This Month's Featured events

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• AC_P: Sewing Machine Annual Tune-up Workshop

  • When
    21 Mar 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    *Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030 (Crafter's Cove)
  • Spaces left
    0

  Registration is closed

  
  

  

  Does your sewing machine need a spring tune-up before your summer sewing begins? Bring your own machine and we’ll provide the tools and guidance to give your sewing machine its annual tune-up.  You will do a test sew then remove the covers, dust and vacuum the inside, oil the moving parts, replace the needle and take a close look at the bobbin assembly, feed dogs, tension disks.  After reassembly, you will do another test sew and we will compare the before and after.

  Perquisites: none
  Safety Dress Code: N/A
  Instructor: Kathy McCabe

  Class must have 3 participants sign up to run. If this does not happen those who have paid will be issued a full refund.

  
  

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• TS_P09: Make a Custom Leather Bag from Scratch

  • When
    21 Mar 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Nova Labs (The Studio), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA
  • Spaces left
    0

  Registration is closed

  
  

  Learn leather tools and techniques while you craft a leather bag of your own! All tools and materials are provided, no experience required

  Age: Recommended for ages 17 and up.

  Prerequisites: None

  Instructor: Hunter

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• AC: Cosplay 101 Intro to Tools and Materials (Free Demo)

  • When
    21 Mar 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030 (Events Bay)
  • Spaces left
    11

  Register

  
  

  Have you wanted to cosplay but don’t know where to start or what tools you need? Join us for a beginner deep dive presentation into everything you need to get started in creating your first cosplay as we go over all the tools, materials, and helpful advice from our award winning cosplayer @alexrendesign.

  RSVP - Seating is limited!

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• AC_P: Introduction to Japanese Calligraphy

  • When
    22 Mar 2026
  •  
    11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA (Classroom 1)
  • Spaces left
    10

  Register

  
  

  Learn the elegant art of Japanese Calligraphy in a single, focused project! We'll teach you how to properly use and care for the tools. By the end of class, you will create a beautiful, inspirational Japanese word on Hanshi paper to display proudly in your home. This class includes a starter brush kit.
  
  Children are welcome, but registration is required. Any child under 12 must be registered and attend with a parent or guardian.
  
  Items to Bring:
  

  • A stack of old newspapers.
  • An apron or clothing you don’t mind getting stained (calligraphy ink can be difficult to remove).
  • A container for water to wash brushes (e.g., a yogurt container).

  Start your calligraphy journey today!

  Meet the Instructor 

   
  Tamao Nakayama

  Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, Tamao Nakayama brings an authentic perspective and a deep appreciation for the Japanese aesthetic to her teaching. Her instruction is rooted in the principle that "less is more," emphasizing clean lines, focus, and mindful execution. Having studied and worked in the arts for over two decades in the U.S., Tamao blends traditional Japanese sensibility with modern creative freedom. Join her to learn the elegance, peace, and beauty inherent in Japanese arts like Calligraphy and the Tea.

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• EL_P: Build and Play a Cardboard Synthesizer

  • When
    22 Mar 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA (Classroom 1)
  • Spaces left
    12

  Register

  
  
  At Nova Labs, we believe you don’t need fancy equipment to make something awesome.

  In this hands-on workshop, you’ll build your own scrappy, chiptune-inspired synthesizer using simple, low-cost components and cardboard. Along the way, you’ll learn the fundamentals of sound circuits while embracing the joy of experimentation. By the end of class, you’ll head home with a fully functional, delightfully noisy creation of your own design.

  No electronics experience needed. Seriously! Whether you’ve never touched a circuit before or you already know your ohms from your amps and just want to get crafty and make some beautifully chaotic sound with fellow makers, this class is for you.

  Age Requirements:
  Ages 9 and up may attend.
  Participants under 16 must attend with a parent or legal guardian who also registers as a student.
  Participants ages 16–17 may attend independently, but a parent or legal guardian must remain on site at Nova Labs during the class (common areas are fine).

