Recently, I got a waterproof case for my phone, which has two tiny holes through which a small lanyard tether can be threaded. Lanyards with the thin strong thread attachment (like what comes with cameras) are impossible to find. I snitched two wrist strap lanyards from old cameras, and then tied a bolero tie to each one so I could wear it around my neck. My intention was to kayak, and video-tape hands-free with my iPhone. I needed a neck strap that attached to the phone and easily and quickly adjusted for length.
However, the one I constructed was clumsy, and bulky. I had to leave the neck strap attached to my phone which was certainly not ideal. I went to every camera, sport, and department store to find a neck lanyard with two quick release attachments for the device. Nothing. Not a single item in any store that would remotely meet my needs.
Time to surf the internet. I found two neck lanyards on line. One was for the GoPro camera, and looked perfect. The second also looked close to perfect.(It only had one tether attachment per neck strap, but came with 3 in a package. I could probably jury-rig something with all those parts.) Both came with quick release buttons so I could easily take the strap on and off the phone. I ordered both since they were not expensive and I wasn't sure which would be best.
The first one arrived. This was the one with just one lanyard attachment on the neck leash but three in the package. I cut two apart, laced them together and made a pretty decent neck strap with two quick release lanyard attachments. It was better than the jerry-built double wrist lanyard, but it was not perfect. I could tell that the quick release buttons were somewhat flimsy, and would not last long. Additionally, the neck length didn't quite adjust short enough, so the camera was not in the best position for filming hands-free.
Finally, the Go-pro lanyard came. It had two attachments with quick release buttons (yay) but the neck strap didn't adjust small enough so I could raise the phone just under my chin for optimal videotaping while kayaking. I went on-line, searching "scarf slides" and "bolero slides." Nothing looked like it would work. Then I found an old belly pack I no longer use, and it had a perfect slide that would fit over the strap for quick length adjustment! It worked just like I hoped! The neck strap now adjusted as small or long as I wanted it with ease. The new problem was the slide could slide right off the end. Hmmmmm. Voila! I found a small thin carabiner that clipped on the end of the strap and the slide could not fall off. It worked perfectly, and adjusted the neck strap length easily with the slide safely secure! (This was critical if I was to be able to adjust camera position instantly as I kayaked and videotaped.) Now just one more step! I was so excited as I began to thread the thin tether straps for the quick release attachments through the holes at the base of my phone case.
oh-oh.
The attachment straps were too fat...they would not go through the tiny phone case holes. I pondered the problem for a day. I tried to force the straps through the holes. Just. No. Way. I decided it was impossible and gave up.
I put the second neck lanyard I'd made back on the phone, and triple knotted the lanyard attachment to strengthen and secure it. However, the next morning, I was out doing errands, so stopped at Lowes. Maybe they would have an idea for the perfect third neck strap with the too thick lanyard attachment lines. I showed the worker my phone and strap. He said they had nothing that was small enough that would work.
Sadly, I traveled on to Michaels Craft store. Maybe a jewelry or bead-making attachment would work. (I know what you are thinking. This was a lot of effort, time, frustration and work to solve a rather inconsequential problem.) I perused the aisles for an hour. Defeated, I was ready to turn and go home, when I stumbled upon a lobster clasp in the leather work aisle that looked like it might work. Then I found o-shaped clasps that were a possibility. Finally, I found earring backings that could potentially do the trick. I bought all three and headed home.
Another problem now confronted me. In perfecting the length of the attachment of the second (imperfect) lanyard, I had (with difficulty) triple knotted each attachment straps. It was the neck strap currently attached to my phone, and I tried and tried, but could not get either of the attachment tethers off. I almost gave up, (again...) completely unable to untie the knots. Despair set in. I gave it one more try, and one came undone. After intense battle, I managed to undo the second one as well. I slipped them off my phone. Then I chose the first loop clasp I'd bought at Michaels. Way too small! Oh cruel, cruel world. Next I tried the lobster clasp. I could hardly contain my joy. It worked!!!!! Success! Praise God for perseverance!!! I attached the quick release tethers to the small lobster clasps with ease, and my perfect neck strap for my iPhone was complete. Perfect. Just what I'd envisioned.
God taught me something I had no idea I would need so desperately that day. Never give up. When things look hopeless, remember God has it all under control. Sometimes you just have to not grow weary, keep trying and praying, and know that He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.
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