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

Glass Art

Mosaic Making

Enameling

Molding & Casting

Robotics

3D Printing

(9,593 Results)

1.4cm bird shape, very little, natural wood, buy SET with a DISCOUNT, jewellery supplies, blank shapes, blank wood, earrings, ring, diy

(2,299)

Star Seller

Sale Price $0.52
Original Price $0.75 (30% off)

From shop forCRAFT
2.5cm wooden triangle, buy SET with a DISCOUNT, unfinished unpainted wood, natural wood, ready to decorate, make your own necklace, diy

(2,299)

Star Seller

Sale Price $0.52
Original Price $0.75 (30% off)

From shop forCRAFT
Triangle Cutter Set for Jewellery, Polimer Clay Earrings, Fondant, Concrete Earring cutter

(275)

$0.56

From shop TRIKdesign
Etsy’s Pick
Polymer clay cutters,polymer clay tools,clay earrings cutter,flower clay cutter,0.3mm cutting edge

(474)

$1.00

From shop Siniclay
Etsy’s Pick
Embroidery file ITH rabbit ears 10x10, 13x18, 16x26 and 18x30

(2,662)

Star Seller

$1.12

From shop Stickherz

Digital Download

Etsy’s Pick
Color recipe for Fimo professional "violet"

(22)

$1.14

From shop NenntMichKlaus

Digital Download

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

(10,200)

Sale Price $1.18
Original Price $1.46 (20% off)

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

(10,200)

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

From shop EchoStoneDesigns
Deer rubber stamps, stag rubber stamp, Reindeer family, forest trees, and woodland.

(1,358)

Star Seller

$1.30

From shop PaperGrapePrints
Etsy’s Pick
Coffee cup rubber stamps, coffee bean stamp, coffee lover gift.

(1,358)

Star Seller

$1.30

From shop PaperGrapePrints
Etsy’s Pick
Flower Clay Cutters, Clay Cutter Sets, Clay Cutters, Clay Tools, Polymer Clay Tools, Cutters for Clay, Embossed Flower

(2,641)

Sale Price $1.46
Original Price $2.93 (50% off)

From shop HelloCutters
Polymer Clay Cutter, Dangle Accent Clay Cutters, 3D Printed Clay Cutter, Embossing Cutter, Clay Cutter, Dangle Accent Cutters

(10,200)

Sale Price $1.48
Original Price $1.85 (20% off)

From shop EchoStoneDesigns
B grade Oval Polymer clay 3D cutters Geometry shapes cutters Polymer clay tools Earring mold Clay supplies Basic geometry shape cutters

(1,062)

$1.50

From shop LuxyMolds
Etsy’s Pick
Bunny clay cutter,Easter Candy Bunny Clay Cutters,butterfly clay cutter, 3D Polymer Clay Cutter Set,polymer clay tools,0.3mm cutting edge

(474)

$1.50

From shop Siniclay
Etsy’s Pick
Book covers clay cutter, polymer clay cutters, clay tools, Cookie cutters, Polymer clay supply, Metal clay supplies, air dry clay

(769)

Sale Price $1.52
Original Price $1.79 (15% off)

From shop ShopClnAtelier
Polymer Clay Cutter, Boho Stud Set Clay Cutters, 3D Printed Clay Cutter, Embossing Clay Cutter, Clay Cutter: Mini Boho Shape Cutters

(10,200)

Sale Price $1.53
Original Price $1.91 (20% off)

From shop EchoStoneDesigns
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Bamboo Leaves Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Leaf Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Baseball Stitches, Baseball Seams Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Textile Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Seashell Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Sea Shells Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Wavy Checker Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Textile Pattern, Gingham, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Sunset Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Sun Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Geometric Tile Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Textile Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Heart Checker Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Valentine Pattern, Gingham, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Palm Leaves Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Leaf Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Botanical Butterfly Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Butterfly Silhouette, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Love and Hearts Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Valentine's Day Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Abstract Geometric Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Fan Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Fall Leaves Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Leaf Stencil, Fall Themed, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Desert Landscape Patterns, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Cactus Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Arabesque Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Damask Pattern, Textile, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Moon and Stars Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Celestial Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Halloween Harvest Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Pumpkin Stencil, Fall Leaves, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Aztec Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Tribal Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Easter Egg Checker Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Easter Pattern, Easter Eggs, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Butterfly Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Butterfly Silhouette, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Botanical Leaves & Flowers, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Leaf Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Buffalo Plaid Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Textile Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Houndstooth Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Textile Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Snake Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Celestial Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Checker Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Textile Pattern, Gingham, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Abstract Flowers, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Flower Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Palm Tree Silhouette Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Palm Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Zig Zag Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Geometric Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Folk Art Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Flowers and Hearts, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Abstract Faces Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Face Shapes, Continuous Line, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Daisy Checker Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Textile Pattern, Gingham, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Stacked Leaves Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Leaf Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Roses Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Flower Stencil, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

