Wheel of Time Crafts and Merch Round-Up

The Eye of the World was the first fantasy book I read. I was in high school, and I quickly became enamored with the world of Rand, Mat, Perrin, and the Aes Sedai. I wanted to be an Aes Sedai. I hung out at Wotmania and went to a few signings to meet Robert Jordan (and get the obligatory picture). I signed up for a roleplaying website so I could rise through the ranks in Tar Valon - I think it was called The White Tower. I fell, and I fell hard.

Up until book nine or so, I would make it a point to reread all the previous books before diving into the new installment. And as those of you who have read the Wheel of Time series know, those books aren't short. As the time period between each book release got longer and longer, I grew distant from the series. I stopped reading at book 10 and decided I'd wait for the entire epic to be finished before I picked it back up. That date has come and gone, and I still haven't gone back. I want to, and I will but it's just that Wheel of Time holds a place in my heart and mind, and I don't know if I'm ready to close the chapter on it. Is that silly?

Anyway, when I was in my obsessing-over-which-Ajah-I-would-join-phase (past Amy says Green, present Amy says Brown), I longed to have a ring and a shawl... okay, and a stole like the one the Amyrlin Seat wore. It recently occurred to me that we live an age where I could probably find crafters and artists making those items on Etsy, and that led me into a rabbit hole of looking at Wheel of Time crafts and merchandise. I didn't find as many items as I expected to, but there are some gems and I would like to share them with my fellow Wheel of Time fans - there are bound to be at least a few of you.

Aes Sedai Ring - I snapped this up as soon as I saw Badali Jewelry offering it. Prices start at $45, and they have several other items in their officially licensed Wheel of Time collection.

Ajah Shawl - What is an Aes Sedai without her shawl? Etsy seller Elisha Faerie makes these to order, and you choose the colors of the fabric, fringe, and the color of the flame of Tar Valon. It looks like she also takes commissions for the Amyrlin's stole.

Tar Valon Mark Coin - Carrying the mark of Tar Valon in your pocket could get you out of all kinds of sticky situations.

Wheel of Time characters in Perler beads - In the category of things you can make instead of buy, how about putting together adorable characters from the series with Perler beads? These "sprites" by DeviantArt user Nicolel12 feature Min Farshaw, Elayne Trakand, Rand al'Thor, and Mat Cauthon (from left to right). She was inspired by designs from Pixelrie.

DIY Aes Sedai Shawl - Want to sew an Aes Sedai shawl instead of purchasing one? I love this design by LiveJournal user paradiseoflife, and she detailed the process enough that you can replicate her style. The hardest part seems like it would be adding the fringe.

Loial plush - Craftser user SiakelA came up with an adorable poppet of Loial. He even comes with a few books!

Wheel of Time nail art - Nail art is kind of a craft, right? Rachael of The Nailinator based her Wheel of Time nail design on the stole of the Amyrlin Seat and the Flame of Tar Valon. I love it.

Who else out there is a Wheel of Time fan? Tell me about your favorite character - just please don't spoil the ending of the series!