It’s inspiring to look at the gallery of softies in the 24 Stuffed Monsters project done by 4th and 5th graders. Artist/instructor Anne Karsten shows the process of making monsters with the kids as well.
Anne Karsten writes:

The 4th and 5th grade class learned a bit about product development when they were given the task to design their own Stuffed Monster plush toy. Some students were influenced by the popular toys they know and love, such as Ugli Dolls, Pokemon/ Yugi-oh trading card characters, and stuffed animals from the current marketplace; still others drew upon their imagination, best-loved pets, or favorite holidays for inspiration.

[ via Boing Boing ]
Related:
Stuffed Toy From a Child’s Drawing