About the course

Dive into the art of illusion cakes with our Structured Turtle Cake course! Using the Dinkydoodle Structured Turtle kit, you’ll learn how to transform simple cake layers into a breathtaking 3D turtle that looks like it’s swimming. Step by step, we’ll guide you through assembling the structure, sculpting the underside so it’s rounded and lifelike, and building up the top side with cake for realistic dimension. You’ll shape the head and flippers with precision, then bring the shell to life with airbrushing techniques that add depth and natural detail. Finally, you’ll cover the board and stand to complete the illusion of your turtle gliding gracefully through water. By the end of this course, you’ll have mastered both structural cake-building and creative finishing touches—skills that will wow clients, friends, and family alike.

Meet your Mentor

Hello, I’m Dawn Butler, the name behind Dinkydoodle. As a world-renowned cake artist and teacher, I’ve dedicated my career to inspiring and supporting cake makers of all levels.   Over the years, I’ve earned multiple gold medals in cake competitions, and in 2016, I proudly took home the highly coveted “Best in Show” prize at Cake International. I was also honoured as International “Cake Artist of the Year,” named one of the UK’s “Top Ten Cake Artists.”   More recently in 2024, I was inducted into the DMA’s Hall of Fame for my contributions to the sugar industry. But what I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built inside the Dinkydoodle Cake Academy.   Here’s something you might not know about me: I have dyslexia and ADHD. While some might see these as obstacles, I use them as superpowers. They help me break down complex techniques into their simplest forms, making it easier for anyone to follow along and achieve amazing results. You may spot the occasional spelling mistake, but I believe in being upfront and honest, and my students are always wonderfully supportive. If you’ve ever doubted your own abilities, or worried that learning something new might be out of reach, you’re in the right place. The Academy is a safe, encouraging space for everyone, myself included! I share my skills, expertise, and a good dose of fun, helping you build your confidence and creativity, one cake at a time. I can’t wait to see what you create!

Curriculum

2 Chapters · 14 Lessons

  1. 1

    Structured Turtle Cake

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      READ FIRST – Welcome & Introduction

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      If you'd like to order a kit

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Structured Turtle Materials List

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Adding Cake Ganaching Top

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Working on the Underside

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Covering Flippers Top and Head

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Using Modelling Choc as stencil

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Airbrushing and Adding Colour

  2. 2

    The Board

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Options for the Board

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Airbrushing Backdrop Part 1

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Airbrushing Part 2

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Airbrushing Part 3

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Adding Cake

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Covering

Enroll today and start sculpting your own swimming turtle masterpiece!

This class gives you the skills, confidence, and step‑by‑step guidance to turn a simple cake into a breathtaking illusion that will amaze every audience.

£75.00

Enroll now