these addressable leds are fun but need to be on a pcb or imbedded in something. 5v gnd and a data line doesn't go in to an old bulb base very easy. OR AT ALL Let alone rewiring(daisy chained) and programming . I'm using some in a arduino project that are chained together like xmas lights with the leads soldered and imbedded in a round kinda snap in base. I cut some lexan type plastic and drill a a couple holes and then they mount similar to current sterns. Makes the game totally custom. Being any color they are very cool. I want to say a string of 100 was about 9-11 bucks from ebay
I also do what the OP does when i need a flex type that I don't have enough of, or all I got have the wrong base.