  Come build. Come experiment. Come make some noise.

  Instructors: Amanda Jarvis & Nathan S
  
  
  

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• EL_P03: Intro to Sensors in Electronics Projects (Online)

  • When
    25 Mar 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Online event

  Register

  
  

  

  *** Live Mentor Class *** (Not a pre-recorded session)
  

  Add to your basic electronics skills with sensors. Learn to add sensors and program your circuits to make them interactive, able to control devices, or sense the environment. This is required for robot, GPS, heat sensing, IoT, shutting off automatically based on conditions, and other projects. We'll cover digital and analog sensors.

  Note: The 4 classes in our basic electronics series (EL_P01, P02, P03, and P04) along with a successfully mentored project earns the Nova Labs Basic Electronics Microcertification.

  Prerequisites: None. *This is an adult class, but beginners of all ages are welcome.

  Before Class: Sign up for a free TinkerCAD account before class so that you can take full advantage and follow along on your screen.
  • TinkerCAD is a web based simulator. You do not have to download anything. You do have to make an account with a login.
  • Register for an account: Go to web page www.tinkercad.com
  • Log into TinkerCAD; it will help if you have also accessed TinkerCAD Circuits (below the “3D Designs” option) and looked at the interface.

  Zoom Link: Available upon registration only. The link is also sent in 2 reminder emails. Email us at support@nova-labs.org if you do not receive it within 15 minutes of registration. Contact us at least 1 day before the class if you did not receive the 3 emails.
  

  ***Your instructor, Nick Carter, is donating all proceeds for this class to Nova Labs. You may contact him at nick.carter@nova-labs.org.

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• AC_P: All Things Sourdough - Advanced Techniques for Better Bread

  • When
    28 Mar 2026
  •  
    2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    Nova Labs (Classroom 2), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
  • Spaces left
    4

  Register

  Hot, fresh bread straight from the oven on a cold day. What’s not to love?

  Join us if you want to create a perfect loaf of artisan sourdough bread with a light, airy crumb, thin, crisp crust and that much sought after ear.
  In this class, you’ll learn how to:
  

  • Maximize oven spring for big loaves and a great crumb
  • Build dough strength with advanced tricks and tips
  • Shape the classic loaves: Boules, batards, and baguettes
  • Use specialty flours like Italian Tipo 00 and French Type 55

  Plus, WHAT TO DO WITH ALL THAT SOURDOUGH DISCARD?!
  Don't have a sourdough starter? Each attendee will receive a sample of my venerable starter.

  Instructor: Steve Fritzinger is the composites steward, woodworker, chef instructor, bread-maker, and cosplay expert. 

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• AC_P01: Ukrainian Easter Egg Decoration

  • When
    29 Mar 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030 (Classroom 2)
  • Spaces left
    3

  Register

  
  

  This method uses a wax-resistant batik style to preserve color and form after it is dyed in each color bath. We will teach you some of the history and tradition with hands-on use of the tools, dyes, and waxes. All supplies will be provided. Paying folks will be able to actively participate, receive an egg stand, and take your decorated egg with you.

  Prerequisite: None

  Instructor: Dave has been teaching this class which celebrates the Easter season for many years.

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• BL_S06: Bladesmithing - Stainless Steel Knife-Making

  • Start
    4 Apr 2026
  •  
  • End
    5 Apr 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Road Fairfax, VA 22030 (Blacksmith Shop)
  • Spaces left
    0

  Registration is closed

  
  

  
  

  Believe it or not, most “chefs’ knives” that you can purchase for less than $200 are not hardened, as the manufacturers know that home users generally won’t be able to tell the difference between raw and heat-treated stainless steel.  

