This is a very simple project. The image is from a public domain collections of Christmas images. I added the wood floor to give the image a base to sit on. Once you have the pattern well secured it's just a matter of cutting around the edges. I just used normal printer paper. It may or may not be better to use a high quality paper. It might be worth testing to see how it cuts. The normal printer paper worked pretty good though.
I applied the image to a 3/4" thick piece of MDF. Use the permanent adhesion instructions on the can of your spray glue. It will usually tell you to apply the spray to both the back of the image and the board.
After the glue cured I applied several coats of clear spray enamel. I hoped this would strengthen the paper and make is less likely to rip while cutting. I think it did help. I had no problem cutting it out except the very thin arch of the cane. I had to repair that after it was torn off.
I used a #3 scroll reverse blade which I also chose to help keep the paper from tearing. The glue did give way in a couple places while cutting. I just carefully used a small amount of wood glue to affix it back down. I completed the cut out with several more coats of clear spray enamel.
Update:
I had a couple questions today about the aluminum replacement knob I showed the other day. I kind of made a mess of the contact information. I said in the video I would post the email on my blog. I decided at the last minute not to do that. I didn't want the email address to get lifted by a spambot. I actually added the contact email address to the end of the video. It's the last 10 or 15 seconds of the video. That was the safest way to do it until I get permission from the guys who are selling it.
I also had to inquiries about the potential damage the knob might cause. The concern was over the extra weight of the knob causing the motor or bearing to wear excessively. While I do not believe this is a concern you need to direct those concerns to the guys who are making the knob available. I don't know how much testing they have done. I'm comfortable installing them on my machines but use your own judgement.
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