Waco Convention Center – Texas North 114

Friday 08/07 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Intermediate

Workshop Description: In this workshop, participants will construct a Trapper Keeper®–style three-ring binder with a zippered closure. Instruction will focus on professional-quality construction techniques, including skiving, lining, sewing, installing a zippered gusset, and burnishing edges. As this is a construction-based class, we will not have time for tooling. Students are welcome to bring their own tooled panel to class if they wish. Please email Leandra at martin.leandra@gmail.com for patterns. Tooling pattern packs are also available from Steve Yezek. Please email him at nlpm63@gmail.com to purchase. If you do not wish to tool your binder, we will be using Hermann Oak English Bridle leather. Each participant will leave with a finished binder and a reusable pattern for creating future products for their customers. {You’ll be using COBRA Classes 4, 20, and 26 sewing machines, a COBRA burnisher, and the NP4 Bell Knife Skiver; if you are interested in purchasing COBRA equipment at the show, call Leather Machine Company by August 1 to pre-order at +1 (866) 962-9880. Deposit required.}

Materials to bring: Notebook, pencil, sharpie, silver pen, scissors, rotary cutter, 3/4 binder clips, small edger, wing dividers, stitch groover, small cutting mat, glass or granite surface for skiving (tooling stone works perfectly,) skiving knife, French edger, and clear quilter’s ruler (4” x 12” is a great size, but bring whatever you have handy). Please put your name on the ruler.

Workshop Instructor: Leandra Martin is a leather artisan, designer, and instructor known for her skill in leather bag design and construction. She is now expanding her work into custom cowboy boot making and is currently training with Schwarz Custom Boots. Alongside her work as a maker, Leandra teaches leatherworking classes where she shares her knowledge of bag design, construction techniques, and professional finishing with others in the leatherworking community.

Workshop Sponsors: Hermann Oak Leather Co., The Fiebing Company, Leather Machine Co., LLC, Renia, Weaver Leather, and Duffs Leathercare

CANCELLATION POLICY

• There is a $25 administration fee for canceling a workshop.

• The cost of each workshop will be refunded minus the $25 fee.

• No refunds for workshops after Friday, July 24, 2026.

Waco Convention Center – Texas South 117

Thursday 08/06 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

All skill levels welcome!

Workshop Description: Ever wanted to create a book or journal from scratch? Then let’s get to it! Aaron will show you first how to build your paper ‘signatures’, sew them together, and then add an attractive cover for a very professional look. It’s a fun class that can quickly have you hooked on expanding a new skill that has limitless possibilities!

Materials to bring: Ruler/quilter’s square, sharp knife, small edge beveler, cutting board or mat, bone folder, scratch awl. *If you do not have all these tools, do not worry; Aaron will bring plenty to share.

Workshop Instructor: Aaron Heizer began leatherworking around 2001, while serving in the Army. Wherever the Army sent him, you could always count on Aaron having tools and leather in his bag. He retired from that life in 2014, after being stationed in nine locations and serving two combat tours in Iraq. Since retiring from the Army, he has dedicated himself to teaching and sharing his passion for leathercraft wherever he goes.  He works for Maker’s Leather Supply in Waco, Texas, designing projects and helping crafters take their work to the next level.  Aaron teaches as often as possible at shows and also holds classes in the Maker’s classroom, located in Waco. His classes are geared to help anyone at any skill level, plus they are a lot of fun!  Aaron was honored to receive the Al Stohlman Award for Achievement in Leathercraft in 2025.  With the support of his wife, Janie Sue, they travel the country, sharing leather knowledge and fun with everyone from Cub Scouts to Veterans groups.

Workshop Sponsors: Hermann Oak Leather Co. and Maker’s Leather Supply

CANCELLATION POLICY

• There is a $25 administration fee for canceling a workshop.

• The cost of each workshop will be refunded minus the $25 fee.

• No refunds for workshops after Friday, July 24, 2026.

Waco Convention Center – Texas North 114

Tuesday 08/04 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

All skill levels welcome!

Workshop Description: In this class Leandra will show you how to create your own piping for use in bag making and other leather applications. You will create your own piping sample piece as well as observe Leandra’s techniques for applying this skill to bag making. You will use the Cobra Class 26 for sewing and Leandra will demo the NP4 Bell Knife Skiver to create thin strips of leather for piping. {You’ll be using a COBRA Class 26 sewing machine and the NP4 Bell Knife Skiver; if you are interested in purchasing COBRA equipment at the show, call Leather Machine Company by August 1 to pre-order at +1 (866) 962-9880. Deposit required.}

Materials to bring: Scissors and note taking materials.

