[Bob F]

I have some log loads made from broom stick handles but they don't look like logs since they're too finished. I may have to try cutting them up into barrels instead. Painted flat black I think they could pass as them easier than logs.

Take an old saw blade, perhaps from a hack saw or old sawz-all blade and drag it lengthwise along the broom stick. Run the teeth up and down several times in long strokes and you will lift the surface grain into a much more believable texture. You'll also remove any varnish and then you can restain them in any "natural" color you like.