Hi Ryan, I think I can understand what you're talking about. After all I thnk you done me a great job on are trade we did but this is different I feel. With it being gifts for Christmas or any other type how could you put a limit or an amount. As Jason stated in his opening, there are people from different countries and backgrounds so how could you limit them. What maybe a junk piece of wood native to me might be considered an exotic to someone in a different part of the country. That is why I asked you about the walnut you sent me. Our black walnut here is solid black with a purplish cast at times and very tight grained because of the rock it has to grow in. Also the whole or deal is about giving not receiving. Just give what your heart feels. Not to get squimished here or anything. But if you feel like you have something you'd like to share with someone that's all thats asked. Whether it be blanks, parts or tools whatever, and me being new to pens I'd even be happy with just advice. Some people may not be able to afford giving much, but those that are more fortunate could give more exquisitly but would that make it a better gift or cherished more, it wouldn't to me. Like the BOW that was snuck in a box I received recently probably didn't cost the sender a lot but I'll cherish it because we talked about it and he sent me some unexpectedly. I've seen some really nice pens being made that didn't cost a lot to the person that made it but would make a treasured gift all the same. How could you compare the value of that with some blanks that was bought.
Anyway the point I'm trying to get at is just give what your heart fills like and its the gift not the dollar amount that should matter.
Here's a copy of what Jason stated:::
3. Secret Santa gifts should be pen-turning related but I don't want to limit this to just blanks (though blanks are fairly universal). Feel free to send blanks, kits, tools, finished pen(s) or whatever you like as long as it relates to pen-turning (or turning at the minimum). There is no upper or lower limit for the gift you send. If you want to send out a Limited Edition Emperor Kit or 18k gold FP nib great, but don't expect one in return; think about what you would like/expect to get and keep that in mind when selecting a gift for you recipient. Remember, this is the season for giving.
