Welcome to the most vibrant and challenging project in our miniature series! The “Coleus” Mosaic Van is a celebration of color theory and intricate variegation, inspired by the stunning Solenostemon (Coleus) plant. This project is perfect for advanced crocheters who love colorwork. If you are ready to buy the materials, you can find vibrant cotton yarns on Amazon, Etsy, or your favorite local yarn store. The estimated cost to create this psychedelic masterpiece is approximately $35-$50, depending on your yarn stash. This guide will walk you through creating the mottled “mosaic” exterior, the intricate tri-colored leaves, and the camouflage chameleon companion.

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 is best for sharp color definition).

  – The Mosaic Trio: Neon Lime Green, Deep Purple, Hot Pink (You will use these simultaneously for the exterior).

  – Leaf Colors: The same trio (Green, Purple, Pink) plus Black for veins.

  – Chameleon Colors: Variegated yarn or scraps of Green, Blue, Pink, Orange.

  – Accessories: Silver (paint brush), White (canvas), Mixed Scraps (yarn balls).

  – Black: Tires, eyes.

• Hooks:

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

  – 1.0mm – 1.25mm (Steel Hook): CRITICAL for the intricate Coleus leaves, chameleon, and tiny tools.

• Structure: 8-9 sheets of Plastic Canvas (7-mesh stiffness).
• Other: Fiberfill stuffing, craft wire (for the umbrella and plant stems), fabric glue, tapestry needle.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• MR: Magic Ring
• Ch: Chain
• Sc: Single Crochet
• Hdc: Half Double Crochet
• Dc: Double 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 (Crucial for the serrated leaf edges).
• Color Pooling/Mottling: A technique of changing colors every 2-3 stitches to create a random, mosaic effect.

Part 1: The Mosaic Structure (Sandwich Method)

Use Hook Size: 2.5mm.

1. The Base Floor

Make 2 identical panels using Purple or Green yarn.

1. Row 1: Ch 30. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (29)
2. Row 2-45: 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 panels. Sc around the perimeter through both layers to seal.

2. The Mottled “Coleus” Shell (U-Shaped)

This forms the Left Wall, Roof, and Right Wall. Achieving the “Mottled” look is the key challenge here.

Technique for the Exterior: Do not work in stripes. You must carry all three colors (Green, Purple, Pink) along the row (Tapestry Crochet style) or use a quick-change variegated yarn.

Manual Mottling: Work 2 Sc in Green, switch to Purple for 3 Sc, switch to Pink for 2 Sc. Repeat randomly. Ensure no color blocks are larger than 3-4 stitches to maintain the “mosaic” look.

Panel A: Exterior (Mottled Mosaic)

• Row 1: Ch 95 (Length to cover Left + Roof + Right). Sc across.
• Rows 2-35: Work in Sc using the Mottled technique described above. The fabric should look like a chaotic, vibrant blend of the three colors.
• Window Cutouts: On the side wall (Left), cut a square window. The Right side is the open viewing stage.

Panel B: Interior (Solid Purple or Green)

• Use a solid color (e.g., Purple) to provide a visual break from the chaotic exterior. Match dimensions and window gaps of Panel A.

Assembly:

• Cut plastic canvas strip (with window holes).
• Sandwich canvas between Panel A (Mosaic) and Panel B (Solid).
• Join: Sc around the perimeter using Lime Green to frame the chaos.
• Shape: Bend into a U-shape arch. Sew the bottom edges to the Floor Base.
• Back Wall: Make a solid sandwich panel (Mottled exterior, Solid interior) to close the back.

Part 2: The Coleus Garden (Micro-Crochet)

IMPORTANT: Switch to 1.0mm Hook. The leaves must be sharp and detailed.

1. The Tricolor Coleus Leaf

Coleus leaves are famous for their colored zones. Make 20-30 leaves.

• Zone 1: The Veins (Center): Use Hot Pink.

  Ch 10. Sc in 2nd ch, Sc 8 down the chain. Turn to work other side: Sc 8. (Thin strip).

• Zone 2: The Body (Middle): Change to Deep Purple.

  Join to the Pink strip. Work *Sc, Hdc, Dc, Hdc, Sc* sequences around the pink center to widen the leaf. At the tip, work (Dc, Ch 1, Dc) to make it pointy.

