Welcome aboard. Visited your site and can definitely see the influence of Jeff on your work. Had the opportunity to meet him several years ago and have always been impressed with what he can do.
Very nice work. I am just jealous as haven't been able to be in the shop for some time. My Mother had a light stroke and as her care giver, it has kept me hopping. I also had a really bad reaction to a sulfa drug so am doing good to just keep moving.
Nice cutting. I usually use a matte finish on the back and more of a gloss on the front. That may be because I got a deal on some matte finish and I don't care for it on the front.
I don't usually sign but have had people ask for it to be signed. I used to do dated ornaments for friends and family rather than cards and that was popular as a lot of people buy a dated ornament every year.
Not much to add as you've gotten some great advice. That thick ply will really heat up a blade especially if it is somewhat dull and you are forcing it. Good job on a first piece.
Instead of a wood backer, I use colored felt which doesn't increase the thickness and just a little glue will hold it in place. Of course, you want to finish before applying the felt.