Workshop Instructor: Leandra Martin is a leather artisan, designer, and instructor known for her skill in leather bag design and construction. She is now expanding her work into custom cowboy boot making and is currently training with Schwarz Custom Boots. Alongside her work as a maker, Leandra teaches leatherworking classes where she shares her knowledge of bag design, construction techniques, and professional finishing with others in the leatherworking community.

Workshop Sponsors: Leather Machine Co., LLC

CANCELLATION POLICY

• There is a $25 administration fee for canceling a workshop.

• The cost of each workshop will be refunded minus the $25 fee.

• No refunds for workshops after Friday, July 24, 2026.

Broderick Vaughan

Waco Convention Center – Ranger 106-107

Wednesday 08/05 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

All skill levels welcome!

Workshop Description: If you have ever wanted to learn about premium alligator leather, Broderick Vaughan with Vaughan Gators is the person to learn from. Not only does he catch his own leather, he processes it, sells the meat to local restaurants and walk-in customers, prepares the green skins for the tannery by pressure washing and salting them, and then turns those premium tanned skins into luxurious, high-end products. During this discussion, he will teach you the techniques on how to use the appropriate areas of the skin that work best for different projects (such as belts, wallets, purses, boots, and saddle seats); how to layout and cut the skins to obtain the most yield; and will demonstrate the techniques he uses to dye a piece of crust (tanned, but not dyed) skin, re-dyeing a finished skin sample, and block dyeing, as well as explaining the benefits of using a crust skin. As an added bonus, and during the discussion, there will be a drawing for a custom alligator belt that Broderick will build for the lucky winner, demonstrating to the class some of the techniques that will be discussed. After attending the alligator talk, you will have the knowledge and confidence to visit Broderick at the Vaughan Gators booth to select hides from the plethora of colors and sizes that he has to choose from.

Materials to bring: Notebook, pencil/pen, camara and questions.

Workshop Instructor: Broderick Vaughan owns Vaughan Gators in Tallahassee, Florida. What started as a new hobby for an avid lifetime hunter turned into a full-time job as a nuisance alligator trapper for the Florida Wildlife Commission. After a decline in the international alligator hide market in 2016, Broderick began tanning all of his own hides at Sebring Custom Tanning. The unique experience of being a part of the entire production process, from capturing the live alligator to making the finished goods, is what led him to develop a passion for leatherwork.

Workshop Sponsors: The Fiebing Company and Vaughan Gators

CANCELLATION POLICY

• There is a $25 administration fee for canceling a workshop.

• The cost of each workshop will be refunded minus the $25 fee.

• No refunds for workshops after Friday, July 24, 2026.

Waco Convention Center – Texas North 114

Wednesday 08/05 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

All skill levels welcome!

Workshop Description: In this hands-on and demo class Leandra will show you how to create your own made-to-length zippers using YKK solid brass zippers. You will create your own length of zipper and learn how to carefully remove teeth and add a slider and end stops easily. Leandra will then demo pocket construction using leather and fabric for the liner. {You’ll be using a COBRA Class 26 sewing machine; if you are interested in purchasing COBRA equipment at the show, call Leather Machine Company by August 1 to pre-order at +1 (866) 962-9880. Deposit required.}

Materials to bring: If you have your own pair of side cutters, bring them. Leandra will also have side cutters available for purchase.

Workshop Instructor: Leandra Martin is a leather artisan, designer, and instructor known for her skill in leather bag design and construction. She is now expanding her work into custom cowboy boot making and is currently training with Schwarz Custom Boots. Alongside her work as a maker, Leandra teaches leatherworking classes where she shares her knowledge of bag design, construction techniques, and professional finishing with others in the leatherworking community.

Workshop Sponsors: Leather Machine Co., LLC and Weaver Leather

CANCELLATION POLICY

• There is a $25 administration fee for canceling a workshop.

• The cost of each workshop will be refunded minus the $25 fee.

• No refunds for workshops after Friday, July 24, 2026.

Waco Convention Center – Ranger 106-107

Thursday 08/06 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

All skill levels welcome!

