
2025 Cl Academy Workshops
The workshops at Cake International provide you with an opportunity to learn from some of the most talented artists in the cake industry. In small classroom settings, you receive a hands on learning experience, get exclusive access to techniques, tips and tricks from your tutor of choice.
Workshops spaces are limited to ensure the very best tuition possible. Every effort is made to move the class along but as each student works at a different speed and/or level, we cannot guarantee you will complete the finished piece in the allotted time.
Full day workshops include lunch and refreshments. All equipment is provided (to be returned at the end of your session). Workshop tickets give you entry to the main show.
Payment plans/ installments to help spread the cost are available for workshops, please email info@ichf.co.uk for more information
Main Hall

SPONSORED BY

Royal Icing Embroidery by Shaki Perera
Saturday 1st November 10.00 – 13.00hrs (3 hours)
You will learn how to:
- Colour the royal icing
- Learn the technique of royal icing embroidery
- Create a beautiful royal icing plaque as pictured, created from a provided fondant base.
Price: £95.00

Based in Italy with her own academy, Shaki brings over 27 years of knowledge and experience within the cake industry. Shaki has a multitude of awards and has competed with Cake International since 2014. Trained in royal icing, sugar flowers, novelty cakes and sugarpaste carvings and decorations, Shaki will be teaching her Royal Icing Embroidery class.

SPONSORED BY

Angelo the Hippo by Michael Wehrmann
Friday 31st October 9.00 – 17.30hrs (8.5 hours)
In this fun and creative workshop, you’ll sculpt a hippo’s body and head in an active pose using modelling chocolate.
Then, you’ll dress your hippo and pick between a love theme or a festive Christmas version!
Standing at about 32cm tall, you’ll bring your creation to life with edible powders for that cute and realistic touch. Plus, you’ll craft angel wings from wafer paper and make your cute little Cupid or Christmas angel complete with a bow and arrow.
Price: £290.00

I’m Michael Wehrmann, 36 years old, born and raised in Amersfoort, The Netherlands but living in France for almost 14 years now.
I graduated as a pastry chef at a young age, but I quickly realized that traditional pastry work wasn’t quite what I was looking for-I wanted something that allowed me to express my creativity in a bigger way.
In 2017, I discovered the world of cake design and was instantly hooked. Soon after, I launched my own business, Mi’Cakery Atelier & Cake Design, where I could fully explore my passion for creating unique edible art
Modelling, sculpting, and painting quickly became my true passions.
Being entirely self-taught, I developed my own distinctive style, which has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including Best in Show at Mjam Cake show and Best in Class at Cake International, along with multiple gold medals.
Today, I’m proud to be a Saracino tutor, sharing my expertise through classes and demonstrations worldwide. It’s incredibly rewarding to inspire others and share the techniques I’ve developed on my journey as a cake artist.

SPONSORED BY

English Rose Garden by Beata Tomasiewicz
Friday 31st October 9.00 – 17.30hrs (8.5 hours)
Join Beata of @petitepivoine_cakes as she teaches you her wafer paper art, the DRY BLOSSOMS method, where you will learn how to create 3 types of roses – David Austin Rose, open garden roses, small roses for filling and natural looking foliage.
You will learn how to arrange your flowers on a tiered covered cake including the beautiful wafer paper decorations. This is a full day workshop including lunch and refreshments.
In this full day workshop, students will learn how to
- Wafer Paper Flowers Art- DRY BLOSSOMS method
- How to work with cake paper and cover the cake with cake paper
- Which wafer paper is proper for flowers modelling
- How to operate with floral accessories
- How to work with wafer paper to create naturally looking petals and leaves
- How to prepare natural looking stamens
- How to fix the wafer paper and cake paper decoration to cakes
- The flowers created: David Austin Rose, open garden roses, small roses for filling the whole composition, naturally looking foliage
- How to plan the arrangement of decorations on the cake to look elegant and eye-catching
- How to store and deliver wafer paper cakes
Price: £290.00

Beata discovered her passion for sugarcrafting a few years ago. Since then she has been exploring and perfecting the techniques of working with edible paper which has become her favourite material to decorate cakes.

