They are both beautiful! I poured a pine cone blank in clear alumilite and it is clear for the most part. I don't think my pine cones were quite dry as it foamed a little bit on the top but turn it over and the foam inside the blank looks like pine cones in ice! So I'm going to turn it any way and see how it turns out. It might not turn out but it doesn't hurt to try it. I poured a blank with buttons in it this a.m. and I hope that turns out too. I have more buttons put aside for another blank. I bought this alumilte online as I was not able to get to town to get what I usually use. I threw my back out so was not able to walk that far. I guess I will not use this brand unless I get a pressure pot. That is yet in the future... Did you cut your pine cones or just cast them whole and how large were they? Fay