About the course

In Subscriber’s Fundamentals, Dawn breaks down the essential building blocks of cake decorating through a fun, hands‑on project: a trainer shoe cake with a matching shoebox. Rather than focusing only on the design, Dawn uses this project to teach the core techniques every decorator needs. Students will learn how to plan a cake from start to finish—figuring out portions and sizing, creating templates, and using reference photos to scale designs accurately. Dawn demonstrates how to properly stack and fill cakes, achieve the right ganache consistency, and use it for crumb coating and covering. Along the way, she shares practical tips for smoothing finishes, adding realistic details, and troubleshooting common challenges. By the end of the course, students will not only have created a show‑stopping shoe cake, but more importantly, they’ll have mastered the fundamentals that can be applied to any cake design.

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

1 Chapter · 17 Lessons

  1. 1

    Trainer & Shoebox Cake

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Trainer Cake Planning

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Trainer Cake - Carving

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Trainer Cake - Ganaching

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Shoebox - Part 1

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Shoebox Part 2

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Trainer Cake - Re-carving

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Shoebox Part 3

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Trainer Cake - Covering

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Trainer Cake - Airbrushing

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Trainer Cake - Airbrushing Part 2

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Trainer Cake - Final Details Part 1

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Trainer Cake - Final Details Part 2

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Trainer Cake - the Laces

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Trainer Cake - the Sole

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      Trainer Cake - The Really Final Bits

    17. (Included in full purchase)

      Shoebox - Covering the Box

Enroll today and build the essential cake decorating skills that will elevate every project you create.

With Dawn’s step‑by‑step guidance, you’ll gain the confidence and techniques to turn any cake idea into a polished, professional masterpiece.

Please contact us for access. (opens email in new window)