DIY: ABC and Number Books

     When I was pregnant with my first daughter, I was determined to make her an alphabet and number book. I wanted to create a book with the letters A-Z, along with some pictures that started with each letter included. I also wanted to include numbers 1-9, along with pictures that counted up to each number. (i.e. 1 ball, 2 frogs, 3 pencils, etc.) So I did. I pulled out all of my scrap-booking supplies, old magazines, and even an collection of alphabet letters that I had received from Beverly {the director of a local childcare center that I had worked and volunteered for} from years before.  It has been over 4 years since I made this book, and now I can't remember where all of the pictures came from. So I apologize, in advance to those who took the time to take and make such amazing pictures and drawings. At any rate, this is the final product (4 years later).

    This book has seen so much love, and Brooklee literally begs me to read it over and over again. Now, you're probably wondering how on earth I've kept this book without it ripping or tearing to shreds. It was simple, I used contact paper to help laminate each of the pictures. I then made 3 hole punches on the side, and then tied it together with ribbon.

I have always wanted to make another one of these for Saydee, but having two children to take care of doesn't really allow me time to make one. That's when I decided that the printer, some stickers, clear plastic protectors, and a three ringed binder would be helpful.
     Over a year ago, Nikki over at Melonheadz Illustrations had made an ABC Series. I had got the black and white version of it from her, but never used it. Now, I had the perfect excuse. I printed out each letter, colored each with colored pencils, added some stickers, placed each letter in a plastic protector, and then into the binder. It was certainly finished a lot faster than the scrapbook Alphabet Book, and still was just as cute. 


     When I read these books to my daughters, I always like to start out with "A is for Apple" and then I work into the pronunciation. I will pronounce the letter, and then end with the name of the picture (i.e. Ah, Ah, Apple). I do that for each picture included on the page. I always think to invite my daughters to try repeating the pronunciation with me, even if it's not 100% correct. At least, they are enjoying themselves.

When I get to my number section of my books, I always count the objects so that my daughters can learn how to count along.

 I encourage you to make one of these for your kids, and read it over and over. They will love it!