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

Ceramics & Pottery

Carving & Whittling

Metalworking

Mosaic Making

Glass Art

Enameling

Robotics

3D Printing

Molding & Casting

(9,743 Results)

Screwdriver - Personalized Father's Day gift, tools for him, gift for dad, handyman gift for grandpa from son grandson, Stocking Stuffer

(15,457)

Star Seller

Sale Price $14.00
Original Price $20.00 (30% off)

From shop TimsWoodDesigns
Ceramic Signature Stamp Logo,12mm Thick Brass Pottery Stamp,Custom Stamp For Ceramics,Gifts For Pottery Makers,Brass Stamp For Clay

(6,315)

Star Seller

Sale Price $19.00
Original Price $27.14 (30% off)

From shop HouseCozyLivingStore

FREE shipping
5-8 Irish Hag Stones (small) Multipack, Holey Stones, Adder Stones, Hag Stones, Odin Stones, Witch Stones, Celtic Stones, Hagstones

(2,750)

$24.60

From shop LilaStrand

FREE shipping

Etsy’s Pick
Felt Watermelon // Felt Summer Fruits // Felt Watermelon Slices

(60,013)

Star Seller

$1.90

From shop TheFeltPod
Etsy’s Pick
Custom Initial Clay Stamp, Custom Brass Stamp for Clay, Custom Pottery Stamp, Acrylic Stamp for Soap, Brass Mold For Ceramics, Gift for Her

(2,785)

Star Seller

Sale Price $13.96
Original Price $27.92 (50% off)

From shop Yaruk

FREE shipping
DIY Kintsugi Kit, Kintsugi Repair Set, Home & Craft Gift, Mother's Day Gift

(2,272)

Star Seller

Sale Price $16.78
Original Price $22.37 (25% off)

From shop MoraApproved

FREE shipping
U Shape Clay Cutter, Arch Shape Pendant, Cookie Cutter, Geometric Shape, Minimalist Clay Cutter, 3D Polymer Clay Cutter Set

(11,642)

Star Seller

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

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Wood Dowel Rods 3/4" x various lengths

(825)

$10.99

From shop KeoneAndKimi

FREE shipping

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

(26,341)

Star Seller

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

From shop ClayDoughCutters
Polymer Clay Cutter, Simple Shapes Clay Cutters, 3D Printed Clay Cutter, Embossing Cutter, Clay Cutter, Star, Diamond, Square, Heart, Oval

(10,204)

Sale Price $1.18
Original Price $1.47 (20% off)

From shop EchoStoneDesigns
Black Canvas Apron, Leather and Non Waxed Canvas Apron, Custom Men's Apron with Custom Engraving, Mother's Day, Custom Gift for Mom

(7,600)

$14.99

From shop olpr
Etsy’s Pick
Circle Shape Polymer Clay Earring Cutter | Cookie Cutters | Fondant Cutter

(26,341)

Star Seller

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

From shop ClayDoughCutters
Cowboy Boot Clay Cutter (Embossing Two Piece Set) | Cowgirl Boot Clay Cutter | Western Boot Clay Cutter | Polymer Clay Earring Cutter

(26,341)

Star Seller

Sale Price $4.67
Original Price $5.50 (15% off)

From shop ClayDoughCutters
DIY Kintsugi Repair Kit - Home Craft Kits

(1,036)

Sale Price $16.66
Original Price $18.51 (10% off)

From shop KintsugiBox

FREE shipping
Botanical Rubber Stamp, Wild Flower Rubber Stamp, Fern Rubber Stamp, Bluebell Stamp, Stamp set, stamps for card making

(8,980)

Star Seller

Sale Price $4.98
Original Price $5.87 (15% off)

From shop noolibirdstamps
High Arch Polymer Clay Earring Cutter | Cookie Cutters | Fondant Cutter

(26,341)

Star Seller

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

From shop ClayDoughCutters
Bee and Honeycomb Spring Clay Cutter Set, Embossing Polymer Clay Cutter, Cookie & Fondant Cutter, Clay Cutter Set of 2

(12,129)

Star Seller

Sale Price $4.80
Original Price $6.00 (20% off)

From shop BabylonCutters
Wavy High Arch Shape Polymer Clay Earring Cutter | Cookie Cutters | Fondant Cutter

(26,341)

Star Seller

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

From shop ClayDoughCutters
Polymer Clay Cutter, Constellation Stud Set Clay Cutters, 3D Printed Clay Cutter, Embossing Clay Cutter, Clay Cutter: Moon Phases and Star

(10,204)

Sale Price $1.19
Original Price $1.49 (20% off)

