What's the difference between sculpting and forming?

Sculpting and forming are both functions of three-dimensional art that involve using crafting tools to manipulate a medium for the purpose of creating a tangible piece of work. However, the two artistic methods have some subtle differences. Forming typically describes giving a piece its general shape, sometimes with added detail. In disciplines like ceramics and pottery , giving a bowl or vase its three-dimensional shape is often the extent of the forming process. Techniques such as molding and casting often give you a blank form to add features after the cast material has set. Painting or etching provides the work with finer detail. Sculpting generally refers to using tools to work clay, wood, or stone. One sculptor might use carving and whittling implements to sculpt wood or soap, while another artist dives into metalworking to creatively construct statues of steel or iron. Some may add enamel to give color and shine to the piece. Rich in imagination and history, the art of mosaic making rides the line between sculpting and painting. Artists often paint mosaic pieces to give them the colors they desire and cut or grind edges and corners to properly fit them into their designated place. Whatever art form best lets you express your creativity, you'll find the tools and inspiration among the marvelous shops on Etsy.

What are some new sculpting technologies?

Designing shapes and sculptures for 3D printing is a growing trend in creative expression. It takes an artistic mind to create the patterns and virtual models that a 3D printer produces. The usefulness of three-dimensional printing extends beyond the shapes it can produce. Strides in 3D printer materials bring robotics creators a wider array of options for making cosmetic and functional parts.

Sculpting & Forming Supplies

(9,573 Results)

Mini Forget Me Not Flower Clay Cutter / Polymer Clay Tools / Jewellery Tools / Earring Making / Clay Tools

(13,684)

Star Seller

$6.52

From shop VeeClayDesignShop
Etsy’s Pick
Sea weed Polymer clay cutters set, ocean sea shape cutters, 3d printed cookie cutters, earring cutters, jewelry cutters, polymer clay tools

(3,415)

Star Seller

$4.82

From shop yanuscutters
Etsy’s Pick
Starfish Polymer clay cutters set, ocean sea shape cutters, 3d printed cookie cutters, earring cutters, jewelry cutters, polymer clay tools

(3,415)

Star Seller

$3.70

From shop yanuscutters
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Under 30 Make Your Own Papier Mache Clay Vase Kit | DIY craft kit |

(1,891)

$35.27

From shop PoshTottyDesigns
Etsy’s Pick
Skiing Winter Polymer Clay Cutters Set | Clay Cutters | Christmas Earring Cutters | Jewelry Making | SKI HAT | SNOWBOARD

(7,610)

Star Seller

$4.15

From shop RoseauxClayCo
Etsy’s Pick
Running Whippet Cookie Cutter - From Mini To Large - Dog Breed Polymer Clay Jewelry And Earring Cutter Tool - Mirrored Pair Set

(8,323)

Star Seller

Sale Price $2.52
Original Price $3.36 (25% off)

From shop imagineacookie
3D Paper craft Cat, DIY sculpture sitting cat, Papercrafting, Low Poly animals pet, paper model, 3D puzzle origami, instant download kit pdf

(829)

$8.30

From shop InArtCraft

Digital Download

Etsy’s Pick
Personalized honeycomb pottery stamp with monogram inside, monogram stamp for clay makers mark, pottery sign stamp with hexagon shape

(3,027)

Star Seller

Sale Price $21.95
Original Price $27.44 (20% off)

From shop Biterswit
Hand Holding Vase Drawing Signature Stamp - Minimalist Pottery Logo Stamp with Custom Name

(3,027)

Star Seller

Sale Price $23.75
Original Price $29.68 (20% off)

From shop Biterswit
PATTERN • Modern Geometric Stained Glass Pattern • Digital Download: Hobby License

(902)

Star Seller

$10.00

From shop glassyleaf

Digital Download

Etsy’s Pick
Pottery mallet - Ceramist mallet - Clay mallet

(188)

Star Seller

$32.48

From shop AxeletBoisFR
Etsy’s Pick
BHR-023 Big Pottery Hand Roller - Dragonflies

(9,459)

Star Seller

$19.95

From shop MKMPotteryTools
Etsy’s Pick
HR-064 Pottery Hand Roller - Rain

(9,459)

Star Seller

$15.95

From shop MKMPotteryTools
Etsy’s Pick
MRL-013 Mini Pottery Roller 1 cm - Single Rope

(9,459)

Star Seller

$8.95

From shop MKMPotteryTools
Etsy’s Pick
RM-046 Medium Pottery Handle Roller - Flowers and Leaves

(9,459)

Star Seller

$13.95

From shop MKMPotteryTools
Etsy’s Pick
Clay Texture Roller, Pottery Hand Roller, Pastry texture Roller - Clouds

(11,876)

Star Seller

$12.00

From shop SanbaoStudio
Etsy’s Pick
Pottery Stamp / Clay Texture Tool - Smiley Face S10

