Blending isn't exactly rocket science. 90% of the work involves getting the surface truly flat, prepping (rinse and repeat) and sourcing the right paint shade which is getting harder for old VW's. If you get those things right then it's just about effort with various levels of sandpaper. You'll never get a perfect body shop paint job here, but you're talking, what a 1.0 perhaps? It isn't worth spunking money on and is worth learning a skill that could be useful in the future.
OR, as others have sensibly suggested, put the strips back on.