Krampus Kards

Krampus Kard 2011

2011-12-24T15:55:00.003-05:00

I hope this blogpost finds you being good with a dab of mischief.

Keep in mind, I will be printing these… eventually. Stay tuned.

Also, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Take care of each other.

Crochete Krampus

2011-12-22T17:15:00.001-05:00

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.

The Humpday Before Christmas

2011-12-21T07:30:00.000-05:00

I drew this recently and decided to color it. It's a Trollkrampus. So there.

Live Action Krampus

2011-12-19T20:53:00.000-05:00

Live action Krampus images are hard to come by, but not always worth sharing. This one I thought was great enough to do so. Enjoy.

(via)

A Krampus Carol

2011-12-13T17:05:00.000-05:00

(via Laughin Squid)

Hipster Krampus + Santo Klawz

2011-12-07T21:58:00.001-05:00

Hipster Krampus 2011

I made this with you in mind.

March of the belated Krampus!

2011-12-06T16:54:00.001-05:00

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!

Society 6 store

2011-11-28T08:02:00.001-05:00

4 Things:

1. I posted some Krampus products for sale on my Society6 site.
2. I reduced the prices of everything in the store.
3. FREE SHIPPING all day today WORLDWIDE!
4. Be good.

Baby Krampus is back

2011-11-24T10:07:00.001-05:00

Today is Thanksgiving in the country I reside in. I'm pretty sure that Austria celebrates Thanksgiving by eating a roasted Krampus instead of turkey. I obtained this way of thinking from John Hodgman.

I'm revisiting this design for this year's Krampus Kard. I always enjoyed the illustration and I feel saddened that it was never used properly. I feel even more saddened that I will probably have to resort to digital delivery of this years card due to the high cost of printing and the low level of my income these days. Don't worry, though. This will see the light of paper one day. And it will be magnifikramp!

"That is all."

Cranberriest,

-Brandon

Dawlism is next to Darwinism

2011-11-08T12:24:00.001-05:00

Please go to my online store and buy a print for the sweet finch in your life:

Kissing Link

Krampus is coming…

2011-11-04T11:27:00.002-04:00

The Santa's getting fat.

Guest Krampus!

2011-08-08T12:41:00.000-04:00

artist : Chris Buzelli

Happy Valentine's Day from krampus

2011-02-14T14:08:00.002-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day from Krampus blog!!

I received this last Christmas. It's from 1931 Austria. One of the few in my collection. Both from Austria and depicting a Krampus romancing a human female. Oh, those Austrians really know how to get unerlaubt.

The Krampus League Europe

2011-01-11T15:26:00.005-05:00

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.

My latest Classic Krampus cards

2010-12-26T13:38:00.003-05:00

These have been added to my collection. I received them yesterday. I have no idea what year or the exact location. Any help is appreciated. Thanks and I hope you had a goodly day.

More to come…

Krampus on Infinite Earths

2010-12-16T16:58:00.004-05:00

My buddy Andrew Devitt sent me this image. I love this so much. That is, if I believed in loving something that doesn't exist. Which seems par for the course this time of year.

You can see more of the artwork directly after this sentence.

SOURCE

The Solstice Celebration for Dilettante Pagans

2010-12-04T14:36:00.004-05:00

This link from The New York Times was sent to me from my father-in-law. It's a Bohemian Spritz and it comes with a certain holiday demon cheer. I may try this, actually. The other drinks looked good, too but they didn't have that certain krampus-may-care flare.

If you decide to try it, please let me know what you think in the comments section. I'm intrigued.

LINK

CyberKrampus

2010-11-29T16:37:00.003-05:00

In honor of cybermonday… whatever that is.

NEW Krampus Kards NOW available!

2010-11-28T15:59:00.004-05:00

SPOILER ALERT!! if you are a friend or family member that knows that you will be getting one of these new Krampus postcards in your mailbox - I urge you to AVOID going to my Etsy shop until a week or so. But, if you're not a friend or family member and would like to see and, more importantly, PURCHASE the NEW, limited edition, collectable and reusable Krampus postcard, I urge you to visit my Krampus Etsy shop for delirious birch-wood splinter making action.

And don't forget to be good. You know, in case.

