Krampus has friends? Yes, indeed! Here's a great article about Krampus and some of his buddies who used to keep the kiddies in line. Ah, the good ol' days...
The dark side of the wreath: Putting a terrifying new spin on the old holiday party
by Meaghan Baxter
Remember all those holiday parties your parents used to dress you up for and drag you to as a kid, where some fat guy from their office got the task of dressing up as Santa Claus? Well, now that you're the adult calling the shots, why not think outside the box for some creative and colourful holiday figures. Be warned, though: you're going to have to find the right kind of party for each of these.
KRAMPUS
This mythical creature makes getting a lump of coal seem like hitting the jackpot. Krampus is recognized in European Alpine countries and, according to legend, the creature accompanies jolly old St Nicholas during the Christmas season, punishing bad children.
In contrast to St Nick, Krampus is represented as a beastly figure, and quite frankly, a little demonic—covered head-to-toe with brown or black fur, complete with cloven hooves, a monstrous tongue and long, twisting horns. The roots of the Krampus legend are in German folklore and during the first week of December, particularly on the evening of the fifth—also known as Krampusnacht—young men in Austria, southern Bavaria, South Tyrol, Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia would roam the streets with rusty chains and bells, scaring the bajeezus out of children.
Along with chains and bells, Krampus is said to carry a bundle of birch switches, also known as ruten, perfect for swatting bratty children. Ruten has significance in pre-Christian pagan initiation rites, but in some depictions of Krampus, which vary depending on the region, it is shown wielding a whip or with a basket or washtub attached to its back. If a naughty child got off with a swat, they should consider themselves lucky. The basket or washtub was ideal for carting off evil children for drowning, eating or even transporting them to hell. Being good all year doesn't sound so bad now, does it?
GRYLA
Krampus isn't the only figure in Christmas folklore known for devouring children. In Iceland, naughty children were told they would face the wrath of Grýla if they did not behave. The ogress dwells in a mountain cave, but comes out each year at Christmas time to teach misbehaving rug rats a thing or two. Grýla's dish of choice was a stew made of naughty children, and she had an insatiable appetite. However, it wasn't until the 17th century she was linked to Christmas, by which time she had become mother of the Yule Lads—13 figures who range from mischievous pranksters to slightly more evil characters. Ostensibly, children couldn't handle the legends of the ogress and in 1746 a public decree was issued prohibiting the use of Grýla and the Yule Lads to terrify children.
OLENTZARO
This character has reformed his ways, but back in the day he was not one to mess with. The story derives from Basque communities, and while the tale varies, a common version depicts Olentzaro as a jentillak—a mythological race of giants. However, he is also represented as a strong man and charcoal burner who crafted toys for children. Doesn't sound so bad, right? Think again. Children were often told that if they did not go to sleep and misbehaved, Olentzero would hurl a sickle down the chimney and slit their throats.
Around 1952, Olentzero traditions were revived in a much more child-friendly fashion, with the more gruesome elements of his mythology being conveniently removed. Modern depictions of Olentzero portray him as a much more lovable figure, varying by region depending on whether his pagan or Christian roots are being recognized. Generally, he is now portrayed as an overweight man dressed in traditional Basque farming attire, complete with a beret and pipe.
from
http://vueweekly.com/holidayguide/story/the_dark_side_of_the_wreath/
I'll post a link to photos and hopefully video when they're up! But for tonight here is my very own Krampus. He was created by artist Beth Hutchison and I think she did an incredible job, capturing all the key elements and adding her own personal flair. Look at those horns! The tongue! The one hoof! 
Here's the scary part: I actually found yeast that grows! And grows and grows and GROWS! It didn't STOP growing, overflowing the bowl and oozing onto the counter! Wow! Luckily it was easy to beat down! 
The unicorn is tied down in 3
places: the stomach, the tail and 1 leg. S/he does not move in the box and
therefore the horn doesn't touch anything and won’t get bumped. (I taped to the
box a little bag containing the original green hang tags, as you can see in the
picture.)
Tim and Julie's home was warm and welcoming and this huge long table with its rustic surface was perfect for displaying the treats, along with some Day of the Dead creations. 
I wanted to share this process for "aging" bones with you all, using Tim Murton's recipe. After acquiring your bones (buying them or digging them up from the local cemetery the ol' fashioned way) you may want to "age" them by adding color and dirt. 
So, create a "bath" of 1/2 white glue and 1/2 water, then mix in a bit of yellow paint. Add just a touch of brown, like raw sienna, until you get a color you like. Get the bone thoroughly wet, allow the access to drip off and then roll the bone in a mix of dirt and dry moss. 
I feel a little badly that this year's Online Hallowe'en Artists' Studio Trick or Treat has no "extras" so I thought to post a few recipes here. It is working well for the tour: our trick or treaters are finding the art they want without getting overwhelmed.
I have not yet tried these but plan to! I love the broccoli stem on the cheese pumpkin and the frosting on the kitty cake (no the cake itself). Thinking of maybe adding black beans to the dip for an extra "ick" factor!
Took these shots after setting up for Culture Days (this weekend) at Factory 163! Here I am posing with our corpse bride who "hands out" pamphlets to our Hallowe'en Studio Tour!
Here's our informative and fun bat display!
And here's my table! The 8 pieces are displayed like art and look amazing! And look at the warehouse, what an incredible space, with Desmond Healey stage sets placed around as backdrops! Wow!
And my new love! Across from us is a fellow who makes harps... what a beautiful instrument... I was encouraged to pluck a few strings and the sound and vibration are incredible. It's easy to think of this creation as a living thing.
