I was wondering if it is ok to use wilton paste for coloring candy melts for seashells? Do you have to use the candy color? What about flavoring? Any suggestions would be great. TiA.

I have always used candy colors. They are oil based to mix better with the melts. There are also candy flavorings that are very very concentrated, oil based too.

Most food coloring has some water in it so when you try to use it in candy melts it can make it sieze on you. I bought some oil based candy colrs for when I am working with my melts or chocolate. As for flavoring you can use any of the candy flavorings in them. I use a huge variety in my candy line. 1 lb of the dark chocolate with 1/2 a bottle of creme de menth tastes just like a andes mint. experiment and have fun.

From experience I know that you need to use the candy color. If you use the paste colors your candy melts are going to sieze up and you aren't going to be able to do anything with it. My butterflies were beyond SAD looking. As for flavoring, Hobby Lobby and Michaels sell candy flavoring. I haven't tried it yet, but I'm making some ice cream cone cookies this weekend and I'm hoping to have chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream cones.