I have a log that I want to hang against the wall, creating a small shelf. I'm attaching the logs to two iron screw eyes using 1/4" hemp rope, for a rustic look. Here's a diagram:
The screw eyes don't have a closed loop; they're open-ended like a hook. The log itself is very lightweight, and I don't plan on storing anything heavy on the log itself. The two candidate logs have several flat edges, they're not perfectly circular (see pictures below).
What knots/hitches should I use to attach the rope to the log and screw eye? My main goals would be to have a secure hold on the log. Beyond that, having an aesthetically pleasing hitch would be nice, too.
Initial googling pointed to a timber hitch to attach the log to the rope, but I also read that it's only secure under load, and comes easily undone (it's designed for dragging timber along the ground, I think).
Here are images of the two candidate logs (I'll only use one, unless I do this project twice):
Best Answer
A boom hitch (ABoK #1687), might look nice around the log.
A simple bowline (ABoK #1010), or other secure loop would be fine for the hooks.
A simple loop with a decorative weave on the standing end, might also look nice. That way the decorative bit would be above/below the loop.