(770)

Star Seller

$4.50

From shop ClayTextureTools
Etsy’s Pick
Watering Can Spring Clay Cutter, Polymer Clay Cutter for Spring, Floral Cutters for Clay

(12,129)

Star Seller

Sale Price $3.20
Original Price $4.00 (20% off)

From shop BabylonCutters
Honeybee Spring Clay Cutter, Bee Shaped Embossing Polymer Clay Cutter, Cookie & Fondant Cutter, Cutter for Polymer Clay

(12,129)

Star Seller

Sale Price $2.96
Original Price $3.70 (20% off)

From shop BabylonCutters
DIY Clay Pinch Pot Kit / Ages 4+ / Kinder Project / Party Craft / Birthday Gift / Ring Dish / Pottery Craft / Painting Craft / Mother's Day

(452)

Star Seller

$19.95

From shop GalleriGirlArtKits

FREE shipping
Etsy’s Pick
Scalloped Rainbow Clay Cutter, Dangle Earrings, Clay Mold Set, Arch, Surfboard Shape, Circle Stud, Cookie Cutter, 3D Polymer Clay Cutter Set

(11,644)

Star Seller

Sale Price $3.74
Original Price $4.99 (25% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Mini Woven Texture Roller⎥Polymer Clay Tools⎥Hand Roller⎥Clay Texture Tool⎥Jewellery Tools⎥Floral Texture⎥Botanical Texture

(13,684)

Star Seller

$14.36

From shop VeeClayDesignShop
Etsy’s Pick
Clay Transfer Paper, Vibrant Watercolor Explosion Set, Watercolor Transfer Paper, Colorful Transfer Paper Set, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,644)

Star Seller

Sale Price $4.49
Original Price $5.99 (25% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Custom Ice Cube Stamp for Bar, Business Logo Brass Stamp, 12 mm Thick, Brass Mold for Ice Cube, Perfect Christmas Gift for Him,Bar Logo Stamp

(532)

Star Seller

Sale Price $20.69
Original Price $41.40 (50% off)

From shop CatherineShopGBFinds

FREE shipping
acoustic guitar pickguard, handmade pickguard, guitar custom, wood pickguard, custom pickguard

(101)

$79.00

From shop BURNYBLACK

FREE shipping

Etsy’s Pick
Triangle Arch Shape Polymer Clay Earring Cutter | Cookie Cutters | Fondant Cutter

(26,345)

Star Seller

Sale Price $2.12
Original Price $2.50 (15% off)

From shop ClayDoughCutters
Peony Flower Clay Stamp | Ceramic Stamp | Texture Stamp | Clay Texture | Clay Cutters | Polymer Clay Tool

(26,345)

Star Seller

Sale Price $2.76
Original Price $3.25 (15% off)

From shop ClayDoughCutters
Pineapple Mini Clay Cutter / Polymer Clay Cutters / Micro Cutters / Earring Making / Clay Tools

(13,684)

Star Seller

$7.82

From shop VeeClayDesignShop
Etsy’s Pick
Monstera Leaf Mini Clay Cutter / Polymer Clay Cutters / Micro Cutters / Earring Making / Clay Tools

(13,684)

Star Seller

$7.82

From shop VeeClayDesignShop
Etsy’s Pick
Fish Mini Clay Cutter / Polymer Clay Cutters / Micro Cutters / Earring Making / Clay Tools

(13,684)

Star Seller

$7.82

From shop VeeClayDesignShop
Etsy’s Pick
Japanese Beginner Spoon Carving Kit

(114)

$95.00

From shop MelanieAbrantes
Etsy’s Pick
Fireworks Rocket Clay Cutter, 4th of July Clay Cutter, Embossed Rocket Polymer Clay Cutter, Cookie & Fondant Cutter

(12,129)

Star Seller

Sale Price $3.16
Original Price $3.95 (20% off)

From shop BabylonCutters
Sea Shell Rubber Stamps, Shell Rubber Stamps, Seaside Stamps for card making

(8,980)

Star Seller

Sale Price $3.88
Original Price $4.57 (15% off)

From shop noolibirdstamps
Whale and Fish Rubber Stamps - whale stamp - fish stamp - marine stamp - sea stamp - craft stamp - art stamp

(8,980)

Star Seller

Sale Price $8.32
Original Price $9.80 (15% off)

From shop noolibirdstamps
Shell rubber stamp, Starfish rubber stamp, Sand Dollar rubber stamps, Sea Stamps, Shell Stamps. seaside stamps, craft stamp, gift for her

(8,980)

Star Seller

Sale Price $4.94
Original Price $5.81 (15% off)

From shop noolibirdstamps
Black Cat DIY Mosaic Kit craft kit box kitten craft for kids and adults Home Decor gift idea Mother’s Day gift for Mother

