All of Gareth Fulbrook’s pieces are originals, even if he makes a handful from one blueprint design.

They all have their own quirks, be they lamps made out of spirit bottles, novelty skateboard shelves or naughty steps for toddlers.

So when he added the unique service of taking plaster casts of hands and feet to his range, he saw demand take off.

The 42 year-old, who opened the business 17 months ago, found having an individual cast made is so quick and easy, it is an experience in itself, hence the reason it has been so popular with kids this summer holiday.

He said: “It takes about five minutes to mix it up and have the mould taken.

“I normally say they can go away after they’ve had it done and they come back the next day. With a hand cast, you need it to set properly because it needs to be quite strong.”

It’s not until you’ve tried it that you realise how speedy the whole process is.

I met Gareth at his weekly stall in Deal Market where he sells his creations.

He said: “I was asked to come down to the market by the market manager because he wanted to add a bit of variety.”

It has proven popular – just in spreading the word about his workshop at 82 Mill Road and selling one-offs to people looking for an unusual bargain.

Gareth has some ready-made examples on show for inspiration, including baby feet encased in a driftwood box frame with a photograph of the child inside.

There are also freestanding claw-like hands, on which an apple or orange can be balanced for an eye-catching fruit bowl feature.

As a dog owner, I chose to use mine as a hook for my dog’s lead. It comes attached to a plinth and is ready to be hung on the wall.

You need to have an idea what shape you want your cast to be, and what function it will perform before you start the process, because there is no time for changing your mind once your hand is plunged into the porridge-like solution.

Gareth said the same mixture is used by dentists to create casts of teeth, so it is mild enough to be used in mouths, and thus harmless to the skin.

In two minutes it sets into a rubbery mould, plumping around your fist or foot like rising dough. And it is easy to pull your hand out of too, after a bit of loose wriggling.

It’s not messy either. It even leaves an impression of your jewellery, so it’s a perfect gift voucher to give to newlyweds wanting a joint cast showing off their wedding bands.

As promised, I arrived and left within about five minutes and was delighted with the result – a personalised wall hanging that’s unique to me.

To book, contact Gareth Fulbrook on 07772163918 or visit him at Deal Market, High Street, Deal or at Eighty Two Bespoke Furniture, 82 Mill Hill, Deal.