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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Indigo & Shibori Natural Dye Kit

(391)

$56.00

From shop GrahamKeegan

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Etsy’s Pick
Craft Kits for Adults, Baby Mama Elephant Mosaic Kit, DIY Nursery Decor, DIY Kits for Adults, DIY Baby Room, Elephant crafts, baby elephant

(979)

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$55.95

From shop MosaicsattheFarm

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Craft Kits for Adults, Mosaic Kit, DIY Kits for Adults, Mosaic Crafts, Bird crafts, Craft kits for women, Bird mosaic, DIY Mosaic Kits, kits

(979)

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$55.95

From shop MosaicsattheFarm

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Craft Kits for adults, Snowman Coaster Kit, DIY Kits for Adults, Mosaic Kit, Winter Craft Kit, Mosaic Craft Kit, DIY Coaster, Snowman Kit

(979)

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$55.95

From shop MosaicsattheFarm

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Craft Kits for Adults, Mosaic Kit, Snowman Ornament Mosaic Craft Kit, DIY Kits for adults, craft kits for mosaics, diy mosaic snowman kits

(979)

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$55.95

From shop MosaicsattheFarm

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Craft Kit for Adults, Cardinal Bird Kit, Hand cut glass Mosaic Kit, DIY Kits for Adults, Crafts Kits for Adults DIY Mosaic Cardinal Kit

(979)

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$55.95

From shop MosaicsattheFarm

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Craft Kits for Adults, Baby Mama Elephant Mosaic Kit, Elephant Crafts, DIY Kits for Adults, DIY Baby gifts, DIY Elephant Gift, mosaic kit

(979)

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$55.95

From shop MosaicsattheFarm

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Craft Kits for Adults, Mosaic Bird Ornament, DIY crafts for adults, Adult Craft Kit, Bird Ornaments, Bird Mosaic, Mosaic Kit, Bird Craft kit

(979)

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$55.95

From shop MosaicsattheFarm

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Craft Kits for Adults, Cat Mosaic Kit, Cat Ornament Mosaics, Cat Crafts, DIY Mosaic Kit, Adult DIY Craft Kits, DIY Cat Ornaments, Craft Kits

(979)

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$55.95

From shop MosaicsattheFarm

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Craft Kits for Adults, Coaster Kit, Mosaic Kit, DIY Kits for Adults, Craft Kits for Women, Stained Glass Kit, Mosaic Coaster Kit, DIY Kits

(979)

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$55.95

From shop MosaicsattheFarm

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Craft Kits for Adults, Snowmen Ornaments, DIY Kits for Adults, Mosaic Kit, Snowman ornament kits, Crafts Kits for Adults, hand cut glass

(979)

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$55.95

From shop MosaicsattheFarm

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Yellow cup with round handle

(2)

$55.93

From shop ArtefattoCeramics

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Ceramic set of plates

(2)

$55.93

From shop ArtefattoCeramics

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Square red bowl

(2)

$55.93

From shop ArtefattoCeramics

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Green cup with square handle

(2)

$55.93

From shop ArtefattoCeramics

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Purple cup

(2)

$55.93

From shop ArtefattoCeramics

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Brown Cups- Handmade big cups

(2)

$55.93

From shop ArtefattoCeramics

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NEW! Vintage Set - handmade watercolor - 6 half pan - natural shades

(371)

$55.87

From shop AquabloomArt

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Crewel Embroidery Kit - SWEET REPOSE

(627)

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$55.85

From shop FineStitchStudio
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Giant Silicone earrings mold "Flowers" for resin and epoxy 16 pcs flowers

(1,063)

$55.00

From shop LuxyMolds
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DIY Heart Barn Quilt Painting Kit Gift Set, Date Night Craft, Paint at Home, Gift for Her, Crafts for Adults, DIY for Kids, Gift for Him

(1,179)

$55.00

From shop SweetLoveAdornments

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Forged flat chisel. Wood carving tool.

