MidCoast Maine is fast becoming the locale for hip and fun boutiques filled with pretty handmade items I daydream about more than I probably should. fourTWELVE is one of those shops in Rockland chocked full of beautiful pieces I would love to fill my home with. Full disclosure, I bought myself an early holiday present from there - the Sailing Ship pillow by Thomas Paul. I mentioned it in a post a few weeks ago, walked into Beth Bowley’s gorgeous boutique and ran to it. Literally, ran to and grabbed it.

Here are a few seaworthy holiday items Beth recommends for the maritime lover in your life (all can be found in her boutique fourTWELVE).

Maritime images from Thomas Paul…these striking indigo print natural jute pillows will make any sofa a sailor’s safe port.

For the Birder on your list a Sweet Bella Bird call…for localivores the Black Headed Gull.  Beautifully hand crafted in France by Monsieur Morel.  Now…after all these years you can finally say “hello” to our ubiquitous friends.

Phillip Plisson, renowned French photographer, shares his inspiring photos of, and thoughts about, our majestic oceans and seas.  Plisson has been studying and capturing images of these mighty bodies of water for years and his obsession is our gain.

Sailors’ Wisdom: Day by Day. Striking images accompanied by wisdom and quotes for everyday of the year.

The Sea. An oversized volume with breath taking photos, and thoughts about, Plisson’s love of the sea.

Thomas Paul Melamine – Sea Life Collection…a quartet of beautiful graphic sea creatures on sturdy retro melamine. Dishwasher safe and super chic. Available in three different sizes  11′ dinner plates, middle 9″ and coasters 4 1/2″.

John Derian – master of all things decoupage has created decorative oval plates that are perfect for any seaside abode.   Just the thing for a side table and absolutely wall art worthy.

Jo Ellen and her daughter Jessica run one of my favorite shops in MidCoast Maine, the cheerful home decor/gift shop Jo Ellen Designs. Located in downtown Camden, Maine the shop is a beacon for design savvy shoppers wanting to spruce up their home and catch up with the friendly mom and daughter team. Before opening the shop, which features heirloom rugs and pillows Jo Ellen designs, she was a successful children’s book illustrator.

Here is Jo Ellen and Jessica’s holiday wish list:

Collection of little cups and saucers from Arendal Ceramics.

Jessica really wants a “Loring” Tumbleweed Tiny House built on a meadow in Hope, Maine and customized with a loft and built in bookshelves everywhere. Jo Ellen wants Jessica to build this house so she can decorate it!!

Both want a copy of the “Year of Feathers” 2010 calendar from The Wild Unknown.

Jessica wants the month of February off so she can participate in a book arts residency at the Maine Media Workshops. And if Jo Ellen had the February off she would want, more than anything, not to be afraid of planes so she could travel absolutely everywhere.

Both want their friend Scott Overlock to wake up from a coma and walk out of the hospital.

Jessica wants a training program that will have her ready for the Timberman half-ironman in August.

Both want this suzani from The Loaded Trunk - there is only one so who gets it!??

Both would love any of Lulu Frost’s jewelry, especially the “Triple Bee Necklace” or anything in the “Collage” collection.

Jo Ellen and Jessica wish every artist and non-artist alike (guess that’s everyone) to read Karl Paulnack’s address to parents and students at the Boston Conservatory.

As a special treat, Jessica and Jo Ellen’s gift suggestions from Jo Ellen Designs stock:

Fox & Vine Blue rug and pillow