Krampus Los Angeles

Indigenous Krampus Meetup

Posted on September 2, 2013 by Krampus

Old Gnigler Krampus Perchten Troupe

LA Krampus reaches out occasionally to the Krampus homeland of Austria to contact those who can share a little firsthand information about how things work there. Recently, we were lucky to establish contact with Austrian Krampus Martin Zehentner who works with the Gnigler Krampuslauf, a Krampus Run named for Gnigl, a neighborhood of Salzburg,where Martin lives, and one of the largest in that very important Krampus region with 30 different Krampus troupes participating. The Gnigler Krampuslauf was founded by the Old Gnigler Krampus Perchten Troupe, a group active since 1966.

When Martin recently visited Los Angeles as a tourist we were able to set up a dinner meeting with some of the Krampus LA organizers in Hollywood, to enjoy some “real Mexican-American cuisine of the 1960s,” at — naturally — El Coyote.

Martin was full of anecdotes, practical tips on how they run their events, and advice cautionary advice about the Krampus, who tips back a few too many Schnapps.

Costuming Tips: American Masks

Posted on August 30, 2013 by Krampus

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If you want a real Krampus mask from Europe, it’s possible to buy one online as discussed in a recent posting. Some our fellow American Krampuses in the Philadelphia Krampuslauf do buy European masks. They’re expensive, but at least can also serve as a nice year-round display piece. But these masks can cost several hundred dollars even without overseas shipping, so probably are more than most people want to spend.

One answer is to make one from scratch or adapt something readymade, and that’s what most of our LA Krampus Troupe members are doing. One reason for doing this is that genuine Krampus masks tend to be fairly oversized, and this ads a lot to the creature’s imposing presence. Building up the size or height of a mask, elongating the dome of the head or adding towering horns adds hugely to the creature’s imposing presence.

Luckily there are some cheaper readymade masks American masks that do a good job standing in for their European counterparts (or an excellent job with some further modifications discussed below).

But before shopping for your mask….

Have a look at what European Krampus masks really look like by doing an image search for “Krampusmasken.” They’re actually quite diverse, and rarely conform to that very standardized devil featured on the popular Krampus postcards. On the costumes — as in the photo above –you’ll notice multiple horns and more exaggerated beastly features and an wildly expressionistic cartoonish quality — note the tooth piercing the creature’s upper lip on the European mask above!

But a devil mask is not a bad starting point, and you’ll find a number of acceptable possibilities in the $20-40 range.

It may then occur to you to simply do a shopping search for “Krampus mask,” and lo, and behold, you will find a very good lookalike for around $59, a fraction of the cost of European masks. This mask was crafted by Devil’s Workshop, and began mass production in 2011. Search a little more, and you’ll find it again and again and again. Even Wallmart is now selling that mask.You can buy the exact same mask for a little more on eBay if Wallmart makes you feek icky. But you’re still likely to meet lookalike Krampuses who know your secret shame. You could always customize your mask with color — greasepaint (messy) or acrylic paint (flakey if it’s layered too thick), but even there, you may not be sporting a unique look.

If you want to class it up a bit, there is also a very nice purpose-made American Krampus mask for $85 at Specter Studio. Or another cheaper horned option is the $35-55 goat mask, which is also bound to be popular, though isn’t a great match for Krampus.

One way to open up the options a bit is to consider adding horns to a mask that doesn’t have horns. Those adhesive prosthetic Satyr horns, which are sure to be a popular choice for the “Krampus-lite” crowd this year can be spirit-gummed to a rubber mask as well as you fleshy forehead. Or a better — poke a pair of those rigid horns that come on a headband through a hornless mask of your choosing. Some options for hornless base would be an Orc or Goblin, Gargoyle, or just a search for “horned, mask.” Don’t forget to check out Specter Studio’s and Devil’s Workshop’s non-Krampus masks, as they have some cheaper models that might also do nicely once you add horns.

Also, with almost all of these masks you’d probably want to supply your own wig, to match or harmonize with whatever fur you end up adding to your body.

Werewolves can also sometimes be a decent match, and of course they are often sold with a readymade fur suit. No, it’s not really the same kind of fur suit you’ll find on European Krampuses, but it’s a start, and we’ll be posting later about dressing one of those up a bit (and other furry body-covering options). Even if you’re happy with the werewolf fursuit as-is, you might want to consider some of those other Krampus accesories: switches, bell belts, and baskets for naughty children. We’ll get to those too.

But if you’re going to add horns to a mask, why not do it right? One way to vastly improve the look of any readymade mask is to add your own horns — BIGGER horns, especially: REAL ANIMAL HORNS. The worst thing about these latex masks is that they do not have the rigidity or counterweight to support larger horns, so they sport embarrassingly dwarfed nubs. Compare them to the European “Krampusmasken” images and you might feel a little inadequate with that single set of embarrassingly underdeveloped horn-buds!