(11,638)

Star Seller

Sale Price $1.59
Original Price $1.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo

Sculpting & Forming Supplies

1.4cm bird shape, very little, natural wood, buy SET with a DISCOUNT, jewellery supplies, blank shapes, blank wood, earrings, ring, diy

2.5cm wooden triangle, buy SET with a DISCOUNT, unfinished unpainted wood, natural wood, ready to decorate, make your own necklace, diy

Triangle Cutter Set for Jewellery, Polimer Clay Earrings, Fondant, Concrete Earring cutter

Polymer clay cutters,polymer clay tools,clay earrings cutter,flower clay cutter,0.3mm cutting edge

Embroidery file ITH rabbit ears 10x10, 13x18, 16x26 and 18x30

Color recipe for Fimo professional "violet"

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

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

Deer rubber stamps, stag rubber stamp, Reindeer family, forest trees, and woodland.

Coffee cup rubber stamps, coffee bean stamp, coffee lover gift.

Flower Clay Cutters, Clay Cutter Sets, Clay Cutters, Clay Tools, Polymer Clay Tools, Cutters for Clay, Embossed Flower

Polymer Clay Cutter, Dangle Accent Clay Cutters, 3D Printed Clay Cutter, Embossing Cutter, Clay Cutter, Dangle Accent Cutters

B grade Oval Polymer clay 3D cutters Geometry shapes cutters Polymer clay tools Earring mold Clay supplies Basic geometry shape cutters

Bunny clay cutter,Easter Candy Bunny Clay Cutters,butterfly clay cutter, 3D Polymer Clay Cutter Set,polymer clay tools,0.3mm cutting edge

Book covers clay cutter, polymer clay cutters, clay tools, Cookie cutters, Polymer clay supply, Metal clay supplies, air dry clay

Polymer Clay Cutter, Boho Stud Set Clay Cutters, 3D Printed Clay Cutter, Embossing Clay Cutter, Clay Cutter: Mini Boho Shape Cutters

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Bamboo Leaves Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Leaf Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Baseball Stitches, Baseball Seams Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Textile Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Seashell Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Sea Shells Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Wavy Checker Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Textile Pattern, Gingham, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Sunset Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Sun Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Geometric Tile Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Textile Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Heart Checker Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Valentine Pattern, Gingham, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Palm Leaves Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Leaf Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Botanical Butterfly Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Butterfly Silhouette, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Love and Hearts Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Valentine's Day Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Abstract Geometric Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Fan Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Fall Leaves Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Leaf Stencil, Fall Themed, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Desert Landscape Patterns, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Cactus Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Arabesque Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Damask Pattern, Textile, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Moon and Stars Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Celestial Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Halloween Harvest Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Pumpkin Stencil, Fall Leaves, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Aztec Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Tribal Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Easter Egg Checker Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Easter Pattern, Easter Eggs, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Butterfly Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Butterfly Silhouette, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Botanical Leaves & Flowers, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Leaf Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Buffalo Plaid Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Textile Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Houndstooth Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Textile Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Snake Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Celestial Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Checker Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Textile Pattern, Gingham, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Abstract Flowers, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Flower Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Palm Tree Silhouette Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Palm Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Zig Zag Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Geometric Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Folk Art Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Flowers and Hearts, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Abstract Faces Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Face Shapes, Continuous Line, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Daisy Checker Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Textile Pattern, Gingham, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Stacked Leaves Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Leaf Pattern, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

Clay Silk Screen Stencil, Roses Pattern, Clay Stencil and Squeegee, Flower Stencil, Polymer Clay, Art Supplies

There's so much more for you to discover

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