That is really well done and the fact that it is actually 4 small cones make it even more of an achievement. It really is a beauty. They do look great the pine cone pens, I am off to my mates woods tomorrow to see if I can find larger one, he says he has seen them about 5" long, I hope he did.
I did turn one with a roughing gouge, but I didn't dare take it as fast as I would with a skew, which has to be the best tool to turn these with.
Peter