Keep candles away from open windows, fans, and heat or air-conditioning vents. The blowing air can move the wick and cause dripping wax, increased smoke, and even cracked glass if the flame gets too close to the holder.
 

When burning our 3" diameter candles, please burn for 4-5 hours the first time and at least every 3rd time you light your candle.  This will ensure that your candle develops a habit of burning all the way to the sides of the candle, rather than down the middle.
 

If you experience any difficulty lighting your candle, turn it to a slight angle while lighting to create a "melt pool" and hold until the flame takes on "a life of it's own"!
 

Beeswax will naturally form a dusty coating over time. Bloom, as it is referred, rises to the surface of the candle when some of the low melting point components of the wax migrate to the surface of the candle. The bloom is easily removed by wiping the candle with a soft cloth or, if there is a lot of detail in the candle, use a hair dryer for about 15 seconds.
 

Trim the wick to between a 1/4" and 1/2" before EACH lighting. A short wick produces a smaller, more controlled flame that won't emit as much smoke. Snip the excess after each use to get rid of black buildup on the tip, which causes the wick to bend and the wax to melt unevenly. Never leave wick trimmings in the candle.
 

If you see black smoke immediately blow out, dip the wick in the liquid wax pool and re-center the wick. Do not re-light until you know why it is producing excess carbon. Look at the wick-is it too long? If so, let the candle cool, trim the wick to 1/4" and re-light. Look at the environment, is there a draft disturbing the flame? Do not re-light until the draft has been stopped. Is there debris in the wax pool? Do not allow debris in the wax pool.
 

Do not burn the candle if the container seems unsafe. There is a lot of creativity in candle containers; not all make the best veichle for a candle, let alone an open flame. Use your common sense. If the container is damaged in any way, discontinue use immediately! Use an appropriate candle container. Votives, for example, are designed to completely liquefy when burning. Make sure you have the correct container that fits the candle.
 

And, of course, keep burning candles away from children and pets AND never leave a burning candle unattended.