I am in the current process of creating a robot with a the need for several indicator lights. At first I simply had a label with a LED over it to tell me if a particular system was enabled. The issue that arose was my LED's project light and were a bit blinding to look into, not to mention they cast light everywhere.

Control the light!

- Introducing simple LED indicator covers.

Step 1: Materials:

For the light indicators you just need a few basic, cheap materials.

Glue
Labels
Black Paint
LED of your color choice
Material for backing
VGA or DVI cable protection cap**

** I go through so many Pc video cables at work (VGA and DVI) that I thought it would be a shame to throw away the little semi-translucent caps that protect the ends of the cable. One use that I come across is that they are great for covering up LED's blaring light while allowing them to still glow.

Step 2: Assembly:

Step 1 (Picture 1): Print a short hand label for your indicator, I chose PWR for, well, Power.

Step 2 (Picture 2): Cut the label down to fit within the dimensions of the top of the cap.

Step 3 (Picture 3): Drill a hole through your backing medium, cardboard in this example.

Step 4 (Picture 4): Insert the LED through the hold and glue in place.

Step 5 (Picture 5): Center and glue the cable protection cap to the backing medium with the LED in the hollow cavity.

Step 6 (Picture 6): Apply Black, in this case acrylic, paint to keep light from shining through (This may take more than one coat.) Allow Paint to dry.

Step 7 (Picture 7): Center and apply the label to the cable protection cap.

Step 8 (Picture 8): Now you have an indicator lamp with a label and a soft glow. (It really puts off more light, sorry about the dark picture)