I need a cookie mentor

! I hate to keep asking such basic questions but I want to get my ducks all in a row before I get started with my cookies this weekend. I understand the outlining part and filling the design in but when you add extra color or design do you wait until the icing has dried to apply it? Some of the cookies look like the icing sinks in to give it a smooth appearance while other cookies look like some of the details just sit on top. Example: lets say I do a Christmas stocking and want to add stripes or dots ...would I outline, fill in, let it dry and then stripe or dot it? Also when you mention adding corn syrup to an icing recipe to get a glossy look do you replace the entire water amount with corn syrup or just part of it?I have ordered cookie cutters, decorating bottles..I'm so excited!!!! Lets just hope I don't get discouraged this weekend!
Antonia, can I add corn syrup to your recipe instead or water? Where can I access you step by step tutorial?