• Zone 3: The Serrated Edge (Border): Change to Lime Green.

  Work around the Purple zone. *Sc in next st, Picot (Ch 2, sl st in base), Sc in next st*.

  Result: This creates the signature jagged, neon-edged look of a Coleus leaf.

2. Planting

• Planter Box: Use Brown/Tan. Ch 15. Sc 6 rows. Fold and sew into a shallow rectangular trough. Sandwich with canvas.

  Soil: Brown fiberfill or yarn.

  Assembly: Glue the leaves onto green wire stems. Plant them densely in the trough. Place this large planter inside the van or attached to the open side ledge.

Part 3: Maximalist Interior & Art

Use Hook Size: 1.0mm – 1.25mm.

1. Mosaic Floor Mat (Rug)

• Center: Pink. MR 6 sc.
• Rnd 2: Purple. Inc to 12.
• Rnd 3: Blue. *Sc, Inc* to 18.
• Rnd 4: Green. *Sc 2, Inc* to 24.

  Detail: Work spike stitches (Sc into the row below) to create radial lines like a kaleidoscope pattern. Glue to the floor.

2. The Kaleidoscope

• Tube: Silver or Gold yarn. MR 5 sc. BLO Sc 10 rounds (Long tube).
• Lens: Sew a tiny sequin or clear bead to the end. Place on a shelf.

3. Paintbrush & Yarn Scraps

• Paintbrush: Wooden toothpick. Wrap tip with Silver thread (ferrule) and Brown thread (bristles). Dip bristles in Pink paint.
• Yarn Scraps: Take tiny bits of the Pink, Purple, and Green yarn. Roll them into messy little balls. Pile them in a corner or a small basket.

Part 4: Exterior & The Chameleon

1. The Chameleon

Use 1.0mm Hook and Variegated/Color-changing yarn.

• Head: MR 6 sc, Inc to 12. Sc 3 rounds.

  Eyes: Use Green yarn. Make a Bobble stitch on each side of the head. Sew a black bead on top of the bobble (pop-eyes).

• Body: MR 6 sc, Inc to 12. Sc 8 rounds. Dec to 6.

  Ridge: Surface slip stitch a line of spikes down the back.

• Tail: Ch 15. Sc back. Wire is essential. Coil the tail tightly into a spiral.
• Legs: Ch 4. Sc back. Make 4. Sew to body in a crawling stance.

  Camouflage: Place the chameleon on a large Coleus leaf (from Part 2) outside the van.

2. Mosaic Ceramic Picture

This is the square object leaning next to the van. Use 2.5mm Hook.

• Base: Brown (Frame). Ch 12. Sc 12 rows. (Square).
• The Art (Granny Square Style):

  Rnd 1: Pink MR.

  Rnd 2: Purple Sc around.

  Rnd 3: Green Sc around with 3 sc in corners.

  Rnd 4: Blue embroidery to define geometric shapes.

  Assembly: Glue the colorful square onto the Brown frame. Lean it against the wheel.

3. Sun Umbrella

• Canopy: Use the Mosaic colors (Green/Purple/Pink). MR 6 sc, Inc to 12… expand to 30. Scallop the edge.
• Pole: Wooden skewer wrapped in Brown yarn.
• Base: Small Green cone. Stand it outside.

4. Wheels

Use 2.5mm Hook.

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

Final Assembly

1. Structural Check: The Mosaic exterior is busy visually, so the physical shape must be very sharp. The 3-layer sandwich is non-negotiable to keep the walls straight.
2. Interior Staging:
   • Secure the large Coleus Planter. The leaves should look like an explosion of color.
   • Glue the Mosaic Mat to the center floor.
   • Scatter the Yarn Scraps and Paintbrush to look like a messy artist’s studio.
3. Exterior Scene:
   • Position the Mosaic Picture frame leaning against the van.
   • Set up the Sun Umbrella.
   • The Chameleon: Place him on his leaf, looking like he is changing colors to match the van.

Congratulations! You have crafted the “Coleus” Mosaic Van. This project is a true test of color control and botanical detailing, resulting in a stunning art piece.