i really never have a plan. i only have my wheeled cutters right now although have some glass cutters im practicing with. i cut up glass randomly and piece it like a puzzle mostly. if it does not look right that way i will hold the glass up to where i want to place it and mark it with a sharpie to cut. i just got a grinder but have not used it. i do nip away pieces when they do not fit the way i like. hope that helps....barb

Thanks, I think I'm trying to make this too hard!

i tried to ans you earlier but it wouldnt let me. i rarely plan my mosaic stuff and when i do i change it at least once. i usually cut up pieces of glass with my wheeled cutters and place them however they look right-like a puzzle. i nip to make some pieces fit better. sometimes i have to place the glass over the place its going to go and i mark it with a sharpie and then cut it. just got a grinder and a glass cutter but have not used them yet. i use sg patterns but change them to suit my mosaics.dont know if this makes any sense to you.......barb