We used artificial flowers. The students sketched at least 5 different flowers in our sketchbooks. They then chose one or a few to use as inspiration for their stamps. Children used mirrors to help them write their words, if they chose to use them.
In 2nd grade children used scratch foam to create their stamps. We discussed the difference between scratch foam and collagraphs.
I showed them several Vincent Van Gogh drawings and showed how details add to the work. For their second class children added details and/or textures to their backgrounds.