La Carmina

This week I'm making an eyepatch for blogger, author & TV host La Carmina and showing you how-to make your own.

When Carmina got in touch to say she was going to the Maldives and would love an accessory to wear on a pirate-themed show, I knew it was the perfect chance to get creative and make something a little out of my comfort zone. Mixing the pirate-theme with steampunk and just the right about of girly glitz, I came up with this bejewelled heart-shaped light-up eyepatch.

"Cat dazzled me with her custom pirate eyepatch. Her heart-shaped, sparkly design perfectly encapsulated my Goth-meets-cute Japanese style, and the purple matches my hair. The patch fit well and felt great, thanks to the fuzzy lining underneath, which felt like my Scottish Fold cat's fur! When I put it on, I feel like I can steer the ship as Captain, through any rocky waves!"

Can you tell my readers who you are and what you do?

I'm fortunate to have a career that lets me share my passion for alternative and dark culture worldwide, through my journalism, books, blog and TV shows.

When I started La Carmina blog in 2007, blogging as a career was unheard of. I simply enjoyed blogging about Gothic clubs, Harajuku fashion and Asia pop culture.

Gradually, my site connected with an audience, leading to projects and travels I never thought possible. I wrote three books (including Cute Yummy Time and Crazy Wacky Theme Restaurants), and have appeared in TV shows like Bizarre Foods, Oddities, Kawaii TV, and a promo for Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations.

Everything came together into a "pirate ship," or TV fixing and hosting company that I run with “First Mate” Naomi Rubin. Some people describe us as coolhunters, since we give insight and access to underground cultures, filming TV shows in Japan and worldwide.

Today, I travel constantly for my work in travel TV presenting and journalism. I have a global video series on Huffington Post / AOL, where I explore alt culture worldwide (Prague, Miami, Hong Kong and more). You can see my television clips here ; they include The Doctors, The Today Show, Food Network.

When you were a kid - what did you want to be when you were older?

I always wanted to do something creative, but wasn't clear on the exact path to take. Before the Internet, it was much harder to break into industries like TV without inside connections. I supposed I wished for a life where I could travel and explore different creative pursuits, and I'm fortunate to be able to do this today.

What are your best and worst habits?

I can be cat-like and sleep for 14 hours straight. Not sure if that's good or bad!

How would you describe your style and who are you ultimate style icons?

My personal style is heavily inspired by Harajuku's colorful style tribes: kawaii nail art, pastel Goth, gyaru romantic dresses, big eyelashes. I don't have any specific fashion icons, but I love looking at Tokyo street style.

If you could be anyone else for a day, who would you choose and, if you could join any band which would it be?

I'd be my Scottish Fold cat, Basil Farrow, so I can be treated like a fuzzy Pharoah all day! It might be fun to be a member of Motley Crue for one day in the late 1980s, but I'm not sure I would survive the debauchery and hairspray.

Where is your favourite place in the world and why?

There's so much to love about Tokyo, from the wild street style to the underground parties. I'm a huge fan of the theme restaurants, especially Alice in Wonderland and cat cafes. You can find out more about them in my book, Crazy Wacky Theme Restaurants.

Do you do any crafts and what do you like to make?

I used to do more crafting, but since I travel constantly for my work these days, it's hard to find time. However, when I visit a new destination, I like to create accessories that reflect the environment. For example, in Hawaii, I decorated my hair and hats with fresh local flowers.

Where do you find inspiration?

From walking around cities, exploring underground culture, and talking to people. I'm often surprised by what strikes me in each place. I became obsessed with Art Nouveau design and architecture, for instance, after traveling to Berlin and Prague.

What would your dream day look like?

Sleeping in, eating mind-blowing sushi, and lots of snuggles with my earless, flat-faced cat!

Finally, if you could have three wishes, what would they be?

If I can't go with an infinite number of wishes, then acceptance, adventure, and a life full of smiles.

You can keep up to date with La Carmina's adventures on her blog. Who do you think I should craft for next?