(632)

Star Seller

$55.00

From shop ForgedToolsNaumov

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A intricate brush, Handmade brush, Goat-hair and Buck tail brush, Driftwood handle, Watercolor, Pottery, Sumie Painting, Acrylic...

(253)

$55.00

From shop artsbrush

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DIY Stained Glass Salmon Mosaic Kit

(312)

Star Seller

$55.00

From shop NorthernWhimsyArt

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Yamato Indigo Shibori Dye Kit / Natural-Blend, Made In Japan / Tenugui, Bandana, Shibori Tools Included / Instant Vat, Great for Beginners

(179)

$55.00

From shop YamatoIndigo
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Coastal Crab Fine Art Print

(7)

$55.00

From shop SusanRichardsArtShop

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Soft brush, Three overlap brush, Watercolor brush, Pottery brush, Ink painting, Sumi brush, Calligraphy brush, Artist brush, gift brush.

(253)

$55.00

From shop artsbrush

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DIY Painting Mosaic Autumn Leaves Fall Craft Kit, Crafts for Kids, Crafts for Teens and Adults, Autumn Leaves, Fall Decor DIY Porjects

(1,179)

$55.00

From shop SweetLoveAdornments

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Craft Kits for Adults, DIY Art Kits, Ballerina Crafts, Mosaic Kits, DIY Kits for Adults, Craft kits for teens, craft kits for women, art kit

(979)

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$54.95

From shop MosaicsattheFarm

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Personalized Ice Cube Silicone Mold | Large Initial Ice Cube Mold

(783)

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$54.95

From shop ModernCraftLabs
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Mosaic Craft Kits for Adults, Heart Ornament, Mosaic Kit, Diy Kits for Adults, Craft Kits for Women, Personalized Christmas Crafts, diy kit

(979)

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$54.95

From shop MosaicsattheFarm

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Mosaic Craft Kits for Adults, Heart Ornament, Mosaic Kit, DIY Kits for Adults, DIY Craft Kits, Christmas Kits, Stained glass kit, diy crafts

(979)

Star Seller

$54.95

From shop MosaicsattheFarm

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Leather tool storage wood carving tool craft tool storage leather tool roll tool organize leather Carving Chisel Tool Roll Mothers day Gifts

(730)

Sale Price $54.84
Original Price $109.68 (50% off)

From shop RetroFolks

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Big air-dry clay kit, Clay kit, home DIY Clay kit, home pottery kit, best friend gift box, Mother's Day, thinking of you, team events

(483)

Star Seller

$54.81

From shop MeshAndCloth
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4 FULL PAN Set -Mika watercolor - Gold -Silver paint - Lettering - art paint

(371)

$54.75

From shop AquabloomArt

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Leather and Canvas Apron, Barber Apron, Waxed Canvas Apron, Work Apron, Mom Gift Idea, Grandma Present, Mother's Day

(7,600)

Sale Price $54.16
Original Price $83.33 (35% off)

From shop olpr

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Waxed Canvas Apron, Leather Woodworking / Gardening Apron for Men, Fathers Day Gift, Mother's Day, Custom Gift for Mother, Personalized Gift

(7,600)

Sale Price $54.16
Original Price $83.33 (35% off)

From shop olpr

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Mother's Day Gift, Personalized Gift for Mom, Grandma, Brown Apron, Waxed Canvas and Leather Apron, Work Apron

(7,600)

Sale Price $54.16
Original Price $83.33 (35% off)

From shop olpr

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Seashell Candle Silicone Mould, Shell, Beach, Pillar, Scallop, Sculptural, Aesthetic, Candle Wax, Silicone Mold, DIY Craft

(249)

$53.81

From shop ShopMolde

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VASE MOULD Straight Vase Silicone Mould Tower Vase Flower Vase Mold Bud Vase Mold Jesmonite Mould Concrete Mould Resin Mould AC100 Jesmonite

(79)

$53.49

From shop MiniMouldFactory
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MIRROR STAND MOULD Silicone Mould Wave Mirror Holder Arch Mirror Card Holder Acrylic Sheet Holder Make Up Mirror Jesmonite Cement Concrete

(79)

