Jig-Saw Puzzle: Do You Start Around the Edges?

In the very first Bathroom Remodel post, "Welcome to the Bathroom Remodel," I cited a line from Alice and Wonderland.  "Start at the beginning... and when you come to the end, STOP."

The shower pan calls for a slightly different strategy.  Starting a jig-saw puzzle around the edge is as universal as dunking an Oreo.  OK, for you connoisseurs out there, I'll mention twisting it and eating the middle.  But I digress.  Instead of stopping at the end, I think we'll stop at the middle.

Here, planning is what it's all about.  Pencil lines and initial tile cuts give some dimension.

Then, continuing to piece together the ultimate puzzle causes the final image to begin to come through.

There are two other items that merit a mention.  First, never underestimate the value of blue painter's tape.  It is inexpensive, can be removed easily and does a great job of holding tile in place long enough to allow the mud to set.

Secondly, here's a look at the trim pieces, cut from full tiles.  The edges are rounded in the familiar bull nose manner, giving them a very nice finished appearance.

In the spirit of full disclosure, many of the trim pieces are additional pieces of tile our contractor had to "acquire."  You see, we ran out.  And when we checked with the supplier, the source had run out.  In our contractor's defense, it was I who guesstimated the amount we would need when measuring to finalize the order.  Rookie error: I didn't plan for the extra tiles needed due to the waste that comes with the diamond pattern in the shower.

Pulling in markers is another art.  Our contractor went to one of his regular suppliers and not only got a few pieces that were plenty close enough in color and pattern, but he (we) didn't have to pay for them.  They just comp'd him.  It gets better: one of the pieces was ripped from a sample display board.  I just wish I could claim this as a strategic move to keep our costs down.  I know: Bravo-Sierra.