UFDC 77th Annual Convention
Alicia & Charles Carver
About The Carvers
Alicia and Charles Carver are acclaimed wooden doll artists celebrated for their meticulous craftsmanship and historical inspiration. Working together as a dynamic husband-and-wife team, they have dedicated their artistic careers to reviving and reimagining the timeless tradition of carved wooden dolls. Drawing on centuries-old European techniques, the Carvers are known for creating dolls that beautifully balance authenticity with originality, transforming each figure into both a work of art and a treasured collectible of the future.
Their work often pays homage to antique wooden dolls such as early grodnertals while infusing each piece with fresh perspective, exquisite painting, and finely tailored costuming. Every doll carved by Alicia and Charles reflects their shared passion for history, artistry, and storytelling, resulting in creations cherished by collectors around the world.
For the 2026 UFDC Convention, the Carvers present “Josephine” and her companion “Napoleon,” a pair of hand-carved wooden dolls inspired by the elegance of Empress Josephine Bonaparte and her famed consort. With these memorable souvenirs, Alicia and Charles continue their legacy of celebrating the charm of antique-inspired dolls while ensuring that their art will stand as heirlooms and future antiques for generations to come.
Josephine Bonaparte
From the moment Carol Cameron announced to us that the 2026 convention would be in New Orleans, we knew the convention souvenir doll had to be of French origin.
There had been a doll from Carol’s collection that had always intrigued us. It was a rather pretty and early Grodnertal. She was the perfect size - 9 inches - and had unusual modeling with large eyes and a shy smile. Carol was gracious to let us use her for our inspiration doll. The next step was the easy one. Who was an elegant influential French lady, pretty, and who lived during the early 1800’s? None other than Josephine Bonaparte.
Our version of Josephine has uncommon brown hair with tiny little curls framing and cascading all around her face, a gold crown, a muslin slip and the quintessential empire waisted silk chemise dress with gold trims, puff sleeves and sheer undersleeves that she made popular during her reign.
We present you The Carvers’ Josephine Bonaparte, the timeless neoclassical goddess who revolutionized French fashion.
Please note that the 2026 Josephine Bonaparte doll is a very limited edition. To ensure you receive one, we encourage you to place your order as soon as possible.
If you have not registered for convention yet, you can order Josefine via the mail in registration form or as part of your online registration.
If you have registered already, but did not purchase the souvenir doll when you registered and now wish to do so, then please contact Sheryl Sunderman at the UFDC Office at 816-891-7040.
To be sure to get your doll at the 77th Annual Convention, please submit your order by January 31, 2026.
Napoleon Bonaparte
The souvenir companion was an obvious decision because who is Josephine without Napoleon? Making men dolls is always a bigger challenge with sometimes having to make as many as four prototypes before settling on a final version.
We decided on a younger Napoleon to accompany our youthful Josephine. Here is the vibrant young man in 1800 as Premier Consul of France prior to his metamorphosis into the embattled Emperor. His full head of tousled dark brown hair frame his slender and chiseled face. He sports the ceremonial dress of a red wool waistcoat and short trousers trimmed with elaborate gold embellishments, his black boots adorned with gold tassels, and his gold sword. His hat is a faithful recreation of his famous black felt bicorn hat with an early French cockade wearing it the way he always wore it “en Bataille” with the corns parallel to his shoulders.
We present you the young Napoleon, already well on his way to becoming one of the most famous French General Commanders.
This distinguished wooden doll of young Napoleon Bonaparte will be offered in a very limited release at a price of $795. With its rarity and historical significance, this edition promises to become a treasured addition to the most discerning collections.
To place your order, please use one of these options:
- For those of you who registered for convention PRIOR TO January 6th, you will have received an email with a link to order online, or you can complete the Companion Mail-In Order Form and mail in to UFDC with your check.
- For those of you who registered for convention ONLINE AFTER January 6th, you will have been given the option to purchase the companion as part of your registration.
- For those of you who registered for convention BY MAIL AFTER January 6th, complete Companion Mail-In Order Form and mail it to UFDC with your check.
* Note the Companion Order form will also be in the 2026 Winter issue of DOLL NEWS.
A very limited quantity of the companion dolls are being made so place your order as soon as possible, and, to be sure to get your doll by convention, order no later than March 1, 2026. You can only purchase the doll if you have registered for convention and priority of purchase will be given to those who have ordered the souvenir doll. You will be able to pick up your companion when you register at Convention, starting on Monday July 27, 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm. Any unsold dolls will be available for sale at the UFDC Mini Office.
Celebrating Dolls of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
New Orleans, Louisiana ‐ July 28-August 1, 2026
