My newest hobby is finding cool things made of twigs, sticks & logs... to use inside our new log home!

While searching for fun "twiggy" looking things that will bring a touch of rustic to an otherwise modern log home, I found the best selection and most unique items were all coming from a store called Uncommon Goods.

Here's a sampler of some of their most unique items made from twigs...

I first saw this birdhouse (pictured at right) when browsing through the May 2007 issue of Better Homes and Gardens.

See how to build this rustic birdhouse.

I thought it was yet another creative use of twigs and sticks that log home owners might enjoy. And I especially like this one because it's very colorful... it's not your typical brown birdhouse.

I know that we are planning to build one or two unique little bird houses when we move into our new log house.

So I did some research and found a number of other cool birdhouses that can be made from sticks and twigs. Check 'em out...

The first log cabin birdhouse I ever saw was this one:

Check out the details about this log cabin birdhouse.

Okay, so it's your basic wooden bird house that just happens to be shaped like a log cabin. Now you want to see some that are really cool?...

I couldn't resist. Just had to share...

Breaking news!...

Following is the 2008 schedule for Log & Timber Frame Expos in the U.S.

I got an email from Jeroen Bekkers, the creator of FloorPlanner.com today:

Hi there. We made an online tool to create and share interactive floorplans. It can be found at www.floorplanner.com. I thought you might like it as we see a lot of people creating cabin/log homes with it."

So I spent the afternoon playing with this free online tool.

Check it out...

We have a pine log home and the great room is the kitchen, dining room and living room. The floor is burch hardwood and both the logs and the flooring are a natural stain. I am in the process of purchasing a dining room suite and don't know whether to go with a natural stain or to go with a darker (cocoa) stain. What would you recommend?" -- Karen T.

See my answer below...