$53.49

From shop MiniMouldFactory
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Raven DIY Stained Glass Mosaic Kit

(312)

Star Seller

$53.00

From shop NorthernWhimsyArt

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Pride Heart Stud Polymer Clay Cutter Set, LGBTQIA+ Clay Cutters, Gay Pride Craft Tool

(2,316)

$53.00

From shop CremeBruClay
Etsy’s Pick
Earth | Doric | PROPAGATION STATION | Bud Vase Green Terracotta Brown Tan Stone Home Décor Stoneware Australian Made Handmade Retro 70s

(355)

$52.45

From shop DAZEworkshop

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Personalised Campervan Hammer Multi Tool And Tin Box Travel gift birthday present for men or Dad Tool box screwdriver set survival equipment

(4,997)

Star Seller

Sale Price $52.20
Original Price $58.64 (11% off)

From shop Thatsnicethatuk
CLOUD TRAY MOULD Silicone Mould 3D Cloud Dish Round Dish Jewellery Resin Concrete Mould Jesmonite Cloud Coaster Cloud Shaped Mould Craft

(79)

$52.19

From shop MiniMouldFactory
Etsy’s Pick
DIY Barn Quilt Painting Kit, DIY for Kids, DIY for Adults, Gift for Her, Gift for Him, Geometric Pattern Painting, Paint Party

(1,179)

$52.00

From shop SweetLoveAdornments

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Etsy’s Pick
A soft goat hair brush, Great double layers bristle, Hand-made brush, Watercolor, Pottery, Shum-e painting, Printing, printmaking.

(253)

$52.00

From shop artsbrush

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Etsy’s Pick

Sculpting & Forming Supplies

Indigo & Shibori Natural Dye Kit

Craft Kits for Adults, Baby Mama Elephant Mosaic Kit, DIY Nursery Decor, DIY Kits for Adults, DIY Baby Room, Elephant crafts, baby elephant

Craft Kits for Adults, Mosaic Kit, DIY Kits for Adults, Mosaic Crafts, Bird crafts, Craft kits for women, Bird mosaic, DIY Mosaic Kits, kits

Craft Kits for adults, Snowman Coaster Kit, DIY Kits for Adults, Mosaic Kit, Winter Craft Kit, Mosaic Craft Kit, DIY Coaster, Snowman Kit

Craft Kits for Adults, Mosaic Kit, Snowman Ornament Mosaic Craft Kit, DIY Kits for adults, craft kits for mosaics, diy mosaic snowman kits

Craft Kit for Adults, Cardinal Bird Kit, Hand cut glass Mosaic Kit, DIY Kits for Adults, Crafts Kits for Adults DIY Mosaic Cardinal Kit

Craft Kits for Adults, Baby Mama Elephant Mosaic Kit, Elephant Crafts, DIY Kits for Adults, DIY Baby gifts, DIY Elephant Gift, mosaic kit

Craft Kits for Adults, Mosaic Bird Ornament, DIY crafts for adults, Adult Craft Kit, Bird Ornaments, Bird Mosaic, Mosaic Kit, Bird Craft kit

Craft Kits for Adults, Cat Mosaic Kit, Cat Ornament Mosaics, Cat Crafts, DIY Mosaic Kit, Adult DIY Craft Kits, DIY Cat Ornaments, Craft Kits

Craft Kits for Adults, Coaster Kit, Mosaic Kit, DIY Kits for Adults, Craft Kits for Women, Stained Glass Kit, Mosaic Coaster Kit, DIY Kits

Craft Kits for Adults, Snowmen Ornaments, DIY Kits for Adults, Mosaic Kit, Snowman ornament kits, Crafts Kits for Adults, hand cut glass

Yellow cup with round handle

Ceramic set of plates

Square red bowl

Green cup with square handle

Purple cup

Brown Cups- Handmade big cups

NEW! Vintage Set - handmade watercolor - 6 half pan - natural shades

Crewel Embroidery Kit - SWEET REPOSE

Giant Silicone earrings mold "Flowers" for resin and epoxy 16 pcs flowers

DIY Heart Barn Quilt Painting Kit Gift Set, Date Night Craft, Paint at Home, Gift for Her, Crafts for Adults, DIY for Kids, Gift for Him

Forged flat chisel. Wood carving tool.

