In June, FOF Debra Bachelder won an FOF business makeover with leading career coach, Jeff Williams. She’s successfully launched her jewelry company DFB City Street Gems which she continues to grow with Jeff’s help.
Now, she’s offering two lucky FOFs a chance to win nostalgic necklaces from her collection, which is inspired by found objects from her childhood.
To enter, comment below and tell us: Which necklace do you like and why? Then, read on to learn about Debra’s business makeover.
Thank you for entering. This contest is now closed.
For over thirty years, 53-year-old Debra Bachelder has been involved in various art ventures; she worked as a Wall Street graphic designer, ran a Southwest/Asian-inspired jewelry line called Fiesta and leads art programs for different at-risk populations.
“I always came back to making stuff,” says Debra. “I’m originally from New York and moved to a small town in Ohio. After 14 years, I was still homesick. I needed a way to cope.”
She began making pieces using items one might find on the streets of New York: bottle caps, coins, watch parts and charms.
“I started wiring it all together and wearing it. Next thing I knew, I was taking orders.”
“Debra came to me probably a month and a half into starting her business,” said Jeff. “She already had a name for the company, a legal agreement, suppliers, and a preliminary business plan. She’s very savvy but she needed help with the tactical stuff. As a lot of entrepreneurs do, she felt very overwhelmed.
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For more information about DFB City Street Gems, e-mail Debra at: workitout@redbird.net (and put “FOF” in the subject line).
Enter to win one of Debra’s Street Gems™ necklaces by commenting below and telling us: Which of the two necklaces would you choose, and why?
0 Responses to “{Giveaway} Win Nostalgic Necklaces!”
Merrill says:
I just LOVE the ball and jacks necklace! That is sooo cool!
Deborah fiorille says:
Oh the jacks are so cool!
PEI LENG MOROTO says:
Love the design of the Jax on the stoop. Easily match with any clothing.
KTYX says:
I would wear either one. To see them made me smile and think of playing in the old neighborhood with great friends and cool sisters!!
grammydiva12 says:
I would love the jacks and ball, because I was hard to beat in the game of jacks as a child.It brings back such memories!
connie stanley says:
i would definitely chose the skate key necklace. when i was younger i lived in skates. it is adorable!!!!
sharon910 says:
Iwould love the jax. played them when I was young.
Cynt1 says:
I love the Jax on the Stoop Necklace! It brought back wonderful memories of my childhood. Playing on the top of the steps on the porch, priceless! I love it, would love to win it!
Donna Weaver says:
Really love the jax and ball necklace. Wonder if I can still do it now that I’m 60 years old. My biggest problem will be gettin down on the floor and back up again. Ha!
Gloria says:
I like pearl nacklaces because they are beautiful and I love pearls.
Esther Bradley-DeTally says:
Who could ever forget memories of skating and jacks pleasure, locked under my right rib. There’s nothing like a skate key and a smooth sidewalk and open universe. It is a vertible symbol for women – “yes, you can do it,” and jacks, playing it, an ode to nimbleness of fingers and mind. Antidote to ADHD? Who knows – only the Shadow knows. Kudos to the jewelry designer. I might jump out of a moving airplane to get a skate key or reminder of jacks!
lorraine says:
If I can only pick one-I’ll go with the Skate Key necklace, although the Jax necklace is very cute.
Jimmye A. Hay says:
I like the Jax on the Stoop necklace because it reminds me of the wonderful times I had playing jax as a child, and feeling like a jax champion, even if I was playing by myself. When playing with other girls it was like being an Olympic champion!
LORI KODIMER says:
I like the Jax necklace best as it seems more like me. It’s fun looking.
Cynthia Stetson says:
beautiful love them!
Debbie Chaney says:
I love the skate queen necklace because it reminds me of sweet teenage years at the local skating rink.
Joanne Vicente says:
I went totally bonkers when I saw that wonderful necklace with jacks and a pink ball! I loved that game so much, my favorite gift for my 10th birthday was a set of gold-plated jacks and a clear ball, which I still have, more than half a century later! Love it!!!
Shannon says:
The Jax on a Stoop necklace is the one I would choose. Mostly because I used to play jax a lot when I was a kid. I used to love that game.
rjcard123 says:
Boy oh boy….the skate key necklace brings back many memories…I would love it
Judy Costin says:
Love both, but boy does the skate key bring back memories, so I would have to choose that one.
Back in the day I can remember always searching for the skate key needed to tighten or loosen up the roller skates. Great Idea
Penny McCarthy says:
I love both of these necklaces! I think the jax is a bit more esthetically pleasing because of the shape and drape, however I LOVED to rollerskate with my best friend Sheila when I was eight years old. (We would skate up and down our street for hours.) What a fun reminder!! I want to order one for her as well…
Thank-you for these, and the trip down memory lane.
Sandra Kucinich-Horn says:
I do like the skate key necklace the best. It takes me back to days that were not packed with schedules and obligations that need to be weighed by importance. I would spend hours skating up and down our driveway back in Cleveland with my sister, our dog Angel nipping at the skates. The black-top was bumpy, and it would make my legs still feel tickly even after my skates were off. I still remember how exciting it was the first time I figured out how to go backwards!
Sunn ymay says:
I appreciate the Skate Key Necklace the most, since recalling the days when slapping on skates over shoes and taking off on the cement floor in the basement using the pipe supports as a game to spin around. We also found all the bumps in the sidewalks gliding down the street. Back when my parents were dating, my great uncle ran a skating pavilion which was the place to go to meet up with others. Now, there’s a lot more choices for entertainment.
