Welcome to the most rustic and botanical stop on our crochet adventure! “The Staghorn Fern” Antler Van is a tribute to the epiphytic wonders of the plant world. This project moves away from pastel paints and fiberglass shells, embracing a rugged, natural aesthetic. The exterior is entirely clad in faux “wooden planks,” giving it the appearance of a mobile cabin or a high-end treehouse on wheels.

The interior is a botanical gallery dedicated to Platycerium, the Staghorn Fern. The walls are lined with miniature wooden mounting boards, each hosting a magnificent fern with pale green, antler-like fronds. The attention to detail is botanical, featuring the brown, papery “shield fronds” at the base and the sprawling green “fertile fronds” reaching out. To care for these air plants, the interior includes a vintage brass water sprayer, ropes for hanging displays, and balls of Sphagnum moss. A tiny botanical picture frame adds a touch of scientific study.

Outside, nature mimics art. A majestic Buck (male deer) stands by the van, humorously comparing his own impressive antlers to the leaves of the Staghorn Fern. Nearby, a decaying tree stump has been repurposed as a tea table, completing the woodland fantasy. This project creates a rich, textural experience using earth tones and organic shapes.

To ensure the “wooden plank” walls remain straight and can support the weight of the wall-mounted plants without bowing, we will strictly use the “3-Layer Sandwich Method” (Yarn – Plastic Canvas – Yarn). This technique is mandatory. It provides the architectural stiffness required to make the van look like a solid wooden structure rather than a soft pillow. We will alternate between a standard hook for the cabin structure and a precision micro-hook for the delicate fern fronds and brass tools.

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 fern definition).

  – Wood Variance: Dark Walnut, Warm Teak, and Sandy Beige (for the exterior planks and interior walls). Using a variegated brown yarn works excellently here.

  – Fern Green: Pale Sage or Muted Green (Staghorn ferns are not neon green).

  – Shield Brown: Tan/Papery Brown (for the base of the ferns).

  – Brass/Gold: Water sprayer.

  – Deer Brown: The Buck.

  – Cream/White: Deer tail, tea cup.

  – Moss Green: Textured or fuzzy yarn for sphagnum moss.

  – Black: Tires, eyes.

• Hooks:

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

  – 1.0mm – 1.25mm (Steel Hook): CRITICAL for the fern fronds, deer antlers, and sprayer.

• Structure: 8-9 sheets of Plastic Canvas (7-mesh stiffness).
• Other: Fiberfill stuffing, brown floral wire (essential for the deer antlers and fern structure), fabric glue, tapestry needle, jute twine.

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 (Crucial for the wood plank texture)
• Sl st: Slip Stitch
• Picot: Ch 3, sl st in first ch.

Part 1: The Wood-Clad Structure (Sandwich Method)

Use Hook Size: 2.5mm and Variegated Brown Yarn.

1. The Timber Floor

Make 2 identical panels using Dark Walnut 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. Texture: To make it look like floorboards, you can surface slip stitch vertical lines along the length of the top panel.
4. 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 Plank Exterior (U-Shaped)

This forms the Left Wall, Roof, and Right Wall. The texture must mimic horizontal siding.

Panel A: Exterior (Wood Planks)

• Row 1: Ch 95 (Length to cover Left + Roof + Right). Sc across.
• Rows 2-35: Work in BLO (Back Loop Only) for every single row.

  Why BLO? Working in the back loop creates horizontal ridges that run across the van, perfectly simulating wooden lap siding or planks.

  Color Tip: If you don’t have variegated yarn, switch shades of brown every 2-3 rows to create a “reclaimed wood” look.

• Window Cutouts: On the side wall (Left), cut a square window. Frame it later with a darker brown “trim”. The Right side is the open viewing stage.

Panel B: Interior (Interior Wood Paneling)

• Use a lighter shade (Sandy Beige) to keep the interior bright enough to see the plants. Work in standard Sc or BLO vertically for vertical paneling. 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 Dark Brown to create a frame.
• Shape: Bend into a U-shape arch. Sew the bottom edges to the Floor Base.
• Back Wall: Make a solid sandwich panel (Wood Plank exterior, Beige interior) to close the back.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

Part 2: The Staghorn Ferns (The Masterpiece)

IMPORTANT: Switch to 1.0mm – 1.25mm Hook. These plants are complex.

1. The Mounting Board (Plaque)

Make 3-4 of these.

• Board: Dark Brown. Ch 8. Sc 10 rows.

  Border: Sc around the edge with 3 sc in corners. Glue to a small piece of cardboard for stiffness.