Black Pete

2010-11-27T14:54:00.004-05:00

If yesterday was Black Friday then today is Black Pete Day here at Krampusblog.

The Netherlands have their own version of the dark side of Christmas. His name is Zwarte Piet and he's fun to draw.

Pencil and marker.

Krampus Blog Revised!

2010-11-26T13:30:00.003-05:00

Hallo, krampuslovers!!

As you may have seen, I've updated the look of the Krampus Kards blog. Now with real commerce action! Easier access to the krampus storefronts and less hassles when you want to buy that t-shirt or other printed matter. Now don't you feel special on this day-after-thanksgiving-black-friday-fiasco?

No?

Well, thank you, anyways. Also, no thank-backs.

Kreepy Krampus

2010-11-24T19:16:00.004-05:00

Starting Black Friday I will be doing my best to update this blog with all sorts of Krampus goodness until the New Year. Keep an eye or two out for old world postcards and new drawings by your humble blogger.

Stay tuned and be good.

(also, I have just been informed that the new Birch postcards have been shipped. YES!)

Krampus season 2010 is HERE!

2010-11-17T16:20:00.003-05:00

I have a new store for all things Krampus. Please check it out at Krampuskards.net. The Etsy store is still located at krampuskards.com which will only offer the new + improved postards which you can read about at my sketchblog (SPOIL ALERT!! for those of you who are a friend and/or family member. Proceed with caution).

I will continue to post updates at this blogspot on new old world cards that I get.

Valentine's Day Krampus 2010

2010-02-12T11:17:00.005-05:00

I thought it would be sweet and nicey-nice to post a somewhat romantic old-timey Krampus postcard from my collection. you know, in honor of St. Valentine's Day as well as these days of wintery devotion. Nice for us. Not so nice for the young lady or her shins being seized. Now that I'm looking at this postcard I'm rethinking my entire motivation in this being neither sweet nor nice.
Ah, Krampus. You've tricked me once again. Jerk.

(If there is anyone who feels compelled to translate the text in this post, please do so in the comments section or send me an email and I'll update the post. Thank you.)

Special New Years Sale Blowhard!

2009-12-31T14:57:00.004-05:00

In addition to posting the NEW Krampus postkard in my Etsy shop, I have just placed the previous krampus kards (greeting cards only) on a 50% markdown for the first week in January (starting January 1st)!
So, to get ready for next year's festivities you can buy 10 krampus kards for the funbelievable price of $9.99US*! Just don't forget to dust them off when it gets closer the krampusing season. You don't want the friends and families to sneeze on the matte finish. Or maybe you do, you strange human being.
Happy New Year, sons and daughters!

*WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

Babykrampus New Year 2010

2009-12-30T12:19:00.006-05:00

Here's a New Year's wish to you from the Krampus Kard blog. I wish you the happiest while St. Niklaus turns his back on you for a full year! It's a dickmove, Nik. Really. You're the epitome of a deadbeat dad.
Although, the posting frequency will be less, I assure you there will be some fun Krampus news in 2010. Stay tuned and raise a glass, folks–then bring it down upon the hardwood floor!•

• It's what the Krampus would do.

Krampus Pinup (of sorts)

2009-12-23T23:14:00.004-05:00

And here it is. A Krampus sketched in a pinup-style. Just in time for Christmas! I was going to go all sweet and saucy but I decided to make her look hard and raunchy. After all, the mythical character that delivers discipline should look the part.
I wanted to color it but tomorrow is Christmas Eve and I have a kramp-load of family visiting so I should get back to whatever it is families do (I still haven't figured that out). I hope you enjoy her in all her penciled badness.
Also, her name is Kate and she loves to hate.

krampusgirl

2009-12-22T15:49:00.002-05:00

This lovely piece of obscurity came directly from Austria. It is my most unusual (and most recently acquired) krampus postcard in my collection because it depicts the characters as children dressed up as St. Nikolaus and Krampus. I love how the krampus is a little girl and she has an innocent look on her face and nikolaus looks sort of bewildered with other children acting strange as well. A very splendid card altogether, I think.
Note that the sender of the postcard personalized the front by writing "and Nikolaus" after the "Greetings from Krampus!" line.
The postmark on the reverse side tells me that it was sent in November of 1929.
I think the artist did a splendid job on this delightful illustration of one of my favorite mythical characters. Mergy Krampus, everyone!

