Even the simple act of putting a defining black edge around your artwork can make a great difference to the presentation, power and professionalism of the final piece

Black lining can be done on the fly, as you produce each image, or at a later time, when there are a collection to be looked through and presented.

I am using a Black PAPERMATE Permanent Marker with a chisel point.

As you move down the card keep a slow smooth flow of movement and go right off the end of the artwork.

It should look like this - nice and neat, straight and black. If it is not dark enough then go over it again, just repeating the same process.

Repeat this for each of the edges, until you have completed the whole exterior of the artwork.

NOTE: some people use a ruler for this, but personally I find it quicker and crisper to use the finger technique throughout.

Finally, the piece is completed.
The black edge defines the limit for the eye and creates a sharp and crisp transition and division between mount and art.

This technique applies black ink on top of the wax, but the marker can also be used direct onto the card underneath the wax for framed and silhouette results - similar to ink stamping, except that you draw the image instead of stamping on someone elses designs..