I found you here through Deviant Art.
This is fascinating, thank you. I wouldn't have dared put leather in an oven to dry it - I was too afraid it might crack in the heat. Now I think I might just have to try it, especially if it hardens leather as much as you say it does.
I'm still learning lots about leather mask-work, as I started with papier-mache and will continue to make both. I use moulds to stretch my leather over - which I sculpt myself, and I think they probably wouldn't take too kindly to being heated in an oven, so more experimentation is going to be needed, I think.
I'm just getting into the leather carving, and it's brilliant - there's so much scope for design. I don't know why more people don't get into working with this brilliant medium. I know exactly what you mean about skiving though - I hate it too.
On to part two, and I hope you don't mind me adding you as a friend.
:D