Replacing Purse Handles?

I only like shoulder purses. I bought some purses that I liked, but they have handles plus they came with a shoulder strap. I want to take the handles off and cut the shoulder strap in half and put each half in place of the handles. I thought I could take them to a shoe repair, but I have found out they are almost extinct. Does someone know if there is a stapler that would go thru the double layer of leather or if you know what kind of gadget that was used in the picture? That would work if I knew what it was.