A intricate brush, Handmade brush, Goat-hair and Buck tail brush, Driftwood handle, Watercolor, Pottery, Sumie Painting, Acrylic...

DIY Stained Glass Salmon Mosaic Kit

Yamato Indigo Shibori Dye Kit / Natural-Blend, Made In Japan / Tenugui, Bandana, Shibori Tools Included / Instant Vat, Great for Beginners

Coastal Crab Fine Art Print

Soft brush, Three overlap brush, Watercolor brush, Pottery brush, Ink painting, Sumi brush, Calligraphy brush, Artist brush, gift brush.

DIY Painting Mosaic Autumn Leaves Fall Craft Kit, Crafts for Kids, Crafts for Teens and Adults, Autumn Leaves, Fall Decor DIY Porjects

Craft Kits for Adults, DIY Art Kits, Ballerina Crafts, Mosaic Kits, DIY Kits for Adults, Craft kits for teens, craft kits for women, art kit

Personalized Ice Cube Silicone Mold | Large Initial Ice Cube Mold

Mosaic Craft Kits for Adults, Heart Ornament, Mosaic Kit, Diy Kits for Adults, Craft Kits for Women, Personalized Christmas Crafts, diy kit

Mosaic Craft Kits for Adults, Heart Ornament, Mosaic Kit, DIY Kits for Adults, DIY Craft Kits, Christmas Kits, Stained glass kit, diy crafts

Leather tool storage wood carving tool craft tool storage leather tool roll tool organize leather Carving Chisel Tool Roll Mothers day Gifts

Big air-dry clay kit, Clay kit, home DIY Clay kit, home pottery kit, best friend gift box, Mother's Day, thinking of you, team events

4 FULL PAN Set -Mika watercolor - Gold -Silver paint - Lettering - art paint

Leather and Canvas Apron, Barber Apron, Waxed Canvas Apron, Work Apron, Mom Gift Idea, Grandma Present, Mother's Day

Waxed Canvas Apron, Leather Woodworking / Gardening Apron for Men, Fathers Day Gift, Mother's Day, Custom Gift for Mother, Personalized Gift

Mother's Day Gift, Personalized Gift for Mom, Grandma, Brown Apron, Waxed Canvas and Leather Apron, Work Apron

Seashell Candle Silicone Mould, Shell, Beach, Pillar, Scallop, Sculptural, Aesthetic, Candle Wax, Silicone Mold, DIY Craft

VASE MOULD Straight Vase Silicone Mould Tower Vase Flower Vase Mold Bud Vase Mold Jesmonite Mould Concrete Mould Resin Mould AC100 Jesmonite

MIRROR STAND MOULD Silicone Mould Wave Mirror Holder Arch Mirror Card Holder Acrylic Sheet Holder Make Up Mirror Jesmonite Cement Concrete

Raven DIY Stained Glass Mosaic Kit

Pride Heart Stud Polymer Clay Cutter Set, LGBTQIA+ Clay Cutters, Gay Pride Craft Tool

Earth | Doric | PROPAGATION STATION | Bud Vase Green Terracotta Brown Tan Stone Home Décor Stoneware Australian Made Handmade Retro 70s

Personalised Campervan Hammer Multi Tool And Tin Box Travel gift birthday present for men or Dad Tool box screwdriver set survival equipment

CLOUD TRAY MOULD Silicone Mould 3D Cloud Dish Round Dish Jewellery Resin Concrete Mould Jesmonite Cloud Coaster Cloud Shaped Mould Craft

DIY Barn Quilt Painting Kit, DIY for Kids, DIY for Adults, Gift for Her, Gift for Him, Geometric Pattern Painting, Paint Party

A soft goat hair brush, Great double layers bristle, Hand-made brush, Watercolor, Pottery, Shum-e painting, Printing, printmaking.

There's so much more for you to discover

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