Yes Postman,It's done just as you described,then finished with 5 to 6 coats of spar varnish.I've built about 6 bows for folks that requested this handle wrap with a cut-out arrow shelf,which I personally don't care much for .I hav'ent tried one on a glue-on type shelf yet,but due to the character of the snakeskin,would probably be difficult to do,and make look good. Thanks Y'all,God Bless