Just a little idea to stimulate you cheap guys, I too am one, to get some free leather.
I went to lazy boy furniture over the weekend. They have a wall of leather colors that you can choose from for your couches, chairs, etc. For each of the colors they have samples that are approx. 2" x 2". These are in any color you can imagine and they are to take. Perfect for shelf and window covering. Also, they had large swatches, approx. 8" x 8" in the trash. I guess they were old colors etc. I asked if I could have them, you bet. Great for handles or whatever.
Go check it out.
Bret