PTI Valentine Swap

This is a card I made for the Valentine's swap being done on the PTI forums.  Joyce (Ashjoy) was the poor soul I had to send it to. ;o)  Now that Joyce has received it I can share how I made it.

The base was made with clear cardstock which I embossed with my Cuttlebug folder Flourished Frame.  I then attached a panel of Sweet Blush cardstock which I also embossed because I thought the base didn't pop enough on it's own.  I added a strip of scarlet jewel satin ribbon, the poofy flower (you can see Dawn's tutorial here), a couple of pearls, and heart punches.  The sentiment is stamped with Staz-On Blazing Red ink.  This is the first time I used clear cardstock and it was harder to work with than I thought it would be.  Here's what I discovered:

1. After cutting the clear CS for my base, it was hard to achieve a sharp crease even with my Scor Pal.  That's when I decided to run it through the CB embossing folder so it would flatten enough to stay shut.  
2. I couldn't figure out how to glue everything down without the adhesive showing on the other side.  So I decided to use the Sweet Blush panel on the inside front.  I then had to use another panel on the inside back to write my message.  THEN I attached ANOTHER panel on the back outside to cover the adhesive from the inside.  
3. I could only use certain inks when stamping the sentiment.  I found the easiest to work with was Staz-On.  It dried quickly and the color stayed bright. 
4. My fingerprints showed everywhere!  When I completed the card, I had to give it a buff all over to get rid of it.     

Ok, if you're still with me after all that explaining...Thanks for looking! 

Supplies:
All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted
Stamps: Heart Prints, Text Styles I
Ink: Staz-On Blazing Red, Dark Chocolate
CS - Clear, Sweet Blush, Dark Chocolate, Scarlet Jewel
The paper used for the flower is the liner in the package of clear cardstock.  I then stamped it with Text Styles I.
Other Stuff: Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Scarlet Jewel Ribbon, Sweet Blush Vintage Button, Rustic Twine