battlemunky if you have a JoAnn Fabric's and or a Michael's Store near you, you may want to sign up for their mailing lists. I have seen Ott lights (various models and various price points) at both and sometimes they run a 50% off coupon. Just have to read the fine print to see if it can be used for the light. They have restricted more and more things that you can use the coupon on.
Beautiful. I agree about the handle maybe an area of concern. What if you did it more like they do on ladies handbags with handles and no shoulder strap? Those are put under a lot of stress via weight in the purse, and use of the handles.