So..... I get I'm probably jumping in over my head here being completely new to resin, but here goes.

My girlfriend wants to make a table pillar using resin, smallish (1-2 inch) sticks and fairy lights in resin. Looking at about 9.5 inches diameter, 17 inches tall.

What is the best resin for this big of a project? How much resin can be poured at once? 

My idea is to use a concrete form tube,cut to length. Down side is you won't be able to see in until it's done and cut out. Would this work? Can I seal the sticks with varnish instead of epoxy? 

Thanks in advance.