Carol in LV says:
I would have to pick the bicycle key ~ it reminds me of one of my fav songs of my youth…Brand New Key – Melanie, and I would certainly enjoy wearing it!
Connie Faulkner says:
I love the ball and the jacks. That is so cute and nostalgic. I’ve got to have it.
ogden says:
i like the skate key necklace for many reasons. one i used to skate and loved it! i like the idea of wearing a key, keys open up so many things and so many doors and it is a great symbol to wear something that creates an opening in your life!
sherrie says:
OOOHHH of course the ball and jax! It reminds me of my childhood play. I had a lonely childhood with a broken family but, would always have my ball and jacks! They remind me of those playfull hrs! That my slinky and the paddle and ball. LOL!
Robin Christian says:
I would definitely choose the Jax ans Stoop necklace. My childhood was not that great. But as soon as I saw the necklace it brought to mind those rare, sweet moments, when my siblings and I played together.
Karen Lund says:
i would love the jax necklace, because it reminds me of when I was a kid – carefree and full of fun. Sometimes as we get older and more responsibilities we forget the kid in us and this necklace would serve as a reminder.
Vivian says:
I love pink it was my grandma’s favorite color and when I was a child she would play with me, those are the best memories of her and I know that she is looking down from heaven. Plus your design are truly beautiful.
Terri Bond says:
This is easy. The Ball and Jacks. To always remind me I am a kid at heart, and of my Mom and my Gramma who I no longer have in this life.
Kimberly says:
i like the skate key because it reminds me of the skating I used to do. I think my Mom might still have them stored somewhere.
Teresa C. says:
I would pick the Jax because the pink ball is all me…and the represent my three daughters! They are all grown now and I miss them every day.
Patricia Assanowicz says:
love the jax on the stoop, great memories of childhood, we played for hours, so I thought why not go out and buy a new Jax set, great party favors and at my next paty we can all feel like kids again, KUDOS to Debra, she still has the child in her and great design on jewelry, I love this lariet style necklace, I would LOVE to win this. Thanks for the chance to feel like a kid again.
Dorene Beraldo-Burt says:
Love the skate key! I always lost mine, and had to use my dad’s pliers, or some other tool! I, too am 53 years old, and considering a change of business. Instead of working for someone, I want to write books for others! Debra Bachelder has inspired me!
Thank you!
Sharon Allred says:
Love both of the necklaces and SOOOO proud of Debra for putting her talent out there for the rest of us to enjoy. My first pick is Jacks on the Stoop because it reminds me of my childhood but in an elegant way. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Cherie says:
A walk down memory lane…..Jax On The Stoop Necklace- what a great idea! Growing up in a lower middle class divorced home, we didn’t have much money for outside entertainment so we spent many nights playing games at home. Jax was one of my favorites… just the thought brings me right back to the kitchen floor playing with my dad.
Marie Nicklas says:
I love the jacks necklace! I remember fondly my games of jacks with my five sisters. We were all close in age, from a family of 10 children, and jacks were an inexpensive toy for us to share. It created a close knit family of sisters, despite the age difference from the oldest to the youngest sister (11 years). Those were the days!
sherie says:
i would have to chose the the SKATE QUEEN necklace. i use to skate all the time. instead of walking, if i could, i would skate there! i use to go to the skating rink on the weekends. i think it kept me out of trouble! i had long ganggly legs…but i sure loved to skate! i thought i was the skating queen! LOL!
Tina Staniscia says:
My mother-in-law just passed away and one of the things we found in her belongings was a set of jacks, never opened. I would definitely choose the Jax on a Stoop necklace to remember her by and to remind me how short life is and to have fun.
Katherine Spillman says:
I love that skate key. I used it many many times in my youth sailing down the sidewalk.
Cathy G says:
I love the Jax necklace! We lived in the country and there was no where to skate, but I do remember Jax!!!
kay wolter says:
skate key please and thank you
kymberly davidson says:
Gotta have the SKATE QUEEN!!! My nickname is Queenie, My girlfriend has called me that for over 15 years… the amazing thing is I only answer to her voice. Don’t be calling me that if your name isn’t Marilyn…lol…
Deborah Hoffman says:
I love the lariat style jax necklace- something so basic made into wearable art. I have the best memories of playing jax as a little girl. I still have an old set of jax as a keepsake from those carefree days!
Terry Jackson says:
I love, love, love the “Jax On The Stoop” necklace! It brings back great memories from my childhood and it also is feminine with th etouch of “pink” and a great icebreaker. I also am partial to it’s name Jax since my last name is Jackson.
They are both very unique but definitely Jax is my pick!
Debra Nicholson says:
I like the Skate Queen necklace. It is unusual and people will ask what it is. I also like heavy chains.
Dolores says:
I would love the Skate Queen Necklace! I remember having to use the skate key to tighten my skates every time we went skating and, just like in the description of the necklace, I carried it on a shoestring! With winter fast approaching, the funky retro design would be perfect with a simple sweater and jeans. I don’t have nearly enough jewelry that goes with a casual look.
Ellen says:
I love the skate key – I think of skating down the scary tunnel under the subway that looked so steep when I was about 7. My mom didn’t know I was there at all. I also think about all the scraped knees…
Theresa Buchle says:
I love, love, LOVE the skate key! One of my fondest memories was learning to skate. I had skates with keys, the skates that locked to fit your foot, lace up skates, skates that looked like tennis shoes. But I loved my key skates. Plus, I remember the pain of stepping on those metal jacks! 🙁
hofken says:
Of the two necklaces I would choose the Jax on the Stoop because I love the lariat style.
