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

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

(11,633)

Star Seller

Sale Price $7.99
Original Price $9.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Heart Shape Clay Cutter, Heart Donut Cutter, Circle Shape Stud, Cookie Cutter, Geometric, Minimalist Clay Cutter, 3D Polymer Clay Cutter Set

(11,633)

Star Seller

Sale Price $3.19
Original Price $3.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Stiletto Shape Polymer Clay Cutter set, Heels Cutter, Left and Right Heels, Cookie Cutter, 3D Polymer Clay Cutter Set

(11,633)

Star Seller

Sale Price $7.99
Original Price $9.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Rounded Square Clay Cutter, Tile Shape Pendant, Square, Cookie Cutter, Architectural Shape, Minimalist, 3D Polymer Clay Cutter Set

(11,633)

Star Seller

Sale Price $3.99
Original Price $4.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Goldfish Shape Shape Cutters, Clay Cutters, Fish Silhouette, Goldfish with Smile, Polymer Clay Stud, Cookie Cutter, Polymer Clay Cutter Set

(11,633)

Star Seller

Sale Price $7.99
Original Price $9.99 (20% off)

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

(11,633)

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

(11,633)

Star Seller

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

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Squiggle Stair Shape Cutter, Abstract Stud, Clay Mold Set, Boho Shapes, Architectural Shapes, Cookie Cutter, 3D Polymer Clay Cutter Set

(11,633)

Star Seller

Sale Price $3.99
Original Price $4.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Abstract Flower Shape Clay Cutter, Organic Shape, Cookie Cutter, Geometric Shape, Minimalist Clay Cutter, 3D Polymer Clay Cutter Set

(11,633)

Star Seller

Sale Price $5.59
Original Price $6.99 (20% off)

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

(11,633)

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

(11,633)

Star Seller

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

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Moon | Moon Polymer Clay Cutter Halloween Clay Cutter Fall Polymer Clay Cutter Moon Shape Polymer Clay Cutter

(12,377)

Star Seller

Sale Price $2.62
Original Price $3.75 (30% off)

From shop WildHoneyCutters
Sea Turtle Clay Cutter, Turtle Shape Pendant, Cookie Cutter, Animal Shape, Under the Sea Clay Cutter, 3D Polymer Clay Cutter Set

(11,633)

Star Seller

Sale Price $4.79
Original Price $5.99 (20% off)

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Leaf combo polymer clay cutters, Flower earring cutter, Hair clip cutter, Geometric shape, Custom earring cutter, Earring cutter

(4,784)

$5.02

From shop LiiCutters
Etsy’s Pick
CheckerBoard Maker Polymer Clay Cutter,Polymer Clay Line Cutter, Polymer Clay Stripes Cutter,Earring Making Tool

(4,784)

$8.93

From shop LiiCutters
Etsy’s Pick
Mini Daisy flower polymer clay cutter, Daisy flower cutter, Daisy earrings, Stud Flower earring, Micro Flower Earring cutter

(4,784)

$5.02

From shop LiiCutters
Etsy’s Pick
Flower set clay cutter, Flower Cutter, Earring cutter, Petal hair clip cutter, Biscuit cutter, Earring making tool, Clay tool

(4,784)

$5.58

From shop LiiCutters
Etsy’s Pick
Color Recipe Polymer Clay Cutter, Polymer Clay Recipe cutter guide, Color measuring cutter, Earring making tool, Clay stamp

(4,784)

$3.35

From shop LiiCutters
Etsy’s Pick
RL-024 Large Pottery Handle Roller - Cattails

(9,442)

Star Seller

$16.95

From shop MKMPotteryTools
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RL-021 Large Pottery Handle Roller - Wild Field

(9,442)

Star Seller

$16.95

From shop MKMPotteryTools
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BHR-038 Big Pottery Hand Roller - Floral Fun

(9,442)

Star Seller

$19.95

From shop MKMPotteryTools
Etsy’s Pick
HR-069 Pottery Hand Roller - 3D Zigzag

(9,442)

