Okay so I visited my only tiny local leather place around and purchased a groover and over stitcher and to my displeasure he also told me that a scratch awl won't work for making holes it's just for marking. He didn't have any diamond awls or punches in stock so I guess I'm on the hunt for one. Hopefully I can find an awl at a hardware store or somewhere local because I can't wait another week for one to be shipped (to Canada). I've got wallets to make!
Thanks, I just discovered Nigels youtube channel last night and his videos are fantastic, I'm really learning a lot. Also the foam ball cut in half sounds like a fantastic idea, I will give it a try!