Thanks everyone. I really think I can do it. It's just like making a
table top fountain on a larger scale, right?

Regarding decorative tile, I don't need a lot of it and usually plain
ceramic tile isn't all that expensive.

I wish HGTV and the DIY Network had more programs specifically for
doing these types of projects.

If I'm unable to do it the way I want, then I'll have to find an
easier, cheaper alternative.