DIY: Painted Herringbone Memo Board

I found this cork board on a walk with my mom one day. It was out in front of a neighbor's house in their pile of things to be picked up by the city for removal. I am always amazed at the perfectly useful items that people put out for "trash". 

So, obviously I picked it up and carried it another block back to my car.

I had the idea of a painted memo board in my head for some time. I taped off the frame of this one and spray painted it black. Then, once I decided on a herringbone pattern, I drew it out with a black marker.

I started with vertical lines:

    Next, I used a ruler to make alternating diagonal lines. A herringbone pattern is similar to a chevron pattern. The only difference is alternating the colors between the lines. I colored in the lines that needed to be painted so that I wouldn't loose track while painting.

I used regular acrylic paint to paint in all the lines. I redecorated my daughter's art nook and it makes for a fun and new way to hang her artwork:

She's in a rainbow and heart phase...if you can't tell;)

 I also wanted to incorporate my latest vintage find. This basket makes for the perfect place to keep her coloring books and crayons both organized, and away from her little brother;)

I originally created this board to hang horizontal, but found that it fit the space better if hung vertically. Oh well, it was a fun and free project and I love the way it turned out...no matter which direction:)

RECIPE: Baked Chocolate Donuts

 

 I love homemade donuts. To be honest, going to a donut shop would be much faster than making them, but there is something about Sunday morning breakfast from scratch that makes the time spent and dirty dishes worth it.

 

BAKED CHOCOLATE DONUTS

(by Photo a Day)

 

3/4 cup FLOUR
1/4 cup COCOA
1/2 cup GRANULATED SUGAR
1 tablespoon BAKING POWDER
1/4 teaspoon SALT
1 EGG
1/2 cup MILK
1 teaspoon VANILLA
4 tablespoons VEGETABLE OIL

 (original recipe says canola oil, but I didn't have it)

 

STEP 1: Preheat oven to 450 degrees and spray donut pan. Mix together flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder and salt.

 

STEP 2: Mix in egg, milk, and vanilla for 1 minute.

 

STEP 3: Mix in oil until well combined and pour into measuring cup with a spout.

 

STEP 4: Fill donut pan 2/3 full and bake donuts for 7-9 minutes.

 

While donuts are cooling, roll some in powdered sugar. For glaze, combine 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 tbsp water or milk and mix together. Dip top of donuts into glaze and let set on cooling rack until glaze sets.