The world of the Wheel is as much defined by objects, symbols, and clothing as it is by characters. Unfortunately for you all, I'm a pretty poor craftsman. This inability to create decent crafts has convinced me that I probably can't tell good crafts from bad crafts, and that I probably shouldn't try. So, I've been avoiding them.

This week, I hope to fix that. My goal today is to show the best of the best--craftsmanship so lovely that even I couldn't mistake it for anything other than the product of exceptional talent and painstaking effort.

The first half of the post is dedicated to objects and depictions of objects, while the second half is dedicated to cosplay and costuming. (I know, I know, depictions of objects are really works of art, not craft, and cosplay really deserves its own week. The theme today is a little tangled. Somehow, I think we'll muddle through.)

Dagger from Shadar Logoth by peregrine al thor

This is a beautifully detailed replica of one of the most interesting objects in Randland, done by a Dragonmount member with (if I do say so myself) exquisite taste in Internet handles. Check out his Dragonmount gallery for more Wheel of Time woodwork, including Mat's ashandarei!

Wheel of Time Map by Dragonmount member SuperScotty's wife, Janna

Oh my gosh, it's a giant oil painting of Randland. There is really no limit to the awesomeness and creativity of Wheel of Time fans, is there?

Great Serpent Ring by Corella Studios (deviantART gallery, personal site)

Corella Studios creates amazing 3-D art (including a lot more great Wheel of Time art). It's worth checking out their gallery if you have time. They are currently open for commissions.

Tarmon Gai'don 14 by ^Elandria

This is a stock image. To the best of my knowledge, this means it was created as a reference for other digital artists, traditional artists, and photomanipulators. I think it stands beautifully on its own. (I don't recognize the flag. I think this was inspired by The Wheel of Time, rather than directly adapted from it.)

Wheel of Time--Lily and Boar (Elayne and Gawyn) by ~DreaminBlood

Models: ~DreaminBlood and her twin (?) sister ~Wany-Waldnymphe. Photography by *chiisaiSaku.

A rare combination (for The Wheel of Time, at least) of beautiful cosplay and beautiful photography.

Star Wars meets WoT by ~more2lookfwd2 (Alex Molk)

Okay, I admit it. I'm not sharing this one because the costuming is awesome, even though it is, and I'm not sharing it just because it's a fun crossover. I'm sharing it because this guy looks exactly like the version of Mat in my head. Maybe it's because of his resemblance to versions of Mat drawn by ~Forbis and ~solitarium, which for me have always defined the character. What do you think?

Lanfear: Look to the Stars by ~TnSabregirl

Not being a cosplayer myself, I have not to date paid nearly enough attention to ~TnSabregirl's beautiful costumery. This dress is my favorite of her Wheel of Time costumes. The detail is just incredible.