Comic Book Krampus 3: The Flash

2009-12-17T00:18:00.003-05:00

The Krampus as DC Comic's The Flash. Looks like he's kidnapped a naughty child. Poor kid passed out due to the impact of the velocity. I guess that's what he gets for being naughty.
Next comic character made into a krampus karacter? You tell me, my good human. You tell me.

Comic Book Krampus 2: Wolvie Krampus

2009-12-09T15:41:00.004-05:00

I know, i know. The obvious choice for an X-man krampus is Kurt Wagner, Nightcrawler. That would be much too easy. All I would have to do is add horns. And that's no fun. So, here is Wolverine in all his krampus glory. I hope you enjoy.
If you would like to suggest another comic book character for me to krampusize, please send an email to info@krampuskards.com or leave a comment on this post.
Make Mine Krampus!

Komic Book Krampus 1: THE BAT[krampus]MAN

2009-12-02T10:13:00.005-05:00

I was sketching late last night after viewing The Daily Batman which helped me remember that I've been meaning to start a project here that cross-pollinates the Krampus theme with one of my favorite past-times, comic book superheroes. So, I wandered into it and here is my first entry. The Batman as Krampus.
The entries will not be limited to any particular company and will cover all comic books–not only meta-humans (not that Batman is a 'meta-human' –geekcheck). I am also open to requests if anyone wants to chime in on seeing their favorite comic character krampusized. If so, I will be posting a new one weekly (every Wednesday) from now until December 30th.
Make Mine Krampus!

Hey kids! T-shirt!

2009-12-01T11:26:00.003-05:00

By the way, the latest Krampus postkard design, by yours truly, has been offered up as a fashion design. Gritty t-shirts with Krampus on your chest shows the world that you are well read in the ways of Germanic folklore done up in the NOW. I dare you to be good! Go here: Krampus Klothes or click on the image, mein freund.

Happy Thankstaking Day

2009-11-26T12:33:00.003-05:00

Today is Thankstaking day in Krampusverse. This is when the Krampus practices his taking of your children that are barkingly bad all year. Which is probably most of them, I'm sure. Don't worry, the children that are depicted in the sketch are practice dummies.

At my age of 37 I'd rather receive a visit from a skinny, hairy creature with horns than an obese, white-haired, overgrown child who smells like milk and baked goods. I hope I haven't offended. This is, after all, a pro-krampus site.

That said, in celebration of Black Friday tomorrow, I am selling Krampus Kards with a 30% discount from now until midnight tomorrow. So, hopefully, I will continue the Thanksgiving by taking your money. Happy Thankstaking Day!

Be good for goodness sake.

more Krampus by others

2009-11-25T16:31:00.003-05:00

Another very splendid Krampus illustrator is Melita 'Miss Monster' Curphy. I really love how she designs her krampus cards. Even with her modern character design style I think these could have fit in nicely in the old world. I missed out on this print because I see that it is sold out now. I hope she prints more. lots more.
The Gruss vom Krampus! at the bottom means "Greetings from Krampus". Something that was commonly written on most holiday cards that depicted the krampus (also written on the old postcards was Krampuslauf, which roughly translates to "march of the krampus"). You can find more of Miss Monster's work at her website www.missmonster.com

Krampus by others

2009-11-18T15:05:00.002-05:00

Choking Krampus
Originally uploaded by travis37a

Every once in a while I would like to take a moment and share with you Krampus-related artwork from other artist's that I admire.
Travis Louie is probably one of the first artists I found depicting this mythological character in various settings. You can find more of his work at his website and if you click on the image it will take you to his gorgeous Flickr set of Krampus portraits. He makes me chuckle. And I've never chuckled before.

Enjoy and be good…for goodness sake.

Krampus postKard

2009-11-05T09:11:00.003-05:00

In order to cut costs this economically challenging year, I've decided to create a postcard in lieu of a single folded, full-fledged greeting card. No text in front. Just your run-of-the-mill, on-sided postcard image says it all. I really liked having the limitation of a single side. Plus, adding my cats to the design made my wife happy. :)
This particular design is inspired by a past post seen here.

