Upcycling Projects

Reducing waste is an important step in helping to preserve the planet we call home. Here at Ego, we're always looking for creative ways we can reduce waste around the office and with our products too. A fun and creative way you can reduce waste around your home is by upcycling. Upcycling involves transforming old and unwanted products into new, useful items. Here are a few examples of how you can turn your empty skincare bottles and tubs into fun craft projects.

QV Pot Planter Herb Garden

What you’ll need:
• 3 x QV Cream pump pack
• Chalkboard paint
• Paintbrush
• 1 x pack of chalk
• Masking tape
• Sand Paper
• Scissors
• Various herbs/plants of your choice

Instructions:
1. Remove labels from product.
2. Cut the top of the container/s off, so the pump is removed.
3. Clean out the container/s with water and leave to dry.
4. Sand the edges to smooth out any sharp or rough spots.
5. Remove the bottom blue end of the bottle, and using the scissors, carefully poke 4 small holes in the cone, to allow for water drainage. Re-connect the blue end once complete.
6. Use masking tape to outline a horizontal rectangle on the centre of the planter pot.
7. Paint over the outlined rectangle with Chalkboard paint.
8. Let this dry, remove the tape and then draw your label on with the chalk.
9. Plant your herbs and watch them grow!
Piggy Bank

What you’ll need:
• QV Cream 1kg pump
• Scissors
• 4 x Corks or other bottle lids
• Paint (pink)
• Paint (black)
• Hot Glue Gun
• Googly Eyes
• Pink Coloured Card

Instructions:
1. Remove all labels and cut a coin sized rectangular opening on the centre of the bottle.
2. Using the hot glue gun, attach the corks (or lids) to the opposite end of the coin opening as feet (4 corks/lids required).
3. Paint the body of the pig using the pink paint.
4. Paint the feet using the black paint.
5. Use the coloured card to create ears by cutting them into a pig ear shape, and sticking them onto the top of the bottle with a hot glue gun.
6. Use the pump top (painted pink) at the back of the bottle as a tail, and stick a bottle cap (painted pink) on the front for as nose. Draw on the nostrils with the black paint.
7. Attach the googly eyes above the nose.
8. Start saving!
SunSense ‘Watering Can’

What you’ll need:
• SunSense spray bottle
• Masking tape
• Chalkboard paint
• Paint brush
• Pack of chalk

Instructions:
1. Remove labels from product.
2. Thoroughly wash your SunSense spray bottle with water and soap once empty.
3. Use masking tape to outline a horizontal rectangle on the centre of the planter.
4. Paint over the outlined rectangle with Chalkboard paint.
5. Let this dry, remove the tape and then draw your label on with the chalk.
6. Fill the bottle with tap water and use to keep your QV Pot Planter Herb Garden hydrated!
QV Pot Planter Hanging Garden

What you’ll need:
• 3 x QV Cream pump pack (once empty)
• Spray paint of your choice (optional)
• Sand Paper
• Scissors
• Various plants/flowers of your choice
• Hemp Rope

Instructions:
1. Remove label from product/s.
2. Cut the top of the container/s off, so the pump is removed.
3. Clean out the container/s with water and leave to dry.
4. Sand the edges to smooth out any sharp or rough spots.
5. Remove the bottom blue end of the bottle, and using the scissors, carefully poke 4 small holes in the cone, to allow for water drainage.
6. Spray paint the blue end, and leave to dry (optional).
7. Pierce two holes on each side of the bottle at the same height, and thread the rope through it. Tie this off at the top.
8. Re-connect the painted end to the planter pot.
9. Plant your herbs and watch them grow!
QV Christmas Lolly Jar

What you’ll need:
• QV Cream 250g jar
• Hemp Ribbon
• Christmas Ribbon/decorations

Instructions:
1. Remove labels and lid from the jar.
2. Decorate the jars to your liking.
3. Fill with your favourite Christmas treats and enjoy!
QV Hanging Pen Holder

What you’ll need:
• QV Wash 250ml bottle
• Scissors
• Thumbtack
• Sanding paper
• Spray paint of your choice

Instructions:
1. Remove labels from product.
2. Cut a horizontal line across the centre of the QV bottle, continue cutting on both sides of the bottle, leaving the back intact.
3. Sand any sharp edges back.
4. Spray the bottle with the spray paint of your choice and leave to dry overnight.
5. Using a thumbtack, create a hole in the back of the bottle, attach to your pin board and fill with your favourite pens.
QV Charging Dock

What you’ll need:
• QV 500ml bottle
• Scissors
• Sanding paper
• Spray paint of your choice

Instructions:
1. Remove labels from product.
2. Remove cap and wash the empty bottle with water.
3. Cut a horizontal line across the centre of the QV bottle, continue cutting on both sides of the bottle, leaving the back intact.
4. Cut a hole in the back of the bottle, to fit the shape of your phone charger.
5. Sand any sharp edges back and ensure the bottle is completely dry.
6. Spray the bottle with the spray paint of your choice and leave to dry overnight.
Aqium Vase Trio

What you’ll need:
• 3 x Aqium 375ml Bottles
• Rope/Ribbon of your choice
• Hot Glue Gun
• Sanding Paper

Instructions:
1. Remove label from products
2. Cut the tops off each bottle at the same height.
3. Wash the bottles with cold water and leave to dry.
4. Sand the edges to smooth any sharp/rough spots.
5. Using the hot glue gun, stick the three bottles together side by side.
6. Wrap the ribbon/rope around the vase and decorate to your liking.
7. Use the Aqium Vase Trio for fresh or plastic flowers.

Ego considers the safety of children a top priority. Adult supervision and assistance is required for any of the listed arts and crafts projects. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to ensure safe and successful experiences.