(169)

Star Seller

Sale Price $39.99
Original Price $57.12 (30% off)

From shop Artcolibrimosaic

FREE shipping
Polymer Clay Roller, Jeans Pattern Roller, Embossing Clay Roller, Jeans Embossing Roller

(10,207)

Sale Price $8.56
Original Price $10.70 (20% off)

From shop EchoStoneDesigns
PATTERNS • Poppy Flower Stained Glass Panel Patterns • Digital Download: Hobby License

(902)

Star Seller

$22.00

From shop glassyleaf

Digital Download

Etsy’s Pick
Citrus Slice Clay Cutter | Lemon Orange Slice Clay Cutter | Summer Clay Cutter | Beach Clay Earring Cutter | Embossing Polymer Clay Tool

(26,345)

Star Seller

Sale Price $2.76
Original Price $3.25 (15% off)

From shop ClayDoughCutters
Oval Shape Polymer Clay Earring Cutter | Cookie Cutters | Fondant Cutter

(26,345)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.91
Original Price $2.25 (15% off)

From shop ClayDoughCutters
Sea Turtle Clay Cutter (2 Piece) | Ocean Clay Cutter | Summer Clay Cutter | Beach Clay Earring Cutter | Embossing Polymer Clay Tool

(26,345)

Star Seller

Sale Price $4.46
Original Price $5.25 (15% off)

From shop ClayDoughCutters
Octopus Clay Cutter (2 Piece) | Ocean Clay Cutter | Summer Clay Cutter | Beach Clay Earring Cutter | Embossing Polymer Clay Tool

(26,345)

Star Seller

Sale Price $4.46
Original Price $5.25 (15% off)

From shop ClayDoughCutters
Elongated Arch Shape Clay Cutter, Dome Shape Pendant, Square, Cookie Cutter, Architectural Shape, Minimalist, 3D Polymer Clay Cutter Set

(11,644)

Star Seller

Sale Price $3.74
Original Price $4.99 (25% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Transfer Paper, Flower Garden Set, Floral Transfer Paper Set, Lavender, Iris, Daisy, Lily, Flower Set, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,644)

Star Seller

Sale Price $4.49
Original Price $5.99 (25% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Jade Green Petals Mosaic Tiles - 50g Ceramic Leaves in Mix of 2 Sizes 1/2" and 3/4" - Make Flowers and Leaves

(12,429)

Star Seller

$3.00

From shop funkydreamsmosaics
Etsy’s Pick
Green Petals Mosaic Tiles - 50g Ceramic Leaves in Mix of 2 Sizes 1/2" and 3/4" - Eucalyptus Green

(12,429)

Star Seller

$3.00

From shop funkydreamsmosaics
Etsy’s Pick
Pistachio Green Petals Mosaic Tiles - 50g Ceramic Leaves in Mix of 2 Sizes 1/2" and 3/4" - Muted Peppermint Green

(12,429)

Star Seller

$3.00

From shop funkydreamsmosaics
Etsy’s Pick
Caterpillar Cookie Cutter | Spring Insects Cookie Cutter Stamp Set | Animal Fondant Molds | 3D Printed

(1,010)

Star Seller

$6.50

From shop BonBunnyBake
Etsy’s Pick

Sculpting & Forming Supplies

Mini Forget Me Not Flower Clay Cutter / Polymer Clay Tools / Jewellery Tools / Earring Making / Clay Tools

Sea weed Polymer clay cutters set, ocean sea shape cutters, 3d printed cookie cutters, earring cutters, jewelry cutters, polymer clay tools

Starfish Polymer clay cutters set, ocean sea shape cutters, 3d printed cookie cutters, earring cutters, jewelry cutters, polymer clay tools

Under 30 Make Your Own Papier Mache Clay Vase Kit | DIY craft kit |

Skiing Winter Polymer Clay Cutters Set | Clay Cutters | Christmas Earring Cutters | Jewelry Making | SKI HAT | SNOWBOARD

Running Whippet Cookie Cutter - From Mini To Large - Dog Breed Polymer Clay Jewelry And Earring Cutter Tool - Mirrored Pair Set

3D Paper craft Cat, DIY sculpture sitting cat, Papercrafting, Low Poly animals pet, paper model, 3D puzzle origami, instant download kit pdf

Personalized honeycomb pottery stamp with monogram inside, monogram stamp for clay makers mark, pottery sign stamp with hexagon shape

Hand Holding Vase Drawing Signature Stamp - Minimalist Pottery Logo Stamp with Custom Name

PATTERN • Modern Geometric Stained Glass Pattern • Digital Download: Hobby License