Cynthia.Richardson@azbar.org
CJ says:
What a beautiful way to capture that memory. So delicate. I love it.
CJ says:
I love the jax! We were to poor for skates. Jax was the social game of my neighborhood. We played until we had to raise the skill levels. On your knees. One hand behind your back. Throw the ball up from behind your knee. Bend over, touch your toes before you pick up. Eyes closed. Bounce the ball against the wall first. We were the baddest. I couldn’t do the “spin first”. Too dizzy!
Eugenie says:
I like the skate key because I used my skates so much that the wheels finally wore through so that I could see the ball bearings inside. I skated at the playground and on the sidewalks around where I lived.
Melody Susong says:
I love both, but if I have to choose it would be the Jax on the Stoop necklace. I think it’s very unique and enjoyed playing jax when I was a little girl. I love the way the ball sparkles. Your designs are beautiful Debra!!
Jennifer R. says:
I would want the jax because while my parents were in Europe my sister and I were playing and somehow it became a game of pour the jax on your face. My eyes were closed and for some reason I decided to open my mouth and a jax went right down into my throat. Our grandparents were babysitting us and took me to the hospital where the doctors had to use a vacuum type machine to get it out. To this day everyone in my family talks about the jax story. It took my grandparents years to tell my parents it had happened.
Debbie Atkins says:
I like the skate key because as a teenager that’s what my sister & I did every Saturday night for a year. We were from the country and went to the city to the skating rink and oh, the city boys were so cute!!
Fabulous Mimi says:
well aren’t these just the most fun necklaces I’ve seen in a long, long time…..brings back lots and lots of fond memories!
sisterciao says:
I would choose the skate key, although most of my childhood skating was ice skating. Still have a hairline fracture of my tailbone from those skating adventures! Lovely jewelry, memory making!
sisterciao says:
I would love the skate key, although I mostly remember ice skating in my childhood. I still have a fractured tailbone from those skating adventures on the ice!
Darla says:
Love them both. Was always losing my skate key, so now I can have it around my neck!
Barbara Tyler says:
What an enchanting idea for a business. I’m originally from New York, too, and often feel that wistful longing to be back there. I enjoyed reading how Jeff helped with setting up your business. I love your ideas and spent many happy hours on skates with a key like you reproduced. So hard to choose, but I’d go for the jacks and ball cuz I like the design and color. Best of luck to you!!
Robin Hosey says:
I love the Jax on the Stoop piece. What a nastalgic item. The 3 jaxs remind me of the past, present and future. The ball is like the world, no matter what happens, life just continues to move around you.. But aside all that, it just brings back great memories of easier times and innocence. Love, love, love it.
Deedah says:
Love the skate key necklace. Gosh, hadn’t thought about my old skates in YEARS!… I mean DECADES!
Beth Lowe says:
I would have to choose the Skate Queen necklace, it reminds me of being youthful and carefree.
Jill Guerin says:
I would choose the Jax on the Stoop necklace and remember each time that I wear it that life is about moving quickly and taking on challenges and using both your mental and physical capabilites to achieve your goals.
joyce says:
The jacks and skate key necklaces bring my childhood days back to mind.I think they are great.They remind me of a simpler innocent time.
sue hieber says:
i like thw JAX ncklace, it brings back memories of playing jacks on the sidewalk in front of the house where i grew up.
Diana says:
Love them both. Brings back great memories, I was a tomboy – always in the street – roller skating, playing jack, scully, handball. Great fun jewelry!!!!
Susan Day Pfeifer says:
I like the Skate Queen Necklace. My friend and I always sing “Band New Key” at karaoke and the crowd loves it.
cindy ward says:
I like the Jax on the stoop necklace best, the reason is I think i like the two colors over the one color, I also
recall playing Jaxs as a child with my sister, when I wore the necklace I would have a safe feeling and remember the good days of childhood.
CYNDI says:
I saw that jack and ball necklace and my mind went back to that 7 year old blond girl on the stoop playing by herself. The warmness of the feeling that I had made me realize how your business is a success and should remain one.
Patty says:
Many memories on the stoop of our back door playing Jacks with my pals.
Love the idea. fun, fun , fun
Martha S. Kerr-Burke says:
I would love to have the jacks & ball necklace ! I have fond memories of playing when I was going to school and I was very good at it. It was one of my favorite things to do and I think I may still have some! Hope I get one-Thank You
Wendy Brown says:
The Jax on the Stoop Necklace is unique and beautiful and owning it would be a prized piece for me. I learned how to play jacks as a little girl in California from my mother who learned how to play jacks on her stoop in New York City when she was a little girl. I remember the little pink rubber ball and the silver toned jacks which she gave me in its own little storage sack. I also remember laughing so hard when my mother was teaching me the game because she could bounce the ball and grab the jacks up so very fast from the first one to all of them and I would laugh until my stomach hurt. A prize piece for a prized memory of my girlhood!
Nancy says:
OH MY!
It would have to be the Skate Queen Necklace.
My sister and I used to skate all over the sidewalks of the local university on Saturdays.
We thought of ourselves as very glamorous.. one wonders what the students thought!
I would adore that necklace..what a genius to make it~~
Linda says:
I loved playing Jacks, but never did have skates, so I would really be tickled to wear the Jax on the Stoop necklace! What a great glimpse back into innocent childhood days! Who knew that all these decades later, they would be chic?!
