This fun polymer clay ravioli is part of my growing collection of food-inspired characters. Have you ever heard the expression ‘a face only a mother could love’? Well, this little pasta pocket takes that sentiment to a whole new level. He’s got attitude, he’s perpetually grumpy and looks like he’d rather be sitting anywhere than on my craft table. So what else could I call him but ‘Grumpioli‘?

It all started with this thrifted ravioli tray that we stopped using when Hubs was diagnosed with Celiac disease. By the way, if you haven’t already, check out our gluten-free recipe blog, the Unknown Chef.

Before we get to the tutorial, it’s time for another Creative Craft blog hop co-hosted every other month by yours truly and Donna from Modern on Monticello! If you are visiting from Gail at Purple Hues and Me welcome! Thanks for hopping over!

At the very bottom of this post, we’ll be directing you to the next stop on this venture. But don’t forget to visit the other talented creators too; they’re sharing plenty of inspiring projects. And if you don’t have time to see them all today, pop back throughout the week so you won’t miss a single one!

Polymer Clay Ravioli Supplies

• I used Sculpey III in various colours; white, tan, black, brown, yellow.
• Aluminum ravioli tray (I thrifted mine)
• Stainless Steel Circle Cutters (for eyes)
• Stainless steel cutter – and wavy cutter
• Acrylic rolling pin
• Clay modelling tools
• Oven thermometer
• Toaster oven (for baking)

Blend Polymer Clay

The first step is to blend some polymer clay to mimic the colour of pasta. I used a rigatoni noodle for inspiration, but my little guy is ‘cooked’ so I’m blending a more mellow colour using tan, white and a bit of yellow.

Use the acrylic rolling pin to roll out the clay to a consistent thickness. I either use rubber bumpers on either end, or pile up paint sticks to roll it even.

Shape Ravioli

Dust two sections of the ravioli tray with corn starch; it will prevent sticking. Note, if you make another ravioli, remove the clay that may stick in the recesses (shown below) or move to a fresh section.

Roll a ball; I’m using up all my scrap polymer clay for the middle. The piece shown below is too big; it shouldn’t be higher than the form, so cut it smaller and flatten it. Then cut the flattened clay into two pieces and pop one into a blank section of the ravioli tray.

Add the ball to the middle, then add the second layer over top as if you’re stuffing a real ravioli.

I used the acrylic rolling pin once again to cut the edges. However, I couldn’t get a clean cut – especially on the right side.

It just kept tearing and I had to add a piece to build it up again.

I finally gave up on the edges and lifted the ‘ravioli’ out of the tray (the part facing up is actually the back of the character).

In the end, I used my husband’s vintage pinking shears to clean up the edges. But if you happen to have a wavy cutter in a set of stainless steel cutters, that will work too.

Polymer Clay Face

Now for the face! Roll out and cut two circles for the eyes. I like to ‘dome’ the eyes by pressing them into a silicone mold before adding onto the face.

The eyebrows are simply rectangles; use a stainless steel cutter to cut them into two equal shapes. With the round side of the polymer clay ravioli facing up, blend some ‘furled’ eyebrows into the face using the clay modelling tools.

Line the brows with thin black ropes and also add a thinner piece for a downturned mouth.

His pouty look is almost finished! But there’s one thing missing: a pair of crossed arms to complete his whimsical, grumpy look. Roll out two ropes of clay and position them as shown below, crossing them over his ‘belly’.

Bake

Once his arms are in place, he’s ready for the oven. Place on a tray or ceramic tile. Tent with foil to prevent unintended scorching, especially if your oven is prone to temperature spikes. Bake at 275°F (130°C) for 15 minutes per 1/4 inch of thickness. Since the middle of Grumpioli is thick, I baked him over an hour.

I always use an oven thermometer to ensure the temperature is steady. Polymer clay is non toxic but if you accidentally burn it, it releases fumes. So I bake my characters outdoors in a toaster oven just to be safe.

Let cool in the oven. Then glue a magnet onto the back.

If you have to put things on your fridge, you might as well hold them there with a fun, cranky fridge magnet, like Grumpioli! He adds a whimsical little touch of personality to your kitchen decor while keeping your important notes, lists, and reminders right where you can see them.

Between Grumpioli and my sassy polymer clay waffle, I can’t decide which food character is my favourite. To see our other quirky makes, check out our polymer clay category.

I can’t wait to show you what I do with a few other polymer clay food characters coming up soon. If you can believe it, they are even more fun than Grumpioli!

Pin Polymer Clay Ravioli

Creative Craft Hop

Now it’s time to check out this Alphabet Block Christmas Ornament from Donna at Modern on Monticello. When you’re done, please remember to visit these other amazing talents below:

• Soda Can Oak Leaf Sculpture
• Polymer Clay Ravioli (that’s us!)
• Alphabet Block Christmas Ornament
• Reusable Gift Box Glow Up