Thanks for all your advice, its great. I think I may leave the resin to the professionals! I hadn't thought of using PVA to make pebbles a little more solid, this sounds like it may work really nicely. I think by the sounds of it, it will be more in my skill range too! I also really like the idea of coloured sand. The vases I have bought are clear and if I get the right colour I think it could look lush! I will probably have a play with both of these and see which I like best afterwards. Thanks for all your help again guys!