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

Metalworking

Carving & Whittling

Glass Art

Enameling

Mosaic Making

Molding & Casting

Robotics

3D Printing

(8,858 Results)

Screwdriver - Personalized Christmas gift, Stocking Stuffer, tools for him, gift for dad, handyman gift for grandpa from son grandson

(15,431)

Star Seller

$20.00

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

(6,287)

Star Seller

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

From shop HouseCozyLivingStore

FREE shipping
Felt Watermelon // Felt Summer Fruits // Felt Watermelon Slices

(59,960)

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

(2,766)

Star Seller

Sale Price $13.90
Original Price $27.80 (50% off)

From shop Yaruk

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

(2,264)

Star Seller

Sale Price $16.68
Original Price $22.24 (25% off)

From shop MoraApproved

FREE shipping
Gnome Polymer Clay Earring Cutter | Christmas Clay Cutter | Winter Holiday Earring Cutters

(26,332)

Star Seller

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

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

(823)

$10.99

From shop KeoneAndKimi

FREE shipping

Etsy’s Pick
Snow Hare and Landscape Rubber Stamp, Christmas stamp, Christmas Rubber Stamp, Christmas Card Stamp, DIY craft gift

(8,963)

Star Seller

$7.73

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

(10,176)

Sale Price $1.17
Original Price $1.46 (20% off)

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

(26,332)

Star Seller

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

From shop ClayDoughCutters
DIY Kintsugi Repair Kit - Home Craft Kits

(1,026)

Sale Price $19.96
Original Price $22.19 (10% off)

From shop KintsugiBox

FREE shipping
Butterfly Shape Polymer Clay Earring Cutter | Cookie Cutters | Fondant Cutter

(26,332)

Star Seller

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

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

(26,332)

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

(12,101)

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

(26,332)

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

(10,176)

Sale Price $1.18
Original Price $1.48 (20% off)

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

(12,101)

Star Seller

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

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

(26,332)

Star Seller

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

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

(26,332)

Star Seller

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

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

(9,408)

$22.07

From shop CustomDesignShopUK
Etsy’s Pick
Sea Shell Clay Cutter (Embossing) | Clam Shell Cutter | Summer Clay Cutter | Spring Clay Earring Cutter | Polymer Clay Tool | Stud Cutter

(26,332)

Star Seller

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

From shop ClayDoughCutters
Star Donut Cutter | Fourth Of July Cutter | Summer Clay Cutter | Spring Clay Earring Cutter | Polymer Clay Tool | Stud Cutter

(26,332)

Star Seller

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

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

(12,101)

Star Seller

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

From shop BabylonCutters
Art Deco Scallop Fan Clay Cutter, Earring Polymer Clay Cutter, Shell Jewellery Cutter, Art Deco Cutter

(12,101)

Star Seller

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

From shop BabylonCutters
Triangle polymer clay cutters - Polymer clay tools - 3d printed polymer clay cutters

(6,136)

Star Seller

Sale Price $7.80
Original Price $10.40 (25% off)

From shop DevinCutters
DIY Clay Trinket Dish Kit / Ages 6+ / Ring Dish / BOHO Style / Clay Kit / Party Craft / Special Little Keepsake / Bestseller / Mother's Day

(452)

Star Seller

$24.95

From shop GalleriGirlArtKits

FREE shipping
Etsy’s Pick
Mother's Day Conversation Heart Clay Cutter | Candy Heart Clay Cutter | Mothers Day Earring Clay Cutters | Embossed Clay Cutters

(26,332)

Star Seller

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

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

(6,270)

Star Seller

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

From shop CNCArtStore

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

(13,620)

Star Seller

$6.48

From shop VeeClayDesignShop
Etsy’s Pick
Sea Turtle Clay Cutter | Sea Animal Clay Cutter | Summer Clay Cutter | Spring Clay Earring Cutter | Polymer Clay Tool | Stud Cutter

(26,332)

Star Seller

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

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

(26,332)

Star Seller

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

From shop ClayDoughCutters
Coffin Clay Cutter | Fall Clay Cutters | Halloween Clay Cutter | Autumn Earring Cutters

(26,332)

Star Seller

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

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

(11,610)

Star Seller

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

From shop SoCalCutterCo
Triangles Clay Cutter, Polymer Clay Dangle Earrings Cutter, Cookie & Fondant Cutter, Art Deco Triangles Pyramid Shaped Cutter for Clay

(12,101)

Star Seller

Sale Price $3.36
Original Price $4.20 (20% off)

From shop BabylonCutters
Cute Ghost Polymer Clay Earring Cutter (2 Piece Set) | Halloween Clay Cutter | Fall (Autumn) Earring Cutters

(26,332)

Star Seller

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

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

(13,620)

Star Seller

$7.78

From shop VeeClayDesignShop
Etsy’s Pick
Flower Polymer Clay Cutters | Flower Clay Cutters | Spring Clay Cutters | Clay Earring Cutters | Jewelry Making

(7,579)

Star Seller

$3.99

From shop RoseauxClayCo
Etsy’s Pick
Carnation Flower Mini Clay Cutter / Polymer Clay Cutters / Micro Cutters / Earring Making / Clay Tools

(13,620)

Star Seller

$7.78

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

(12,101)

