Draw a rectangle. Then draw a second rectangle that is slightly smaller and superimposed on the first while being positioned somewhat left or right of the original rectangle.
Using a straightedge, connect the corners of the two triangles. Erase any lines that would be normally hidden from the viewer, creating a box shape. Perch a triangle on the narrow ends of the box, and connect the top points with a straight line. Again, erase lines that would not be visible to a viewer outside the house.
Add features such as doors, windows or chimney to the house. Draw in a landscape around it.
Draw circles representing the ends of logs on both sides of the corner nearest you. Draw lines going away from the circles down the opposite side of the house, representing the logs that go with the ends.
Show the log structure of the house where doors and windows are inserted. Keep this consistent with the first logs drawn.
Add wood-grain to the door to show that it is rough planking. Sketch in wooden shingles on the roof, and be sure to include a chimney for the fire that would have to burn inside.
Make the landscape around the cabin consistent with the area. Use trees, bushes, dirt roads, horses and other period activities to place your cabin in time.
Draw the basic rectangle, but place a half circle on each end instead of triangles. Draw a line between the two half-circles to indicate the top of the roof.
Draw large rectangles on the sides of the house, and make little squiggle marks on them to make them look like birch-bark. Make sure the top bark overlaps the bottom bark.
Look up the door closing for the particular group you are drawing. If in doubt -- or in a hurry -- draw an animal skin curtain over the door. Make a smoke hole, but not a chimney, for this dwelling.