Yes, as I mentioned you can use gum trag or other edging compounds to 'paste' the flesh side of leather. (I understand the confusion, by the way; generally, when folks say 'suede' I think the average leatherworker thinks of a split piece without a grain side remaining.)
Still, to make it weather/wear proof, you're going to need a topcoat on it, like Resolene or M&G.
Larry