Monthly Haiku Corner – December

You better watch out.
You better not pout.
You better not cry,
or you’ll give your hiding spot away.

Our theme this month is A Christmas to Dismember and it pairs perfectly with December’s cold moon, aptly named for the dip in temperatures. Winter is coming….but if ask any left american, it’s been here since last January.

under a cold moon
a Christmas to Dismember
hiding from Santa

Be safe out there.

Wicked Wonderland Haiku – part IV

The theme is month is Wicked Wonderland.The reindeer rescued Santa from the evil clutches of Krampus, but there’s no time to waste! Christmas Eve is upon us!

white clouds, starry night
swapping Krampus fear for joy
Santa’s busy sleigh

Wicked Wonderland Haiku – part III

The theme is month is Wicked Wonderland. The reindeer have no intention of letting the big man go without a fight! Can they rescue Santa in time for Christmas?

reindeer attack!
battle for the workshop
a Santa rescue

Wicked Wonderland Haiku – part II

The theme is month is Wicked Wonderland. Wicked elves have helped a dark force kidnap Santa? But who and why? What is their plan?

holiday boxes
sinister plans of ruin
snow melts

Monthly Haiku Corner – December

Happy December! The theme is month is Wicked Wonderland. December is very much an opportunity to experience a second Halloween. There’s ghost stories, wicked elves, mysterious and mystical creatures, jolly ole Santa and the sinister Krampus. Lots of spooky fun coming this month, so check back often! Wishing you all very haunted holidays!

empty magic bag
wicked elves lie and deceive
Where is Santa?

Happy December!

The last Ber month is a magical month filled with love, laughter, and good cheer, but it’s also a little spooky. There are ghosts, elves, strange dark creatures, and of course, the longest darkest night of the year. Winter solstice happens on December 21st and there’s still plenty of spooky fun to be had this month.

The theme this month is Wicked Wonderland, and I’ll be sharing brand new haunted haiku on Mondays, gift-giving guides for Halloween and horror fans, excerpts from Charles Dicken’s classic A Christmas Carol every Sunday, recipes for a couple of christmassy cocktails, daily Wicked Wonderland art and photo challenge over on Instagram and social media, and closer to the end of month, I’ll hold the Holiday Haiku Challenge, with a chance to win some cool prizes!

We’re kicking off the celebrations with an art and photo challenge over on Instagram. Jump in any time, even if you miss a day or two, let’s see those wicked holiday pics! See picture below for the prompts. Don’t forget to tag me in your posts and use #wickedwonderlandphotochallenge

To join in on the fun, follow me http://www.halloweenhorrorhaiku.com or @Halloweenhorrorhaiku on Instagram and Threads. I’m also on Blue Sky now at halloweenhaiku.bsky.social

10 Creepmas Artists to Gift or Support This Holiday

Artists have really been taking a hit these past two years. Many are unable to attend shows and conventions where they can sell their art and connect with fans. It’s more important than ever to help bring these two groups back together. Give the gift of spooky Creepmas art this holiday and support great Halloween and horror artists at the same time. Win-win!

Rhode Montijo

Rhode Montijo is the gift to Halloween lovers that keeps on giving. You can purchase blind boxes, Krampus-Grams, original art prints, sketches, pins, and more.

KRAMPUS WATCH Embossed Tin Sign

Diana Levin, Ghoulish Bunny Studios

Diana Levin is the queen of spooky cute and she also draws up these hauntingly beautiful images all year long. Patreons members can get an exclusive art feed, behind-the-scenes, first crack at original art listings, merchandise discounts, and more.

Snow Queen by Diana Levin, Ghoulish Bunny Studios

Killer Pumpkins

Celebrate the Hallow days with Visionary artist John Pelico inside his spooky world of killer pumpkins. You can pick up pins and stickers for the stockings, unique original art prints, and one-of-kind luminaries, like the Batty tripod lamp.

Wreathing Havoc art print by John Pelico, Killer Pumpkins

Jeff Granito

You don’t need a Disneyland reservation to access fabulous art from master Disney illustrator and Tiki enthusiast Jeff Granito. The man shows off his legendary style all 365 days of the year, but there’s something special about the way Creepmas collides with tiki culture.

Shane Murphy, Theater of Creeps

I heard Santa has a Krampus tattoo from master tattoo artist Shane Murphy somewhere only Mrs. Klaus can see. I don’t know if that’s really true, but if you can’t make it out to Massachusetts, Shane offers amazing art prints, posters, enamel pins, t-shirts, and sweatshirts all year round.

‘Shadow Of Saint Nicholas’ 11×14″ Tattoo Flash Print by Shane Murphy


Gris Grimly

My Creepmas wish is for Santa to bring all Halloween lovers everywhere a copy of Ray Bradbury’s The Halloween Tree, illustrated by Gris Grimly. He also has a lot of great Halloween art and cool holiday cards.