Cynthia S says:
I really like the Jacks & Ball. I remember playing with jacks as a kid, and this is a very unique way of display and recall.
mamayo says:
Love these! reminds me of fun filled days when we ran out to play a quick game at recess! clever & cool!
Deborah says:
I enjoyed playing with Jacks with my grandmother, so I would choose the Jacks and Ball necklace. A simple game but a most enjoyable one at that. Memories….
Susan Konko says:
I love the skate key necklace the best, because when I was a young girl that was our favorite thing to do. We loved roller skating around the neighborhood and would do it for what seemed like hours wearing our skate key on a chain around our neck so we didn’t lose it. Now, as an adult working in a school, I still go roller skating with the students.
Moonchime says:
I would love to own the Jax on the stoop necklace because as soon as I opened my email and saw it–my inner child leapt with joy! So many wonderful childhood memories came flooding back in that instant of time. Not too many things in this world are able to evoke emotions so powerful.
Thank you for this opportunity.
Vickie Harris says:
Jacks, MY FAVORITE CHILDHOOD GAME!!! Wow, this brings back some of my favorite memories. I saw some in the book store just last week end…but, guess what? I already have some……..still play with them, too. That would be a gem to wear!! LOVE IT!!!!
Patricia says:
I love the “jacks” necklace. It brings back so many wonderful memories. It also reminds me of “pixie sticks” and playing “old maid”………….thanks for the return to the past and my childhood.
Patricia Assanowicz says:
How cool are these necklaces, I love the Jack on the Stoop Lariat necklace, my sister and my best friend played jacks almost everyday, even though I never won we had a blast, my sister was crowned queen of jacks with a cut out cardboard box, even though we tryed to make it look like a jack, i guess it was the thought that counted, who ever won had the honor of wearing the jack crown. I would love to win this necklace, it would remind me everyday of the childhood fun and laughter we had, I would wear it when I go to visit my sister and I know she will laugh her head off, What a great idea Debra has to make jewelry out of childhood memories we all can reate too. Yes, the Jack on the Stoop is my all time favorite hands down!!!!
MG Stewart says:
Definately the jacks! They bring back good memories!
JoAnne says:
Love these, what a great idea Debra! They are both so cool, but if I won I would like the Jax on the stoop necklace because it brings back so many childhood memories of playing jax. They’re both adorable!
Karen says:
I like the jacks and ball, a fav way to pass time as a kid, playing jacks. This really targets baby boomers who have the cash to spend. Great strategy!
I’d make this kind of jewelry if I were doing this kind of thing. I wish her lots of good luck with this venture.
Jo says:
Oh, I love the skate key!
Just looking at it, even online, brings back a ton of memories. What a great idea!
You know, I was always falling down in those darn skates! But, I always got right back up, w/o even thinking about it. A good philosophy to follow now. Now that I’m a so called, “grown up”. Don’t even think about it, just get right back up!
dotti says:
THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES. I’D LOVE TO EXPLAIN THESE CHARMS TO MY GRANDCHILDREN
Debbie says:
Oh my goodness, it is too hard to choose. But the jacks have to be the winner because they are so universally identifiable. How retro and precious a reminder of my youth. I love it!
Rebecca says:
I prefer the ball and jacks, because I was never much of a skater.
Darlene says:
Both brought back a flood of memories! I would love to win either necklace, but if I had to choose just one, it would have to be the Jax on the Stoop. Thank-you, Debra, for the memories!
Ann Pietruszewski says:
I would love to wear a skate key ( again) It was the one accessory I wore everyday as a young girl
Karen says:
I’m a former New Yorker too, and that skate key is a slew of childhood memories for me. And besides, I think the iconic shape will look incredible on a black evening dress. Best of luck to Debra on her new jewelry company — her work is terrific!
bonnie says:
oh I would choose jax on the stoop necklace. I would play jax for hours, remember how much fun pick-up-sticks was?
Karen Perales says:
My sisters and I were the Skate Queens of our neighborhood! I love the skate key necklace. I have been looking for a skate key at antique shops but have not found one yet. I know I would get a lot of great comments on this wonderful necklace.
Beth says:
I just love the handful of jacks necklace! It’s so clever!
jhendon60 says:
Playing jacks on the playground–that was fun!
Vivian says:
My favorite color is pink, plus the jacks and the ball bring sweet memories of my grandmother she would play with me until the wee hours of the night. I would love to wear the necklace I haven’t worn any jewerly since I was mugged several years ago, this would be awesome to show off.
ruth roscoe says:
Both are a blast from the past; a, I was a really really good jacks player so I would especially enjoy that one. A great conversation starter, I would wear it every day.
Thank you, Ruth
Sara says:
I love the Jax on the Stoop necklace. Looks really nice and brings back lots of memories. Good old times!!!!!!!!!!
Karen Coughlin says:
Love both of the necklaces….reminds me of my childhood friends and the fun we had.
Jennifer Alexander says:
My favorite is the jacks and ball. It brings back wonderful memories of when my best friend and would play for hours.
What a fun childhood I had!
Debbie Thomas says:
I would like the skate queen necklace. Using clip on skates with my black and white saddle shoes gave me a sense of freedom that helped by chubby little girl self feel fearless! Not sure if will give the same sense of forward fashion as my original skate key necklace. It hung on a well used and double knotted shoelace!
Barbara Desmond says:
I like the handful of jacks necklace. It is whimsical and would be more fun to wear.