  But we’re Nova Labs Makers, gosh dang it, and we absolutely will be heat-treating our steel!  In fact, we will be heating our knife blanks though several steps (as high as 1900°F) in our precision heat-treating oven, and then cryo-quenching in liquid nitrogen, taking them down to -100°F.

  There are few things more satisfying than creating a tool that you will use on a daily basis, and making a kitchen knife out of high-quality, heat-treated stainless steel is one of those maker-projects where the final product is better than what you can typically buy.  Plus you will learn the steps necessary to make your own set of chef’s knives – you will never lack for holiday gift ideas again!

  In this class you will create a fillet knife out of “Nitro-V” stainless steel, grind it into a basic shape, heat-treat the steel using a precision oven, and cryo-quench the blank using liquid nitrogen.  Along the way you will get signed off on the Nova Labs heat-treat oven, and the 2x72” Grinder.  You will also learn a bit about advanced metallurgy, knife-grinding techniques, and handle-making.

  
  

  Two things to note:
  - First, this is NOT a traditional blacksmithing class – we will not be swinging a hammer or even firing up a forge.
  - Second, this is a “homework” class where you will be provided with the materials and knowledge to finish the project, but it will require several hours of your own time to complete the process.

  As part of the cost for this class the students receive:
  •    A stainless steel blank for a 5+ inch fillet knife
  •    Kirinite handle material
  •    Brass pins to secure the handle
  •    A set of six 2x72” belts for the belt grinder
  •    Two RED tool sign-offs
  

  INSTRUCTOR:  Patrick M.

  INSTRUCTOR BIO:  Pat is many things to many people: Blacksmithing Steward, Nova Labs Board Member, Nova Labs Vice President, and now President, husband, father, amateur lawn care technician. Pat has been blacksmithing for eight years and regularly teaches classes for blacksmithing beginners.
  

  PREREQUISITES: Age 16 and over.

  
  

  SIGN OFFS: This class will serve as a sign-off class for the Vertical Heat Treat Oven and the 2x72” belt Grinder.

  Mandatory Safety Dress Code: 

  • Must wear cotton or wool clothing – no synthetic materials.
  • Shoes must be made from leather or canvas; plastic-topped sneakers will not be allowed
  • Eye protection (goggles) are provided, but you may bring your own for the best fit.
  • Breathing protection is required:  The instructor will provide a cloth mask, but it is recommended that the students provide a proper respirator to avoid breathing in metal dust.

    If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, that is a safety violation and you may not be able to join the class.

  • 
    

  • There is no refund if the student is non-compliant with the safety dress requirement or more than 15 minutes late for class

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• CS_P: Resin Art Series: Make Your Resin Bloom

  • When
    9 Apr 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    Nova Labs (The Studio), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
  • Spaces left
    5

  Register

  

  Come explore the Bloom Technique of Resin art.
  
  In this class we will be creating a unique set of coasters designed and decorated by you while learning the Bloom Technique of manipulation.  An intriguing introduction that lends itself to further exploration and infinite creation.
  
  All class equipment and materials will be provided.
  
  We will be working with a two part epoxy, alcohol dyes and pigmented paste.  Wear appropriate attire.
  
  Coaster forms will be mixed, poured, dye dripped, piped and formed in this class but will need to be allowed to cure overnight (24 hours) prior to demolding. You’ll likely be biting your nails in anticipation waiting for demolding to see and take home these finished art pieces.

  Prerequisites: None

  Safety and clothing: Materials used in this class will permanently stain clothing. Dress accordingly. 
  
