Pencil Krampus!

I wasn't able to complete this in time, so here's my latest penciled Krampus design. Tada!

Crochete Krampus

Check out this crocheted Krampus by Croshame.com. The nipples are the best part. Although, this is not the actual Krampus time of year (it's actually December 5), I absolutely want one of these krampocheted! Very cool.

A Krampus Carol

(via Laughin Squid)

Hipster Krampus + Santo Klawz

Hipster Krampus 2011

I made this with you in mind.

March of the belated Krampus!

Yesterday, December 5, was the official March of the Krampus. I'm late, but I'm late because I WANT the Krampus to visit me. So, I'm being bad. So, there.
Since I am unable to make a physical Krampus card this year I am hoping to be able to post more Krampus-related illustrations by your humble blogger (who am I kidding – I'm far from humble). Enjoy and be good.

Or bad, depending on who you would like to visit you this season. BOO!

© 2011 Brandon Dawley.

The Krampus League Europe

Here are seven different mythical characters that I decided to research and design on my own (originally showcased at my sketchblog). These delightfully nefarious characters have been ignored in our nation (save for the Appalachians - via Appalachian History ) ever since we developed that Santa Claus character for Coca-Cola. I understand why they never were brought overseas to the land of the marketing dollar. I mean, unless there was strong investment demand in the early 1900's for birch twigs and whips (I'm pretty sure there wasn't).

List of names and geography:

• Krampus (Austria or Hungary)

• Black Peter (Zwarte Piet) (Netherlands and Belgium)

• Knecht Ruprecht (German)

• Belsnickle (Appalachia via Southwestern Germany)

• Kallikantzaros (Greek)

• Perchta or Berchta (Southern Germanic and Alpine region)

• Le Pere Fouettard (The Whipping Father) (French)

I will be designing, at least, two more mythical characters from the old world some time in a future post (notably: Gryla from Iceland and Namahage from Japan). For now, I hope you will be happy with these splendid freaks of whimsy*.

There were even more of these characters, but some were so similar in location and description that I didn't bother to design. I also didn't have enough information to feel comfortable in depicting them accurately. If there are more characters you would like to see that you know of from YOUR little corner of the world, please feel free to contact me with the information and I'd be happy to add them to the list for next year's pinup.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, followers! Be good.

*most of the information was obtained through Wikipedia unless otherwise noted.

Krampus Kard s2 for sale

If you clickity clack on the image above it will take you to a place where you can purchase a pack of 10 Krampus Kards from the 2nd series (along with 10 envelopes).
I am trying to work on releasing the award winning kards first unveiled in 2005 but funds have been tight. So, the more you buy of these the more chance they will see the light of day. I guess you can say that Krampus Kards are a non-profit organisation. Santa be damned!

P.S. tell your friends and stuff.

Helper Krampus

Another originated from the Czechoslovakian part of the world. This one is one of the most confusing that I own. What's interesting is that the Krampus seems to be actually helping St. Nik instead of causing mischief. Which leads me to hypothesize that the elf concept stems from the Krampus origin. Possibly. I am not sure, but after we Americanized Santa he seemed to lose many things in addition to a staff and the yellow robes. I wonder if the Krampus concept was too scary for our sensitive American eyes and we devolved the Krampus character into the elf helpers we know now? Anybody?

Krampus model

My mother-in-law is an ex-art teacher with a crafty edge. 2 years ago, after she learned of my fascination with all things Krampus, she crafted me a 16-18" resin-type stuff around an old doll skeleton and other artifacts to bring that genuine devilish persona to life. Needless to say, I was thoroughly impressed. We do our best to showcase this sonofabitch along with a proportionately sized St. Niklaus. I may take another photo of him in his current home atop the mantle in the living room. This photo was taken back when I first received the bugger.

Krampus v. Devil

These are old die-cuts are from Austria. Found on Ebay. Year unknown. This is an unusual depiction of the Krampus. I have never seen one where he is holding a trident or weapon of any sort. The reason that this is definitely a Krampus and not the Christian devil, is that he also has a bundle of sticks and his long tongue is sticking out. Not that the devil doesn't stick his tongue out on occasion.
I will say this: Satan does have more control over his grooming. Krampus is a filthy bugger.

KrampusKard series1 for sale

be good and buy 10 kards for the price of 10 cards and 10 envelopes. all for $19.99. Go to krampuskards.com and take a chance on some old world folklore done up new.