The next step is to create our first bit of authenticity and simulate ink bleed where water based inks seep - or
'bleed' - into the parchment fibres on old maps or text. So to do this, we are going to use our newly created
line work because we want the bleeding to follow it. 1.4 duplicate that stroked layer about 3 times by dragging it over the new layer icon. Merge the layers
together. Make sure it's UNDER the first stroked layer. Make sure you have de-selected everything.
Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur > Radius of about 1.6 to 2

as it should look:

result:


What does it mean that the merged layers should be under the first stroked layer? and what is it that is supposed to be de-selected?