Star Seller

$15.95

From shop MKMPotteryTools
Etsy’s Pick
BHR-125 Big Pottery Hand Roller - River Stone

(9,442)

Star Seller

$19.95

From shop MKMPotteryTools
Etsy’s Pick
BHR-020 Big Pottery Hand Roller - Big Wave

(9,442)

Star Seller

$19.95

From shop MKMPotteryTools
Etsy’s Pick
RL-032 Large Handle Roller - Mountain Forest

(9,442)

Star Seller

$16.95

From shop MKMPotteryTools
Etsy’s Pick
Spoon Carving Kit | Begginer Spoon Carving Kit | Wooden Coffee Scoop making Kit | Beginner Whittling Kit

(534)

Star Seller

$35.02

From shop LPDESIGNest2018

FREE shipping

Etsy’s Pick
Beginner Wood carving Forest Kit | Woodland Driftwood Wood Carving Kit | How to Carve Trees | Woodland Whittling Kit | Whittling Tool

(534)

Star Seller

$25.94

From shop LPDESIGNest2018
Etsy’s Pick
Set of 4 (or more) Ceramic Numbers Tiles indoor/outdoor use, mosaics, stepping stones, handmade porcelain by Fabulousfungi, Alex Gardner

(1,065)

Star Seller

$8.00

From shop FabulousFungi
Etsy’s Pick
TUBE VASE MOULD Silicone Mould Wavy Vase Glass Tube Holder Test Tube Propagation Station Decorative Test Tube Vase Mold Resin Crafts

(79)

$49.31

From shop MiniMouldFactory
Etsy’s Pick
Martini Cocktail Glass Cookie Cutter - From Mini To Large - Polymer Clay Jewelry And Earring Cutter Tool - Mirrored Pair Set

(8,316)

Star Seller

Sale Price $2.51
Original Price $3.35 (25% off)

From shop imagineacookie
Pet Portrait Cookie Cutter| Custom Cookie Cutter| 3D Printed| Dog| Cat| Custom Gift

(623)

Star Seller

$15.99

From shop RioandWuHandmade
Etsy’s Pick
Hanging Dog Polymer Clay Cutter ( 2 pc set), Animal Clay cutter, Polymer clay earring cutter, Dog cutter, Cats stamp, Cookie cutter

(4,784)

$5.02

From shop LiiCutters
Etsy’s Pick
Paint Palette clay cutter, Artist clay cutter, Colour palette clay cutter, Scallop clay cutter, Artist Earring cutter

(4,784)

$5.02

From shop LiiCutters
Etsy’s Pick
Feather clay cutter set, Boho Clay earring Cutter, Geometric cutter, Cookie cutter, Earring making tool, Clay tool

(4,784)

$3.90

From shop LiiCutters
Etsy’s Pick
Hanging Cat Polymer Clay Cutter ( 2 pc set), Animal Clay cutter, Polymer clay earring cutter, Cat cutter, Cats stamp, Cookie cutter

(4,784)

$5.02

From shop LiiCutters
Etsy’s Pick
Christmas Tree Polymer Clay bead Roller, Bead Roller Polymer clay, Christmas Tree Polymer clay earrings, Earring making tools

(4,784)

$9.48

From shop LiiCutters
Etsy’s Pick
Long Leaf Micro Polymer Clay Cutter, Clay cutter set, Leaf cutter, Earring making tools, Clay cutter set, Micro Earring Cutters

(4,784)

$5.58

From shop LiiCutters
Etsy’s Pick
Micro Leaf Polymer Clay Cutter, Clay cutter set, Leaf cutter, Earring making tools, Clay cutter set, Micro Earring Cutters

(4,784)

$6.14

From shop LiiCutters
Etsy’s Pick
Mini Leaf Polymer Clay Cutter, Clay cutter set, Heart cutter, Earring making tools, Clay cutter set, Micro Earring Cutters

(4,784)

$6.14

From shop LiiCutters
Etsy’s Pick
Hoop earring guide ( 10 holes), Polymer Clay hoop measuring guide, Hoop guide, Polymer clay tool, Earring making tool, Clay stamp

