For someone who knows what they're doing, there's a little more thought involved with reference to layout and execution, but once started, it's every bit as easy. If you look closely at the pattern, it's just a matter of stacking the pieces, each piece a half tile off from the last, first on their sides, and then on end. Piece of cake!! (It just LOOKS complicated!)

Glad to see i'm not alone - with so many others agreeing that the framed look is distracting and not attractive. I've never liked this look and surprised to see people are still doing it so frequently. I think it is one of those trends that people are going to regret in hindsight. If you must do it, do as simple as possible. Use the same tile as the main backsplash, and do as minimal a border as possible. I don't like the excessive frame in a couple of the pics above, and i really don't like the contrasted tile in the last pic above. The first couple pics are okay looking, but not nearly as striking as a simple backsplash without the inset.

Carolyn, This is what I tell clients when they suggest this sort of thing... You have to design it and draw it up. Not because I'm lazy, but because you have to love it and take full ownership of it. If you don't or you hesitate at all on the idea then you will tire of the pattern very quickly. That said... Have a look at Daltile or Centura. Both make less expensive lines and are very good products. A Daltile option could be their Modern Kaleidoscope. It has a nice smaller pattern that won't overwhelm. And the greys make it a good backdrop for colorful countertop accessories... Meaning the ubiquitous bowl of green apples. The Centura "Chez Moi" tile could also be nice. Choose a soft tile color, keep it monochromatic, set it vertically and pair it with a bold grout line. Another option... Have you ever been to a ReStore? There are several in the GTA. They often have small quantity, end of lines of tile that you can pick up for a good price and you are supporting a great cause. I have done several small jobs where we picked up decent tile at the Restore. The draw back is that you need to go regularly if you don't see something you like as the stock rotates a lot. Or maybe if you like to shop that's not a draw back :)

ajracine, after I thought about your question, are you saying to take the 2"x4" inch (that is on a 45 degree with the herringbone) but run them in a straight pattern along the edge to line it? That would work. You might sacrifice a sheet to see how it will look to you. As long as you are okay with a 2" wide line of tile running vertical. Those would not need to be "polished off/bull nosed" like I was talking about. In my earlier reply, I was envisioning "rounding off" the cut edge of your mosiac. Sorry about that. I think I now understand. I think I would still go with a shluter edge or a thin pencil liner tile (if it blended well with your mosaic herringbone.) The reason I say that is the border you would created with the 2x4 tiles will pull your eye to the trim line/herringbone joint line, and take away from your pretty herringbone pattern. (or that is what my mind is seeing.)