[SML] Dummy loads for LED light bulb strings

[Joe]

I am helping with a production, where we made an old-fashioned illuminated sign, where there are bare bulbs inserted inside the letters. I.e. a "bulb letter" sign.  I chose to use screw-in LED light bulb strings, because I knew they wouldn't get hot, and I could just cut the letters out from foam board.  However, I forgot that many (most?) DMX dimmer packs tend to let a little electricity through. This results in the inability to turn the LED lights off entirely, and sometimes, in them flickering.
Aside from purchasing more modern dimmer packs, that know to cut the power totally off when dimmed down to zero,  I recall that one solution was to plug in a dummy load.  I experimented with a curling iron, and it worked well. Though, actually it was hard to find one, even in a thrift store, that didn't have a digital temperature setting.  Those default to off if just plugged them in to power it up.  Analog stuff is disappearing.
I vaguely recall the idea of using a 100 watt bulb in a Par Can, with a black foil "gel" to block the light. But, I am hesitant to have hot items backstage anymore, especially for a small scale performance that will be touring to a few non-traditional performing spaces. Any other suggestions?
-Joe
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