From shop EchoStoneDesigns
Barrette Clay Cutters, Hair Clip Cutter, Hair Barrette Cutters for Clay, Clay Hair Accessories | Moon Phases, Ellipse, Dagger, Rectangle

(12,129)

Star Seller

Sale Price $3.96
Original Price $4.95 (20% off)

From shop BabylonCutters
Power Tool Storage Shelf - Power Tool Organizer - Power Tool Storage

(11,381)

Star Seller

Sale Price $32.78
Original Price $46.83 (30% off)

From shop SpeedFabrication

FREE shipping
Personalised Custom Hammer + Gift Box | Design A Truly Unique Present | Laser Engraved

(9,423)

$22.17

From shop CustomDesignShopUK
Etsy’s Pick
Skull Head Polymer Clay Earring Cutter (Embossing) | Halloween Clay Cutter | Fall (Autumn) Earring Cutters

(26,341)

Star Seller

Sale Price $2.34
Original Price $2.75 (15% off)

From shop ClayDoughCutters
Basic Shapes Clay Cutters, Geometric Shapes Polymer Clay Cutter, Basic Shapes Stud Cutter Set | Circle, Rectangle, Square, Pentagon, Hexagon

(12,129)

Star Seller

Sale Price $2.76
Original Price $3.45 (20% off)

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

(26,341)

Star Seller

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

From shop ClayDoughCutters
Paw Print Clay Cutter, Animal Polymer Clay Cutter, Cookie & Fondant Cutter, Embossing Dog Cat Paw Print Cutter for Clay

(12,129)

Star Seller

Sale Price $2.76
Original Price $3.45 (20% off)

From shop BabylonCutters
Palm Tree Clay Cutter | Plant Tree Cutter | Summer Clay Cutter | Spring Clay Earring Cutter | Polymer Clay Tool | Stud Cutter

(26,341)

Star Seller

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

From shop ClayDoughCutters
3 pc. Raw Brass Sunflowers: 25mm by 23.5mm- made in USA | RB-1280

(35,498)

$5.15

From shop BrassKicker
Etsy’s Pick
Lightning Bolt Clay Cutter | Electric Bolt Clay Cutter | Weather Clay Cutters | Polymer Clay Earring Cutter

(26,341)

Star Seller

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

From shop ClayDoughCutters
Thank You Stamp, Custom Stamp, Personalized Small Business Stamp, Thanks for Shopping Small, Maker Stamp, Support Small Business Stamp

(6,811)

Star Seller

$21.50

From shop TwinSoulStudioStamps
Etsy’s Pick
Triangle polymer clay cutters - Polymer clay tools - 3d printed polymer clay cutters

(6,147)

Star Seller

Sale Price $7.84
Original Price $10.46 (25% off)

From shop DevinCutters
DIY Clay Trinket Dish Kit / Ages 6+ / Ring Dish / Jewelry Dish / Clay Craft / Birthday Gift / Keepsake / Bestseller / Mother's Day

(452)

Star Seller

$24.95

From shop GalleriGirlArtKits

FREE shipping
Etsy’s Pick
Big Turtle 3D Mandala svg files, Multilayer Panel for Laser Cutting, SVG files, DXF Templates for CNC router

(6,305)

Star Seller

Sale Price $3.14
Original Price $7.85 (60% off)

From shop CNCArtStore

Digital Download
Mother's Day Conversation Heart Clay Cutter | Candy Heart Clay Cutter | Mothers Day Earring Clay Cutters | Embossed Clay Cutters

(26,341)

Star Seller

Sale Price $2.34
Original Price $2.75 (15% off)

From shop ClayDoughCutters
Triple Leaf Micro Cutter / Polymer Clay Tools / Jewellery Tools / Earring Making / Clay Tools/ Micro Mini Cutters

(13,677)

Star Seller

$6.51

From shop VeeClayDesignShop
Etsy’s Pick
Polymer Clay Cutter, Butterfly Shape Clay Cutters, 3D Printed Clay Cutter, Embossing Clay Cutter, Clay Cutter: Butterfly Cutters 4 sizes

(10,204)

Sale Price $1.83
Original Price $2.29 (20% off)

From shop EchoStoneDesigns
Cloud Shape, Clay Cutter, Moon Shape, Water Drop Shape Stud, Clay Mold, Cloud Dangle Earrings, 3D Polymer Clay Cutter Set

(11,642)

Star Seller

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

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Easter Bunny Clay Cutter | Rabbit Clay Cutter | Spring Clay Cutter | Stud Cutters | Polymer Clay Earring Cutter

(26,341)

Star Seller

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

From shop ClayDoughCutters
Ghost Polymer Clay Earring Cutter (Clay Cutter Set) | Halloween Clay Cutter | Fall (Autumn) Earring Cutters

(26,341)