Order Sketch #1

2009-10-19T15:40:00.003-04:00

For every Krampus Kard order between now and Halloween, the buyer will receive a sketch of a krampus by the artist. Hand drawn with ink and everything. This one-of-a-kind sketch is on it's way to UK right now.

Be good.

Krampus Kard s2 for sale

2009-09-21T11:36:00.006-04:00

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.

Nikolaus v. Krampus

2009-01-01T11:17:00.003-05:00

I've been meaning to post another original illustration by your humble blogger, but during the holidays it gets more and more difficult to find the time. Since I don't have kids, I really have no excuse. I've been working on this piece for a while. I am currently in the middle of coloring it but I couldn't wait any longer to share it with the Internet.
Most of the old world depictions of St. Nickolaus and the many incarnations that represent the darker side of the axial inclination, show them working together rather than working apart. It's more of a "yin-yang" situation than a good versus evil. This is where my comic geek kicks in and that is why this drawing exists. Shown here in its inked but unfinished glory. Combining contemporary literary perspectives of Dr. Seuss' Mr. Grinch and the aesthetics of Marvel Comics' Nightcrawler from the X-men*. Also making the scenario more "American" by adding Santa Claus rather than St. Nikolaus.
Incidentally, this was intended to be 2008's Krampus Kard, but my wife wasn't a fan of Santa being depicted as a Hulk-like monster. Since the Kards we send out are representative of our household, I need her final approval. This will see print someday, though. In postcard format, most likely.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

FUN FACT: The word Krampus comes from the Old High German word Krampen, which means claw.

*Interesting that Nightcrawler is from Germany since that is one of the many areas that the Krampus originates.

Easter Krampus?

2008-12-26T14:23:00.003-05:00

This postcard design is from an artist in a recent post in this here blogsite. I searched through my krampus postcard book and realized I have a number of this particular artist's cards. I find his/her style to be the most original, as I hinted to in my previous post. I plan on researching more on this artist to be able to reveal their name and origin.
What I find the most interesting after studying this design is the use of pussy willows as the bundle of sticks that the Krampus would use. Also note the crafty way of using catkins as ligaments for the mini-krampuses. Methinks that this postcard may come from the Ukraine or Poland but most likely Bavaria, since they still celebrate this nefarious looking mythical creature. Albeit more modern (Southwestern Bavaria also recognize a character much like the Krampus called Wilde Mann which is Krampus sans horns). The reason is due to the fact that numerous East European folk would carry pussy willows instead of palm branches on Palm Sunday since palms didn't grow that far north.
Also, since the krampus is more of a pre-Christian Alpine symbol (representing the first 2 weeks in December and accompanying St. Nikolaus), the use of pussy willow may lead me to believe this is depicting the character Perchta (Slovania) because this character, although similar in creature-like features and may or not come from the Nordic goddess Freyja, was recognized from the last week of december into the first week of January*. This would suggest that the removing of the catkins from the branches to make a birch rod (not necessarily made of birch wood) hints of the coming of Winter. Although this can also be described in the Krampus mythos as well since pussy willows could have lost their kitty characteristic by the first of month as well.
So, it is hard to come up with the region of where this postcard originated. I think I've narrowed it down some, though. kinda/sorta?

*The Krampus and Perchten "monsters" eventually shared the limelight in many cultural events in this area of the world which lead to the loss of distinction of the two. Although there is more romantically supernatural reasoning behind the Perchta, it is definitely not as memorable of a character from the ancient days.

Krampus the Beer

2008-12-21T21:16:00.003-05:00

So, I'm celebrating the Christmas season with my wife, her parents and her Uncle Bob. Great guy. Gets really thoughtful gifts. So, knowing that I appreciate this European story of the Krampus and all things related to the BAD side of Santa, Bob the Uncle has given me this 22 oz. bottle of Imperial Helles Lager from Southern Tier Brewery. This combines 2 of my favorites things: Beer and Krampus. So, of course, he gets me a bottle since I make and send out these Krampus Kards every year. It helps that I like micro-brew beers and most European-style brewing. I am looking forward to trying this out, but I feel compelled to share it with Bob the Uncle and my Father-in-Law. We all enjoy all sorts of brew. Funny things is, it would be naughty of me if I didn't. Which would make sense considering the theme...

stay tuned...

p.s.
Check out the zoom of the beer label here. Enjoy responsively.

