That is how I do it too! It works best if you melt it really flat before you try and use the tentacle cane. Here are some recent ones that I have done using this method:
Then I encase it...sometimes with two layers of clear...that is I get to make mine look like they are inside the bead. When I do thise they have at least 3 layers. I make a dot of white, top it with transparent color, then poke at the bottom of the dot (stay near the surface) and push upward, trail the tentacle, and flame cut the end. Melt it totally in and then encase it. This should work pretty well for you.