Toni says:
the Jacks and Ball. I think anyone over the age of 50 stepped barefoot on a jack but loved them anyway!
Shellie Robin says:
I like the Skate Queen necklace. I love silver and this is a conversation piece for sure! Love the idea of targeting women’s roller derby teams. Would be ideal to engrave the team name on the skate key!
julie tinkey says:
the skate key and the jacks. i still have mine from the 60s! 🙂
Debra Kinton says:
I think the jacks and ball necklace is so adorable! It does bring back a lot of memories. I would LOVE to wear it.
doreen Mallozzi Hicks says:
I would love to own the jacks/ lariat. I used to play jacks all the time with my sisters and brothers. I’ve attributed many hours of winning, it would be nice to wear and carry a momento of my childhood. Who would have thought, what a great idea!
Marcia Robinson says:
It’s jax, jax, and jax every time. It’s my childhood and it brings back so many great memories of playing this great game, whether I won or not.
Holly Hartman says:
I was serious about jacks! I can still feel the heat of the sidewalk as I sat on the sidewalk in front of my house in San Diego in 4th grade. That’s the necklace I’m drawn to, Jax on the Stoop…and what a fun word ‘stoop’ is!
Hannah B. says:
The Skate Queen necklace just brought back my childhood to me in a flash! My parents were pretty poor and I didn’t have many toys or playmates, and I wasn’t allowed to ride a bike so I spent all of my play time on my roller skates. I wore a skate key just like that (minus the crystals) around my neck on a pink satin ribbon and skated up and down the sidewalk in front of our house. I’d love to win that to remind me of how far I’ve come in life!
Nancy Herman says:
These two pieces really brought me back to my youth- skating at Jones Beach in the summer and playing jax at camp. Ahh, young adolescent fun!
I guess I’ll have to go with the skate key. How I loved to skate in circles forwards and backwards.
Nancy says:
The Jax on the Stoop necklace is loads of fun! I’d use it as an ice breaker during author’s day at the local schools.
MARY says:
I love the jax on the stoop necklace. It has a very clever and unique design, and it reminds me of my childhood.
Grace Papaseraphim says:
LOVE these! Especially the skate key!
yanksdiva says:
The jacks, definitely. I had totally forgotten that as a kid I played with jacks,it brought back a flood of fun memories!!
merrill plumlee says:
“Jax on the stoop” is my favorite-but the chioce was difficult. Very cute jewelry!
KT HESS says:
Love thim both but I never could play jacks very well so, I would have to say the skate key one! we had a box full of metal skates and a string of skate keys. The thought make me smile 😀
sonja Turetsky says:
I have just taught my 7 year old granddaughter how to play jacks. But I saved my old skate key. Both necklaces are the ‘cat’s MEOW’. Either would be a great addition to my red hat…………
Jyl Ferris says:
I love the necklace with the jacks. It reminds me of summer camp. It was one of our favorite rainy day activities. It would be a pleasure wearing your jewelry.
Sera Jahn says:
I love both, designs are unique. Each morning I get up and take my shower I admit that I often sing while in the shower: I ride my bike I roller skate……so for now I am enjoying the Skate Queen Necklace.
Lynne Rattray says:
The ball and jacks made my heart skip a beat! What an unexpected and wonderful flashback to a more simple time. Congratulations on two totally original and attention getting necklaces!
AJB says:
I love the Jax necklace. I still have the jacks & ball I used to play with as a little girl!
Val says:
It would be hard for me to pick either necklace because they both provoke memories of growing up in the city of Chicago. We played outside all the time, no TV then. Games like marbles, jacks and of course rollerskating. So that roller skate key and the jacks are in my good memories.
Marjip says:
CONGRATULATIONS! Your designs are fabulous & bring back fond memories of a childhood filled with delightful games played on the spur of the moment with friends. My favorite is the Jax on the stoop necklace. The colors are great. My hands don’t allow playing any more but the necklace would bring back a sweet memory. Thank you for offering these pieces to us. Wishing you continued success!
maggie says:
I WOULD DEFINITELY GO FOR THE JACKS NECKLACE. I AM THE EIGHT CHILD AND HAD TO KEEP MYSELF BUSY. PLAYING JACKS WAS ONE WAY. NICE MEMORIES.
Kathy says:
I skated with 4 brothers and 2 sisters! We would always find those skatekeys in the strangest places! With all these siblings sharing the keys, we should have hung them up somewhere. I nearly cried looking at this necklace and would love to have it.
stephanie ~ paisley petunia says:
definitely the jacks, such a fun simple game, a tribute to youth!
Missie says:
Brings back great memories at the rink.
Melanie Baril says:
I really love the jacks necklace..It brings back fun memories of playing the game with friends back once upon a time.How many jacks could you grab off the floor and still catch the ball? A very pleasant retro piece,would love to have one and be reminded of then.Debra is obviously a very talented artist and business woman.
Elaine says:
Love the jax on the stoop necklace. It brings back memories of my childhood.
Regina Kissell says:
GIVEAWAY I had to smile when I saw the necklaces. I remember learning to play jacks with my older cousins at my Grandma’s house. And I was thrilled when I got my first pair of skates for Christmas: I had to learn to skate indoors, but I loved them!
Tricia says:
Gosh, what a hard decision! As a kid I loved to skate and, of course, always wore the skate key around my neck and would skate almost anywhere a surface would allow it; but I also loved to play jacks, whether by myself, with friends or with my sisters. Over the years, I taught my daughter and granddaughters how to play jacks, too. What fun and great memories! In honor of those warm memories, I will choose the Jax on the Stoop.