I like your style.

2008-12-16T23:14:00.004-05:00

This is one of my favorite designs that is actually one of the most surreal of the Krampus postcards that I own. I love the gingerbread looking Krampus with bites on his feet from rats. And the smoke/clouds in the background bring such an ominous tone to the entire thing. I think what I like most about it is the simple approach which seems to have more style than any postcard of this type. I have a couple more that I will show by this artist.
I have also designed a new one inspired by this image that I am in debate with my wife about. More to come on that.
I am not sure where this originates from but the artist did sign or stamp his/her work with a cool signature. not sure what it says or stands for. It's in the right side of the banner in this scan if you can see it.

Krampus Kard series 2 EXPOSED!

2008-12-11T20:22:00.002-05:00

Here is the series 2 of Krampus Kards. If you buy a pack of series 1 by clicking the link to the right (the one that says www.krampuskards.com), you will get an added FREE single series 2 including envelope. Limit one per customer. All this for your nefarious pleasure.

to recap: buy on package of Krampus Kards, get a single of the new kard with your order.

This offer lasts from now until the 20th of December. After Xmas, the full series 2 will go on sale as well. complicated? I didn't think so.

Grus vom Krampus und Nikolaus

2008-12-11T07:26:00.004-05:00

Translation:
top "Krampus and Nikolaus pull through the city! Sore that, that did evil!"
bottom "Grus of the Krampus and Nikolaus"

This particular postcard is either from Austria or Germany. I translated it using freetranslation.com so if there is someone that knows better, please feel free to inform me.

The artist signature on the bottom right says G. Milan.

This entry shows a more obvious tone that Nikolaus worked together with Krampus rather than the two being enemies. Directing me in my theory about the origin in reverse concerning the Americanization of Krampus that I believe exists here today but we know of it in different manifestations. More to come on this topic in a later entry. Stay tuned.

and be good

Similar?

2008-12-10T14:44:00.003-05:00

These are 3 Krampuses lined up for a future postcard. I illustrated these guys and colored them from a sketch and found i liked the style better with less color. (from L to R: Cute Krampus, Tallman Krampus, Body Krampus). Time will tell when and if these guys will see print. I am currently thinking about a female krampus for next year. Could be fun. I'm thinking about approaching it in a pinup girl style and then as a villainous Loki style (from the current Thor funny books from Marvel). we'll see.

Helper Krampus

2008-11-30T10:51:00.000-05:00

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

2008-11-29T09:47:00.000-05:00

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.

KrampusKard '08 -scan

2008-11-28T12:53:00.000-05:00

This is the pre-colored sneak-peak of the 2008 Krampus Kard. It is currently awaiting shipment to my P.O. Box. In all its evil glory. It's the same horizontal format of the last one but with more narrative. I wanted to incorporate children in this one since most of the depictions of krampus postcards show him accompanied by them.
This scan just shows the elements that I have used, but in no way exposes the impact of what will be coming down the chimney this season.

TEACHER KRAMPUS

2008-10-31T07:19:00.000-04:00

This old postcard has no information on it. Just a Czechoslovakian comment on the front and a JKO trademark on the back. My wife found this on the internet. I'm still researching as I go. If anyone has information please feel free to comment. thanks.

oh, and BOO!

Krampus v. Devil

2008-10-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

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

2007-12-11T22:40:00.000-05:00

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.

KrampusKard '06

2007-12-11T21:32:00.000-05:00

KrampusKard '05

2007-12-11T21:24:00.001-05:00

Like the previous year's design, this is the cute design that I will revisit on occasion. Not so scary.

KrampusKard '04

2007-11-16T20:59:00.000-05:00

My first Krampus Kard won an award for excellence in graphic design from PRINT's Regional Annual. I will post it her for you to see. Eventually, if enough people like it, I will re-release it for human consumption. Here it is in it's original format. the future product will be less personalized for his and her pleasure. enjoy. or not.