Determine how you will carve the sculpture. Sculptors generally use two methods: planning the work before carving or discovering the work as you sculpt. Choose which method suits you best. You will end up utilizing some degree of improvisation in the sculpting process.
Cover your work surface completely with newspapers. Place a block of plaster on your work area.
Plug a Dremel rotary tool's power cord into an outlet or remove the tool from its charging base, if it is cordless.
Insert your wood carving bit into the tip of the tool and turn the chuck clockwise to secure it.
Put on an apron, safety goggles and a dust mask.
Press the rotation button on the side of the tool to make the bit spin. Keep the bit rotating at its highest speed while carving.
Hold the tool with your dominant hand and steady that hand with your other hand. Apply the bit to the surface of the plaster. Work your way around the block, slowly carving out the outline of the form. Stop occasionally to assess your work before continuing.
Apply the tip of a spearhead bit to make small carvings or cone-shaped indentations. Apply the side of the bit to make wider carvings.
Use a round tip bit for deeper, rounded grooves or bowl-shaped indentations.
Use a cylindrical bit for broad carving strokes or cylindrical indentations.
Touch the tip of a ball shaped bit to any unwanted rough edges and quickly remove the bit to avoid over-carving.
Sand any portions of the carved sculpture you wish to be smooth with 400-grit sandpaper.