Coffee Before Chaos DIY Sign: Step-by-Step Kit Guide (Beginner Friendly)

Shelbe Brooks
Aug 28
3 min read

What’s Inside the Kit

• Wood backing (sign base)

• Paints

• Mod Podge

• Paint brushes

• Cardstock (background)

• Laser cut pieces (letters & icons)

• Jute rope

• Add-on options: bow, greenery, paint droppers

You’ll Also Need (not included)

• Hot glue gun + glue sticks

• Scissors or wire cutters (for greenery)

• Flat edge tool (old gift card/squeegee)

• Paper plate or palette, cup of water, paper towels

• Optional: painter’s tape, craft knife, hair dryer/heat tool for faster drying

Safety note: Use hot glue with care. Protect your work surface and clothing.

Step 1: Unbox, Plan & Prep (2–3 min)

Lay out all pieces. Do a quick “dry fit” to see where everything will go, this helps with spacing once things are sticky.

Step 2: Paint the Laser Cutouts (10–20 min dry time)

Paint your letters and shapes using thin, even coats. Thinner coats dry faster and look smoother. Set aside to dry for 10–20 minutes.

Pro tip: Paint edges first for a clean finish, then the faces.

Step 3: Prep the Board with Mod Podge (1–2 min)

Brush a thin, even layer of Mod Podge over the entire wood backing. Make sure you cover edge to edge.

Step 4: Place & Adhere the Laser Cuts (10–20 min set time)

While the top coat is still slightly tacky, arrange your painted laser cuts. When you love the layout, press to adhere. Let them set for 10–20 minutes before moving on.

This is your adhesive layer for the cardstock.

Step 5: Add the Cardstock Background (3–4 min)

Center the cardstock on the board. Starting in the middle, smooth outward with your fingers or a flat tool to push out air and avoid bubbles.

Seal with a thin top coat of Mod Podge over the cardstock.

Troubleshooting:

• Small bubbles? Keep gently smoothing as the top coat is still wet.

• A wrinkle snuck in? Lift that area carefully and re-smooth.

Step 6: Create the Jute Rope Border (5–8 min)

Plug in the hot glue gun. Add a small dot of glue where you want to anchor the rope and create a tiny circle/loop to lock it in place.

Then trace a line of glue, pressing the rope down as you work your way around in a spiral or along the perimeter (your choice!).

Pro tips:

• Work in short glue sections so it doesn’t cool before the rope is down.

• Keep gentle tension on the rope for a tidy line.

• Zapped by stringy glue? Wave a warm hair dryer briefly to shrink glue strings.

Step 7: Garnish with Bow & Greenery (2–3 min)

Add a bow, greenery, or both for a custom touch. A cluster in one corner balances the design without covering your lettering.

Step 8: Optional Final Seal (1–2 min + dry)

If you’d like extra protection, you can add a very light seal of Mod Podge over the cardstock areas only. Avoid flooding over the painted letters to keep their crisp look. Let dry completely.