The Hex trivet and coaster set was created for a class collaboration with Areaware, the iconic home goods brand.
Areaware challenged us to make a product that fits their brand aesthetic and can be produced locally while keeping costs low. Then, they asked us to self-produce a small batch of them.
The Process.
After a first round of exploring product typologies, I settled on trivets. I then explored tessellating shapes and designs that can double as decor.
Material explorations included felt, hardwood, and other natural materials. I settled on agglomerated cork. Cork is a fantastic thermal insulator and is water resistant. It's also durable, easy to machine, and ultimately biodegradable at the end of its life.
After a first round of exploring product typologies, I settled on trivets. I then explored tessellating shapes and designs that can double as decor.
Material explorations included felt, hardwood, and other natural materials. I settled on agglomerated cork. Cork is a fantastic thermal insulator and is water resistant. It's also durable, easy to machine, and ultimately biodegradable at the end of its life.
The Production.
I developed a production plan and made five full sets of trivets and coasters.
In a small batch commercial production scenario, ink will be applied using screen printing on the trivet faces, which is a common method used with cork. The coaster edges will be rolled across a sponge surface saturated with ink. I developed and tested this system myself, and found it surprisingly efficient. The methods in each production step were chosen to be low-cost and efficient.
For the sake of hand-making them, the production methods were altered slightly. I designed and 3D printed jigs that allowed me to spray paint each trivet and coaster in just one step.
I conducted a detailed cost analysis for every step of the manufacturing, packaging, and storage of the product.
Estimates are based on quotes from real manufacturers in the tri-state area.
Hover to see!
The Product.
A set of four cork trivets and coasters for those with chic and modern taste. The coasters and trivets can be mixed and matched, used separately or together, and left on the table for a pop of colorful decor between uses.
The Process.
Form inspiration:
Prototyping:
The Process.
Form inspiration:
Prototyping:
© 2026 Nina Collins.
© 2026 Nina Collins.
© 2026 Nina Collins.