Workshop Description: Brand New Offering! For the first time ever, join Broderick and his son, Colby, as they teach you to build your own custom belt and watch band set! Anyone who knows a thing or two about exotic leather, especially alligator leather, knows that a quality alligator belt from a reputable company or maker will cost a minimum of $400…and the price only increases from there. However, in this special workshop, you will not only build your own belt, but also a coordinating alligator leather watch band as well! Beyond the finished pieces, you’ll gain invaluable and in-depth knowledge about alligator leather (and alligators in general) from Broderick and Colby, including how to properly layout and cut the hide for maximum yield, avoid extremely costly mistakes, line and stitch alligator leather (which behaves differently than veg tan!), finish edges for a clean, professional burnish, plus much more. After this workshop you will feel confident purchasing and working with your own alligator hides You’ll begin with a plain crust alligator hide and select from the dyes provided in the workshop to create a belt and watch band in matching or complimenting color schemes. Save thousands of dollars by taking this one workshop that will teach you the skills needed to create high-end products using this premium material. After registering, contact Broderick at broderick@vaughangators.com to let him know what type of watch you’ll be bringing.  An Apple Watch band die will  be used for the class; however, you may also bring your existing band to use as a template. (Hardware for the Apple watch band can be supplied if the watch version and preferred hardware color is provided to Broderick 2 weeks in advance of the class.)

Materials to bring: Sharp scissors, any related hand stitching supplies, such as stitching pony, needles, etc. (as the watch band will be hand-stitched)

Workshop Instructor: Broderick Vaughan owns Vaughan Gators in Tallahassee, Florida. What started as a new hobby for an avid lifetime hunter turned into a full-time job as a nuisance alligator trapper for the Florida Wildlife Commission. After a decline in the international alligator hide market in 2016, Broderick began tanning all of his own hides at Sebring Custom Tanning. The unique experience of being a part of the entire production process, from capturing the live alligator to making the finished goods, is what led him to develop a passion for leatherwork.

Colby Vaughan grew up learning leatherwork from his dad, Broderick Vaughan, working alongside him through every step of the process—from catching and processing alligators to creating finished pieces. This hands-on experience sparked his passion for crafting high-end alligator leather goods, specifically watch bands, belts, wallets, purses, and shoes. Ironically, he is a true “Florida Gator”, graduating from the University of Florida, and is currently a medical student in Bialystok, Poland. Even though he is super busy in med school, he still comes home each summer to work with his dad doing “everything alligator”. Outside of alligators and medicine, he enjoys rock climbing and research. Colby is excited to teach this workshop and show how accessible working with alligator leather can be—and how luxurious the final product truly is.

Workshop Sponsors: Hermann Oak Leather Co., The Fiebing Company, Leather Machine Co., Inc., and Renia

CANCELLATION POLICY

• There is a $25 administration fee for canceling a workshop.

• The cost of each workshop will be refunded minus the $25 fee.

• No refunds for workshops after Friday, July 24, 2026.

Waco Convention Center – Ranger 106-107

Wednesday 08/05 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

All skill levels welcome!

Workshop Description: Come make an exotic man’s or woman’s wallet – you choose! Have you ever been curious about alligator skins and how easy or difficult it would be to make a product out of it? If the thought has given you any anxiety, Broderick will put your mind at ease. In this workshop, he will demonstrate how versatile the alligator skin can be while making a wallet from alligator. The workshop will include the student dyeing a crust alligator skin pattern and assembling the wallet, which will include installing a zipper and gusseted pocket. Students will be machine sewing this project and finishing the edge. Broderick will also show you his techniques on how to cut an alligator skin for maximum use. All materials will be provided for this workshop, including printed instructions and a pattern for future use. Are you also taking the Alligator Belt workshop? Match your wallet to the belt! Email Broderick when you register to let him know which wallet pattern you would like (men’s or women’s) at: broderick@vaughangators.com {You’ll be using COBRA Class 26 sewing machines; if you are interested in purchasing COBRA equipment at the show, call Leather Machine Company by August 1 to pre-order at +1 (866) 962-9880. Deposit required.}

Materials to bring: Notebook, pencil/pen and questions. Cameras and video are welcome. You will need a cutting mat, knife and scissors. If you prefer to hand-stitch your item you will need your pricking irons, needles, mallet, pounding board, etc. Don’t forget your makers mark if you have one.

Workshop Instructor: Broderick Vaughan owns Vaughan Gators in Tallahassee, Florida. What started as a new hobby for an avid lifetime hunter turned into a full-time job as a nuisance alligator trapper for the Florida Wildlife Commission. After a decline in the international alligator hide market in 2016, Broderick began tanning all of his own hides at Sebring Custom Tanning. The unique experience of being a part of the entire production process, from capturing the live alligator to making the finished goods, is what led him to develop a passion for leatherwork.

