I have the very stuff which was supplied by a CR list member (Tom, I forget his last name) who periodically commissions a family of Amish harness makers to cut the leather to his order. He usually gets it in 3 colors to match the Brooks saddle colors. It's very nice stuff and well finished with skived edges (those harness makers know their craft) and is very long...longer than most of what you'll ever be able to cut from leather cushions or jackets, and it's not the thin stretchy leather typical of garments and furniture. I wouldn't shellac leather, that seems like it defeats the purpose.