I really like this tutorial, Sadie.
First I tried making a heart by starting with the tube bead and then creating the hollow around it. I ended up liking the ensuing bead so much I couldn't force myself to try to alter it for fear of ruining the original bead.
So, I followed your directions again, omitting step #1 but following all the subsequent steps. I've created some hollow hearts I really love, here's one of them...
Now that I can make the heart without fear of collapsing my bead I'm going to try them again following the full instructions. I think it will look really cool to make them with an embellished tube and then create a clear heart over it.
Thank you so much for sharing your method with us!