Thanks everyone. Beavertail isn't bad to work with, the tail I used was split to around 2oz so I backed it with leather. That allowed me to burnish it. Beaver tail doesn't burnish very well.
Has anyone tried their foot press? It seems to be reasonably priced, and I have read a lot of good reviews on their hand press but there doesn't seem to be much info on the quality of their foot press. This is the one I am looking at. https://goldstartool.com/Grommeting_Kick_Press_-_1Die_-Plus_1000_-5_-5-8-_34mm_grommets.html
lol I know. The little lady is the photographer in the family I just get by with grainy cell phone pictures most of the time. I did build a light box this evening. Now I just have to convince her to let me play with her camera. I'm pretty sure she likes that camera more than me, so it may be an up hill fight.
I am putting the feelers out for a good needle and awl stitcher. I'd prefer to find one in the north-east Tennessee/ south-west Virginia area but you know what they say about wanting in one hand lol. Just let me know.