Welcome to the most Instagram-worthy stop on our miniature road trip! The “Caladium” Pink Leaf Van is a vibrant celebration of foliage and feminine aesthetics. Inspired by the stunning Caladium plant—known for its paper-thin, heart-shaped leaves in explosive patterns of pink, red, and white—this caravan is a botanical jewel box on wheels. The exterior features a trendy “split-screen” color palette, combining a soft, sugary Pink with a refreshing Mint Green, evoking a retro tropical vibe.

The interior is a lesson in maximalist horticulture. It is not just a home; it is a mobile greenhouse and reading nook. The space is dominated by potted Caladiums of various heights, their leaves intricately stitched to show off their signature veins. The furniture includes a luxurious Pink Velvet Sofa perfect for lounging, surrounded by pastel ceramic vases and a stack of tiny horticultural magazines. The lighting is soft and cozy, provided by fabric-shaded table lamps. Outside, a flamboyant Pink Flamingo balances on one leg, admiring itself in a full-length mirror leaning against the van. This project is colorful, detailed, and incredibly photogenic.

To ensure the vibrant walls stay flat and the open structure does not warp under the weight of the ceramic vases, we will strictly use the “3-Layer Sandwich Method” (Yarn – Plastic Canvas – Yarn). This technique is mandatory for this pattern. It provides the architectural rigidity needed to support the shelves and the heavy roof. We will alternate between a standard hook for the main shell and a precision micro-hook for the delicate leaf patterns and the flamingo.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Materials & Tools

• Yarn: Sport or DK weight cotton yarn (Mercerized cotton is best for the crisp leaf definition).

  – Bubblegum Pink: Upper exterior walls, flamingo, sofa.

  – Mint Green: Lower exterior walls, interior accents.

  – Leaf Colors: Dark Green (borders), Bright Red/Pink (centers), White (veins/spots).

  – Pastel Scraps: Lavender, Yellow, Blue (for vases).

  – Wood Brown: Floor, mirror frame.

  – Silver/Grey: Mirror glass area.

  – Black: Tires, flamingo beak tip.

• Hooks:

  – 2.5mm (Size C/2): For the caravan shell, floor, and sofa base.

  – 1.0mm – 1.25mm (Steel Hook): CRITICAL for the caladium leaves, magazines, flamingo, and vases.

• Structure: 7-8 sheets of Plastic Canvas (7-mesh stiffness).
• Other: Fiberfill stuffing, pink and green floral wire (essential for leaf stems and flamingo legs), fabric glue, tapestry needle, small piece of foil (optional for mirror).

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• MR: Magic Ring
• Ch: Chain
• Sc: Single Crochet
• Hdc: Half Double Crochet
• Dc: Double Crochet
• Tr: Treble Crochet
• Inc: Increase (2 sc in one st)
• Dec: Decrease (invisible decrease)
• BLO: Back Loop Only
• Sl st: Slip Stitch
• Picot: Ch 3, sl st in first ch.

Part 1: The Pink & Mint Structure (Sandwich Method)

Use Hook Size: 2.5mm

1. The Wooden Floor Base

Make 2 identical panels using Wood Brown yarn.

1. Row 1: Ch 28. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (27)
2. Row 2-42: Sc across. (Rectangle approx 4.5″ x 7″).
3. Fasten off Panel 1. Keep yarn attached to Panel 2.

Assembly: Cut plastic canvas to the exact size. Sandwich it between the two brown panels. Sc around the perimeter through both layers to seal.

2. The Two-Tone Shell (U-Shaped)

This forms the Left Wall, Roof, and Right Wall. The color split is key.

Panel A: Exterior (Mint & Pink)

• Start with Mint Green.
• Row 1: Ch 95 (Length to cover Left + Roof + Right). Sc across.
• Rows 2-15 (Lower Section): Sc across in Mint Green.
• Change to Bubblegum Pink.
• Rows 16-35 (Upper Section): Sc across in Pink.
• Window Cutouts: On the side wall sections, create large rectangular windows to let light in for the plants. (Ch 12, Sk 12).
• Fasten off.

Panel B: Interior (White or Pink)

• Use White or very Light Pink to keep the interior bright and airy. Match dimensions and window gaps of Panel A.

Assembly:

• Cut plastic canvas strip (with window holes).
• Sandwich canvas between Panel A and Panel B.
• Join: Sc around the perimeter using the matching color (Mint for bottom, Pink for top).
• Shape: Bend into a U-shape arch. Sew the bottom edges to the Floor Base.
• Back Wall: Make a solid sandwich panel (Mint bottom, Pink top) to close the back.

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Part 2: The Caladium Collection (The Centerpiece)

IMPORTANT: Switch to 1.0mm Hook. Caladium leaves are thin and heart-shaped.

1. The Heart-Shaped Leaf

Make 20+ leaves in varied sizes and patterns.

