The current invention introduces a semiconductor light emitting device mounted in a free-standing way for enhanced light extraction and handling simplicity. The free-standing mount is based on the mechanical strength of the current carrying connectors, such as wires or bonds. Such mounted LED die can be placed into standard light bulb body for compatibility with existing household, car, consumer electronics or industrial light sources. The current invention provides increased light extraction efficiency which makes general LED lighting simpler and cheaper. The mounting into a conventional light bulb provides the consumer with the ease of handling and mounting.