I made this for a birthday present for a friend who loves Cardinals. The actual cut time only took about 20 minutes.
I used a pre-cut 16" round 6mm board for the bottom layer purchased from https://kandgmakeit.com but you can resize the design to make a smaller sign or use a puzzle piece for the backer. I previously posted a design for a puzzle piece round and you can find it in DesignFind.
If you use a pre-cut backer like I did, there is a semi-circle piece in the design to add glue on the back to level the sign and reinforce hanging.
I used 3mm MDF (12X19) boards for the top layer. I purchased them from https://bigbluelaserdesigns.com because he has great prices and quality mdf (and local for me).
I started using MDF earlier this year because it cuts like butter, and I can cut the 3mm MDF quicker than the birch I was using.
The best glue I have found for gluing MDF is Starbond Thick. (Amazon)
Note: I usually hand-paint two layers of acrylic paint on my cut pieces but for this project I experimented with spray paint also and I was happy with the results.
I hope you enjoy making this project as much as I did!