowing these designs will help mark celebrations, deepen relationships, and create everyday moments of connection is exactly why we started E. Frances.”  

For their Ink on Paper Source collection, Trish said, “We wanted the collection to feel unmistakably E. Frances: joyful, expressive, beautifully painted, and full of personality. We selected artwork that could stand on its own while also creating a wonderful frame for someone’s name or personal message.” 

“The designs reflect different sides of the brand, from playful dogs and cheerful dots to classic bows, bees, and our signature expressions of love. The common thread is that each one makes something useful feel more personal and special. We loved the idea that customers could choose the design that feels most like them, or most like the person receiving it, and create stationery that is truly their own.” 

Her creative process starts tactilely. “I have sketchbooks everywhere and am constantly jotting down or drawing ideas. Pretty much everything I encounter begins with the question, “Could that be a card?” I have an ability to imagine almost anything as a greeting card—including putting animals in clothes making extremely specific expressions. I have painted more bunnies, bears, dogs, bees, bows, and tiny food items than I could ever count.” 

“When we are developing a collection, sometimes the words come first and inspire the illustration; other times, a character, object, or visual idea leads us to the message. I sketch many versions, we review and refine them together, and the strongest ideas are eventually hand-painted in watercolor. Inspiration comes from everywhere, my kids, color, children’s books, my dad’s paintings, and things that make us laugh. I can become completely obsessed with a color or a tiny visual detail, and it will inevitably make its way into the next collection. Most of all, I’m inspired by human connection—the things we want to say to one another and the feelings that are sometimes easier to express through a handwritten note.” 

“Watercolor is my primary medium. I love that watercolor has its own life- you half control it, half let it do its own beautiful thing. It has a softness and humanity that feels especially right for E. Frances. Every illustration begins by hand, usually with a lot of sketches before moving into the final watercolor painting. Once the painting is complete, we bring it into the design process digitally, but preserving the warmth, texture, and small imperfections of the original artwork is always important. Those details are part of what makes something feel genuinely made by a person. There are usually many rounds of edits—and plenty of paintings that never make it into the collection. We are very thoughtful and particular about what ultimately carries the E. Frances name.” 

“I’m most proud that the artwork has become part of something larger than itself. E. Frances now supports an incredible team of talented people, and together we make products whose purpose is to help people feel seen, loved, appreciated, and connected. It is incredibly meaningful to think about one of my paintings becoming a card or note that someone chooses for a person they love. We often talk about our impact not only in terms of the products we sell, but in terms of the number of people who receive a little happiness because of them. That is a pretty special thing to get to create every day.” Trish said. 

To explore the E. Frances Paper collection with Ink on Paper Source click here, follow E. Frances on social, and check out their website.