Learn how to create a vintage art journal page using Ciao Bella Codex junk journal book with layered collage techniques and creative flow.
Apart from the intial inks I used to create the background, every other image, background and stickers are from the
Codex Junk Journal book. A link to a reel I created can be found further down the post.
If you enjoy working with the Codex collection, you might also like my other Ciao Bella Junk Journal posts, including
Secret Garden and another Codex page. Each explores different layering and collage techniques for unique art journal pages. See below -
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Step-by-Step Vintage Collage Tutorial
While I often reach for bolder colours and backgrounds, the
Codex junk journal and ephemera book brought out a completely different side of my style. The pages felt like a story waiting to be layered and explored.
Using the ephemera pieces, I built up a loose collage as my background, letting the aged tones and antique style guide the flow. I added light touches of paint and ink around the edges to bring cohesion without overpowering the soft imagery. There’s something deeply satisfying about working with elements that already hold character — it lets your hands do the dancing rather than overthinking the steps.
I love how this page feels "quieter" than my usual makes but still me. That, to me, is the freedom of creating — knowing you can adapt your voice or style, without really losing it.
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Codex Collage Tutorial Video
I have filmed a short reel showing how the page came together and what went where. With collage, for me, there is no right or wrong placement. I let the images and colours guide my placement. I will also use elements to break up areas so each piece has a chance to stand out or blend together smoothly to create a unified project. Not sure that makes sense but hopefully you will see what I mean after watching the reel.
Click on the thumbnail above or just in case that does not work, click
HERE instead.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Codex Collage Art Journaling
Q: What is the Ciao Bella Codex collection?
The Codex collection from Ciao Bella is a beautifully vintage range of papers, ephemera, and imagery inspired by old manuscripts and travel journals. It’s perfect for collage, junk journaling, and layered art journal pages.
Q: How do you use ephemera in collage journaling?
Ephemera pieces act like building blocks for your page. I layer them as backgrounds, focal images, or accents, and let the colours and textures guide where they sit. Sometimes I cut them apart for smaller details — other times I use them as full panels.
Q: What makes a vintage collage look cohesive?
Cohesion often comes from repeating tones and textures. With Codex, I used sepia and aged neutrals as the base, then added light ink and paint touches around the edges. This helps blend the layers together so nothing looks “stuck on.”
Q: Do I need lots of supplies to start collage journaling?
Not at all! For this page I only used a few inks, some paint, and the Codex junk journal book. Limiting supplies can actually make the process feel more instinctive and help you focus on the flow of your design.
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Finding Your Creative Voice Through Collage:
This page is part of my journey to share more of my true creative voice — not just “what fits” but what feels right. I suppose you could say that it reflects what I was trying to say in both my video and blog post called "
What's My Niche?" I want my blog to reflect how varied and organic creativity can be. You might see vintage one day, mixed media madness the next, art journal pages and card making on another day. That’s the beauty of being a creative when you give yourself permission to explore.
If you enjoyed this page, you might also like these Ciao Bella Junk Journal posts for more layered collage inspiration:
Have you ever used something that completely shifted the way you create? What products pull you in a different direction — and did you enjoy the result?
Until next time,
Lou
xxx
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