I cannot say this enough. I have always loved fragrance, but I am not sure I have said how much I love color.
My home is filled with muted colors such as greens (my kitchen is a muted olive green), cranberry, and tan hues. I have a starters collection of Fiesta dishes (some antique, some new straight out of the box). Again, beautiful greens, dark reds, blues, and golds.
I took art classes through my high school career. When the teacher asked for something creative, I sculpted a huge tooth. A tooth? Well, I liked it. I did a lot of “wow man” posters too. A lot of bright color involved. I loved the mosaics, and one day, I just have to try my hand at stained glass!
As I grew older I wanted to paint with oils. I tried oils and watercolors, no real talent erupted from that endeavor.
I have painted a small bit on country type of wood pieces, using the small bottles of craft paint. Loved it. Mixed colors, loved it. In fact, I have a string of hearts and stars, painted in a rustic manner, hung across my kitchen curtains.
What am I getting at? I am mixing and matching candle dye now. I am so excited, no matter how tired I am I find myself experimenting. I experimented with colorants in the soaps, and I still use some, but I like it more in the candles. The soaps can have other skin-loving creativity added, we will keep most of the color ideas for the hot wax!
The scents today are lilac, yuzu, lily of the valley, honeysuckle, and cherries & berries (to match the sister soap). And the colors are much more muted. I like them, especially the periwinkle blue (which was going to be lilac, but love the outcome).
I need to pick up a few new fragrances. Essential oils are not usually a good mix with candles. I need to find good matches to some of my favorite essential oils. Lavender will be a lovely candle!
Kathy, I thank you for your gift set idea. I am rolling around with some thoughts very similar to what you suggested. Kathy has recently made some beautiful bottles of infused lavender oil, you need to visit her blog today, Spot On Cedar Pond, to see how beautiful they are!
Back to thinking about candles and packaging…
Have a wonderful Tuesday afternoon!
Annies Goat Hill Handcrafted Soaps 
What a surprise to read the post and see my name at the end. Thank-you Mary!
I am always taken with your excitement and passion for what you do, and it does come through in your soaps. I mentioned to some people that my family and friends are very much liking the soaps I purchased from you and gave them as gifts. I am also enjoying using the soaps for my face , and my husband and son-in-law appreciate them in the shower.
I have been very surprised at how popular lavender soaps are with the men. I bought other fragrances from you for the men, then gave them a choice of soaps, thinking they would go for other than the lavender, but nope, my lavender soaps I purchased from you are gone. I guess I will be ordering more before Christmas.
Your candles look great Mary. I love those muted colors. I think those are my favorites. I am not a bright color person.
I had no idea you were an artist, Mary. I mean, yes, with soap you are the Master, but I didn’t know about the oil painting or the tooth sculpting! Bravo, girlfriend!
I love your creativity, whether it be soap, scents, color, or candles. You inspire me!