SPONSORED BY

Little Nutmeg by Marta Torres
Saturday 1st November 9.00 – 15.30hrs (6.5 hours)
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to
- Design transfer (different types)
- Understanding the design
- Full explanation of my signature dimensional piping concept behind a
dimensional cookie for a 3D effect - Order of Royal Icing application
- Different consistencies for Royal icing and why
- Anatomy and Perspective on – Animal
- Facial features (animal)
- Realistic eyes
- Protuberant noses
- Hair style
- Textures for animal fur
- Knitting
- Painting for pattern and fur effect
- and a lot more with royal icing
- Final embellishments in a dry style and small
touches of painted detail
with edible oil paints or gel/paste - Edible glaze for a glass look on some details,
etc. - And so many more
Price: £230.00

Marta Torres is an award winning sugar artist from Portugal and is the creative force
behind The Cookie Lab by Marta Torres and Marta Torres – Royal Icing Cookie Art. Marta expertise lies in creating amazing cookie decorations using dimensional piping with royal icing.
Marta found her passion for cookies by accident around 2013. She came from the banking and consulting industries and knew nothing about royal icing or cookies, but through desire and passion she taught herself anyway. After six months of practice she entered a contest and won! This changed her life.
Marta is now an international teacher of her own dimensional piping techniques with
coloured royal icing. She has spent the last 9 years teaching in a very impressive 33
countries to over 3,000 students. She is currently teaching as well on on-line platforms such as Zoom Livestream for over 1.300 students.
She is also frequently asked to judge cookie competitions for prestigious competitions all over the world, such as Cake International, UK, where she is now an Official Judge, “Juri Member” international Cake Show Istambul, Turkey; “Guest Star and Juri Member” in Milan, Italy, “Juri Member” for IBE in Hong Kong, and several others on-line competitions all over the world.
She has been featured in many international magazines, with articles, tutorials, interviews and even covers, National TV interviews, and even had a Portuguese publication release a special edition of just her work.

SPONSORED BY

Facial Expressions by Silvia Mancini
Saturday 1st November 9.00 – 14.00hrs (5 hours)
In this half day workshop, you’ll learn how to
- How to build a face from scratch
- How to change the base to create different face types: woman, man, child
- How to shape facial features for different expressions
- Different types of mouths: open, kissing, biting, blowing
- How to emphasize an expression and make it stronger
- How to paint the face for a natural and realistic look
- Shading techniques to add depth and life to the face
Price: £175.00

Silvia’s creations are born out of her two great passions: baking and modelling. The realization that the two could be combined to produce delicious and visually stunning cakes and desserts was, for Silvia, a eureka moment and she hasn’t looked back since.
Initially self-taught, Silvia has since attended many specialized training courses to enhance her knowledge. This has given her the skills she needs to make her beautiful creations, always personalized in the unique style for which she has become world renowned. “Her cakes and characters tell stories in a truly original way”.
Silvia organizes personalized and group courses in Italy and abroad, striving to share all her knowledge while always remembering the key ingredient: healthy fun. She participates as an artist and judge in cake design events and competitions worldwide and collaborates with numerous pastry shops and companies in the food industry as a consultant.
Winner of the Cake Masters Awards 2015 for Modeling Excellence, Silvia organizes individual and group training courses all over the world, participates in cake design events throughout Italy, and collaborates with ice-cream salons and patisseries as a consultant or lead designer in the decorative phase of production.
“I developed my own technique to showcase the face of the figures and give them truly individual expressions. The technique is unique to Silvia Mancini Cake Art and easy enough for all to try. Everyone with a little practice can reproduce a face with a variety of expressions at home.”
In 2017, Silvia has designed the first modeling tool of her line, Silvia Mancini Cake Art & Accessories: Easy eyes by SM. This unique range of modeling tools can be used to create in a quick and easy way different kind of eyes on sugar crafted figurines, nevertheless with modellling chocolate, cold porcelain, clay, marzipan and fimo.

SPONSORED BY

Blakea Tree Flowers and Fruit by Alan Dunn
Sunday 2nd November 9.00 – 15.00hrs (6 hours)
In this class, you will learn how to
- create realistic sugar flowers
- painting with edible dusts
- analysis of how to achieve realistic leaves and foliage
- tips and techniques from Alan Dunn
Price: £210.00

Alan Dunn is a renowned sugarcraft floral expert known for his simply stunning flowers and respected the world over for his wonderful art.

