At our Dollar Tree they sell these small round (about 5 inches) rubbery drawer-liners-material thingies that are sold 4 to the pack for helping to open jars. I find them on the kitchen implement wall.
They are perfect machine-side mats for me to place my scissors/seam ripper/awl on while I sew. They won't roll or slip away from me. Great for a retreat treat.
Try the Dollar store for other cute ideas.
Jan in VA