[monk]

firstly, you're doing the right thing by cutting on real things, not really costly ones. second, i'm one who likes to see some background along with the engraving, so i like what you did that way. thirdly, as a beginner, i would advise against hogging away backgrounds with rotary tools. at least on money jobs. these tools can give you a good feeling and then wham, smack you right in the chops. you want to try to pull your cuts towards yourself with the rotary. if you use fluted burs, they will have a tendency to pull away from you creating real headaches. be real careful there. draw lots,you get better, practice cutting, you get better. better is the direction practice makes you go. it just happens that way. your work looks very good for a first timer. guess how much nicer in say, a year ?? up toyou.