My name is Cindy Fahnestock-Schafer but you may know me as artist, designer, or author Ira Mency, which is an anagram for my Italian family name Cyn Marie.

I am located in Baltimore, Maryland and have ties to a tiny town called Danforth, Maine. I am married to a wonderfully patient and successful man who allows me to do my thing.

I recycled before it was the "in thing." I knew one day our landfills would be overflowing and so many things could be repurposed and upcycled.

I believe in trying to reduce my carbon footprint and try to be eco-friendly and implementing small changes in my life that will benefit future generations to come.

My artwork is made of recycled, upcycled, discarded or reclaimed goods. I rescue vintage and upcycle it. I design assemblages and vintage displays for stores and blog about greenie things and DIY projects.

I write mainly about greener living, nature, art and design (although I am a published book author of a children's fantasy novel.) I sell vintage items because I believe it is better to reuse and repurpose than to buy new.

I am proud Team Leader of the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team and run a blog on vintage melmac and plastic design! :)