....this is my first attempt at a realistic faux Cigar pen. I experimented with quite few different types of material for the background and this is the closest to looking like natural tobacco leaves as I could obtain. To me it appears that one can actually see the veins in the leaves, and I like that aspect. It was cast sans pressure in Silmar. I used some Cigar rings I purchased from ?? ( cannot remember) CRS kicked in, a IAP member. The Zodiac kit is much nicer, to me at least, than the Mesa and the tranny is easily changed or replaced IF need be. I'll use it again I am quite sure. C~N~C are welcome. Thanks and be well....Jan