Abstract: A decorative composite is formed by extruding a plurality of colored rods to form an elongated decorative composite article having a decorative pattern throughout defined by the individual rods. The decorative composite can be formed into decorative consumable articles, such as soap bars, deodorants, air fresheners or candy. A decorative veneer can be formed by slicing thin sections in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the decorative composite article. A decorative wax veneer can be formed by employing colored wax rods. The decorative wax veneer is applied to a core to form a decorative article, such as a clear wax core to form a glowing candle. Enhanced resolution of the decorative pattern is achieved by generating an enlarged digitized image of the decorative pattern comprising a plurality of colored pixels and selecting individually colored rods in accordance with the observed colored pixels of the enlarged digitized image.