Former Maine politician Alex Ray left politics earlier this year to create an e-commerce company with his wife, Anne, an Augusta native. Ray previously served as executive director of the Maine Republican Party.

The Web site company, www.downeastgifts.com, features handmade gifts, crafts and collectibles from northern New England and the Maritime Provinces.

Nearly 85 percent of the artisans involved are Mainers with products ranging from handmade knives from Milo to pressed flower jewelry from Casco.