Joan Shupryt says:
Though I love both necklaces, I would have to say I really would love to win the jax on the stoop!
That necklace takes me back to my wonderful childhood!
I grew up in a newer suburban community in what was formerly farmland. Our family and are neighbors were one car families and the men in the family usually took that one car to work. Phone service took a year or so to be common in every home. Lucky for us the one neighbor who worked for the phone company had service and was very generous with allowing us to receive and make calls from their home in a pinch!
Because we were somewhat isolated, we kids had to entertain ourselves. Jax was often the girls choice. I played countless hours of jaxs hunched over a chalk drawn circle trying to scoop up 1zs,2zs, 3zs etc.
What great memories!!!
P.S. I also spent lots of time with my skate key! We had the first “skateboards” made of skate wheels screwed into a two by four…so we were constantly screwing and unscrewing the wheels from the skates to the “skateboards”!
Alison Camon says:
The skate key for sure. Our shoemaker (he also sold used ice skates) had a box of skate keys in his shop for a nickel. I spent a lot of my allowances buying replacement keys. What a FAB memory to bring up. Thanks.
Patricia says:
I would choose BOTH 🙂 But if I could only have one, it would be the jax. They are so fun, and they really do bring you back to our childhood. I love the memories of playing outside with my sisters and neighborhood friends until it got dark. What a great idea! (And I will gladly take the skate key if no one else wants it!!!)
Belinda Boyles says:
I ADORE the Jacks & Ball Necklace and would LOVE to have one – it takes me back to a simpler time when my biggest concerns were homework and the long walk to and from school! What a cute idea, just terrific!!
catherine says:
I’d have to chose the Jacks necklace because thats the one I use to play. I had the tennis shoe skates the funky 70’s ones no key required.
Leslie Carcaise says:
The Skate Queen necklace is so cute! It brings back memories from so long ago, Friday nights skating at the local skating rink. Oh So Long Ago………….
Mildred says:
I think the biggest memory for me would be the Skate Queen Necklace. How we loved having those keys around our neck and those metal skates were so much fun. I can hear those skates so clear on the pavement right now. We even took the old broken skates and made them into skateboards. I could never stand up on the skateboards, they were pretty wobbly, so I would sit on them and ride it down the street.
Roz Rickman says:
Necklaces are certainly unique. I love different and innovative jewelry. Necklace is so reminiscent of my grammar school days (jacks plus pink ball). I am now 68, so I’m going waaaaaaaaaaaay back.
Thank you for your ingenuity.
Helen says:
Love these necklaces — they remind me of my childhood. It’s so hard to choose, but I think I’d pick the skate key. We spent many long hours skating — with the key around our necks.
Carolyn Parkin says:
Ooooh, the jacks and skate key bring back sooo many memories. I love these! Kids today wouldn’t even know what a skate key is.
Elyse says:
These are both great – but I love the jacks and ball necklace! It’s whimsical and cute. It brings back that fun feeling of playing jacks on the sidewalk as a kid. I wish Debra every success with her business.
Johnnie Greene says:
You know it really does bring you back to your childhood fun! Best of all though I love the jacks and the little brilliant pink ball. You have a great business now, and the past ideas for the nostalgic necklaces is just down right on the TOP! Yes I am FOF and would just have a fun time wearing this necklace, and think of all the people that would ask me, where did you get that???? I Love it!
Maggie Jirouschek says:
I love the Jax on the Stoop Necklace – it reminds me of how we played jax on the front stoop when we were kids
Sandy Golden says:
OMGosh…I’d love to have the jacks and ball. As a kid, we went to the neighborhood park to play. In the summer, the park would ‘open’…meaning they brought toys and games and would have a person overseeing the activities all day long! It was a magical time little did I know then. We had contests (fiddle sticks, mancola, chess, etc.) and ball games, etc. So, once I was in the jacks contest and WON!! That was the highlight of my 11-year old summer (that was back when a 11-year old was still a child)!!! 🙂
Kai W. says:
These two necklaces remind me of my childhood when things are much simpler. What a way to reminiscence about my childhood.
Sharon says:
Wow, when I saw the skate key it took me back almost 60 years. I can still hear my Mother saying, “Sharon, do not skate on the hill!” Of course, we skated on the hill. I don’t know which was toughest – losing a skate on the hill, or trying to stop without going into traffic at the bottom!
Jodir says:
The Jacks & Ball. Love it! I can’t possibly total all of the hours that I spent playing Jacks with my friends. The skate key is cute but I was way to clumsy to skate well–so that would bring back bad memories. Good luck with your business!
Emily G says:
Jax on the Stoop! What fun!….Both to play the game and wear the necklace. How nice of Debra to reciprocate for Jeff’s help. Seems like he’s moving her in the right direction to be successful.
Fran Kemp says:
This was a hard decision. As as child, I loved to skate and always wore the skate key around my neck. But I also remember playing jax for hours on end. And, since I introduced “jax” to my friend in Japan, I will have to vote for the Jax on the Stoop.
Gloria Monroe says:
I would love to win the jacks and ball necklace! It brings back memories of playing jacks by myself and with my friends! I still love to play jacks and am so glad they are a game that has remained for so many years! God Bless!
Gina Douglas says:
Debra – What FUN girlfriend gifts!! Girlfriends are very important you know and what a great way to say I love you!
Libby Hargrave says:
As a young girl, my sisters and I spent many hours playing jacks on the front porch of our home. When I saw your JAX ON THE STOOP necklace, I smiled and then memories of the endless games, the laughter, the determination to win came back to me. That was a good time….
