I talked to Jim Adkins today...

[Richard Madden]

and we had a good long talk about lots of things turning. Jim always amazes me with his willingness to share his knowledge and experience. When he says "no secrets" he means it. I mentioned to Jim that with so many views of his fine tutorial (over 3,000) I wondered how many of us "Creekers" have attempted to duplicate his style of basket illusion work. Jim had no idea, so here's the question; how many have given this a try?? Since I'm asking the question, I'll start things off showing my first three "attempts". Since my visit with Jim back in early March I haven't done a whole lot of turning, but I have done a lot of burning and dyeing...and head scratching...and having my eyes cross from all this detail. Anyway here are mine- show us yours.
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[David E Keller]

WOW! Richard you obviously take instruction well... I think all three are beautiful. I haven't tried the technique yet, but if I ever do, I'd be very happy if mine turned out even half as good as those three.

[Jim Burr]

I've stalled since I was diagnosed...but have my plate cut and most of the accessories built...it just a matter of time.

[Baxter Smith]

That is amazing and eyecrossing to me Richard! I have roughed out a couple plain holly bowls that are drying and hope to do something with in a year or so but they certainly won't look anything like yours! Great job!

[John Keeton]

Richard, my gosh, why have you been holding out on us?!?!? These look fantastic! Great stuff, and very impressive. Looks like you even have the rim treatment down.

My progress is easy to define - I have a piece of maple set aside. That's it - just a piece of wood!:o

[Steve Schlumpf]

Wow - those are beyond impressive! Looks like you figured everything out and jumped right in! Very nice work! Looking forward to seeing where this leads you!

[John Hart]

Holy smokes Mr Madden. You have all my admiration. I couldn't do a 3" diameter piece...let alone 3 full sized ones. And you've done them beautifully. I tip my hat sir.

[Bernie Weishapl]

I must say Richard those are just outstanding. Looks like you got it down for sure.

[Jon Nuckles]

Really nice work! I admire Jim's pieces very much, but they are in the "I'll try that someday" category for me. I have a lot of learning to get to that point.

[philip labre]

Great pieces, Richard!! I'm always in awe of people who have the patience for such detailed works.

[Tim Rinehart]

Richard...your work is superb...I'm sure Jim would agree. Beauties...all three.
Would like to try some day...some day. So many techniques...too few days.

[Jim Adkins]

OH, My Gosh!!.....Where have I seen work like this before?? I'm impressed with these three pieces Richard and also very proud to have been small a part of it. You did good! I think you should submit a photo of your work to Packard Woodturning for possible use as catalogue cover material.

Keep turning, burning & dyeing!

[John Hart]

An endorsement from the master. It don't get no gooder than that!!!

Yer a good man Jim Adkins :)

[Jamie Donaldson]

Jim A. is an excellent example of a classy Dude. His demos tell all, except the time and and patience, skillset and new tools, etc. that are required to emulate his products!

[Bob Bergstrom]

Looks like an example of when a great teacher is blessed to teach a talented student. Magnificent work. I am not sure others can match up to this quality, but it surly gives us all a great example to shoot for.

[jwjerry w kowalski]

Jim, those are absolutely beautiful, I don't think I would ever have the patience to do anything like that, but I sure enjoy and admire your work.

[Richard Madden]

Thanks to all of you for the nice comments. And a big THANK YOU to Jim for all his help. You are right, Jamie, about Jim being a classy Dude. I would have thought some others had given this a go, maybe they will chime in later.
I will say that as tedious as these things are, they are also quite addicting. Already thinking about no. 4...and 5...and..
And Jim, I know where you're coming from about the Packard cover thing...but what on earth could I call this work??
Maybe "Basket Re-Creations"...NO, maybe "Wood Baskets"...NO, maybe "Basket Illus..." wooops, better not go there. LOL

[John Hart]

You could try "Basket Case"

...you know...see where it goes :)

[Richard Madden]

You could try "Basket Case"

...you know...see where it goes :)

I like that, and ya...I know.

[Jake Helmboldt]

I'm not sure what is more impressive; the turnings or the patience needed to execute that. I'd get 1/3 through one of those and it would sit on my workbench for 15 years while I moved on to something else. All three patterns are great, but I especially like the 2nd and 3rd ones.