Winter Solstice by Gris Grimly

Drew Rausch

From magnets to enamel pins, prints to stickers, comic book illustrator and Halloween enthusiast Drew Rausch has all your stocking stuffer needs covered. Stop by his booth at Seasons Screamings and finish your holiday shopping.

All I Want for Christmas is Another Halloween by Drew Rausch

Apofiss

Apofiss is one of my favorite cat artists. I love her gorgeous and whimsical style. I dug her cute black cat Halloween art prints and changed my Google background to her art and even bought last year’s cat calendar, which was absolutely stunning and made with good-quality materials. Pick up your own 2022 calendar and count down the year with these festive felines.

All About Cats 2022 Calendar by Apofiss

Joe Roberts

From superheroes to supervillians, it’s simply magical the way fantasy illustrator Joe Roberts brings characters to life with stunning realism and beauty. Joe hails from the UK, but we can find his art prints on Society 6, Red Bubble, and Fine Art America.

Krampus by Joe Roberts

Spookies Gallery

Full disclaimer, I have no idea what NFTs are, they seem really scary, but some of them are very expensive and people are tripping over themselves to say they own one, unlike the pet rock, which no one admits to owning anymore. I figure if NFTs are your thing or the Halloween lover you’re gifting, this spot seemed like a very nice place to find one.

Spookies NFTs

UNIQUE GIFTS FOR HALLOWEEN AND HORROR FANS

Looking to impress that special Halloween and horror fan in your household this Creepmas? Well, check out my list of oddball and unique, but totally awesome gifts! Remember to shop local and small business when you can this year!

BUY FACEMASKS! Protect your loved ones and help defeat this Covid-19 pandemic! Great stocking stuffers! With over 280,000 dead from Coronavirus, I’m advocating face masks hard this year. You can never have too many. Buy different kinds. Themed face masks are fun. Do it for yourself, your family, your friends, your neighbors, your co-workers, your school mates, your grocery store clerks, your favorite artists, musicians, celebrities, and complete random strangers. Staying alive is not a political issue! PLEASE WEAR A FACE MASK.
https://www.zazzle.com/halloween+face+masks

Scare Package from Creepy Co., $53.99-$109.99
I’m not sure this is a new idea but I love it! Creepy Co has fun 2 item or 3 item sets available featuring blankets, T-shirts, hats, socks, etc.
https://www.creepycompany.com/collections/creepy-co-scare-packages

Mezco Toys Presents Living Dead Doll, Elvira-Mistress of the Dark, now available for Pre-order, ships in July 2021, $52
The Queen of Halloween, Elvira joins the Living Dead Doll family. This is a must have if you are an Elvira fan or a Living Dead Doll fan.
https://www.mezcotoyz.com/ldd-presents-elvira-mistress-of-the-dark

Sam Statue Decoration, $39.99
Sam from Trick ‘r Treat movie is our Halloween hero!  This 16” light-up statue decoration made of resin, sold exclusively at Spirit Halloween Stores is gorgeous.
https://www.spirithalloween.com/product/16-inch-light-up-sam-statue-decoration-trick-r-treat/178192.uts?Extid=sf_froogle

Legend of Sleepy Hollow Writing Gloves, $26
I think I’ve mentioned before that Legend of Sleepy Hollow is one of my favorite literary characters and I adore these fingerless gloves from Storiarts. Great for a night of reading.
https://storiarts.com/collections/gloves/products/the-legend-of-sleepy-hollow-writing-gloves

Pawzuph Statue, $23.99
This hand painted polyresin statue named Pawzuph, a horned occult cat, is simply too beautiful for words. I feel like this little guy needs a legendary story to go with him.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/825728054/pawzuph-horned-occult-cat-figurine

The Walking Dead We Are the Walking Dead Black Mug, $15
After ten years, The Walking Dead Universe is still going strong, with two different shows on television right now, the final Season 11 of the flagship show, due out in late 2021, and planned spin-offs featuring our favorite characters. Plenty of more collecting to be had.
https://thewalkingdeadshop.amc.com/collections/drinkware/products/the-walking-dead-we-are-the-walking-dead-black-mug

Krampus Activity Book from Fright Rags, $10
Scary T-shirt afficionados Fright Rags now features officially licensed Krampus brand and this Krampus Activity Book is hours of fun.
https://www.fright-rags.com/collections/krampus/products/krampus-activity-book

MINIATURES
Halloween Miniatures make great gifts. They’re perfect for dioramas, terrariums, supplementing entire Halloween villages, or just all by themselves. Some name brands are expensive, but shop around to get best prices and discounts. Off-season is always a good time to buy. Miniatures make great stocking stuffers too!

