How to texture and bake clay noses?

Anyone have some tips on texturing sculpted clay noses? I'll be using Fimo Soft clay.
Aiming for this rough leathery look of a deer nose: http://www.taxidermy.net/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2665.0;attach=1144;image

 I've heard the clay softens a bit while it cooks before hardening. Is that similar to how cookie dough spreads out when it cooks? So, should I make any marks more prominent that I want to start with, since it'll ooze together when cooked?

Should I put something rounded underneath the nose while it cooks to help keep its shape?

Thanks!