A FORMERLY homeless woman who has transformed her life thanks to a Cowley charity is giving the same treatment to unwanted furniture.

One year ago, 24-year-old Isis Howes found herself without a home and was forced to sleep on family and friends’ sofas, before she was helped by Emmaus Oxford.

Now she is using her creative skills to upcycle furniture to raise funds for the charity that helped her.

She said: “It means a lot to me that I’m able to use my artistic talents to help Emmaus, as they’ve done so much to support me.

"I love finding pieces of donated furniture and transforming them to be sold in our shop.

"I have a workshop area and as people donate items, I keep an eye out for things that might otherwise not sell, or sell for very little.

"Wooden items like tables and chairs are great for upcycling."

Upcycling refers to the process of overhauling an item or using it for a purpose other than the one it was originally created for.

Emmaus Oxford provides accommodation and work in Oxford for up to 28 people, otherwise at risk of homelessness, who are known as companions.

Companions come off benefits and work full time at the charity's shop in Barns Road in Cowley, which recycles furniture and other household goods.

The artist uses Annie Sloan chalk paints and has developed her 'shabby-chic' techniques to turn trash into treasures.

She said: “Sometimes things come in and they aren't really sellable, but then I give them a new lease of life.

"I sand them down and choose different colours, and I sometimes use transfers to add patterns or images.

"Recycling is one of my passions so it's great to see something that might have otherwise been thrown away, attracting attention on the shop floor."

Emmaus Oxford general manager Eddie Blaze praised her work.

He said: “Isis is an incredibly talented individual who works wonders to transform pieces of second-hand furniture into beautiful pieces to sell.

"Emmaus Oxford is all about giving homeless people much more than just a bed for the night; we support each person as an individual, helping to build up their confidence and develop skills and experience, especially whilst helping to run our charity shop.

"Companions such as Isis are then able to help raise vital funds to help the charity that supports them.”

Browse the latest creations by the artist on sale in the Emmaus Oxford shop.