KRAMPUS RESOURCES
PARTNERS, INFORMATION, COSTUMING
“Their lives are no longer tied to the cycles of the seasons and the harvest, no longer do they need the Yule Lord to chase away the winter darkness and usher in the light of spring. Man has only himself to fear now…he has become his own worst devil.”
COSTUMING
KRAMPUS BREMERTON
In hopes of inspiring (and helping) others, I share my own Krampus costume journey as I constructed various elements of my own costume. It began very basically and evolved to a more traditional look, with some American flare.
GH CARVING LLC.
A U.S. BASED WOOD MASK CARVER!! We have a real woodcarver in the PNW area of the country, in Coeur D’Alene! Gavin Hughes is a woodcarver with 15 years of experience in quality, artistic craftsmanship. Using classic techniques and authentic horns, these pieces are not only excellent Krampus masks, but timeless collectible art pieces. For a Krampus costume, the statement piece is the mask. It’s worth an investment in something that an artist has spent time creating, that you’ll hand down to future Krampus generations. Also check out his Instagram and TikTok @GHCARVING.
KARTNER KRAMPUSSHOP
Austrian Krampus costume shop specializing in all things Krampus. The shop carries everything from masks to custom-tailored suits and accessories. If you don’t speak German, you’ll need to use a translator function in your web browser. The staff is very communicative and speak English. Order early though, since shipments get tied up in U.S. customs for a few weeks, and shipments take a while to receive.
WICKED AVIARY, PAPIER MACHE MASKS
For those who aren’t ready, or want, to invest in a wood-carved mask from Austria, papier mache is an affordable, creative, accessible alternative to making your own mask. I found YouTuber, Wicked Aviary, has a very approachable technique and some ideas for getting started, in a two-part vlog series.
STILT BEAST STUDIOS - REPURPOSED LATEX MASK
Stilt Beast Studios is a master in costuming. He has an accomplished reputation in the haunt attraction scene and was interviewed by Big Scary Show Podcast, in their Der Krampus episode. In the linked YouTube video, while more complex than papier mache, he provides an excellent tutorial on re-purposing a latex mask into a Krampus mask, using liquid latex and other (mostly) household materials.
DISCIPLE OF GOTH - WHITBY KRAMPUS RUN VII
Whitby is a North Yorkshire, England town that boasts a fantastic, annual Krampus tradition. The festivities include a variety of Yuletide and Solstice characters with many levels of costume sophistication. Check out Disciple of Goth’s great video of the event, for inspiration on constructing your own costume.
EVIL TED LIVE: MAKING A PATTERN FOR A FOAM MASK
Using EVA foam is a viable alternative to making masks. It’s on the more complex side, but not nearly as complex as latex or silicone. EVA foam is also a lot more accessible, affordable, and requires tools and materials that are easily acquired. YouTuber, Evil Ted, does a great tutorial on pattern making. There are many more technique videos available, but this is an excellent place to start.
SHANNON FABRICS, FOR FAUX FUR
Whether you’re looking for real or faux fur, finding it for your costume can be a challenge. Shannon fabrics has a great selection and a wide variety faux fur fabrics to consider when making your Krampus costume.
REUPTABLE MASK MAKERS
Check out this curated list, by Krampus Seattle, of known Austrian mask makers, with reputations for their craft. While there is no guarantee of satisfaction or quality, this is a great resource to commence your search for your own, wood carved mask.
FUR COLLARS BY IDUNN WOLF
Adding tailored fur to your costume can be a challenge. Check out these wool collars by Idunn Wolf, made locally in Tacoma, WA. Learn more on their Instagram @wildingcraft.
INFORMATION
THE KRAMPUS AND THE OLD, DARK CHRISTMAS: ROOTS AND REBIRTH OF THE FOLKLORIC DEVIL - BY AL RIDENOUR
Widely regarded as the most authoritative source of history, folklore, tradition and background on Krampus. Al Ridenour’s book is an excellent resources on all things Krampus, for the die hard enthusiast, who is looking to understand the background and traditional practice.
BIG SCARY SHOW PODCAST
Covering all things horror and haunt related, The Big Scary Show podcast hosts an annual Krampus Panel. It’s a fun listen, to hear about the history, Americanized versions, and how other people are hosting Krampus events around the country.
KRAMPUS: THE YULE LORD, BY BROM
An iconic piece of Krampus fan fiction.
From the back cover: One Christmas Eve in a small hollow in Boone County, West Virginia, struggling songwriter Jesse Walker witnesses a strange spectacle: seven devilish figures chasing a man in a red suit toward a sleigh and eight reindeer. When the reindeer leap skyward, taking the sleigh, devil men, and Santa into the clouds, screams follow. Moments later, a large sack plummets back to earth, a magical sack that thrusts the down-on-his-luck singer into the clutches of the terrifying Yule Lord, Krampus. But the lines between good and evil become blurred as Jesse's new master reveals many dark secrets about the cherry-cheeked Santa Claus, including how half a millennium ago the jolly old saint imprisoned Krampus and usurped his magic.
Now Santa's time is running short, for the Yule Lord is determined to have his retribution and reclaim Yuletide. If Jesse can survive this ancient feud, he might have the chance to redeem himself in his family's eyes, to save his own broken dreams . . . and to help bring the magic of Yule to the impoverished fold of Boone County.
PARTNERS
BREMERTON FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
A free community event that showcases the thriving art scene in Bremerton. First Friday Art Walk is held in Downtown Bremerton and Manette every first Friday from 5pm to 8pm.
GREATER KITSAP CHAMBER
For over 4 years, the Chamber of Commerce has provided outstanding assistance, community develoopment, membership services and enjoyable networking opportunities in partnership with area businesses, professionals, community groups, and the military.
GAGE PETERSON PHOTOGRAPHY
Bremerton photographer (and photographer of Krampus Bremerton). “Lover of good light…[his] shoots are generally relaxed and casual as [he believes] it’s easier to get honest images with an honest environment. [His] images, however…are far from ordinary.”
GHOSTLIGHT PERFORMING ARTS
A non-profit community theatre in Port Orcard, WA. They specialize in bringing the best talent center state in many unique ways! Not only with traditional plays and musicals, but with a variety of showstoppers such as drag shows, variety shows, performing master classes, karaoke, and Summer Theatre Camp. A place for the prim and proper ballerina, dramatic and emotional actor, or musical prodigy (or Krampus).
THE DUSTY PUG
Purveyors of unique and vintage goods in the heart of downtown Bremerton…and home of the Bremerton Vintage Flea every Saturday! Also, Krampus’ preferred source of vintage bells for his bell sash.