Lemax Collection – Spooky Town Villages – Prices and Stores Vary
https://www.lemaxcollection.com/villages/spooky-town

Dept. 56 – Prices and Stores Vary
https://department56.com/

Miniatures.com
https://www.miniatures.com/Halloween-C41.aspx

The Little Dollhouse Company
https://www.thelittledollhousecompany.com/dollhouses-miniatures-furniture-kits/halloween-miniatures-c-9_375/

L.A. COUNTY LOCALS
Suggestions for my hometown peeps. Online ordering and pick-up available. Check website for store hours and other info. Facemasks are great stuffers!

Dark DelicaciesLarge selection of horror books, signed CDs & Vinyls, clothing, purses, jewelry, horror memorabilia, horror Geeki Tikis, Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab oils, horror facemasks, and other unique gifts.

Frankenstein Turntable Spinature, $25
https://www.darkdel.com/store/p1920/Frankenstein_Spinature.html#/

Horror Socks from Character, $10
https://www.darkdel.com/store/p1846/Horror_Socks.html#/

FACEMASKS
https://www.darkdel.com/store/p1735/Masks___.html#/

******

Bearded Lady’s Mystic MuseumLarge selection of clothing, books, witchcraft supplies, tarot cards, divination, taxidermy, antiques, and unique gifts. Looking to get into witchcraft, but don’t want to be overwhelmed or intimidated? Then, this is the place to go!

Vampir Slippers, $38
https://beardedladysmysticmuseum.square.site/product/vampir-slippers/4111?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=13

Krampus Air Freshner, $5
https://beardedladysmysticmuseum.square.site/product/krampus-air-freshener-/4137?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=53

FACEMASKS
https://beardedladysmysticmuseum.square.site/s/search?q=face%20mask

*****

Halloweentown StoreLarge selection of T-shirts, costumes, facemasks, replica vintage Halloween decor, novelty gifts, Funko Pop! Vinyl Figures, Wacky Wobblers, Iconz, Mystery Minis and more. Great place to find sold-out collectibles too.

Trick ‘r Treat Vinyl Record, $105
http://www.halloweentownstore.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=HS&Product_Code=WAX105&Category_Code=Vinyl_Records

Ouija Mystifying Mints, $5
http://www.halloweentownstore.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=HS&Product_Code=CANDY117&Category_Code=Mints

FACEMASKS
http://www.halloweentownstore.com/page/HS/CTGY/Face_Masks_Fabric

*****

Monster-A-GoGo, featuring Kreepsville 666 The “Original Scare Wear” – New location in East L.A. (Melrose closed), clothing, purses, accessories, pins, collectibles, Hexmas, and brand names such as Elvira, Vampira, Vincent Price, and more!

Haunted House Purse, $54
https://store.kreepsville666.com/collections/new-and-restocked/products/haunted-house-purse

Elvira Macabre Mobile Men’s T-shirt, $25
https://store.kreepsville666.com/collections/gifts-under-25-00/products/elvira-macabre-mobile-mens-t-shirt

FACEMASKS
https://store.kreepsville666.com/collections/face-masks

*****

TraditionsTraditional homemade style and replica holiday themed vintage décor, wreaths, figurines, ornaments, home and garden, tableware, Bethany Lowe, Kathrine’s Collection, and more! Collectibles and other items sell out quickly!

Jack O’Lantern Topiary $150
https://www.christmastraditions.com/product/TJ7743.html

Black Cat Jack with Pumpkin $15
https://www.christmastraditions.com/product/TPH7812a.html

MERRY CREEPMAS!

Happy Krampusnacht!

A special haiku in honor of Krampus night, December 5th.

open window
where are the children
krampus bell

Creeped Out Christmas Art/Photo Challenge 2020

So, here’s the deal, Krampus is coming. That’s that. 2020 is not done with us. The face on Grandma’s vintage snowman, probably caved in. Those holiday lights you put away last year with meticulous care, suddenly, a big knot. The money you saved to give the kids a nice Christmas, probably going to fix your car or pay the rent or buy a new refrigerator, whatever, it’s gone! To top it all off, Covid-19 just ruined all our holidays plans! Such is pandemic life!
Burnt cookies, broken baubles, no problem. Don’t get mean, get creative! Join us on Instagram this December for the Creeped Out Christmas Art/Photo Challenge 2020! We like it dark and scary! #CreepedOutChristmas

Join in the fun any time, any day, but, if you post something all 25 days, you’ll be entered into a random drawing** to win a prize!!!

**Contestants must post an authentic, original art piece or photo each day from December 1-25, on Instagram, using #CreepedOutChristmas AND be a current follower of @halloweenhaiku9 be to be entered into the drawing. Contest ends midnight, pacific time, December 25, 2020. Winner will be chosen and announced here and on social media on December 26th. Please see Contest Rules for more details.

Prize – TBD, valued up to $20.