2011 draws to a close and the offices of Hooper Graphics are now closed for Christmas and will open on 3rd January 2011.

To all customers, past, present and future, can I wish you all a Merry Christmas.

I look forward to working with you all in 2012.

I am feeling very excited this morning as I have just upgraded my version of Adobe Design Premium Suite CS4 to CS5.5 thanks to a very good deal from Cancom (they offered 20% off!).

So why does this save me money? Quite simply with the latest upgrades you can operate more efficiently, and I certainly noticed the difference in InDesign CS3 to CS4, their upgraded preflight function means I can check files for print so much quicker.

This time they have upgraded Dreamweaver and I can’t wait to see it in action!

I have got my Artist’s Studio in the garden but I have always wanted a stream with a bridge over it.  The above image is just an idea of what I want.  Is it a little ambitious?

I know summer has gone but of you want a refreshing drink try this.

3 parts sparkling wine (something like Prosecco)

2 parts Aperol

1 part soda

It is a refreshing orange drink with a slight bitter taste a bit like Campari.

If anyone knows where you can by Aperol in this country let me know

Have you ever been do Italy?  If not then it is one of those places you have to go.  We have spent a week (not long enough) staying on the magical Lake Garda in the town of Garda.  A beautiful town devoted to tourism but done so well, and an ideal place to base yourself and explore the area.  Trips to the northern part of the lake take you into areas resembling Austria (used to be in Austrian rule). Go to the South and you are in the beautiful and historic town of Verona ( think of films about the Romans and your in Verona).  Go further afield and your in the amazing city Venice. A unique city with great architecture and history.  Take a Gondola ride (make sure the price is right) it is one of those things you have to do and well worth it.  One piece of advise, try and go to Venice at the beginning or end of the season, it will be less hot and not so crowded.

The West of Cornwall on a sunny day.  Travel to Geevor Mine and take a look around the interesting mine workings. You can walk across to Levant mine and if you are feeling really energetic continue walking to the mine workings of Botallick perched on the edge of the cliff.  It is hard to comprehend how men worked in these conditions not to mention the daily commute of an hour or so from their home to the mine face.

Well my artist’s studio has arrived and looking the business, I can’t wait to get all my materials in there and start some serious painting.  Murphy though has other ideas and thinks he has a claim on it.

Have you always thought a cactus was just a prickly plant.  When in flower they have some of the most beautiful vibrant blooms you will every see. This is just one example from the second book of Flowering Cacti produced by Hooper Graphics for a local Redruth grower.