How do I create a solid mat/shadow for a flourish?

[DeBe]

Hi
I have designed some names for our Christmas Dinner table and each is welded to a flourish. I would like to create a plain mat which goes around the outside edge of the whole design, so I copied the design and then changed the style to "Blackout", but it doesn't create a solid mat but one which still goes around each letter and flourish. I tried shadow too. Is there anyway of creating a blackout for the outer edge of the whole thing only? I hope I have explained that well enough
Thanks and Merry Christmas!

[talanhart]

Can you post one of the files?

[DeBe]

Sure (I think!) I am new to this so how would I do that please? Thanks!

[firstcut]

Sounds like you need to increase the numerical value until the shadows connect.

[DeBe]

If I increase the numerical value doesn't that just make it bigger? I'm very new to this so probably getting confused! also in a different timezone (England!) Thanks!