Mal,
Yes, I take it I rubbed a few the wrong way with my RANT!
The abalone was purchased in Hawaii in a sheet. I didn't want to do round holes so I purchased the rectangular punch at Michaels and tried it. It worked out pretty good but would have liked the pieces a little bit bigger. I still think the pen is 'missing' something. Maybe more abalone on the next one or something else in with it....hmmmmmm....
Have a great day!