Online Content That is Actually Worth Sharing

Like many of you and your families, my family members and I often send one another videos we come across on social media platforms. Most of the videos we send are humorous, but overall they are pretty unremarkable and certainly not very memorable. Recently, however, my sister sent me a video that stopped me in my tracks for all of the best reasons – it was beautiful, peaceful and obviously created by someone with immense talent and patience. I know nothing about the creator other than her name (India Rose Crawford) as she does not post much about herself, but I am not alone in my admiration of her work. Her videos have amassed millions of views. 

The video I was sent depicted a frog and a toad (based on characters from the Frog and Toad book series) going about daily activities such as baking a pie, reading a book, playing a game of cards and getting ready for bed. The characters themselves are knitted from yarn and the worlds they inhabit are created using everyday items in the most creative ways. In one scene a W.D. and H.O. Wills tobacco tin serves as a kitchen island and a bottle cap serves as a pie dish for an adorable mini apple pie, which the frog in the video bakes. In another scene, a spool of thread serves as a night stand in a character’s bedroom and an acorn cap serves as a candle (see how Ms. Crawford creates those candles here). The level of detail in every shot of each film is spectacular and creates a mystical and whimsical world that I aspire to mimic in my own. Reading the comments posted under the videos, it’s clear that I’m not the only one.

Ms. Crawford’s videos are created using stop motion animation, which involves shooting frames of video where objects are moved in very small increments between shots. When edited together, these frames create the illusion of continuous movement on screen. Those of us who grew up watching the 1964 version of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer are familiar with this style of filmmaking. If you are a fan of Tim Burton’s work you are also familiar with this style of filming, as Burton used it to create films such as Frankenweenie and Corpse Bride.

What amazes me about Ms. Crawford’s creations is that she is the creative force behind all aspects of her films. Ms. Crawford knits all of the characters who appear in her film shorts and creates all of the sets as well. Her background music choices are lovely and unique too. In the short my sister sent me, Ms. Crawford used Vashti Bunyan’s 1970s track, “Just Another Diamond Day” to accompany the action on screen. It created cottagecore magic. 

Many viewers of the shorts comment that after watching Ms. Crawford’s videos they feel more relaxed and calm. I feel the same. In some way, they are reminiscent of childhood in their seeming simplicity and I am reminded of shows such as The Magic Garden (which ran from 1972-1984). In fact, I texted my sister that the simple life depicted by Ms. Crawford’s knitted characters is my dream life. I already do partake in most of the activities depicted, but unlike Ms. Crawford’s frog and toad characters, a pesky little thing like an eight hour work day interrupts my baking and reading sessions.

In a world where AI is seemingly everywhere and taking over everything, I am so happy to see that someone out there is creating beautiful, original work (literally by hand) for the rest of us to enjoy. Ms. Crawford’s work really inspired me to pursue my own creative interests more often. She has also inspired others to create videos like her own. Check out an India Rose Crawford inspired video here that apparently was created by two children. This is possible because Ms. Crawford openly shares her knitting patterns for the characters, and she has made behind-the scenes-videos for those interested in learning how she creates her sets. I am truly amazed at the process and the generosity of the artist. I imagine it’s only a short time before India Rose Crawford is offered a TV show of her own. It would definitely be worth watching. For now, check out her videos on her YouTube channel. You won’t be disappointed.

May tomorrow be a diamond day, for you and all of your loved ones!