Well it has been snowing night and day here, so have some time to play on the computer. I looked up my 6" Ceramic Tile/trivet (signed by Diane Phalen) which I use for the teapot, and I also have 2 sets of ceramic tile coasters that are 3 3/4" , they all have cork backing. I know the coaster sets were around $20 for 4 at least ten years ago, but I don't remember the price of the trivet; I think $14.95 would be a reasonable price for one. (when I googled and saw a similar one for $34+ I just shook my head....maybe I shouldn't be actually using mine?
) With pottery being porous I think the cork is a better option than felt as a backing. Here is a picture of mine to give you an idea of what they are like. [ATTACH=CONFIG]608366[/ATTACH]