hi kymi! Welcome to newbie-land! I'm by no means an expert, but I've learned what I need to for this project. My first project IS my kitchen backsplash, and I'm a homework doer just like you. I gathered materials, but didn't dare do anything, but I finally dove in, and I'm pleased so far with the results (not yet finished.)

First, I did NOT want to ruin the underlying sheetrock, so I bought hardibacker board. (Available at Lowes/HD)

Then I got myself some thinset mortar (adhesive). I wasn't sure about the mixing process, but finally figured that one out: I mix up (in a small butter-tub) 1/4C of water, then keep adding heaping teaspoons of mortar til it's about the consistency of toll-house dough (the (disposable plastic) spoon will stand up in it, and it won't move if you tip the container). I put this in a plastic quart-sized freezer bag, seal it up (let all the air out) cut off a tiny corner, and wah-lah- an easy Super-Squirter adhesive! I've tried craft sticks, but find that awkward for me.

I got my supplies, tools, etc, and very quickly figured out that cheap nippers are useless. Get a good pair. And Leponitts-SA-WEET!!!

I figured out how to break up my project into smaller sections, and cut my hardibacker accordingly. I do have to have the handy-man DH cut my outlet holes...he's just more experienced cutting & measuring correctly.

I got myself some cheap plastic storage containers at the dollar store to put my broken stuff in, and I set out several choices at a time while I'm working.

Then I just start gluing! I really couldn't believe how much of a chore I was making of this in my head...it's just too easy!

Can't wait to see WIP pix of your project! My pictures are probably on page 2 by now under "Backsplash...Preview" and there's another one from Klinger that is likely very much like what you're considering with the white coloring...it's FABULOUS!

Jump in, the mortar's fine!!!

We MM covered it pretty good, you might want to search on some of her earlier posts on the back splash.

the only thing I can add is you might want to get some admix for the mortar and add that in in place of some/all of your water. Some have it in already, but I think for a back splash I'd add a little.

When it's time to grout, we all most all use sanded. In order to use unsanded your grout line have to be LESS than 1/8" Very difficult with plates.

One way to get over your fear, is do a small project. A planter, or even a small trivet ( to match your back splash, maybe?). Even a scrap piece of the hardibacker and just glue on and grout, just for the feel of it.

Any more questions, ask away!! And welcome!

Maria

Welcome MM!!!! Yes everyone has seemed to answer all the questions so I will just say howdy!!! Want to see the before pictures SOON!!!!!! Did yo say your using tile or tile and plates? Oh dont answer that part I just re-read your post..your using colored tile and glass globs. It will be great!!!!

Oops!!! Sorry I called you MM I ment to say welcome Kymi!! Sorry..

Welcome Kimi.
On drywall I have used mastic. I put 12x12 squares on the wall with it at one house, and those suckers stuck so well it was hard to re-adjust them after a minute. The mastic works really well on drywall, I haven't tried mortor on it yet. Can't wait to see your project. It's great you newbies
are tackling such big projects, right out of the gate.
Post your progress pics!

Hazie

My advice? Do a small project (pot, trivet, coaster) before you tackle something vertical and large.

You'll be thankful you got all your nerves out on something small rather than on something PERMANENT. Trust me when I say that mosaics show hesitation and inexperience just as clearly as brush or pencil strokes. You want that hesitation on something you can toss or hide rather than glaring at your from the kitchen.

Second - mastic is a vague term. True mastic is a South American shrub. Mastic in this case is an organic glue. Any professional tile installer will tell you that if they are REQUIRED to use mastic on a vertical surface they are happy. Why? Because it means they will have repeat visits there to repair the tile falling off the wall.

Use a thinset that you mix yourself (not already mixed in a tub) or silicone adhesive. You can find out which of these you are most comfortable with by doing a SMALL TEST PROJECT first.

Use sanded grout. UNsanded is ONLY for grout spaces 1/8" or less. It is the devil's own brew to work with. The sand helps the grout to not slump. And working vertically, the grout must be mixed drier than normal - another thing you'll learn on small test projects.

Did I mention the value of small test projects before doing something large and vertical???

Wow, you guys are awesome........help is on the way!!!! MM, your backsplash is so cool. I just don't have the patience or materials to get that colorful. I live in a very rural area and I have to travel 60 plus miles to shop a limited amount of stores.( Did I mention I dislike shopping??? Free junk, now thats living!) We don't have a Lowe's yet, but I guess one is comming soon. To be honest, I want to downsize when DH retires, so I'm not worried about the drywall. HeHe! Hazie, you say mastic? Do you spread that on wall and tile or just one of em? I am kinda worried about mixing the morar but will keep an open mind. I do have BOTH! Got stuff spread all over the kitchen floor right now and am about to start smashing tiles.Wish me luck!

Welcome, Kymi! Nothing to be scared of, just do it as MM said. I strongly suggest you do a practice piece to get the feel of the whole project. We all learn from everything we do. With practice you will learn spacing, color selections, and grouting. I wouldn't be afraid to use colored grout even if you have white cabinets but that decision can come later. Experimenting with different color grouts can be part of your practice too. In our previous home we tiled right on the drywall too.

PICTURES we need PICTURES!!!!

Welcome Kymi!!
I can't give advice on the back splash, but there are plenty others that can.
Don't be afraid to try. You can do it!

KYMI: Welcome to the group! I, too, would recommend doing a test project FIRST. I mosaiced directly onto my wall surface. The house is close to 40 years old so I figured there wasn't much to ruin, BUT I wish I had used a backer board that could be taken down CUZ I am NOT TOTALLY happy with my backsplash. But since I didn't, I'm stuck with it.
As far as using the "mastic", you can spread a little on the wall itself but then "butter" the piece you'll be adhering to the wall.

Here is a link that might be useful:

Kimi,
I've never had a tile fall off the wall with mastic, and have done several backslashes over the years. I actually had to re-drywall when it was time for a change. The tiles took the drywall with it. Every tile installer I know would never LOVE having to come back. That isn't a chargable thing...that's on their dime to repair. We are in the flooring biz, and the tile guys have to stand by their work for years. If it isn't on concrete board, they use mastic around these parts. I use Mapei, type 1, and thickly butter each piece. Don't let it come up around the edges so far that it messes with the grout.
Have fun!

Hazie

Well, I have my pattern layed out on the floor. I keep eye-balling it and I must say, I think I love it! Very good advice doing a test project first! Will I do it? Doubt it! I only have weekends and after repainting and putting new hardware on my cabinet, I just can't wait! Maybe I'll be sorry, but oh well. How bad can it be???? LOL....As for pictures, don't know how but I can do a search and get instructions again. Did it years ago in the garden forums. Oh and I just e-mailed my DD and requested a good pair of nippers for Christmas!!!!

kymi..
Did you use photobucket before?
That seems to be the easiest for me.
Can't wait to see what you have started!

Hazie