I have used the contact paper several times now and I think it is WONDERFUL! and cheap
I lay my blank on the back side of the contact paper, cut around it with a craft knife.
Make sure the wood has no dust on it. I just wipe a couple of times with my hands.
then peel the backing off the contact paper and stick it to the wood blank.
I cut roughly around the pattern, put it in the waste basket upside down and spray it well with spray adhesive.
Take it out and stick it to the contact paper. Rub or roll it down well. I use a brayer.
So far, after cutting the pattern and contact paper come off in one piece.
I lay the cutting flat on a rubber mat and gently sand front and back.