The back story on the backsplash

It was the fall of 2005. I had just moved into my new house and it was time 

to start decorating. I loved the look of Mexican Talavera tile 

and thought it would make for a happy, colorful backsplash.

I had never installed tile before, but to know me is to know I'll attempt anything

as long as I have instructions to follow.

The project went smoothly all things considered, and I was pretty damned proud of myself.

Until I stepped back to admire my work.

For those of you who saw Wednesday's post and weren't able to spot

the huge, and I do mean HUGE, mistake I made, I offer the following picture.

Start at the left and read aloud.

The backsplash contained two tile designs used in various combinations of 

rightside up, upside down, sideways and reverse sideways.
It was pretty confusing and I didn't want to make a mistake,
so I mocked up a map to follow of the 6 tile x 3 tile repeating pattern:

I had read somewhere that I should start the pattern in the middle of a wall 
and work outward toward the edges. So that's what I did,
starting behind the stove and first going to the left.

I finished the tile in that direction, then took a break. 

(And before you ask, no adult beverages were consumed during break time.)

When I resumed the project and headed toward the right,

I followed the map exactly as I had done before my break.

The only problem was, I had turned it upside down

and didn't realize it until the glue was dry and it was too late to fix.

Whoops.

Over the years as friends and family have gathered in my kitchen,

we would play the "find the mistake" game.

Even in person, many people can't spot it, so don't feel badly if you missed it, too.

With such a storied history, I should probably keep this backsplash

just to entertain my guests, but the more I look at it

next to the new, modern counters and the old, traditional cabinets,

the more I want to replace it with something that will bridge

the different styles. And I may have found just the thing...

Here's the best part...drum roll please...

I won't have to remove the old tile. This stuff sticks on over it.

It sounds way too good to be true, but the reviews are overwhelmingly positive

for its beauty and ease of installation. AND IT COMES IN 18 COLORS!

I'm going to Home Depot this afternoon to check it out in person

and bring home color samples.