Pottery mallet - Ceramist mallet - Clay mallet

BHR-023 Big Pottery Hand Roller - Dragonflies

HR-064 Pottery Hand Roller - Rain

MRL-013 Mini Pottery Roller 1 cm - Single Rope

RM-046 Medium Pottery Handle Roller - Flowers and Leaves

Clay Texture Roller, Pottery Hand Roller, Pastry texture Roller - Clouds

Pottery Stamp / Clay Texture Tool - Smiley Face S10

Watering Can Spring Clay Cutter, Polymer Clay Cutter for Spring, Floral Cutters for Clay

Honeybee Spring Clay Cutter, Bee Shaped Embossing Polymer Clay Cutter, Cookie & Fondant Cutter, Cutter for Polymer Clay

DIY Clay Pinch Pot Kit / Ages 4+ / Kinder Project / Party Craft / Birthday Gift / Ring Dish / Pottery Craft / Painting Craft / Mother's Day

Scalloped Rainbow Clay Cutter, Dangle Earrings, Clay Mold Set, Arch, Surfboard Shape, Circle Stud, Cookie Cutter, 3D Polymer Clay Cutter Set

Mini Woven Texture Roller⎥Polymer Clay Tools⎥Hand Roller⎥Clay Texture Tool⎥Jewellery Tools⎥Floral Texture⎥Botanical Texture

Clay Transfer Paper, Vibrant Watercolor Explosion Set, Watercolor Transfer Paper, Colorful Transfer Paper Set, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Custom Ice Cube Stamp for Bar, Business Logo Brass Stamp, 12 mm Thick, Brass Mold for Ice Cube, Perfect Christmas Gift for Him,Bar Logo Stamp

acoustic guitar pickguard, handmade pickguard, guitar custom, wood pickguard, custom pickguard

Triangle Arch Shape Polymer Clay Earring Cutter | Cookie Cutters | Fondant Cutter

Peony Flower Clay Stamp | Ceramic Stamp | Texture Stamp | Clay Texture | Clay Cutters | Polymer Clay Tool

Pineapple Mini Clay Cutter / Polymer Clay Cutters / Micro Cutters / Earring Making / Clay Tools

Monstera Leaf Mini Clay Cutter / Polymer Clay Cutters / Micro Cutters / Earring Making / Clay Tools

Fish Mini Clay Cutter / Polymer Clay Cutters / Micro Cutters / Earring Making / Clay Tools

Japanese Beginner Spoon Carving Kit

Fireworks Rocket Clay Cutter, 4th of July Clay Cutter, Embossed Rocket Polymer Clay Cutter, Cookie & Fondant Cutter

Sea Shell Rubber Stamps, Shell Rubber Stamps, Seaside Stamps for card making

Whale and Fish Rubber Stamps - whale stamp - fish stamp - marine stamp - sea stamp - craft stamp - art stamp

Shell rubber stamp, Starfish rubber stamp, Sand Dollar rubber stamps, Sea Stamps, Shell Stamps. seaside stamps, craft stamp, gift for her

Black Cat DIY Mosaic Kit craft kit box kitten craft for kids and adults Home Decor gift idea Mother’s Day gift for Mother

Polymer Clay Roller, Jeans Pattern Roller, Embossing Clay Roller, Jeans Embossing Roller

PATTERNS • Poppy Flower Stained Glass Panel Patterns • Digital Download: Hobby License

Citrus Slice Clay Cutter | Lemon Orange Slice Clay Cutter | Summer Clay Cutter | Beach Clay Earring Cutter | Embossing Polymer Clay Tool

Oval Shape Polymer Clay Earring Cutter | Cookie Cutters | Fondant Cutter

Sea Turtle Clay Cutter (2 Piece) | Ocean Clay Cutter | Summer Clay Cutter | Beach Clay Earring Cutter | Embossing Polymer Clay Tool

Octopus Clay Cutter (2 Piece) | Ocean Clay Cutter | Summer Clay Cutter | Beach Clay Earring Cutter | Embossing Polymer Clay Tool

Elongated Arch Shape Clay Cutter, Dome Shape Pendant, Square, Cookie Cutter, Architectural Shape, Minimalist, 3D Polymer Clay Cutter Set

Clay Transfer Paper, Flower Garden Set, Floral Transfer Paper Set, Lavender, Iris, Daisy, Lily, Flower Set, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Jade Green Petals Mosaic Tiles - 50g Ceramic Leaves in Mix of 2 Sizes 1/2" and 3/4" - Make Flowers and Leaves

Green Petals Mosaic Tiles - 50g Ceramic Leaves in Mix of 2 Sizes 1/2" and 3/4" - Eucalyptus Green

Pistachio Green Petals Mosaic Tiles - 50g Ceramic Leaves in Mix of 2 Sizes 1/2" and 3/4" - Muted Peppermint Green

Caterpillar Cookie Cutter | Spring Insects Cookie Cutter Stamp Set | Animal Fondant Molds | 3D Printed

There's so much more for you to discover

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