Confident Cake Business Mindset Workshop by Savanna Timofei (The Cake Business Academy)
Sunday 2nd November 10.00 – 12.00hrs (2 hours)
Ready to build a thriving cake business with confidence and clarity?
Join Savanna Timofei, founder of The Cake Business Academy and The Confident Cake Collective, for this empowering two-hour workshop designed to strengthen your mindset, boost your self-belief, and create unstoppable momentum in your cake business.
In this session, Savanna will share proven strategies to overcome self-doubt, tackle imposter syndrome, and build resilience in a competitive industry. You’ll also learn essential techniques for managing your time and energy, setting powerful goals, and showing up confidently to attract your ideal clients.
This workshop includes a beautifully designed workbook packed with practical exercises around mindset, confidence, mindfulness, and business growth.
If you’ve ever struggled with comparison, self-doubt, or feeling “not ready yet,” this workshop is your turning point. Walk away feeling empowered, focused, and ready to take your cake business to the next level!
Suitable for cake makers at any stage of business.
🕒 Duration: 2 hours
📒 Workbook included
🎯 Focus: Mindset, Confidence, Mindfulness, Business Growth Strategies
Price: £35.00

Savanna Timofei is the founder of The Cake Business Academy and The Confident Cake Collective, dedicated to helping cake makers build successful, sustainable businesses. With years of experience in both celebration and wedding cake design, Savanna specialises in empowering cake makers to overcome self-doubt, boost their confidence, and attract their dream clients. Through her courses, membership, and coaching programmes, she blends practical business strategy with mindset and mindfulness techniques to help cake makers thrive — both professionally and personally.

SPONSORED BY


Haute Couture Cake Masterclass with Ekat
Thursday 30th October or Saturday 1st November 09.00 – 17.30hrs (8.5 hours)
Join internationally acclaimed cake artist Ekat for an immersive, one-day hands-on masterclass in Birmingham, where you’ll learn the couture techniques that transform cake design into edible art.
In this exclusive workshop, you will create an elegant three-tier square cake — a sophisticated shape that demands precision — while mastering:
- Fondant Fabric Textures – covering your cake with smooth fondant and creating elegant, fashion-inspired impressions using designer-style moulds.
- Working with Different Types of Fondant – understanding their properties and how to choose the right one for your project.
- Fondant Flexibility Secrets – how to make fondant flexible and keep it that way for a long time.
- Paneling Method – achieving sharp edges and perfect finishes on a square cake.
- Signature Edible Crepe Paper – from Ekat’s celebrated Crinkle Couture class, learn to transform wafer paper into delicate, pleated edible fabric to cover cakes for a haute couture effect.
- Crepe Paper Bows (Bonus) – create dramatic, show-stopping edible bows that bring high-fashion flair to your design.
- Fast-Method Wafer Paper Peonies – craft realistic, elegant blooms using Ekat’s efficient approach:
- Forming refined wafer paper petals
- Creating collars and lifelike centres
- Mastering shaping and colouring techniques for a natural, romantic look
By the end of the day, you’ll have completed your own couture-style square cake featuring textured fondant, edible fabric finishes, and stunning wafer paper florals — a true showpiece ready to inspire clients and elevate your portfolio.
This class is perfect for cake designers ready to add fashion-inspired finishes, advanced fondant handling, and luxury floral techniques to their repertoire.
Spaces are limited to ensure personalised guidance for every participant.
Price: £290

Ekat, also known as Ekaterina and the creative force behind Ekat’s Academy, is an award-winning and innovative Australian cake artist who specializes in couture-inspired wedding cakes and couture-style edible art. She expresses her creativity through elaborate designs, often inspired by high fashion, and teaches her techniques through online courses, inspiring others to master cake artistry, wafer paper flowers, and chocolate techniques. Ekat is known for developing unique skills, such as her Signature Flexible Crinoline and edible fabrics, and shares her passion for spreading joy through her edible creations.

