Countryside Candles are made from paraffin wax, using high quality fragrance oils.  While some candles will smell great in the jar, but not while it's burning, using a high quality fragrance oil will give you a scent that stays until the end of the candle and doesn't smoke (make sure you keep the wick trimmed also; 1/4 inch is all you need).  The oils we use contain no pthalates or parabens.  Each of our candles will burn for approximately 28 hours, but we recommend burning for no more than 4 hours at a time.  They are entirely handmade, in small batches, which makes it easier to control quality and consistency of colour.  Relax and enjoy!