Some crafty types out there have offered labor-intensive suggestions for making taller horns with expanding foam or even shrink-wrapped plastic bags(!), but these inevitably lack the convincing color and texture of real animal horns. And real horns are naturally hollow anyway, so not terribly heavy — and if you spend some time searching, they’re not too expensive ($12+ for a respectable pair).

Regardless of what you use, horns of the traditional height (anywhere from 16″ to 40″ or more) cannot be attached directly to an off-the-shelf latex mask. You will need to stretch your mask over a hardhat with chin strap (the strap helps w/ balance). That process calls for some fiddling, possibly attaching hardware, and possibly you may need to add some counterweight. If you’re handy with fiberglass, you might consider extending that hardhat to create more of a mask shell, using the rubber mask more as the detailing surface skin. This counterweight issue is part of the reason that European masks have those wide gaping jaws — to add to and spread out the weight. And it doesn’t hurt that they accommodate so many scary teeth.

See how we’re slowly nudging you toward making a proper European style mask?

More on cheap horns and actual mask-making to come.

Other Characters, Other Costumes

Posted on August 30, 2013 by Krampus

Austrian Nicholas, Photo: Al Ridenour

If the idea of pulling together a Krampus suit seems daunting, you might consider dressing as one of the other figures traditionally associated with the Krampus’ appearance. Before Krampuses herded together for the public Krampus Run or Krampuslauf, the devilish figure was part of a small costumed party that would visit houses of friends, neighbors and relatives on December 6, St. Nicholas Day. These groups would consist of roughly three to six Krampuses, and three of the four following characters.

St Nicholas

Not to be confused with Santa Claus, the theatrically whiskered saint is dressed more or less as a medieval bishop (try “pope” or “cardinal” if you’re searching for similar cheap costumes). Along with his staff, he carries a big book in which are written children’s names and deeds from the previous year. His cape, stole, and miter are usually red, but can be gold or other colors.

The Basket Carrier

As opposed to the “bad” basket the Krampus carries to swoop up naughty children, this character’s basket is full of goodies for good kids (and likely a flask for the troupe). As servant, to the Bishop, he carries the basket and generally a lantern and is costumed in traditional wool or leather mountain garb accentuated with a few rustic exaggerations — a gnarled stick for a cane, perhaps some pine cones or bark on his cap, and bit of moss woven into his beard. His face may also be smudged with soot. The impression is somewhat intimidating or at least eccentrically backwoodsy. The availability of with various readymade “Hillbilly” or “Oktoberfest” wardrobe elements might make him an easier costuming target than Krampus. We could use a number of these characters in our Krampus Runs to help guide the Krampuses (a species universally hindered by small eye-holes and poor eyesight) as well as other interactions with the crowd.

Angels

In some cases, costumed angels carry St. Nicholas’ gift basket, but usually their function is more symbolic — a bit of divinity to balance the infernal presence of Krampus. In practical terms, the angel also provides a more feminine role for women wanting to take part as well as a comforting presence for frightened kids. Bundling against the Alpine cold limits the gracefulness and imagination of the typical angel costume (below), but in Los Angeles, the climate is on our side. Go crazy!

Witches

Witches were never part of the house visitations described above, but they have found their way into some European Krampus runs. While the Krampus is traditionally associated with St. Nicholas Day and the evening before (12/5,6), his devilish character comes from an older pagan tradition involving supernatural characters appearing around year’s end. These characters, known as Perchten, are ruled by an ambivalent goddess called Frau Percht or Perchta, who is sometimes portrayed (under Christianizing influence) as a witch. German and Austrian witches look different from the American version as you can see from these pictures.

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A Season for Shaggy Monsters

Posted on August 30, 2013 by Krampus

The really long hair you’ll see on LA Krampus Troupe costumes is made with bulk hair sold for hair extensions. We sew it into wefts and attach it to costumes. There are a number of techniques for doing this you can find online.

I went to the Pasadena Beauty Supply today to pick up some grey hair, and the saleslady said: “I don’t know why all these people are buying so much braiding hair, I mean they’re buying like 10, 12 packages at a time! It must be because of the heat, everybody be wanting braids or something.”

— Krampus Sharon McGunigle.

Costume Tips: From the Neck Down

Posted on August 29, 2013 by Krampus

Krampus Troupe, Bad Gastein, Austria

The Austrian Krampus troupe pictured above is about as traditional as they get. Creating this exact look would be a big challenge because the suits are made of mountain goat fur, and LA’s not exactly known for its mountain goats population. But at least this picture makes clear something that doesn’t have to challenge you, and that’s striving for Hollywood hyper-realism. The oversized masks these Krampuses sport are more like walking folk art than something sculpted in an FX shop. What you need to remember is that these guys are not trying to simulate something “real”; they are carrying on a tradition. Notice how they make no particular attempt made to disguise their hands or match the fur on the head with the fur covering the body. The kneeling Krampus clearly wears a vest. I’ve seen these beasties in person, and realistic or not, they are mighty impressive.

