Thursday, June 6, 2013

Geek Girls Gab with Geek A Bye Baby

Geek-a-bye Baby started when Beth found out she was pregnant with her adorable little geek-baby, Ellie. She started picking out fabrics and patterns for lots of baby goodness. It began with an entire bedding set, including creating a mast, and developed into blankets, costumes, dresses, booties and more!
Elizabeth D. Nelson is a writer, polyglot, geek and philanthropist. Originally from New York City, she now resides in Austin, TX with her husband, two kittens and her adorable baby, Ellie.
The Nerdy Girlie:  What is your 1st nerd memory?
Beth:  My family loves craft time.  As a young child, I remember lots of fun craft projects, from creating our own Halloween decorations (including a graveyard diorama) to making out own grocery store props and fake money.  When I was 3 or so, I asked my mom to help me make my own wallet.  She had a wallet full of cards, so I wanted to have my own wallet with my own cards.  We got out the construction paper and went to work.  After we made my wallet, my mom asked me what cards I need.  Well, obviously, I needed a driver’s license and a credit card.  But what did I ask for first? A library card, since I loved books so very much (and still do).  Yes, I was a super nerd at 3, and I still am today.
TNG:  How and why did you start crafting and sewing?  
Beth:  Crafting is a huge part of my family.  We would create our own decorations and toys.  My mom and grandmother made most of my childhood costumes.  I’ve been crafting as long as I can remember.  In first grade, I started my own yarn jewelry business with a bag of yarn my great-grandmother gave to me.  I’d use different styles of braids and create sets of necklaces and bracelets.  I started sewing at the beginning of college when I decided I wanted to deconstruct and create my own clothing and costumes.
TNG:  When and why did you decide to start your own Etsy shop?
Beth:  I wish I could say starting Geek-a-bye Baby was my great idea, but it was actually my husband who first mentioned opening up my own e-shop.  After putting together my daughter’s monkey pirate nursery, including designing her bedding and creating a pirate mast and sail, we started talking about how hard it was to find fun and geeky baby bedding.  He mentioned that he thought this must be an issue for most geeks who are having kids and want the nursery to reflect their geeky interests.  I did some research and saw there was this niche market that really needed an outlet for geeky baby products.  We talked about opening a shop up around October 2011 and my shop officially opened the following January.

TNG:  YOUR favorite Etsy shop?
Beth:  The Spangled Maker.  I love their jewelry.  Maybe it’s the anatomical heart or the brain cuff links, but I am totally smitten with everything they sell.  I need unlimited funds so I can buy all the things.
TNG:  What is your favorite thing/things to nerd out about?
Beth:  That’s a really hard question for me to answer, since I’m a super versatile nerd, geek, dweeb.  I adore literature very much, so finding a new, epic novel is always a really happy day for me.  That being said, I have been a gamer since almost birth, and get goose bumps when I see an awesome trailer.  And then there is my love of sci-fi, anime, costuming, and, and, and…I guess my favorite thing to nerd out about is being a nerd. 

TNG:  Any tips for San Diego Comic Con?
Beth:  I attend SDCC every year and so, of course, my first tip is don’t attend…because it’s already too crowded!  Just kidding.  Seriously, though, be prepared to deal with crowds and long lines.  If you can avoid it, don’t even bring a bag of any sort to the convention hall, because you’ll get 4 or 5 free totes upon entrance.  If you find a panel you MUST attend, know that you are likely not unique in this sentiment.  Get in line early to avoid the room filling up before you get a seat (or standing room).  Lastly, try not to spend all of your money too quickly.  There are lots of amazing vendors and you don’t want to be broke on the last day when you find that one thing you just can’t live without. 

TNG:  Girlie things you love?
Beth:  I am a shoe-a-holic.  I have over 200 or so pairs that range from $5 thrifty finds to my Manolo Blahnik mary jane’s, which will never leave my possession.  Ever.

Thank you Beth for sharing your charming origin story with us!  Could that be any cuter!  GREAT SDCC advice too!  Head her words nerds!  Every nerd mama and mama to be NEEDS check out her AMAZING nerdtastic baby supplies!!  Visit her Etsy shop Geek A Bye Baby and LIKE her Facebook page!  She even has some stuff for non-parents like me :)
will be wearing this at SDCC :)

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