This was my very first 'different' shaped cake and first time using fondant. The design/idea came from a yahoo image search...I think I've seen the original on CC, too. Friends recommended making MMF (marshmallow Fondant). it was sooo easy and fun. The chocolate fondant tasted like tootsie roll...mmm. The cake is made with 2.5 mixes, totaling 5 8" round cakes, cut in half, so now there is ten. White icing inside covered with MMF. The sand is made from brown sugar, graham crker crumbs and gingersnaps. I made this for my sister's Tiki Opener party and her birthday. She loved it.. and now I love using MMF....oh the possibilities!