Star Seller

Sale Price $3.82
Original Price $4.50 (15% off)

From shop ClayDoughCutters
Pumpkin Shape Cutters, Clay Cutters, Pumpkin Silhouette, Pumpkins with lines, Polymer Clay Stud, Cookie Cutter, Polymer Clay Cutter Set

(11,642)

Star Seller

Sale Price $7.49
Original Price $9.99 (25% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Mini Clay Cutter Set of 3 / Polymer Clay Cutters / Micro Cutters / Earring Making / Clay Tools

(13,677)

Star Seller

$7.81

From shop VeeClayDesignShop
Etsy’s Pick
Sailboat Clay Cutter (Embossing) | Boat Clay Cutter | Summer Clay Cutter | Spring Clay Earring Cutter | Polymer Clay Tool | Stud Cutter

(26,341)

Star Seller

Sale Price $2.34
Original Price $2.75 (15% off)

From shop ClayDoughCutters
Flower Polymer Clay Cutters | Flower Clay Cutters | Spring Clay Cutters | Clay Earring Cutters | Jewelry Making

(7,603)

Star Seller

$3.99

From shop RoseauxClayCo
Etsy’s Pick
Birds Spring Clay Cutter Set, Bird Shaped Embossing Polymer Clay Cutter, Cookie & Fondant Cutter Set of 2 with Mirror

(12,129)

Star Seller

Sale Price $5.80
Original Price $7.25 (20% off)

From shop BabylonCutters
Polymer Clay Cutter, Gem Clay Cutters, 3D Printed Clay Cutter, Clay Cutter, Gem/Geode Set Clay Cutters

(10,204)

Sale Price $1.68
Original Price $2.10 (20% off)

From shop EchoStoneDesigns
Trapezoid Clay Cutter, Rounded Botton, Curved Bottom, Geometric Shape Pendant, Cookie Cutter, Minimalist, 3D Polymer Clay Cutter Set

(11,642)

Star Seller

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

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Polymer Clay Cutter, 3 Piece Dangle Shapes Clay Cutters, 3D Printed Clay Cutter, Embossing Clay Cutter, Clay Cutter: 3 Piece Dangle Set

(10,204)

Sale Price $5.51
Original Price $6.89 (20% off)

From shop EchoStoneDesigns
Set of 4 (or more) Ceramic Letters Tiles indoor/outdoor use, mosaics, stepping stones, handmade porcelain by Fabulousfungi, Alex Gardner

(1,066)

Star Seller

$8.00

From shop FabulousFungi
Etsy’s Pick

Sculpting & Forming Supplies

Screwdriver - Personalized Father's Day gift, tools for him, gift for dad, handyman gift for grandpa from son grandson, Stocking Stuffer

Ceramic Signature Stamp Logo,12mm Thick Brass Pottery Stamp,Custom Stamp For Ceramics,Gifts For Pottery Makers,Brass Stamp For Clay

5-8 Irish Hag Stones (small) Multipack, Holey Stones, Adder Stones, Hag Stones, Odin Stones, Witch Stones, Celtic Stones, Hagstones

Felt Watermelon // Felt Summer Fruits // Felt Watermelon Slices

Custom Initial Clay Stamp, Custom Brass Stamp for Clay, Custom Pottery Stamp, Acrylic Stamp for Soap, Brass Mold For Ceramics, Gift for Her

DIY Kintsugi Kit, Kintsugi Repair Set, Home & Craft Gift, Mother's Day Gift

U Shape Clay Cutter, Arch Shape Pendant, Cookie Cutter, Geometric Shape, Minimalist Clay Cutter, 3D Polymer Clay Cutter Set

Wood Dowel Rods 3/4" x various lengths

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

Polymer Clay Cutter, Simple Shapes Clay Cutters, 3D Printed Clay Cutter, Embossing Cutter, Clay Cutter, Star, Diamond, Square, Heart, Oval

Black Canvas Apron, Leather and Non Waxed Canvas Apron, Custom Men's Apron with Custom Engraving, Mother's Day, Custom Gift for Mom

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

Cowboy Boot Clay Cutter (Embossing Two Piece Set) | Cowgirl Boot Clay Cutter | Western Boot Clay Cutter | Polymer Clay Earring Cutter

DIY Kintsugi Repair Kit - Home Craft Kits

Botanical Rubber Stamp, Wild Flower Rubber Stamp, Fern Rubber Stamp, Bluebell Stamp, Stamp set, stamps for card making

High Arch Polymer Clay Earring Cutter | Cookie Cutters | Fondant Cutter

Bee and Honeycomb Spring Clay Cutter Set, Embossing Polymer Clay Cutter, Cookie & Fondant Cutter, Clay Cutter Set of 2

