Some of the new Angels Landing™ digital stamping images combine printed elements with piercing. The process is simple, but the order of the steps can make a difference.

1. Print. With any digital image, the obvious first step is to print it on cardstock or other paper. Select the “Best” print quality setting. When possible, use a “photo” printer cartridge rather than ordinary black ink. For watercoloring, you can print the images on regular printer paper first, then take them to a copy shop to have them copied on your watercolor paper. For copy machines that use toner instead of ink, the lines should not smear when wet. Laser printers are also good for watercolors.

2. Color. When it comes to avoiding smearing, all inkjet printer inks are not created equal. Heat setting works for some, but not all. A clear, matte fixative spray can help. In my tests, two light coats of fixative were better than one heavier one, and the spray was allowed to dry completely between coats. Many people have had good results coloring with Copics or other permanent art markers, or using colored pencils blended with either baby oil or Gamsol. You’ll notice I don’t stay inside the lines when the piece is going to be cut out.

3. Pierce. This step is optional. You can use any needle piercing tool for this technique. Mine has a comfortable Gooshy Grip (from WalMart) added. Place your printed cardstock right-side-up on a mouse pad for piercing. I put a cutting mat under the mouse pad to protect my desk, just in case.

4. Cut. For designs that will be cut out, it is easiest to do the trimming last. That way, you are working with larger pieces of cardstock while coloring and piercing them. A sharp pair of detail scissors will make more precise cuts. Remember to turn the paper into the scissors, rather than moving the scissors around the curves. The blog header image shows flat petals that have not been separated. Partially cutting between the petals will allow them to be shaped separately, as was done for the Floral Gift Box.

Have you used any of my digital images for your cards or other projects? I would love to see what you’ve created. Please include a link in your comment. Thanks.