Digitally printed applique and method of making same

A method of affixing a decorative article to a product comprising:

• a. preparing at first set of instructions executable by a processor electrically interconnected with a digital printer wherein said first set of instructions is adapted to direct said printer to print a plurality of design elements and at least two intersecting lines bordering said design elements on at least two sides;
• b. preparing a second set of instructions executable by a processor electrically interconnected with a laser cutter wherein said second set of instructions is adapted to direct said laser cutter to cut said material into at least one decorative article, said decorative article comprising at least one design element;
• c. digitally printing said plurality of design elements and said least two intersecting lines on an upper surface of a sheet of material using a digital printer, said digital printer being directed by said first set of instructions;
• d. manually aligning said sheet of material on the cut bed of a laser cutter such that at least one of said at least two intersecting lines is aligned with one edge of said cut bed;
• e. cutting said material into at least one decorative article with said laser cutter, said decorative article comprising at least one said design element, said laser cutter being directed by said second set of instructions;
• and
• f. securely attaching said decorative article to said product.