Wavy High Arch Shape Polymer Clay Earring Cutter | Cookie Cutters | Fondant Cutter

Polymer Clay Cutter, Constellation Stud Set Clay Cutters, 3D Printed Clay Cutter, Embossing Clay Cutter, Clay Cutter: Moon Phases and Star

Barrette Clay Cutters, Hair Clip Cutter, Hair Barrette Cutters for Clay, Clay Hair Accessories | Moon Phases, Ellipse, Dagger, Rectangle

Power Tool Storage Shelf - Power Tool Organizer - Power Tool Storage

Personalised Custom Hammer + Gift Box | Design A Truly Unique Present | Laser Engraved

Skull Head Polymer Clay Earring Cutter (Embossing) | Halloween Clay Cutter | Fall (Autumn) Earring Cutters

Basic Shapes Clay Cutters, Geometric Shapes Polymer Clay Cutter, Basic Shapes Stud Cutter Set | Circle, Rectangle, Square, Pentagon, Hexagon

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

Paw Print Clay Cutter, Animal Polymer Clay Cutter, Cookie & Fondant Cutter, Embossing Dog Cat Paw Print Cutter for Clay

Palm Tree Clay Cutter | Plant Tree Cutter | Summer Clay Cutter | Spring Clay Earring Cutter | Polymer Clay Tool | Stud Cutter

3 pc. Raw Brass Sunflowers: 25mm by 23.5mm- made in USA | RB-1280

Lightning Bolt Clay Cutter | Electric Bolt Clay Cutter | Weather Clay Cutters | Polymer Clay Earring Cutter

Thank You Stamp, Custom Stamp, Personalized Small Business Stamp, Thanks for Shopping Small, Maker Stamp, Support Small Business Stamp

Triangle polymer clay cutters - Polymer clay tools - 3d printed polymer clay cutters

DIY Clay Trinket Dish Kit / Ages 6+ / Ring Dish / Jewelry Dish / Clay Craft / Birthday Gift / Keepsake / Bestseller / Mother's Day

Big Turtle 3D Mandala svg files, Multilayer Panel for Laser Cutting, SVG files, DXF Templates for CNC router

Mother's Day Conversation Heart Clay Cutter | Candy Heart Clay Cutter | Mothers Day Earring Clay Cutters | Embossed Clay Cutters

Triple Leaf Micro Cutter / Polymer Clay Tools / Jewellery Tools / Earring Making / Clay Tools/ Micro Mini Cutters

Polymer Clay Cutter, Butterfly Shape Clay Cutters, 3D Printed Clay Cutter, Embossing Clay Cutter, Clay Cutter: Butterfly Cutters 4 sizes

Cloud Shape, Clay Cutter, Moon Shape, Water Drop Shape Stud, Clay Mold, Cloud Dangle Earrings, 3D Polymer Clay Cutter Set

Easter Bunny Clay Cutter | Rabbit Clay Cutter | Spring Clay Cutter | Stud Cutters | Polymer Clay Earring Cutter

Ghost Polymer Clay Earring Cutter (Clay Cutter Set) | Halloween Clay Cutter | Fall (Autumn) Earring Cutters

Pumpkin Shape Cutters, Clay Cutters, Pumpkin Silhouette, Pumpkins with lines, Polymer Clay Stud, Cookie Cutter, Polymer Clay Cutter Set

Mini Clay Cutter Set of 3 / Polymer Clay Cutters / Micro Cutters / Earring Making / Clay Tools

Sailboat Clay Cutter (Embossing) | Boat Clay Cutter | Summer Clay Cutter | Spring Clay Earring Cutter | Polymer Clay Tool | Stud Cutter

Flower Polymer Clay Cutters | Flower Clay Cutters | Spring Clay Cutters | Clay Earring Cutters | Jewelry Making

Birds Spring Clay Cutter Set, Bird Shaped Embossing Polymer Clay Cutter, Cookie & Fondant Cutter Set of 2 with Mirror

Polymer Clay Cutter, Gem Clay Cutters, 3D Printed Clay Cutter, Clay Cutter, Gem/Geode Set Clay Cutters

Trapezoid Clay Cutter, Rounded Botton, Curved Bottom, Geometric Shape Pendant, Cookie Cutter, Minimalist, 3D Polymer Clay Cutter Set

Polymer Clay Cutter, 3 Piece Dangle Shapes Clay Cutters, 3D Printed Clay Cutter, Embossing Clay Cutter, Clay Cutter: 3 Piece Dangle Set

Set of 4 (or more) Ceramic Letters Tiles indoor/outdoor use, mosaics, stepping stones, handmade porcelain by Fabulousfungi, Alex Gardner

There's so much more for you to discover

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