The leather was courtesy of a friend. However, you can find thin leather at Michaels (a craft store) which should be OK, too (I almost bought a piece before my friend gave me a piece). I will be darkening mine later to make it more authentic looking. My leather was attached in the same number of sections and has the same number of eyelets as the full size a/c shown in my pictures.

Briefly, the two blue pieces of tape (3M) are guide lines for the where the leather and eyelet holes are later placed. The cushioned look as you say is from a piece ‘Foremost’ rubber cockpit combing that’s glued in place first. Following this, the outer edge of the leather is glued in place, then rolled over the combing and glued to the cockpit's inside deck. Holes for the eyelets were then drilled through the leather/cockpit deck/inside leather/ etc aligned and spaced where you see the marks on the outer blue tape. Following this, eyelets were inserted and laced. You could also use fuel line (slit down its center) instead of the Foremost combing.

It was important to do the steps in the correct order, as well as use the proper glue when attaching the leather. I used a craft type glue bought in Michaels, called ‘Aleens’s Tacky Glue’. Great stuff...sets up guickly and holds well. Has many uses...

Good luck with whatever you finally decide on... I know it will be nice!

Dick