(4,784)

$3.35

From shop LiiCutters
Etsy’s Pick
Arch polymer clay cutters, Window earring cutter, Hair clip cutter, Geometric shape, Custom earring cutter, Earring cutter

(4,784)

$3.90

From shop LiiCutters
Etsy’s Pick
Double polygon clay cutter set (2pc), Clay earring Cutter, Geometric cutter, Cookie cutter, Earring making tool, Clay tool

(4,784)

$4.46

From shop LiiCutters
Etsy’s Pick
Micro Sunflower Polymer Clay Cutter, Clay cutter set, Flower cutter, Earring making tools, Clay cutter set, Micro Earring Cutters

(4,784)

$6.14

From shop LiiCutters
Etsy’s Pick
Micro Moon Polymer Clay Cutter, Clay cutter set, Moon cutter, Earring making tools, Clay cutter set, Micro Earring Cutters

(4,784)

$6.14

From shop LiiCutters
Etsy’s Pick
Micro Leaf Polymer Clay Cutter, Leaf Clay cutter set, Leaf cutter, Earring making tools, Clay cutter set, Micro Earring Cutters

(4,784)

$6.14

From shop LiiCutters
Etsy’s Pick
Micro Star Polymer Clay Cutter, Clay cutter set, Star cutter, Earring making tools, Clay cutter set, Micro Earring Cutters

(4,784)

$6.14

From shop LiiCutters
Etsy’s Pick
Scallop drop clay cutter, Moroccan drop with lines Polymer Clay Cutter, Boho earring Clay Cutter, Drop earrings, Polymer clay cutter set

(4,784)

$4.46

From shop LiiCutters
Etsy’s Pick
Moon Surface Clay Roller, Moon Pattern Clay roller, Seamless Clay texture, Polymer clay roller, Clay pattern roller, Earring making tool

(4,784)

$8.93

From shop LiiCutters
Etsy’s Pick

Sculpting & Forming Supplies

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

Heart Shape Clay Cutter, Heart Donut Cutter, Circle Shape Stud, Cookie Cutter, Geometric, Minimalist Clay Cutter, 3D Polymer Clay Cutter Set

Stiletto Shape Polymer Clay Cutter set, Heels Cutter, Left and Right Heels, Cookie Cutter, 3D Polymer Clay Cutter Set

Rounded Square Clay Cutter, Tile Shape Pendant, Square, Cookie Cutter, Architectural Shape, Minimalist, 3D Polymer Clay Cutter Set

Goldfish Shape Shape Cutters, Clay Cutters, Fish Silhouette, Goldfish with Smile, Polymer Clay Stud, Cookie Cutter, Polymer Clay Cutter Set

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

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

Squiggle Stair Shape Cutter, Abstract Stud, Clay Mold Set, Boho Shapes, Architectural Shapes, Cookie Cutter, 3D Polymer Clay Cutter Set

Abstract Flower Shape Clay Cutter, Organic Shape, Cookie Cutter, Geometric Shape, Minimalist Clay Cutter, 3D Polymer Clay Cutter Set

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

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

Moon | Moon Polymer Clay Cutter Halloween Clay Cutter Fall Polymer Clay Cutter Moon Shape Polymer Clay Cutter

Sea Turtle Clay Cutter, Turtle Shape Pendant, Cookie Cutter, Animal Shape, Under the Sea Clay Cutter, 3D Polymer Clay Cutter Set

Leaf combo polymer clay cutters, Flower earring cutter, Hair clip cutter, Geometric shape, Custom earring cutter, Earring cutter

CheckerBoard Maker Polymer Clay Cutter,Polymer Clay Line Cutter, Polymer Clay Stripes Cutter,Earring Making Tool

Mini Daisy flower polymer clay cutter, Daisy flower cutter, Daisy earrings, Stud Flower earring, Micro Flower Earring cutter

Flower set clay cutter, Flower Cutter, Earring cutter, Petal hair clip cutter, Biscuit cutter, Earring making tool, Clay tool