Laurie says:
I absolutely love them both. What a unique idea to allow us Fab over 50 ladies and every other girl or woman to honor her childhood. I think I like the Jacks one with the pink ball the best. I have fond memories of my childhood and my parents who have both died. I remember Dad commenting , or should I say mildly yelling “whose jacks are these on the floor” when my sister or I set them down and inadvertantly forgot them as we went on to another activity. Or mom talking about her being the only girl amongst 4 brothers, none of which would be caught dead playing jacks because they thought it was a sissy game.
Memories are what are left to treasure. I would love to win the necklace to help keep that memory alive.
Mary-Paula Allegaert says:
I too grew up in New York City, right across the street from Washington Square Park. I have such fond memories of running barefoot through the park, climbing trees, jumping rope, and yes, playing jax for hours! My husband and I, along with our 3 sons, are now “relocated” to the suburbs of New Jersey. And while I’m a working commuter Mom and not as far from home as Debra, I still miss not waking up as a “City” girl. So…I’d choose (and cherish!) the Jax on the Stoop necklace. It’s unique and utterly high style. Wow!
Karin Fulton says:
I like the skate key necklace because I loved to skate even in to my teen years. My first pair of skates were hand me downs from my neighbors and fit over your shoes and took a key that was very similar to the one on the necklace. Boy, does it bring back the memories!!!
BECKY PENA says:
It is a very hard choice.Because as a kid, I loved to play Jax and use my skates.. and was always losing my skate key. So, what I would do, I would put it on a chain around my neck every time I was skating. Then I would hang it on my wall. We all loved to skate down the street and play races. Oh, love those good ole’ days. Having FUN and a GOOD TIME, was so simple back then. I am now, 50 yrs old. So, I would think the Skate Queen necklace is preferred.
deb c says:
I love them both, but, the Jaz on the Stoop necklace is my favorite because when my sister and I were kids we would play jacks from sun up to sun down. The necklace brings back good memories. Thank you for the chance.
Karen says:
I love the jax on the stoop necklace .
I remember. when I was a kid an play ,
jacks with my sisters we had so much fun.
Skate Queen necklace .
MY hunben is thinking of one day skateing agan.
Terri Bond says:
I LOVE the Jax. i loved playing as a child. I would love to have the necklace.
Mary says:
Jacks, it is. I was GREAT at that game when I was a kid and have lots of memories of fierce jacks competitions on our kitchen floor!
Patti says:
Both necklaces are very creative and nostalgic. I think I would choose the Jax on the Stoop though, simply because I never played jacks as a child. I had visual issues and could never manage them, so this is just something I feel I missed out on.
I wish you well with your business!
Sandra says:
The Jax and Ball reminds me so much of my childhood. I loved to play jacks ( it was just you against yourself) so much that I still have one lonely jack in my jewelry box as a keepsake. It is made of metal; not like the plastic ones today. Great reminder of the past!!
Elizabeth Larson says:
I love, love, love the jacks and the pink ball. Makes me want to dress in glitter with the beautiful necklace in place, go to the disco and without self-consciousness, dance to Donna Summer’s “Last Dance Tonight!”
karen s says:
I love the ball and jacks necklace. It brings fond memories of playing that game over and over again. I’d certainly love to have this necklace. I remember that I never became bored with the game and it kept me occupied for hours on end. The fun I had bouncing the rubber ball and quickly snapping up as many jacks as fast as I could is a memory of a great time just being a child.
Diana Prewitt says:
Love the Jax on the Stoop. Being from Texas, we didn’t have to find a “stoop” to play on! What great memories.
Ruth says:
I was never too good at skating even though the key reminds me of my youth but I remember trying to scoop up as much of the jacks as possible…so much fun to do as a kid. I would chooe the jacks!!! Beautifully designed!!! Thanks
Marcie says:
I like the Jax and Skate key necklaces
Joyzkim says:
I love both necklaces, but the jacks take you right back to your childhood memories and what a pick that would bring about a comment and interest when wearing it? Very different!
Mary Evens says:
I like the skate key because I was alway losing the darned things.
Micheline says:
I would choose Jax on the Stoop because it makes me smile. It reminds me of how hard it was for me to learn how to play jacks and I had to practice and practice! I think it’s just darling.
Sandy says:
Debra, wishing you MUCH success focus, and brighter days as you go forward with your business. Thanks for the lovely offer. I would have to choose the Jax on the Stoop. Roller skates and I never got along very well and that brings up nasty memories. Jax, on the other hand, I have amazing memories of spending time with my mom. She was my very best friend and has been gone 25 years now. Blessings to you!
marlene seelig says:
Love both! But if I had to chose, the ball and jax.
A conversation piece for sure!
d. frank says:
What a cute idea to blend nostalgia with wearability! These necklaces are an adorable wink to our past…I would be happy to wear any of them…
Mona Francis says:
I lived in the country, and every Saturday night my mom and dad would take my friends and I to the skating rink. It was a rinky-dink skating rink with concrete floors way out in the country, but we loved it!
I remember the first time I went to the city to stay with my cousin and we went to a very fancy skating rink with wood floors…Wow, I was amazed, and I almost killed myself. Those floors were a lot slicker than concrete! I would Love to have the skate key necklace!!!!
