Instructions

1. Watch the video. Follow along with the video tutorial for a step-by-step walkthrough of how to make your own summer decoupage sign.
2. Paint the Cutting Board. Start by painting the entire front surface of your bamboo cutting board with white paint. Let the paint dry completely before moving to the next step.
3. Apply Mod Podge. Once your paint is dry, apply a generous coat of Mod Podge over the entire front surface of the cutting board. Let the Mod Podge dry completely before adding your napkin.
4. Prep the Strawberry Napkin. Grab your Dollar Tree strawberry napkins and separate the layers until you're left with only the top printed layer. A quick trick that works well: Place a small piece of masking tape on the front and back of the napkin and gently pull the layers apart.
5. Heat Press the Napkin Onto the Sign. Lay the printed napkin on top of the dried Mod Podge surface. Place parchment paper over the napkin to protect it, then use: A mini heat press or A household iron with NO steam. Slowly press over the entire surface. The heat reactivates the dried Mod Podge underneath and creates a smooth, wrinkle-free finish without the bubbles you sometimes get with traditional wet decoupage methods.
6. Remove Excess Napkin. Once your napkin is fully adhered, remove the excess around the edges.
   Use a Dollar Tree nail file, sandpaper, or a sanding block. Important: Always file in a downward motion. Do not file upward, or you may accidentally lift the napkin from the edges. If any corners start lifting, simply place parchment paper back on top and reheat press those areas.
7. Seal the Napkin. Before adding your lettering, brush on one thin coat of Mod Podge over the top of the napkin. This helps protect the napkin and gives your heat transfer vinyl a better surface to adhere to. Use as few brush strokes as possible to avoid wrinkles. Let everything dry completely.
8. Add Your Vinyl Design. I cut the phrase: "Hello Sweet Summer" using white heat transfer vinyl on my Cricut. Apply the vinyl slowly using your heat press. A little warning: heat transfer vinyl on top of napkins can be a little tricky. Work in small sections: Heat press a little, Peel a little, and Repeat. Go slowly and watch carefully to make sure the vinyl stays adhered as you remove the plastic backing. Once the backing is removed, do one final press with parchment paper on top for a smooth finish.
9. Create a Jute Rope Border. Hot glue jute rope around the outer edge of the cutting board. Start at the bottom and work your way around the entire sign. Add hot glue in small sections as you go.
   Once you reach the starting point, cut the rope and match the ends neatly.
10. Add a Hanging Loop. Cut another piece of jute rope to create a hanger. Glue one end about 1½ inches from the top left corner. Glue the other end about 1½ inches from the top right corner. Leave enough slack in the middle to create a hanging loop.