Using Nature to Make Self-Portraits

I want my students to learn to see all different kinds of materials as ways they can make art. I read them the story Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert:

We went for a walk outside and found sticks, leaves and rocks to make self-portraits with. Now here in Texas we don't exactly have "fall" but we were able to find some materials on our playground to work with. I don't think I've seen such focus from my students as they made themselves using nature. I think they really enjoyed this project.