Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line 2 cupcake pans with liners.

In a large mix bowl, stir together the cake mix, water, vegetable oil and eggs.

Pour the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them approximately ¾ full.

Bake for 18-21 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the cupcakes comes out clean.

Cool completely on wire racks.

Cream together the butter and powdered sugar until combined and smooth.

Add in the milk and vanilla extract and mix for 1-2 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Frosting each of the cupcakes:

Place the chocolate chi9ps and shortening in a microwave safe bowl.  Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until fully melted.

Move the mixture into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner cut off one end of the bag.

Pipe 3 circles of the melted chocolate onto each frosted cupcake.  Then start at the center of the with a toothpick draw 5-6 times through the circles to the outside edge of the cupcakes to make a spider web design.

Continue this process until all the cupcakes are prepared.

Let sit until the chocolate re-hardens.  Then the cupcakes are ready to serve and enjoy!