  Instructor: Steven Barnard

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• WW_P19: Guitar Kit Course

  • Start
    11 Apr 2026
  •  
  • End
    12 Apr 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    Nova Labs (Woodshop)
  • Spaces left
    0

  Registration is closed

  MPORTANT: This is a 2 session class, 6 hours each (dates below)
  If you've ever dreamed of building your own electric guitar, this is your chance. This intensive, hands-on class will guide you through creating a fully functional electric guitar that you'll take home at the end. With small class sizes (2-4 students), you'll receive personalized instruction throughout the entire build process.
  Class Overview:
  Using a high-quality blank kit with pre-routed pockets and a finished neck, you'll have the creative freedom to design your own unique instrument. Shape your guitar body and headstock exactly how you want it, choose your finish, and learn about the concepts that go into electric guitar building. This isn't just assembly—you'll be crafting an instrument.
  What You'll Learn and Do:
  

  • Shape your guitar body and headstock using band saw and hand tools
  • Understand electric guitar components and how they affect design, playability, and tone
  • Perform complete fretwork: leveling, crowning, dressing, and polishing
  • Learn some basic soldering for electronics assembly
  • Apply stained finishes using low-VOC oil and hard wax
  • Gain comprehensive knowledge of electric guitar construction from the inside out
  • Learn next steps to setup the guitar properly for playing

  Guitar Styles Available:
  Choose between Telecaster style or Stratocaster style (your instructor can help you select the best option for your goals).
  Materials Provided:
  Complete guitar kit (retails for $200), all necessary tools, and finishing materials included in class cost (tools and finishes are for usage during class, not for students to keep).
  What You'll Take Home:
  A fully playable electric guitar built by your own hands, plus the knowledge to maintain, modify, and even build future instruments
  Class Format:
  Small class size (2-4 students maximum) ensures personalized, hands-on instruction throughout the entire process.
  3hrs in the morning of instruction
  Break for lunch
  3hrs of dedicated office hours to continue working and learning
  Prerequisites:
  No prior guitar building or woodworking experience required—just enthusiasm and attention to detail
  Class Duration: 6 hours per session, 2 sessions, plus break for lunch
  Class Sessions:
  

  • April 11, 2026 9am - 4pm with 1hr break for lunch.
  • April 12, 2026 9am - 4pm with 1hr break for lunch.

  Class Cost: (includes complete guitar kit)

  $550 for members
  $600 for non-members

  Instructor: Kalimar Maia. Kalimar started teaching himself to build electric guitars in 2021. He did it all wrong until he eventually got a few things right. He now has a guitar out on tour with the band Toledo. 

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• TS_P02: Metalsmithing Jewelry: Make a Beautiful Pendant

  • When
    11 Apr 2026
  •  
    11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    Nova Labs (The Studio), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA
  • Spaces left
    8

  Register

  

  Make a custom pendant for a personalized Mother's Day gift.

  In this fun jewelry-making class, you'll learn to use metal working techniques such as texturing, stamping, and shaping to create a stunning pendant necklace. Learn how to customize and add unique flair to the custom pieces you create. Let our experienced artist help you create your own design. All materials, including precious metals and chains, are provided.

  The pendant project has been chosen strategically because the metalsmithing skills you'll learn in class are considered essential basics for metal jewelry making. The techniques and tools used are designed to advance your skills, but can be applied to metalsmithing other shapes and designs,

  Prerequisites: None

  Metalsmithing Series: Advance your metalcrafting skills by taking all three of our metalcrafting & jewelry techniques classes. Take in any order. Join our waitlist at portal.nova-labs.org/waitlist

  • TS_S01: Jewelry Tools Sign-off - Intro to Soldering and Tools 
  • TS_P02: Intro to Metalsmithing: Texturing and Stamping Metal Jewelry (Pendants edition)
  • TS_P02: Intro to Metalsmithing: Texturing and Stamping Metal Jewelry (Earrings edition)
  • TS_P03: Metalsmithing: Custom Spinner Ring Design, Sizing, and Shaping

  
  

  Instructor: Margie Foster, Jewelry artist and The Studio steward

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• WW_P12: Beginners Pen Turning on the Lathe

  • When
    16 Apr 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Nova Labs (Woodshop), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA
  • Spaces left
    5

  Register

  
  

  Turn a custom wooden pen!

