anyone? If cuttings aren't available, can one start a plant from seed? thanks in advance

You are probably talking about herbaceous peonies.
All our experience is with tree peonies.
Growing from seed is certainly possible, and it is certainly not easy.
Seedlingsrequire 3 to 4 years to produce their first bloom.
When your seed pods split open in early fall, immediately collect the seeds into damp peat; this is the first step.

I'm assuming they have to be kept in cold weather over the winter. Can the fern leaf be done this way too. that's what I'm after, and I know they are really hard to find without paying a fortune. I have the patience to try it.
Thank you. If you have any more hints, please let me know.

Hopefully someone having experience with fern leafs will respond.
Good luck.