"New" desk, Need Writing Surface Advice

[kbrede]

Ran across this desk in a consignment store. I've never used a slant-top desk before. The lip on the edge of the desk is uncomfortable on my arm. Any advice on how to mitigate this? I was thinking about maybe some MDF and glue some leather on the sides, to lay on the desktop. That would raise the writing surface so my arm doesn't contact the lip. Seems like keeping the paper from sliding down the desktop might be kind of a pain. Any advice appreciated.

Thanks,
Kent