Workshop Sponsors: Hermann Oak Leather Co., The Fiebing Company, Leather Machine Co., Inc., and Renia

CANCELLATION POLICY

• There is a $25 administration fee for canceling a workshop.

• The cost of each workshop will be refunded minus the $25 fee.

• No refunds for workshops after Friday, July 24, 2026.

Waco Convention Center – Ranger 107

Saturday 08/08 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Intermediate

Workshop Description: This workshop is designed as an introductory course to the iPad, the Apple Pencil, and a program called Affinity Photo (downloadable as a trial application before the workshop). Karla will go into this program with you in detail and will include a booklet along with hands-on instruction for laying out a pattern to include cutting patterns, manipulating and correcting patterns, and filling patterns with traditional western elements. Bring a sense of humor, and Karla will bring hers, too.

Materials to bring: An iPad and Apple Pencil updated and compatible with Affinity Photo. Affinity Photo may be downloaded as a free trial or at a reasonable price. Should you decide to purchase the program it will be yours and will not require monthly ransom fees to keep it.

Workshop Instructor: Karla Van Horne likes to think of herself as ‘just another leatherworker’. “I’ve always felt that what I do isn’t about me. Look at the work, not me.” At 10, she became inseparable from leathercraft projects. At 14, she started carving. Her whole life has been spent making custom pieces and teaching leathercraft. To that end, she received the Al Stohlman Award for Achievement in Leathercraft in 1989. She is currently writing her first series of books. The first, named “Elements”, is available at leathercraftersjournal.com/shop.

Workshop Sponsors:

CANCELLATION POLICY

• There is a $25 administration fee for canceling a workshop.

• The cost of each workshop will be refunded minus the $25 fee.

• No refunds for workshops after Friday, July 24, 2026.

Waco Convention Center – Texas North 115

Thursday 08/06 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Beginner/Intermediate

Workshop Description: This beginner-level workshop is focused on working to develop a quality foundation in leather floral carving and stamping. The patterns that you will use in this workshop are designed to teach you the proper techniques for carving and developing a pattern. Students will focus on proper swivel knife skills and smooth beveling, which is the basis for a properly tooled piece of floral work. You will also work on backgrounding, pear shading, and decorative cutting to finish a pattern that looks beautiful. If you are new to floral carving or want the opportunity to step back and work on fundamentals, then this workshop will be very helpful. Bring your tools and Don will bring the leather and patterns. Let’s stamp some leather! (New patterns and content for 2026!)

Materials to bring: Floral carving and stamping tools, tooling stone, mallet/maul, swivel knife, spray bottle or sponge & water dish, and a strop.

Workshop Instructor: Don Gonzales become interested in leathercraft while in 8th grade, when a friend’s father shared some simple skills with him. He went from making sheaths and belts and saddle repairs to eventually owning his own shop and going full-time in 2004. He credits Jimmy Plantt for many life lessons and skills learned, in addition to those from his many online friends. In October of 2020, Don launched a new, weekly podcast, Lost Trade. Don lives in Moulton, Texas.

Workshop Sponsors: Hermann Oak Leather Co.

CANCELLATION POLICY

• There is a $25 administration fee for canceling a workshop.

• The cost of each workshop will be refunded minus the $25 fee.

• No refunds for workshops after Friday, July 24, 2026.

Waco Convention Center – Ranger 107

Friday 08/07 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

All skill levels welcome!

Workshop Description: This is the class you want to take if you want to learn more about the day-to-day aspects of bookkeeping for your business. We will discuss the importance of bookkeeping software, a chart of accounts, bank reconciliations, coding of transactions, quarterly reporting, year-end reporting, 1099’s, financial statements, and payroll. This is the nuts and bolts of bookkeeping. Come learn tips from the Leather CPA and bring your questions!

Materials to bring: Note taking materials.

Workshop Instructor: Angie Benefiel lives in Texarkana, Arkansas, and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant with over 25 years of experience in accounting and tax, specializing in tax preparation for small businesses and clergy. She began learning the leather craft in 2015 and started her side business of Holland Leather in 2017. Connecting with and learning from other leatherworkers is one of her favorite parts of the business.

Workshop Sponsors:

CANCELLATION POLICY

• There is a $25 administration fee for canceling a workshop.

• The cost of each workshop will be refunded minus the $25 fee.

• No refunds for workshops after Friday, July 24, 2026.