How do you use this Carta Bella paper style ?

I like Linda's idea. I tend to put a shelf or band somewhere around 2/3 or 3/4 of the way down the page. You could also use it across the top of your layout like this. Or all the way to the bottom.

I just buy it and hoard it.

Yep usually cut it apart for things like the one you showed. If it’s just one full image k usually buy it, never use it and then use the B side at some point so it doesn’t go to waste. I’ve never found a good way to use full images.

someone posted a layout in the sharing thread with a strip like this last night

Love the suggestions.

I don't know how to explain this, but I would consider using the strip like a pocket to tuck the photos in. I think the bold red lines give room to make pockets, I may even use the whole sheet, bcz like you say, nice graphics and want to include. I would print the photos 3x4 and mount them on some tags or matted, maybe even using the b-side of this paper if you don't use it all. Then mount the whole thing on cardstock, adhering the page around the edges and leave the center open to make a pocket. Cut the pattern paper first before mounting on cardstock, use exacto knife to cut a line along the red strip and tuck the photo tags in slightly so they are sticking out, adhere down so they don't move. Maybe even use stitching or faux stitching along the red line to look like a pocket. If its still to busy, maybe mat behind the pocket with some red cardstock.

I would leave the sheet whole, and cover the center with white gesso to soften the background image, and then build a cluster in the center using a 4x6 space with photo(s) and clusters of embellishments around it. The white gesso would create a halo around the center to spotlight it.

Since I'm theme-challenged & neither patient nor skilled at detail cutting, I rarely purchase the full scene &/or border strips patterned papers. Among my strategies for the few border strips I had/have in my inventory:

Use as is:
- Simply use it as a background for your go-to design (ie "cluster the 3 photos in the middle and create lots of layers"). If you want to mute the colors/pattern, consider covering it with a sheet of plain vellum.

- Cover the middle two rows of borders with photos, journaling, &/or title, leaving the top & bottom borders visible. 

- Stack photos vertically on one side (ideally same orientation photos) with the title & journaling block placed directly onto the patterned paper & aligned to the photos (e.g. photos & text right-aligned, if using CB A Very Merry Christmas Border Strips). Consider matting elements so they are visible against the busy/colorful background.


Cut apart the four borders & use them separately:
- Use one strip as a horizontal base layer in your go-to design (ie "cluster the 3 photos in the middle and create lots of layers")

- Adhere one strip as a header/flush to the top edge & another strip as a footer/flush to the bottom edge on a subtle pattern or cardstock, then fill the middle section with photos, journaling, &/or title. 

- Adhere one border strip at 1/3, middle, or 2/3 down the page to serve as a horizontal page divider or cover the seam betwen two different patterned papers

- Cut one border at 9-10", so it doesn't span the entire width of the layout, & adhere ~2/3 down the page as a "shelf" underneath the photos mounted together on a single photo mat; may create a banner on one or both ends. 

- Cut one border strip in half. Place one half near the upper left corner flush to the left edge (with the right side of the half border cut into a banner, optional) & the other half near the lower right corner flush to the right edge (with the left side of the half border cut into a banner, optional) of the layout to serve as bases for embellishment clusters, shelves for a (sub)title, etc. 

...& many more! HTH & happy scrapping... 

I’d probably use it as a band across the top or bottom with a focal group of photos offset from it.

Or you could do diagonally like so

http://instagram.com/p/BUyW11khoWc

I buy two of most papers since I usually do two of each layout. I'd cut them apart and use the same graphic for both sides. Then I'd us the back for backing the photos is possible.