DIY Fishing Car Decal + Organizing Auto Care Items

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #EarthDayDriveAway #CollectiveBias

What does it mean to be a maker?

Over the years, culture has tried to re-define it every so often, but the core of being a maker is the same as it has always been. It is as simple as someone who makes something. This can take on a variety of forms, and I do not believe that “makers” are only professional artists. Maybe you’re someone who enjoys repurposing items that you already have for something different. Perhaps you take pride in saving resources through recycling. Or maybe, instead of purchasing new items, you find things that you already own or have to create exactly what you need. These are all ways to be a “maker,” and –extra points– they are great ways to celebrate upcoming Earth Day, too!

I know that many of my awesome readers identify as being a maker and come here for creative projects. I’m happy to be bringing you a crafty project in addition to a few other things within this one post today. First, I have a DIY Fishing Car Decal. Have you ever wondered how to make a car decal with your Cricut or other cutting machine? I’m show you how! For this project, instead of heading to the store and purchasing a car decal, I decided to use items that I already had to make it. Secondly, I’m sharing a few Car Care Organization tips that do not require the purchase of expensive organizational systems. Lastly, I have info on an Earth Day Drive Away Walmart Select Certificate for you (because extra jingle in our pockets is always a good thing!). 

Supplies:

• Cutting machine (I’m using a Cricut machine)
• Cutting mat
• Premium outdoor vinyl
• Transfer tape
• Weeding tool
• Scraper tool or old credit/rewards card for applying decal

Open up the software system  (in my case, the Cricut Design Space). If you are using Cricut Design Space like I am in the project, you can click HERE to grab my project file to make it super easy! If not, design your decal, making sure to measure the place where you wish to place the decal.

Cut the design on the cutting mat with the premium outdoor vinyl.

Use the weeding tool to remove the vinyl within the design that doesn’t belong.

Set the design aside until you wish to apply the decal. Once you are ready to apply the decal to your vehicle, clean the window area thoroughly. Let it dry.

Grab the decal. Cut a piece of transfer tape the same size as the decal.

Peel the liner from the transfer tape. Apply the transfer tape to the decal.

Use the scraper tool to gently press the vinyl to the transfer tape. Pull the liner from the back of the vinyl.

Position the decal on the window and carefully apply, using the scraper tool to adhere. Remove the transfer tape.

While applying the decal, I decided to stay outdoors in the garage and do a little spring cleaning. My husband recently went to the store and purchased several auto care items, including Mobil 1™ High Mileage. My husband does much of our auto care personally, saving us money and resources. He learned much of  everything that he knows -from the proper disposal of oil to the best auto care brands to purchase- from his late father. He has used the Mobil 1™ synthetic oil line for years because it does more than protect our engines, but it also leads to fewer oil changes to aid in less oil consumption. He brought all of the items home that we need for spring auto maintenance. One of the downsides to doing auto care at home is storing and organizing the items, but with a few simple tips, everything will have a place. And there’s no need to purchase expensive garage organizational systems (because, man, that can get pricey, right?).

-First, consider the location of the auto care items. Are they in a location where children frequently play? If so, then auto care items should be placed high and out of reach. If a high shelf is not available, the auto care items should be placed in a different location where children do not have access. For me, this is the most important rule to follow. It doesn’t matter how organized items are if they are within reach of kids for potential danger. When deciding where to place a shelf or storage until, consider who will have access first and foremost before beginning.

–Don’t follow the “smallest to largest” rule. Many auto care items come in large containers, like our Mobil 1™ High Mileage synthetic oil. However, if I place the oil in the back of a shelf with smaller items in front of it, I’ll have to move all of the smaller items out of the way in order to get to the larger items. Since I have to move items anyways, it’s better to place all large items in a line from front to back.

–Use all available storage on whatever shelf or storage unit that you have. This includes even the sides and top of storage shelves. The sides of storage shelves are typically great for hooks to hang light weight items.

–Organize oldest to newest. If you have auto care items that are the same, organize them from oldest to newest so that the oldest bottle/container is used first.

–Repurpose cardboard boxes. Do you often receive ordered items in the mail? Cut down the cardboard boxes to a tray size (about 2″ in height) to create organizational bins or dividers for items. These are great because in the case of a spill (which liquid auto care items are known to do), I can easily create another. Alternatively, I have also cut out the flat portion of cardboard boxes to make garage shelf liners.

Earn a $10 Walmart Select Certificate with the Earth Day Drive Away offer!

Until April 30, 2018, shoppers can enter for a chance to win a Chevy Equinox PLUS receive a $10 Walmart Select Certificate that is eligible on their next Mobil 1™ purchase at Walmart (valid towards any 5 quart Mobil 1™ purchase).

Shoppers can enter for a chance to win a Chevy Equinox in two ways:

1. By purchasing 5 quarts of Mobil 1™ in the store or a Mobil 1™ oil change at the Auto Care Center. Use the Walmart Oil Selector tool to determine the type of oil that you need for your vehicle.
2. By recycling any used oil at an Auto Care Center.

Once shoppers have made a qualifying Mobil 1™ purchase or recycled any used oil at Walmart, they can enter to win the Chevy Equinox and/or receive their $10 Walmart Select Certificate at earthdaydriveaway.com. Limit 2 entries in the sweepstakes per customer (1 for purchasing and 1 for recycling). A receipt is required to receive $10 Walmart Select Certificate. Terms and conditions, FAQs, and other information can be found at EarthDayDriveAway.com.