  In this project we will discuss pen kits, blank materials and finishes, then craft your pen. You'll take home a one of a kind pen - Hand Crafted by YOU!

  This is a guided limited tool use class, no prior experience  or sign offs required.  This will not provide lathe tool sign off status.

  All materials provided to make 2 wooden bodied pens.  No resins or mixed media allowed in this class.

  Prerequisite: None, however, --> Important: You must be a member AND have the WW Lathe Sign-off to use the Lathe outside of this class.

  Sign Off: None

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• AC_P: Introduction to Hat Embroidery

  • When
    16 Apr 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  

  
  

  Embroider your own ball caps and more!

  Learn how to use the hat embroidery attachment for the Happy embroidery machine. We will cover how to attach the cap driver to the Happy, securely hoop a ball cap style hat, position and adjust the embroidery design on the hat, and return the machine to its original configuration.

  We will also discuss some design considerations specific to making hats.

  This is a Demo Class - students will not be working on the machine.

  Prerequisite: None for this demonstration, but sign-off on the Happy Embroidery machine required to do your own work.

  
  

  Instructor: Alex Ralston

  This class requires three students to run.  If the class is cancelled due to low attendance you will be notified and refunded.

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• WW_P05: French-Style Rolling Pin with Celtic Knot Design (2 days)

  • Start
    20 Apr 2026
  •  
  • End
    21 Apr 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    Nova Labs (Woodshop), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA
  • Spaces left
    3

  Register

  

  IMPORTANT: This is a 2 day class (April20 and April 21)

  In this hands-on woodworking class, students will craft a French-style rolling pin featuring an intricate Celtic Knot-inspired design. Participants will learn essential lathe turning techniques, precision inlay work, and finishing methods to create a functional and artistic kitchen tool. 

  You do NOT need any tool sign offs for this class. Turning experience is a plus and would be a benefit to you, but not required. This is a limited tools use project class and will not provide any woodshop tool sign-offs.

  This is a 2-day workshop.

  • Day 1 - April 20 at 6:00 PM - will focus on design, materials, jigs, finishes, cutting and the glue up of your rolling pen.
  • Day 2 - April 21 at 6:00 PM - will focus allowing students to turn the rolling pin on the lathe, sand and finish the rolling pen.

  Prerequisite: None. 

  Instructor: Steven 

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• EL_P04: Intro to LEDs, RGBs, and NEOPIXELS - Online

  • When
    22 Apr 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Online event
  • Spaces left
    5

  Register

  This class will introduce students to LEDs, how they work, different kinds available and how to control them. TinkerCAD examples will be used to illustrate how LEDs are used in circuits and how to control their illumination using Arduino UNO. The class cover single color and RGB discrete LEDs, LED strips, and NEOPIXELS.

  Note: The 4 classes in our basic electronics series (EL_P01, P02, P03, and P04) along with a successfully mentored project earns the Nova Labs Basic Electronics Microcertification.

  Prerequisites: None. *This is an adult class, but beginners of all ages are welcome.

  Before Class Sign up for a free TinkerCAD account before class so that you can take full advantage and follow along on your screen.
  

  • TinkerCAD is a web based simulator. You do not have to download anything. You do have to make an account with a login.
  • Register for an account: Go to web page www.tinkercad.com
  • Log into TinkerCAD; it will help if you have also accessed TinkerCAD Circuits (below the “3D Designs” option) and looked at the interface.

  Zoom Link: Available upon registration only. The link is also sent in 2 reminder emails. Email us at support@nova-labs.org if you do not receive it within 15 minutes of registration. Contact us at least 1 day before the class if you did not receive the 3 emails.

  ***Your instructor, Nick Carter, is donating all proceeds for this class to Nova Labs. You may contact him at nick.carter@nova-labs.org.

