I believe this image had its roots in the wreaths on the hula dancers' heads and associations from a Grail-hunt book I had been reading set in the Hundred Years War with all of its religious themes. The crown of thorns was modified from stock clip-art. The heart began as a custom shape. The flames are from an Eye-Candy filter. Various glows and drop shadows were used to set the heart inside the crown and above the section of dancer's skirt.