Julie says:
Wow! I LOVE the idea of the nostalgic jewelry. I absolutely love jewelry, its my favorite accessory. It’s tough to choose. As a kid, all of our mothers stayed home. We had a neighborhood full of kids, we played marbles, jax, and had roller skates w/ keys, kickball in the street everynight! I remember you could adjust the size on them so it didn’t matter if I grabbed my sisters:) I would have to choose the key necklace. What a different time it was back then and such happy memories! PS- remember romper stompers? That was my favorite toy! We all had them- that would be a great nostalgic jewelry idea!
Jacqualin says:
I’d pick the jacks necklace. I was once pretty good at skating, but never mastered jacks. The necklace would be my opportunity to do that.
MrsK says:
Jacks were my absolute FAV game to play growing up. This takes me back and now I want to get some and play! Got to go with the jacks…brings back fond childhood memories!
Annamarie Dodge says:
I love the jax on the stoop necklace, that sure brings back the days of when my school friends and i used to sit out on the steps of our apartments and play jacks after school and have tournaments to see who was the best of the neighbourhood, which i was, frequently lol
Phyllis says:
Being originally from NY and moving to south FL 11 years ago reminds me of the way Debra started her business. I would LOVE to wear “a bit of NY nostalgia” around my neck to allow me to show what a great place I came from and will always be part of!
Robin says:
These are awww-inspiring!!! I’d love to wear either, but given the choice of only one would have to pick Jax on the Stoop. As a lifelong klutz, I had much better luck with that game than keeping my balance on roller skates. Wish you much success with your brilliant business, Debra — hope you sell and make millions!
Bette E Butcher says:
How well I remember jax. I was the neighborhood champion in the old days. Always had a great time with friends.
This is the necklace!
Inky says:
Oh they are both so marvelous and both remind me of childhood moments! I would have to choose the jacks and ball necklace as it would be perfect for me – I have jacks and a ball tattooed on my right leg!! it’s one of my favorite to remind me to be young – right above it is my cootie bug – because ya know, girls have cooties 😉
Cris says:
What a hard choice. I love them both. I would have to say the Jax on the Stoop necklace if having to pick one though. It just speaks to me and reminds of me of a much simpler, carefree time. Thank you and congratulations!
Lynn Jorgensen says:
I love both of these necklaces but would have to say that the Jax on the Stoop is my favorite. Love the style of it and the double hanging items ~ double the fun and memories!
Kim says:
I love the skate key!!! It reminds me of cool summer mornings skating on the sidewalks in our neighborhood before anyone was awake. The day was fresh and clean and there was no one out except for me and the rhythmic sound of the skates going over the lines in the sidewalk. It was such a wonderful time to be a kid!!!
What a wonderful jewelry concept!!!!
Ivy Pittman says:
I love the jax on the stoop necklace. Brings back memories of times when we were content playing on the porch, running up and down the street or playing jax.
Ana M Gutierrez says:
This was such an easy choice for me. Jacks, Loved it, Loved it…. As a little girl growing up in Mexico, toys were not in abundance. Playing jacks was an affordable toy and since Sunday’s was always family day at my Grandmother’s house all the cousins were around to play a good game of jacks. I still have some to play with my nieces. I even have a set that of “Piggy Jacks”… tiny little pink piglets instead of the stars. Fun, Fun, Fun…
Nancy says:
Oh, the memories. Not so much with jacks, but the skate key. I love skating. I prefer the looks of the Jax on the Stoop Necklace though. My father-in-law taught my children Jacks.
Rose G. says:
I would love the skate key because I never had my own skates (had to share with sisters) so I never had my own key.
Heather Birkman says:
I would pick the Skate key necklace because it reminds me of my mother. 🙂
suzanne says:
I would definitely choose the jacks. So many good memories of my sister and I playing jacks in the afternoons after school. What a lovely reminder of a simpler time in my life. Great design.
Margarida says:
I would choose jax on the stoop necklace, because it brings back fond childhood memories and I love the pink ball.
Mary McGill says:
I would choose the skate key necklace, because I was a big skater. I loved to rumble up and down the sidewalk and later the street in my skates. As I got older, I skated at both an ice skating rink and a roller skating rink. What great times I had flying around on wheels!
Dorothy says:
I love the skate key necklance. As a teenager I spent many of weekends in the roller rink. It was my introduction to the disco era. Thanks for the opportunity. Good Luck to all.
Jody says:
My choice would be the Jax necklace because it has a lot of charm and would be the centerpiece of any outfit that was worn. I still play Jax’s today with my cousins (younger of course) and it brings back a lot of childhood memories.
Mary Jo Manzanares says:
The Jacks! What a fun little memory of childhood.
robin says:
i love love love the jack necklace. i just purchased jumbo sized jacks so i can teach my grandson how to play.. how much fun would it be to wear the necklace??
Zina Brown says:
I just luv the jax on the stoop neckace. As a child I loved playing jack with my sister and my mother would beat up both all the time boy she was fast.
Patti T says:
I would choose Jax on the stoop. At first it was hard to choose the skate key reminds me of all the excitement I had opening up my many pairs of Union Hardware skates each Christmas. Man I would take them over a new bike any day. But the Jax remind me more of my Mom, She taught me how to play jacks and she whipped my butt repeatedly on the tensies and ninesies every time. I miss her and that was a fond memory of yesteryear.
eloria says:
I like the Jax and Ball. Very fun and unique. Way to go Debra.
Robyn says:
Thats a hard choice, because I have so many memories of both games. I loved jacks so much, so it will have to be that one. I remember all the kids on the block lining up to play, and I was one to beat them all. What memories you bring back, thank you.