  Show details
• WW_P08: Make a Stool

  • When
    26 Apr 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Nova Labs (Woodshop)
  • Spaces left
    3

  Register

  Instructor: Bill

  Make a stool: this introductory class will teach you how to make a basic stool -- drilling and reaming slanted tapered holes in the seat; shaping the legs, leveling the feet -- all good things to know if you ever want to make a chair from a tree.  No previous woodworking experience required; work can be done with machine tools or hand tools. 3 student limit -- all net proceeds donated to Fusion Partnership to support A Workshop of Our Own -- a Baltimore-based community workshop for women and non-binary people.

  Prerequisite: None

  
  

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• 3D_S04: 3d Scanner 101 Sign-off

  • When
    27 Apr 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Nova Labs-Classroom 2, 3850 Jermantown Road, Fairfax, VA
  • Spaces left
    6

  Register

  
  

    
  

  3D Scanning Yellow Tool Curriculum

  The class covers the basics of 3D scanning as well as a hands-on demonstration with one of the 3D Scanners. Upon completion of the class you will be signed off to use any of the NovaLabs Yellow 3D Scanners on-site at NovaLabs.

  Overview
  

  • Types of 3D Scanners
  • Intro to 3D Scanning
  • Intro to post processing
  • Hands on Demo with one of the NovaLabs 3D Scanners

   

  More information can be found at https://www.notion.so/novalabs/3D-Scanning-0fdc94c7f01e4e149bc4f886cc6c23fa

  Prerequisites:   None

  Sign Off: [3D] HP 3D Scanner
  

  Instructor:  Brian

  Instructor Bio:  Brian is a co-Steward in 3D printing and likes to think of himself as a friend to many shops, other shops are silent on if the feeling is mutual. In the real world he is a software architect so he tries to avoid architecting software at the labs and focus more on things that get hot, spin quickly and/or make a lot of noise. He takes photos and enjoys making and consuming food and beer.
  

  Please arrive at this safety class on time. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, you may not be able to take the class and there will not be a refund or rescheduling.

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• 3d_P: Introduction to Onshape

  • When
    16 May 2026
  •  
    11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
  • Location
    Nova Labs, Inc. 3850 Jermantown Road. Fairfax City, VA 22030 (Classroom 1)
  • Spaces left
    6

  Register

  

  
  

  Course Description: Get ready to transform your ideas into reality with "Introduction to Onshape". In a little over two hours, you'll learn and practice enough skills to create your own 3D models. Every great design —whether a bold, imaginative piece or a precise custom part— starts with CAD (Computer-Aided Design) before it can be manufactured.

  Whether you're a new maker or an experienced one, this course provides CAD-rookies with an opportunity to learn navigate Onshape and master its essential tools. With hands-on, step-by-step class exercises, you will gain experience quickly and be ready to continue the journey on your own.

  At Nova Labs, 3D printers and other manufacturing machines await your projects.  Discover the art of CAD, along with tips and best practices to help bring your ideas to life.

  Join us and start creating 3D models even before you leave the class!

  Prerequisite: None. Age 13+ only please

  To bring: We recommend you bring your own laptop, charger and mouse. However, we do have classroom laptops. Signing up for an Onshape.com account before class is encouraged.

  Instructors: Fabiana Cesa and Thomas Carver

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• EV_S: First Aid, CPR, and AED Certified Training

  • When
    17 May 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Nova Labs (Events Bay), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
  • Spaces left
    9

  Register

  Would you know what to do in a medical emergency? Get trained in First Aid, CPR, and AED.

  Nova Labs is partnering with Respond and Rescue, a local first-aid training group, to offer AHSI CERTIFIED First Aid classes. This class will include First Aid, CPR, and AED training, offered on-site at Nova Labs. At just $88 per person, this is the least expensive certified hands-on training we’ve found for the full course.

  You will receive full certification, and your training will be noted in our Nova Labs database. Though the public is also welcome, our goal is to train as many Nova Labs members as possible, so someone trained is always on-site in an emergency.

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