Help: Shellac/Lacquer Sticks

A while back someone in the ng recommended using shellac/lacquer
sticks to repair small cracks in the seats of some cherry dining
chairs that I'm refinishing.

Here's where I am at:

I just received three shades of shellac/lacquer sticks from Lee
Valley. The chairs are stripped and will be finished with a linseed
oil wiping varnish.

First question: do I match the shade of the sticks to the unfinished
or finished color of the wood (i.e., will the sticks change color once
the finish is applied)?

Second question: how do I blend the sticks to get the proper shade?
Should I break off small chips, melt them, and mix together until I
match the shade of the cherry wood?

Third question: how do I melt the sticks? Should I use a small metal
bowl and a propane torch, a shellac knife and an alcohol burner, etc.?

All suggestions are appreciated.

Dave