So, after getting my PICKIT all set up I decided to put together a small 5x7 Display. The LED matrix is from an banner board I found in the trash, with all of the original traces dremaled out and my own wires connected. Was alot of work considering I could get a new one prewired for like $2.00 online, but I didn't know that at the time. Its controlled by the PIC16F887 which is overkill for sure but its the only chip I have right now.
Schematic for display. Or just buy one.
The display does a couple simple patterns then displays the message "PARTY!" Both columns and rows are activated by a low (0V) signal using PNP transistors. I have the code and schematic but I can't find my memory stick right now so I'll have to upload it later.