Thanks
I have sometimes used a satin finish polyurethane from MinWax or Krylon clear to coat the whole project. This time, I used a MinWax gel on the wood (first natural, then oak, then a darker color when those two didn't give me the look I was after...with the "cheap" craft store wood, you never quite know how the stain will take!)
The leather I sealed with LeatherShene (spelling?) spray from Tandy. It is glossier than I would prefer. Usually I use Aussie Wax, but I find with an acrylic, it will rub the color right off. (One solution there is to apply it to the leather first, then do the painting...) I've also used antique paste on the leather, but I've found that one rain at an outdoor show put spots all over it
I find in general that any stain/dye I put on leather, I can put on wood and it'll look pretty nice. (I just coated my newest box with British Tan.)
I've not heard of Deft. Where is it available?