Earlier, I gave a few examples of what makes windowsill decor truly "art" and not just "a storage shelf" for placing everyday items.

Here's another example of how I intend to display interesting items in unusual ways along the windowsills of our new log home...

For starters, I love to incorporate natural rocks and stones into pieces of art and home decor. I've done that for years.

Now, taking this idea to the next level, I plan on adding a few simple stones with words of inspiration on them in select locations throughout my home -- interspersed with a few other random items along a windowsill.

You can even get really creative and make your own word stones. All you need is a few smooth stones and a Sharpie marker, or some paint. Then, add words that mean something to you.

Or, you might find some really colorful word stones that will fit into your windowsill decor perfectly and add a fantastic burst of color.

The point here is to try to find creative ways to display everyday items in unusual ways along the windowsills of your home.

Here are dozens of other ideas for creating fun window art inside your home...

I'm always on the hunt for creative and colorful examples of windowsill art -- as inspiration for my own windows inside our soon-to-be-built log home.

In my opinion, windowsill art goes beyond the typical kitchen windowsill displays that you commonly see. You know, the kind of shelf-like displays that take shape more by default (where the kitchen windowsill simply becomes the most convenient place to store certain items) rather than on purpose.

In my new log home, I plan to create fun (yet simple) displays on many different windowsills throughout the house -- as a form of art and casual home decor.

A few things I'm learning:

The wider the windowsill, the better.

You get the best sunlight from windows on the south side of your home, though windowsill displays in any window can be just as charming -- whether it gets direct sunlight or not.

Colorful bottles (like the deep cobalt blue ones) add a brilliant "pop" of color -- especially when displayed against a log/wood window frame.

There's nothing better than a burst of color on a windowsill when the sun is shining in.

I need to start collecting unique items to place on my windowsills now (think: garage sales, yard sales, freecycle, craisgslist, and thrift stores).

My fingers are crossed that we will have many spots perfect for windowsill decor in our new log home. And I'm praying for wide windowsills in a few key locations.

In the meantime, I'm collecting colorful bottles and other small pieces that would make good window art.

How To Turn A Windowsill Into A Work Of Art

In the end, my aim is to have the perfect combination of these types of things along the windowsills inside our home:

[click to see fun examples]

artsy bottles - in fun shapes, sizes and colors (including wine & liquor bottles)

clear glass jars - various shapes; some with lids and some without; some filled and some empty

brightly colored containers - could be glass, pottery, even plastic

boxes - lots of fun shapes, sizes and colors; also consider stacking some boxes

antique collectibles and tchotchkes - the possibilities are endless

candles & incense - incense sticks can be poked into a pot filled with sand; reed diffusers also add dimension

colorful bits & pieces - like rocks, stones, pebbles, crystals, broken pottery

"heavy" items like paperweights can create a focal point or a simple pop of color

"real" flowers - I'm not sure if we'll be having any glass block windows in our new home, but I have to admit that flower arrangements look especially charming in front of glass block. (Here too.)

green grass & plants - green means life; adds a lot to a windowsill arrangement

"fake" flowers - used sparingly, they can add texture, dimension, and color

fun collections - things that describe your personality or your hobbies

glass balls and bulbs - "round" is the least common shape used inside a home; that's why it's effective when used in design

fill clear jars with things like marbles, buttons, beans and rocks - fun things like this can often be found at craft stores, antique shops, and thrift stores.

coffee mugs - especially when grouped together or filled with something fun

Certain Things Should Be Used Sparingly

a single "rustic" photo frame - possibly containing a black & white photo or fun caricature or a small piece of framed art

anything made of stained glass

certain books or clocks could add a fun touch and make a statement about who you are and what you like

whimsical words, phrases, or sayings

Bring The Outside In

Lastly, don't forget that sometimes it's fun to hang something interesting outside the window as well like:

a shell arrangement

a suncatcher

a windchime

In my mind, great windowsill art is that which expresses your style or personality by using the fewest number of pieces which are displayed in the most interesting way.

Finalists for the "Green Log Awards" were recently announced.

The GREEN LOG Home & Lifestyle Awards were created in response to the growing demand for green building solutions.

The goal of the awards is to locate and shine a spotlight on those companies and individuals who are enabling healthier homes and lifestyles. -- GREEN LOG Home & Lifestyle Awards

What this means for people like you and me is... a great list of environmentally-friendly log home products and suppliers!

So, if you're trying to make your currently log home more "green" or you'll soon be building your very own green log home, here are some companies that will make your life easier!

Here's how Low-E windows and porches work together to utilize passive solar energy in log homes...

The final home on our tour of log homes was Matt and Melissa's.

Their home was actually completed a couple of years ago, but they enjoy having visitors and sharing log home stories with others. That's why they choose to participate in Honest Abe's Annual Tour of Homes each year.

BONUS: Melissa's dad was on hand to explain how he did all of the "finishing work" in this log home. (He does really nice work, too!)

See some examples below...

The first home we visited on the Honest Abe Fall Tour of Homes was Matt and April's log home.

Their timber frame home is currently under construction, and is set among the beautiful fields and rolling hills of Middle Tennessee.

Matt and April were a lot of fun to chat with. See highlights below...