I believe the strips are designed to be attached/adhered to whatever it is trying to heat. If the strip is just floating by itself not attached to anything it has the possibility of burning up. I'm trying to find the link where i read this info....

my strip pulls 4-5 amps at 60W!

I'm thinking the paint can idea. I'll cut the can 3" from the bottom and adhere the strip to the inside. Then cut a hole in the bottom of the can for temp readings/glow plug ignitor. Then use your oven mit idea to cover it....