Machine made tile allows for a tighter grout joint and makes maintenance easier. The handmade tile could be used in the accent strip and then the subway tile becomes more background. That or look at a "crackle" tile, like the Horus 3X6. Then the surface of the tile becomes the accent and the grout joint is still small.

The hand made tile adds a much more expensive look than plain subway tile. You need to decide if it is worth it for you.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/subway-tile-in-146031

I love the look of subway tile, not so much bands of other color.

One of the things I like most about subway tile is that it was originally intended to have a very tight grout joint. So for me the cost of the handmade tile would be wasted.

Thanks for opinions. While I like the look of the hand made, I do think the cost effectiveness of the machine made combined with easier cleaning is going to be the way we go. Only other option is using a beige tumbled marble, which I've found for around the same price as the machine made subway tile. This would change the brighter, sea type look to earth tones. Love the natural stone but sometimes I think it doesn't look right with a white ceramic tub. Might use in master bath instead.

Here's a photo of a master bath we did that featured white subway tile. Hope it helps give a sense of one way it could look. Good luck with your project!

Love this bath! Looks like a nice complimentary tile in the shower too. What is the vanity top?

I love subway tile in a bath/shower. YHL did this in their old bathroom, and it looks fantastic! http://www.younghouselove.com/2010/01/tackling-the-bathroom-the-big-reveal/