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When pouring wax into glass containers you automatically eliminate several problems prevalent with making molded candles, however, new problems arise in their place. Though these present no real difficulties - a little know-how at the outset will make your job easier and assure the successful creation of an attractive, properly burning candle.
Perhaps the most important step is first procuring the proper wax and wick. A softer wax is desired for any container candle to assure the even melting of wax across the top. A hard wax would not melt around the outside edge, thus, leaving an unsightly ridge of wax clinging to the side of the glass. A soft wax eliminates this problem, regardless of the diameter of the container. If the diameter is relatively small, the wax melts; if large, the wax is soft enough to press down with your fingers. A wax with a melting point between 120 and 135 degrees F is best suited for making container candles.
Now for the proper wick - a papercore wick is recommended for two reasons: 1) it has better burning qualities and 2) its ease of application. Because of its rigidity, this wick will not "drown" itself in the pool of liquid wax, which is normally deeper in container candles. Its rigidity also prevents a "floating wick" while the wax is in a liquid state and even permits the insertion of the wick after the wax has been poured.
If you have the proper wax and wick at your disposal - then you can proceed with the actual steps of creating a glass container candle.
Equipment and Materials Needed:
 Wax
Wax Additives (if you are using these)
Paper Core Wicking (make sure to use the correct size depending on candle width and wax type)
Wick Tabs
Container (your choice, but should be able to sustain high heat)
Candle Color Chip
Candle Fragrance
Double Boiler (melting pot in a pan of boiling water)
Thermometer
Wooden Spoon
Wick Bar
Coat Hanger Wire (slightly longer than your container)
Sticky Dots (optional)
Newspaper
Pot Holder
Needle Nose Pliers
Directions:
Step 1. Melt the wax (and wax additives if you are using) in the melting pot placed in a pan of boiling water over medium heat. Stir occasionally and use a thermometer to check the temperature.
Step 2. Bring the temperature of the wax to 160-180 degrees F. Add color chip and desired fragrance and stir thoroughly until color chip is completely dissolved and fragrance is thoroughly dispersed.
Step 3. Prepare the wick and tab by cutting a sufficient length of wick for the container (leave at least 2" of wick above the top of the container). Secure one end of the wick in a wick tab by clamping the wick tab on with needle nose pliers.
Step 4. If you don't have any sticky dots, secure the wick tab (with wick attached) to the bottom of the container by pouring a small amount of wax into the bottom of the container and using the coat hanger wire, press the wick tab firmly into the wax. Pour enough wax into the bottom to securely cover the wick tab and allow it to harden in place. If you do have sticky dots, place one dot on the bottom of the wick tab and stick the tab to the bottom of the container. This will keep the tab secure while you are making any adjustments with the wick after pouring the wax.
Step 5. Position the wick bar across the top of the container and insert the wick into the notch in the bar. If you don't have a wick bar, you can tie your wick to a pencil or some other type of rod. Make sure the wick is straight and pulled as tight as possible.
Step 6. Before pouring your wax into the container, warm the outside of the container by holding it under warm tap water. Make sure that you have your work area covered with newspaper in case of any spills.
Step 7. Pour the wax by holding the container with the pot holder in one hand and pour from the melting pot with the other. Tip the container slightly as you pour and pour slowly to prevent too many air bubbles. Fill the container to within a ½" of the top. Adjust the wick to be certain it is centered.
Step 8. If using paraffin or beeswax, as the candle cools it will shrink and form a well around the wick. How long the well takes to form depends on the size of the container, so check the candle every few minutes. When the well starts to form, pierce the wax around the wick with the coat hanger wire, piercing all the way to the bottom of the candle. Bring the wax back up to the pouring temperature and fill the well. Repeat this procedure until a well no longer forms.
Step 9. Allow the candle to completely harden. Trim the wick to within a ½" from the surface of the candle.
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