Interview with Belinda Fisher

Tell me a bit about you. Who is Belinda?
Let’s see…I’m 35, a mother to 3 gorgeous children and married to the most wonderful man who is creative to the core, much like me. We have 2 bulldogs, both of which we rescued from animal shelters.

I have always been creative and imaginative, one of my earliest memories is of making a washing machine out of paper and cardboard so I could wash my Cabbage Patch dolls clothes at age3 or 4. Since then I’ve tried things like drawing and painting, making and decorating wooden boxes, place mats and coasters for myself and others. Next on my list is to learn the guitar – luckily I’m married to an excellent guitarist!

My mother used to sew before I was born, so I feel like I have picked up where she left off. Recently she gave me a pile of gorgeous vintage fabric that she had put aside.

How did you come up with the name Seventh Sphere?

I have a love of all things mysterious, mystical and spiritual, so I was actually reading a book on the Qabalah when it came to me choosing a name for my shop. And the Sphere on the Tree of Life that spoke to me the loudest was Netzach – the Seventh Sphere. It’s all about creativity and personal victory.

When/how did you learn to sew?

I’m self-taught and started out making cushions, simple tote bags and fabric coasters but I was working longer hours then and didn’t have the time to do anything more than that. So a few years ago I was pregnant with my 3rd child and I decided to start sewing to give me something to do (plus when we went to one wage I couldn’t afford to keep up my bag addiction, so making them was the only option!)

When did you start to make bags?

A bit less than 3 years ago I had to start making my own bags rather than buying them, as I mentioned briefly in the previous question. At first I made some bags that I could take shopping rather than use the green supermarket bags, they got a lot of attention from shoppers as they were bright, strong and very pretty! People would be asking me where they could buy some from, which leads me to the next question…

When did you decide to turn your crafty hobby into a real job?

Two years ago my bags were getting a fair bit of attention at the supermarket and I was always being asked where I bought them from or why don’t I sell them, so I decided to do just that!

I like to try out a new pattern for a while before making some to sell, so around mid 2009 I opened two online shops, although didn’t list straight away, then I made myself a coin purse, used it daily and about 6 months later I started to sell online at places like Etsy and Made It

The coin purses have since taken over a bit but I still do really enjoy making bags and usually make either one of a kind bags or a very limited run of the one fabric, just to keep things fun and fresh.

Where do you create your gorgeous pieces?

In my back room, previously a dining room. It has large sliding doors which open to the back balcony so there is lots of natural light. I’m surrounded by my (literally) hundreds of books, my fabric cabinet and my sewing machine sits on an old, rough looking desk that my husband acquired for me, it’s easily my favourite piece of furniture. And truth be told the back room is my favourite room in the house.

Your fabrics all have beautiful designs. 

Do you get them from stores or create the designs yourself?

Thank you. I’m always searching for lovely bits of fabric and I have bought locally (mostly online) as well as from Japan, England, Korea, America and Canada.

I have my fabric cabinet sorted in to two distinct piles – one is for bags and the other is for coin purses. Some fabrics just don’t look right as a bag and I think with experience I now have a good eye for what will work on a coin purse. I have a beautiful piece of linen with Babushkas on it and they are perfect on my larger sized coin purses, absolutely perfect!

Have you or would you ever think about making your own original prints?

I love buying handmade screen printed fabric especially from local textile designers and do that as much as possible. I have considered getting my own drawings put onto fabric to make purses from but I don’t think I’ll be making fabric design a big part of my bag and purse making business at this point in time. If anything, it will just be for fun.

What do your kids think of your work?

My teenage daughter likes what I do, she models bags for me, you can see her in some of my listings. She has also requested a wallet like one that I am testing myself at the moment, plus she wants me to make a skirt for her.

My teenage boy probably hasn’t noticed that I sew….I jest, I jest! Seriously though, he’s not very interested in bags and purses (or skirts).

My little girl (age 2) would love to be able to get into my fabric cupboard! Thankfully it has a lock! I make her clothes and softies just for fun, so gets enjoyment from my sewing. I can only sew when she is asleep which can be a challenge when I have a lot of orders, but I manage thanks to my husband.

If you had to choose one of the products as your favourite which one would it be? 

I have a real soft spot for the Cookies fabric and it’s so perfect for coin purses. 

What’s your favourite thing about selling your goodies?

My very favourite thing is that selling my bags and purses means that I have been able to stay home with my little girl a lot longer than I originally had planned. I’m also so honoured every time someone purchases something of mine, that they part with their hard earned money to buy a purse or bag is such a thrill!

Have you sold your work at markets or in any stores?

I have sent wholesale orders to a few Australian stores and to a Canadian store.

Do you want to try markets?

I would love to do some markets and it’s definitely on my list to do this year! It would be great to interact with customers and other crafty sellers face-to-face rather than just online.

What advice do you have for anyone wanting to do what you do?

First off, just do it! No one can buy something off you if you don’t list it! 🙂 Etsy is a big, big marketplace so you have to try to stand out. Have a quick look at what others in your particular genre are doing and try something different. For example, when I started thinking about selling on Etsy I had a quick look at other purse makers just to be sure I was able to sell something that would be uniquely mine, there are only so many ways to make a bag or purse but I can make what I sell unique by my fabric choices, my customer service and by always keeping my shop inventory fresh and fun. The same goes for whatever crafty genre you subscribe to: jewellery, paper, clothing, etc, etc. Be uniquely you!

Oh, and also always work on your photos, I’m still working on mine! I find a lot of customers don’t read the listing description but will buy from what they see in the photos.

It can be helpful to join a team like DUST who offer, support, socialisation with other crafters and a great forum with friendly, experienced crafters and sellers.

Last of all if you could be any animal what would it be and why? 🙂

LOL! Hmmmm definitely a bird, wouldn’t it be fantastic to soar through the sky??

Check out Belinda’s stores!
www.etsy.com/SeventhSphere
www.madeit.com.au/SeventhSphere