Using "used" leather

[RussInVegas]

Howdy, absolute beginner here with a question...

ive found a great resource for CHEAP leather... Goodwill - I recently bought a full-sized leather couch for the leather - cushions were crap but the back of the couch pristine... LOTS of big pieces... Here's my question...

other than using this leather for something simple like making a book cover or something flat, can this leather be used for more complex work like molding it into something 3D? I know NOTHING about leatherwork, that's why I'm here - because there's some stuff I want to make & would rather make my beginning mistakes on affordable leather.

im mostly interested in making custom harmonica cases with some custom touches - below are some photos I pulled off the Internet of an artist that's these 3D faces on purses & such. I want to make harmonica cases with this same wrinkled look, but I don't know if the leather will hold its shape because it must have been previously treated with something when they made the couch, hence "used" leather... Nor do I know how the leather us to keep its shape after its originally molded...

can anyone recommend a good link, YouTube perhaps, that shows a process that will help me create this type of look?

thanks, RussInVegas - here are some photos of the look I'm going for... Sorta

 

[Halitech]

typically couches are using a chrome based tannage which will not absorb water so you can't use it to mold shapes. You can use it for book covers but you won't be able to do the wrinkled look

[plinkercases]

I used road side couch hides to make shooting bags, D&D game book covers, draw string pouches, tool roles for punches etc., work aprons, small yoga/sailor type bags,.. still coming up with ideas and stalking the curb sides for more.

[electrathon]

Be aware, most couches are only leather where you sit, the rest is either vinyl or reconstituted leather.  Same with factory car seats.

[plinkercases]

I can tell the difference between leather, vinyl and leather laminated cloth by doing a test cut and checking out the back side.. before I go to the trouble of skinning it. I will take the laminate if it is a cool colour, good shape etc. as it is fine for making some crappy things I am not going to sell.