Color Recipe Polymer Clay Cutter, Polymer Clay Recipe cutter guide, Color measuring cutter, Earring making tool, Clay stamp

RL-024 Large Pottery Handle Roller - Cattails

RL-021 Large Pottery Handle Roller - Wild Field

BHR-038 Big Pottery Hand Roller - Floral Fun

HR-069 Pottery Hand Roller - 3D Zigzag

BHR-125 Big Pottery Hand Roller - River Stone

BHR-020 Big Pottery Hand Roller - Big Wave

RL-032 Large Handle Roller - Mountain Forest

Spoon Carving Kit | Begginer Spoon Carving Kit | Wooden Coffee Scoop making Kit | Beginner Whittling Kit

Beginner Wood carving Forest Kit | Woodland Driftwood Wood Carving Kit | How to Carve Trees | Woodland Whittling Kit | Whittling Tool

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

TUBE VASE MOULD Silicone Mould Wavy Vase Glass Tube Holder Test Tube Propagation Station Decorative Test Tube Vase Mold Resin Crafts

Martini Cocktail Glass Cookie Cutter - From Mini To Large - Polymer Clay Jewelry And Earring Cutter Tool - Mirrored Pair Set

Pet Portrait Cookie Cutter| Custom Cookie Cutter| 3D Printed| Dog| Cat| Custom Gift

Hanging Dog Polymer Clay Cutter ( 2 pc set), Animal Clay cutter, Polymer clay earring cutter, Dog cutter, Cats stamp, Cookie cutter

Paint Palette clay cutter, Artist clay cutter, Colour palette clay cutter, Scallop clay cutter, Artist Earring cutter

Feather clay cutter set, Boho Clay earring Cutter, Geometric cutter, Cookie cutter, Earring making tool, Clay tool

Hanging Cat Polymer Clay Cutter ( 2 pc set), Animal Clay cutter, Polymer clay earring cutter, Cat cutter, Cats stamp, Cookie cutter

Christmas Tree Polymer Clay bead Roller, Bead Roller Polymer clay, Christmas Tree Polymer clay earrings, Earring making tools

Long Leaf Micro Polymer Clay Cutter, Clay cutter set, Leaf cutter, Earring making tools, Clay cutter set, Micro Earring Cutters

Micro Leaf Polymer Clay Cutter, Clay cutter set, Leaf cutter, Earring making tools, Clay cutter set, Micro Earring Cutters

Mini Leaf Polymer Clay Cutter, Clay cutter set, Heart cutter, Earring making tools, Clay cutter set, Micro Earring Cutters

Hoop earring guide ( 10 holes), Polymer Clay hoop measuring guide, Hoop guide, Polymer clay tool, Earring making tool, Clay stamp

Arch polymer clay cutters, Window earring cutter, Hair clip cutter, Geometric shape, Custom earring cutter, Earring cutter

Double polygon clay cutter set (2pc), Clay earring Cutter, Geometric cutter, Cookie cutter, Earring making tool, Clay tool

Micro Sunflower Polymer Clay Cutter, Clay cutter set, Flower cutter, Earring making tools, Clay cutter set, Micro Earring Cutters

Micro Moon Polymer Clay Cutter, Clay cutter set, Moon cutter, Earring making tools, Clay cutter set, Micro Earring Cutters

Micro Leaf Polymer Clay Cutter, Leaf Clay cutter set, Leaf cutter, Earring making tools, Clay cutter set, Micro Earring Cutters

Micro Star Polymer Clay Cutter, Clay cutter set, Star cutter, Earring making tools, Clay cutter set, Micro Earring Cutters

Scallop drop clay cutter, Moroccan drop with lines Polymer Clay Cutter, Boho earring Clay Cutter, Drop earrings, Polymer clay cutter set

Moon Surface Clay Roller, Moon Pattern Clay roller, Seamless Clay texture, Polymer clay roller, Clay pattern roller, Earring making tool

There's so much more for you to discover

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