The troupe above is also very traditional, though their look is slightly less common because they are wearing shorter sheepskin outfits rather than suits made from the longer goat fur. But again, the suits make no particular effort to be appear as anything other than what they are: fur robes, pants, tunics, and vests. You’ll notice belts too. The Krampuses in the first photos are also wearing belts, but they’re just obscured by their longer fur. This is not a fashion statement but a practical way to carry large cowbells suspended on their backsides. You would be hard pressed to find a Krampus without bells. We’ll be posting about creating bell-belts later.

So when you are thinking of covering that Krampus body of yours with Krampus fur, keep in mind old fur coats, mufflers, leg-warmers, etc — whatever furry stuff you might find at a thrift stores (or try “fur, cutter” on eBay = worn-out coats sold to “cutters” who recycle remnants for craft projects). Don’t assume you need some sort of seamless furry coveralls. A one-piee fur bodysuit could make a great starting point, or be fine on its own, but furry odds and ends add interest. Furry body-covering costumes can go for $100-150, but you can find them as low as $80 sometimes. Try search for werewolf, gorilla, or yeti fur suits. These could all work depending on the the particular style. Just watch out for the cheaper ones with extremely short-pile fur. The better suits have fur with a 1.5-2″ pile, still much, much shorter than your average Krampus, but there are ways to beef them up with longer fur (discussed below).

The fellow was photographed in Munich, where you’ll see more modern influences like the fastidious realism of the mask. His outfit has completely left behind the idea of furry coveralls, and is more a combination of pelts and period costuming. LA Krampus Troupe members have taken to calling this approach “Viking Krampus.” So, if you happen to own or know anyone who owns Renfair garb, you may be closer to a Krampus costume than you think. Lay on some extra scraps of old fur and you’re good to go. (Sorry for the blurry photo. The guy was moving, and this just happens to be the best one I have to illustrate the point.)

Munich Krampus. Photo: Al Ridenour

This Krampus has taken the mix-and-match approach to glorious extremes. Actually, this relatively modern patchwork of tattered cloth, hanks of hair, scraps of hide, buckskin, etc., is not at all uncommon. He may be slightly less traditional, but he’s flaunting the fact that his mask is just good old wood, wearing it stained a solid color and sporting a wooden beard right alongside the real fur. The idea Americans have of wearing makeup to simulate a “real” Krampus would be very strange in Europe, where the woodcarver’s work, with its inherent limits, is regarded as more than sufficient. Also notice this guy’s flared fur bellbottoms. This is a common solution for covering feet. Probably because the tradition evolved in areas where feet are sunk in snow, there is rarely an attempt at fancy footwear, and never the simulated hooves Americans expect to see after looking at hooved illustrations of Krampuses on postcard. No goat tails either.

These guys demonstrate a typical technique of Krampus costuming — namely, piling a lot of long hair around the head and shoulder to create a sort of bulky mane that dominates the costume. It’s a good way to use a little hair for big effect. Notice too how almost all the rest of their costumes is just ragged cloth or hide. Tattered cloth blends well, and is often a stand-in for more expensive hair.

LA Krampuses have been using a similar trick with those off-the-shelf werewolf or ape suits, sewing the equivalent of synthetic hair extensions or wig wefts into these the bodysuits to approximate something of the stringy shagginess of the real deal. The very long hair you see on European costumes is either the naturally long hair of mountain goats, or hanks of horse hair, both of which are quite expensive.

Sewing a fur suit rather than buying one gives you infinitely more choice on colors. Patterns for fur coveralls or simple tunics are among the easiest patterns there are. Or just cut apart some disposable painters coverall and add room for seams. This guy’s YouTube video doesn’t even use a pattern, and he does a great job of making the process look easy (convinced me to take up sewing!). His final Krampus is not bad, but lacks the distinctive shaggy, ragged quality that would have given it a more iconic look. You can solve that by sewing (or gluing on) scraps of other fur, torn cloth, or wefts of hair.

In shopping for faux fur yardage, the longest pile you will find is about 3″. Some furs use combine different piles lengths and colors for good naturalistic effect. You get what you pay for. Yes, you can pay $10/yard for short-pile fur, and you’ll end up looking more like a teddy bear in fuzzy pajamas. The longer, more naturalistic furs are worth it, and you should expect to pay $20 and up. It’s still cheaper than a readymade suit and will be much more distinctive. Beware of strong or small patterns, as these only work if your fabric is hanging in folds or otherwise arranged to break up the pattern. Ideally, you’ll be adding various hanging bits of synthetic hair or scraps of fur from old coats anyway.

Selecting and sewing faux fur (or real fur) is a topic unto itself, but to get you started, here are some suppliers:

City Fabric is in LA’s downtown fabric district and offers much better range of deep-pile furs than Michael Levine’s or other local vendors. You can bargain him down but don’t expect any free swatches. A good local online-only supplier is Distinctive Fabric. They will send you five free swatches if you set up a free account with them.

Fabric Empire is also in LA (online ordering only). We also like

Mendels in SF for their selection and free samples.