I would use a urethane resin for a pine cone. It will penetrate a bit better and be less brittle. You also need a pressure pot. Pine cones come in all shapes and sizes. The small cones must be cast in order to be used. The giant cones that have a core large enough for a pen, those are the ones that are super glued together. Basically, all the leaves are removed leaving just a core. You soak the core with the glue to strengthen it and then you drill it. As you know, most pine cones are not that large inside, but there are some types that are. All pine cones give a different effect. Every effect is a winner in my opinion. If you want a pine cone or two that already is cast in resin, PR Princess may still have a few left. Exoticblanks.com ...look for my name in the guest artist section and there might be a couple pine cones there to chose from. It might be worth buying one or two cast pine cones and giving them a spin before spending the money on equipment and casting your own. They are not expensive blanks, if she still has any left.