Thanks folks for your input. I cut down the koi to as small as comfortable without chopping up the fish. It is too big for a mug rug unless you are the Jolly Green Giant. SO I will do a hot pad. Also, in the tut on the bowl warmer, it suggested quilting only one side, fabric and batting. I was concerned that it would either be too bulky with insulbrite and too hard to quilt through. Great idea! And I think potholders of the flower portion of the fabric.
I will post pics when I am done.