SPONSORED BY

Ariel under the Sea with Javier Azocar, Luma’s Cake
Saturday 1st November 09.00 – 17.30hrs (8.5 hours)
Back by popular demand Javier Azocar of Luma’s Cake is teaching this stunning full day workshop.
In this class you will learn –
- Research and conceptualisation – get ready to let your creativity run wild!
- How to work with fondant and paint as a canvas
- How to apply edible painting techniques
- How to work with wafer paper
- Learn different edible paper techniques
- Discovering how small details can make a huge difference
The finished cake from this class with be 60cm tall.
Price: £290

The creator behind Luma’s Cake, Javier Azocar is an award-winning cake artist who has been oil painting from the age of seven, until cakes became his new canvas. His first cake in 2011 for his son Lucas’s first birthday then became an opportunity to improve with one objective: amaze them! In 2018, after the huge success of two workshops in Paris, countries around the world have succumbed, from Madrid to Singapore, from Dubai to Kuala Lumpur more than 30 nations have invited Luma’s Cake to teach at their School and more than 3000 peoples have been trained by Javier. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn the techniques and hidden tricks, and learn from his knowledge in a nice, friendly and fun atmosphere.

SPONSORED BY

Delightful Dahlias with Emily Hankins
Friday 31st October 09.00 – 17.30hrs (8.5 hours)
Join cocoa butter painting specialist Emily Hankins for a day of cake painting, creating this ‘Delightful Dahlia design on a tall and elegant sugarpaste covered cake tier.
You will learn how to:
Create a hand brushed ombre on your cakes
Cut and apply and applique panel
Transfer designs using templates
Mix cocoa butter paint to the right consistency for painting
Layer your paint to build up highlight and shading to make your design come to life
Paint two different varieties of Dahlia bloom
You do not have to be a proficient artist to take this class – Emily will take you through everything in easy to follow steps with many giggles along the way!
Price: £290

Emily Hankins is a UK based cake artist and designer with a passion for creating unique, hand painted wedding cakes using her preferred medium of cocoa butter paint to capture her instantly recognizable signature blooms. She is regarded as one of the UK’s leading cake painting specialists, winning the Cake Masters painted cake award in 2022 and D’licious Magazine’s edible artist of the year 2023. She has also had her work featured in numerous magazines around the world.
Alongside creating bespoke wedding cakes, Emily teaches sought after cake painting classes nationally, internationally and online. Teaching is her passion, and she is proud to have given so many people the confidence to pick up a paintbrush and start creating!
Emily is a proud ambassador for The Cake Decorating Company and The Sugarpaste and has had the privilege to be a member of the judging panel for many online and in person competitions and shows over the past few years including Cakeology in India.



Beginner Cupcake Toppers with Kerry Hemms
Thursday 30th October 2 hour workshops
Please note Cake International is not open until Friday 31st October – Sunday 2nd November.
Are you a beginner looking to get into cake decorating? Join Kerry in these taster two hour workshops where you can learn how to decorate cupcakes using edible modelling paste.
You will learn –
- Hints and tips for baking the perfect cupcake every time
- How to add the extra wow factor with a delicious filling.
- How to flavour both your bakes and toppings
- To prepare and ice your cupcakes for a professional finish
- Which pastes to use for what and which tools you really need.
- How to create the perfect colour palette to suit your chosen theme
With a choice of 3 time slots-
10.00am – 12.00pm Christmas Nordic
12.30pm – 14.30pm Sugar Floral
15.00pm – 17.00pm Buttercream Mermaid
Students will take home 6 decorated edible cupcakes.
Price: £55

Kerry is a multi award winning cake artist who teaches baking and decorating skills both online and face to face. She is a Brand Ambassador for Cake Stuff and The Cake Decorating Company, and has appeared in several TV shows and magazines.
Cake International Terms & Conditions for Workshops
All reasonable steps will be taken to ensure our workshop areas are made safe.
All full day workshops include lunch and refreshments.
All materials and equipment required to create the piece advertised provided. You will be able to take home your finished piece (not the equipment supplied).
It might be necessary for some small items to be supplied by the student, a list will be sent to you before the workshop.
The student is responsible for their own travel costs to and from the workshop.
Please be aware that it is possible that the workshop may run over the expected finish time.
Due to such a high demand for places, the full payment is required upon booking.
Please be aware that once the full payment has been made, we are unable to refund so please double check travel arrangements before committing to a workshop.
Please inform us at the time of booking if you have any special dietary needs and/or allergies
Maximum number of students are stated in each class description.
All students must be 18 or older and are legally responsible for themselves and their actions whilst participating in the workshop.
In the unlikely event the workshop is cancelled by Cake International, you will receive a full refund. Cake International cannot be held responsible for any of your travel/accommodation costs.