We were introduced to Mantelpiece earlier this year and immediately fell in love with the brand and its founder, Elisabeth Chambry. Chambry’s creation of a unique vase bong had us in awe with how this accessory had two roles and discreetly hid its true purpose in plain sight. We had to speak with Chambry and learn more about her and how Mantelpiece came into existence.
Tell us about your relationship with the plant and how it’s been beneficial to your life?
I started partaking in my early twenties, when I found out some of my family members used weed and realized it wasn’t this big scary thing I’d been led to believe. At first, I only used it for fun: to spark ideas, make art, go on adventures, hang out with friends. It wasn’t something I thought of as part of my routine.
That’s changed. Now I’m a near-daily user, and it genuinely helps me function. I found out more recently that I’m neurodivergent, and the plant helps me stay regulated. My mind feels clearer. My nervous system feels calmer. It’s one of the only things that helps me drop back into my body.
Describe your path to starting Mantelpiece and what led to that inspiration?
My path to Mantelpiece really started when I was a kid. My brother and I were always coming up with inventions and brand ideas. Almost every single one of those ideas eventually did become real, just not by us. We didn’t have the resources to build anything back then, but the instinct was always there.
Now that I’ve been working in affiliate marketing for over a decade, I have a strong sense of what kinds of products are out there, what’s missing, and what makes something truly good. A few years ago, I was looking for a piece to honor my ritual, something beautiful, well-designed, and worth the price, and I couldn’t find one. So I decided to make it myself.
The idea for The Vase came to me while I was high, of course. It felt like something I could actually create. No machinery, no coding, no complicated R&D. Just a form that hadn’t been made yet.
Was there a void you saw or felt was missing from existing glassware pieces?
Yes! There just wasn’t anything that matched what I wanted. I couldn’t find a piece that felt intentional enough in its design, something I’d be proud to leave out in my space. I wanted it to feel like part of my home, not something I had to stash away in a drawer.
Even the nicest bong I owned would get put away when people came over. Bongs are such a specific form, people can usually tell what it is, even if you remove the bowl and stick a flower in the top. They’re just instantly recognizable. And they get dirty, fast, which makes them even harder to blend into your space.
There was (and still is) nothing out there that fully disappears into any decor, with symmetrical lines to throw off the scent (pun intended, there’s a silicone ring that keeps the odor in, too). So I made it!
Mantelpiece has one of the most unique designs we’ve seen to date. Tell us more about the design approach behind your creations.
My design approach is pretty simple, I focus on what I think looks good and what I’d actually want to have in my own home every day. I’ve always felt like I had an eye for design, just not the technical chops. But (thankfully) it turns out you don’t need to be a professional designer to make something.
I wanted something that could fit into all kinds of spaces. Something timeless. I spend a lot of time at vintage markets, Goodwill, and deep in internet rabbit holes looking at old objects that still feel right in a modern home. I love the idea of creating something new and functional in an aesthetic that’s already loved. Personally, I’m drawn to Art Deco, mid-century modern, and 70s interiors—bold lines, warm materials, a bit of drama.
As the brand grows, Mantelpiece will continue to be a collection of timeless, eclectic designs, pieces that belong on your shelf, your table, your actual mantel, as much as they belong in your daily ritual.
Currently, your focus is making chic accessories. Are there plans to expand into other sectors of the industry?
Eventually, yes, but I want to be really intentional about it. Right now, I’m focused on building a strong foundation of beautiful, functional pieces that feel like they belong in your home.
That said, I’d love for Mantelpiece to eventually be in the plant-touching side of the business. It’s something I think about a lot. For now, I’m focused on refining the ritual, fire, storage, etc., but the long-term vision absolutely includes getting closer to the plant itself. Just doing it in a way that still feels true to the brand.
Who’s on your wishlist to create accessories for and why?
There are a few people I’m just obsessed with on a personal level (Miley Cyrus, Lil Nas X, Orville Peck, Brittany Broski). I hope they partake, because honestly, I just want to smoke with them and have a good time. That’s the dream.
But beyond that, I’d love to design for people who are known for their taste. Folks who mix aesthetics, identity, and irreverence in a way that feels totally their own. I’d also love to collaborate with creatives in design or fashion, people who understand form and function, but aren’t afraid to be a little weird with it. That’s where the magic is.
At the same time, I want to make products for CEOs. For businesspeople. For anyone who wants to display a piece proudly in their home or office without feeling like they have to explain it. There’s no stigma around having a whiskey decanter on your shelf, why should there be any around something you use to smoke? The goal is to normalize the ritual across all kinds of people and spaces.
What can people expect next from Mantelpiece?
First up: a lighter and an ashtray, both designed with the same sculptural, functional approach as The Vase. You can also expect more Vase colors. It’s such a strong form, and I want to keep playing with the shape and finish to suit different styles and moods.
Longer term, I’m continuing to think about what makes a ritual feel complete. Everything I make will stay rooted in thoughtful design and be something I’d be proud to have in my own home.
Photography by Max Schwartz