Star Seller

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

From shop BabylonCutters
Butterfly Clay Cutter, Spring Butterfly Earring Polymer Clay Cutter, Cookie & Fondant Cutter, Butterfly Cutter for Clay

(12,101)

Star Seller

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

From shop BabylonCutters
Dog Clay Cutter, Animal Polymer Clay Cutter, Cookie & Fondant Cutter, Embossing Cute Puppy Face Cutter for Clay

(12,101)

Star Seller

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

From shop BabylonCutters
Valentine's Day Swan Polymer Clay Earring Cutters (2 Piece Set) | Valentine's Earring | Valentines Cutter Shape

(26,332)

Star Seller

Sale Price $4.04
Original Price $4.75 (15% off)

From shop ClayDoughCutters
Floral Petal & Leaf Cluster Micro Cutter | Spring Mini Clay Cutter | Stud Clay Cutters | Polymer Clay Earring Cutter | Style #7

(26,332)

Star Seller

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

From shop ClayDoughCutters
Tombstone Clay Cutter | Fall Clay Cutters | Halloween Clay Cutter | Autumn Earring Cutters

(26,332)

Star Seller

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

From shop ClayDoughCutters
Color Recipe Wheel Clay Cutter | Polymer Clay Cutter | Polymer Clay Earring | Earring Making Color Mixing Polymer Clay Tools

(26,332)

Star Seller

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

From shop ClayDoughCutters
Heart Sunglasses Clay Cutter | Valentine's Day Clay Cutters | Embossed Vday Clay Cutters | Valentines Cutters | V-day Cutters

(26,332)

Star Seller

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

From shop ClayDoughCutters
Snowflake Christmas Clay Cutter, Snow Earring Polymer Clay Cutter, Cookie & Fondant Cutter, Winter Cutters for Clay

(12,101)

Star Seller

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

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

(1,058)

Star Seller

$8.00

From shop FabulousFungi
Etsy’s Pick

Sculpting & Forming Supplies

Screwdriver - Personalized Christmas gift, Stocking Stuffer, tools for him, gift for dad, handyman gift for grandpa from son grandson

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

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

Gnome Polymer Clay Earring Cutter | Christmas Clay Cutter | Winter Holiday Earring Cutters

Wood Dowel Rods 3/4" x various lengths

Snow Hare and Landscape Rubber Stamp, Christmas stamp, Christmas Rubber Stamp, Christmas Card Stamp, DIY craft gift

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

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

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

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

Curved Trapezoid Shape Polymer Clay Earring Cutter | Cookie Cutters | Fondant Cutter

Rounded Rectangle Shape Polymer Clay Earring Cutter | Cookie Cutters | Fondant Cutter

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

Sea Shell Clay Cutter (Embossing) | Clam Shell Cutter | Summer Clay Cutter | Spring Clay Earring Cutter | Polymer Clay Tool | Stud Cutter

Star Donut Cutter | Fourth Of July Cutter | Summer Clay Cutter | Spring Clay Earring Cutter | Polymer Clay Tool | Stud Cutter

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

Art Deco Scallop Fan Clay Cutter, Earring Polymer Clay Cutter, Shell Jewellery Cutter, Art Deco Cutter

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

DIY Clay Trinket Dish Kit / Ages 6+ / Ring Dish / BOHO Style / Clay Kit / Party Craft / Special Little Keepsake / Bestseller / Mother's Day

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

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

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

Sea Turtle Clay Cutter | Sea Animal Clay Cutter | Summer Clay Cutter | Spring Clay Earring Cutter | Polymer Clay Tool | Stud Cutter

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

Coffin Clay Cutter | Fall Clay Cutters | Halloween Clay Cutter | Autumn Earring Cutters

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

Triangles Clay Cutter, Polymer Clay Dangle Earrings Cutter, Cookie & Fondant Cutter, Art Deco Triangles Pyramid Shaped Cutter for Clay

Cute Ghost Polymer Clay Earring Cutter (2 Piece Set) | Halloween Clay Cutter | Fall (Autumn) Earring Cutters

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

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

Carnation Flower Mini Clay Cutter / Polymer Clay Cutters / Micro Cutters / Earring Making / Clay Tools

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

Butterfly Clay Cutter, Spring Butterfly Earring Polymer Clay Cutter, Cookie & Fondant Cutter, Butterfly Cutter for Clay

Dog Clay Cutter, Animal Polymer Clay Cutter, Cookie & Fondant Cutter, Embossing Cute Puppy Face Cutter for Clay

Valentine's Day Swan Polymer Clay Earring Cutters (2 Piece Set) | Valentine's Earring | Valentines Cutter Shape

Floral Petal & Leaf Cluster Micro Cutter | Spring Mini Clay Cutter | Stud Clay Cutters | Polymer Clay Earring Cutter | Style #7

Tombstone Clay Cutter | Fall Clay Cutters | Halloween Clay Cutter | Autumn Earring Cutters

Color Recipe Wheel Clay Cutter | Polymer Clay Cutter | Polymer Clay Earring | Earring Making Color Mixing Polymer Clay Tools

Heart Sunglasses Clay Cutter | Valentine's Day Clay Cutters | Embossed Vday Clay Cutters | Valentines Cutters | V-day Cutters

Snowflake Christmas Clay Cutter, Snow Earring Polymer Clay Cutter, Cookie & Fondant Cutter, Winter Cutters for Clay

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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