2. The Shield Frond (Basal Frond)

This is the round, papery part at the base. Use Shield Brown/Tan.

• Pattern: MR 6 sc, Inc to 12, *Sc, Inc* to 18.

  Row 4: Ch 1, turn. Sc 12 (leaving part of the circle unworked).

  Row 5: Turn, Sc across. Use this semi-circle to cup the “moss.”

3. The Antler Fronds (Fertile Fronds)

Use Pale Sage Green. This requires branching chains.

• Main Stem: Ch 10. Sc back 4 stitches.
• Branch 1: Ch 6. Sc back 3 stitches.

  Sub-Branch: Ch 4, Sc back 3.

  Continue working back down the chain, adding random branches of varying lengths (Ch 4 to Ch 8).

  Thickness: Slip stitch or Sc back down the branches to thicken them. They should look like deer antlers. Make 3-4 fronds per plant.

• Wire: For the best look, crochet over a very thin wire or glue wire to the back so you can bend the fronds up and out.

4. Assembly (Mounting)

• Glue a small ball of “Moss” (textured green yarn fluff) onto the center of the Mounting Board.
• Glue the Green Antler Fronds coming out of the moss.
• Glue the Brown Shield Frond over the base of the Antlers, hugging the moss ball.
• Installation: Glue these mounted ferns to the interior walls of the caravan.

Part 3: Interior Decor & Tools

Use Hook Size: 1.0mm.

1. Brass Water Sprayer

• Body: Gold/Mustard yarn. MR 5 sc, Inc to 10. BLO Sc 4 rounds. Dec to 5. Stuff firmly.
• Neck: Ch 3 tube (thin).
• Nozzle: Tiny bead or knot at the tip.
• Plunger: A small pin or wire sticking out the top.
• Handle: Gold wire bent into a loop and glued to the side.

2. Sphagnum Moss Ball (Kokedama)

• Ball: Moss Green textured yarn. MR 6 sc, Inc to 18. Sc 3 rounds. Dec to close.

  Hanging: Tie Jute twine around it in a net pattern. Hang it from the ceiling.

3. Botanical Picture Frame

• Frame: Brown. Ch 14, join ring. Sc around (rectangular shape).
• Art: White rectangle behind it. Embroider a tiny green leaf in the center. Glue to the wall.

Part 4: The Exterior Scene

1. The Buck (Male Deer)

Use 1.25mm Hook and Deer Brown.

• Body: MR 6 sc, Inc to 12, Inc to 18. Sc 8 rounds. Dec to 12. Stuff.
• Neck & Head:

  Neck: Pick up 8 stitches from the body opening. Sc up 4 rounds.

  Head: Inc to 12. Sc 3 rounds. Dec to snout (6 sc). Embroider black nose.

• Legs: Ch 5 tight tubes. Make 4. Use wire inside for stability.
• Antlers: Beige/Bone color.

  Technique: Similar to the fern fronds but tighter. Ch 8. Work slip stitches back, creating 2-3 small points (tines). Wire is mandatory here to make them stand tall. Sew to head.

• Details: White patch on chest and under tail.

  Pose: Position the deer looking at the Staghorn Ferns through the open wall or door.

2. Decaying Tree Stump Table

Use 2.5mm Hook and Varied Browns.

• Stump: MR 6 sc, Inc to 24.

  Sides: BLO Sc down for 6 rounds.

  Roots: At the bottom, work *Ch 5, Sc back, Sl st in next 3 st* to create spreading roots.

  Rot Texture: Use a darker brown to embroider irregular patches or “holes” on the side.

• Tea Set: White. Tiny cup (MR 4 sc, BLO) and saucer. Place on the stump.

3. Wheels

Use 2.5mm Hook.

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

Final Assembly

1. Structural Check: The “wood plank” walls (BLO texture) should be rigid due to the plastic canvas sandwich. Ensure the U-shape is square and stable.
2. Interior Landscaping:
   • Secure the Mounted Staghorn Ferns to the back and side walls. Vary their heights for a gallery wall effect.
   • Hang the Moss Ball (Kokedama) from the ceiling.
   • Place the Brass Sprayer on the floor or a small shelf.
3. Exterior Styling:
   • Position the Decaying Stump Table near the entrance.
   • Stand the Buck nearby, angling his head so his antlers are close to the fern leaves for comparison.

Congratulations! You have constructed “The Staghorn Fern” Antler Van. This rustic, botanical masterpiece brings the beauty of the forest right into your home.