Trivets serve as a practical introduction to slab construction techniques. Through the review process of making a trivet, students will reacquainte themselves with how to create a smooth, even slab. Then they explore surface decoration by adding carved or textured designs—key elements in creating visually engaging slab-built pieces. More recently, students experiment further by composing mosaic-like patterns using textures impressed from household objects and other found items, fostering creativity and material exploration.