• The Veins (Color A – Red or Pink): Ch 8. Sc in 2nd ch, Sc, Hdc, Dc, Tr, Dc, Hdc, 3 Sc in last ch (turn corner). Work down other side: Hdc, Dc, Tr, Dc, Hdc, Sc. (This forms the center spine).
• The Blade (Color B – Green or White): Join new color. Work around the spine.

  Top Curves: At the top (start of chain), work *3 Dc* in the first stitch on the left, and *3 Dc* in the first stitch on the right. This creates the two lobes of the heart.

  Sides: Sc down the sides.

  Tip: At the bottom point, work (Sc, Ch 2, Sc) to make it sharp.

• Embroidery: Use embroidery floss to stitch contrasting veins (White on Green, or Red on White) to mimic the variegated Caladium patterns.

2. Pastel Ceramic Vases

• Vase 1 (Tall): Lavender. MR 6 sc, Inc to 12. BLO Sc up 8 rounds. Sc 2 rounds (neck).
• Vase 2 (Round): Yellow. MR 6 sc, Inc to 18. Sc 4 rounds. Dec to 12. Sc 1 round (rim).
• Assembly: Glue green floral wire to the back of the leaves. Insert wire into the vases (filled with glue or fiberfill). Group leaves in clusters of 3-5 per pot.

Part 3: Maximalist Interior Decor

Use Hook Size: 1.5mm – 2.5mm.

1. Pink Velvet Sofa

Use 2.5mm Hook and Pink Chenille or Velvet yarn.

• Seat: Ch 12. Sc 6 rows. Box shape (stuffed).
• Backrest: Ch 12. Sc 8 rows. Box shape. Sew to back of seat.
• Arms: Ch 6. Sc 4 rows. Roll into tubes. Sew to sides.
• Cushions: Make tiny Mint Green squares (Ch 4, Sc 4 rows) to contrast.

2. Fabric-Shaded Lamps

Use 1.25mm Hook.

• Base: Gold/Wood yarn. MR 6 sc. Sc 4 rounds (Tube).
• Shade: Floral or White yarn. Ch 10, join ring. Sc around.

  Rnd 2: *Sc, Inc* around.

  Rnd 3-5: Sc around. (Cone shape).

• Assembly: Insert a wire through the base and into the shade. Place on a small side table.

3. Horticultural Magazines

Use 1.0mm Hook.

• Pages: White thread. Ch 5. Sc 4 rows. Fold.
• Cover: Green/Pink thread. Rectangle slightly larger than pages. Glue on.

  Detail: Use a pen to scribble “PLANTS” or draw a tiny leaf on the cover. Stack them on the floor.

Part 4: Exterior & The Flamingo

1. The Pink Flamingo

Use 1.0mm Hook and Hot Pink yarn. Elegant and thin.

• Body: MR 6 sc, Inc to 12. Sc 4 rounds. Dec to 6. (Oval).
• Neck: Ch 12. Sc back. (Or crochet a very thin tube: MR 4 sc, Sc 10 rounds). Wire inside is mandatory to curve it into an ‘S’ shape.
• Head: MR 5 sc, Inc to 10. Sc 2 rounds. Dec to 5.

  Beak: White yarn, change to Black at the tip. Tiny cone sewn to face.

• Legs: Use pink wire.

  Pose: One leg straight down, one leg bent at the “knee” (joint). Glue to a small base or the ground.

2. Full-Length Mirror

Use 1.5mm Hook.

• Frame: Wood Brown. Ch 25. Join to create a long loop. Sc around twice to thicken. Work (3 sc) in corners to keep it rectangular.
• Glass: Use Silver/Grey yarn to crochet a panel that fits inside the frame.

  Pro Tip: Glue a piece of actual aluminum foil onto the grey panel for a real reflection.

• Stand: A small wire A-frame on the back so it stands up. Lean it against the exterior wall.

3. Exterior Potted Plant

• Make one extra large Caladium plant (as per Part 2) in a Mint Green pot. Place it outside next to the Flamingo.

4. Wheels

Use 2.5mm Hook.

• Tire: Black. MR 6 sc, Inc to 12, (1, Inc) to 18. Sc 2 rounds.
• Hubcap: Pastel Pink. MR 6 sc.
• Sew to sides.

Final Assembly

1. Structural Check: Ensure the Mint/Pink shell is rigid. The colors should meet in a clean line.
2. Interior Landscaping:
   • Glue shelves to the back wall.
   • Place the Pink Velvet Sofa on one side.
   • Arrange the Potted Caladiums *everywhere*—on the floor, on shelves, next to the sofa.
   • Place the Lamp and Magazines on a small table.
3. Exterior Styling:
   • Position the Full-Length Mirror leaning against the van.
   • Stand the Flamingo on its one leg next to the mirror (checking its reflection!).
   • Place the exterior plant nearby to complete the scene.

Congratulations! You have cultivated the “Caladium” Pink Leaf Van. This trendy, botanical beauty is ready to turn heads and gather likes!