Alligator Belt and Watch Band Set

Description

Broderick Vaughan and Colby Vaughan

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.