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CODES AND RESTRICTIONS: Some events have restrictions and codes and will give a warning.

Restriction: This means the event is restricted to only allow certain groups such as members or specific groups. Be sure you are logged in using your member account. Member applicants may be excluded from some sign off classes with a long waitlist.

Codes: This means the member waitlist is still being processed. Hover over the Resources menu to view the waitlist process. Check back in 24 hours to see if seats are open. Contact support@nova-labs.org if the code is not released within 24 hours.

This page shows featured events only. View all events

This Month's Featured events

  • MW_S10: Hand Plasma Cutter Sign-off

    • 28 May 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA
    • 4
    Register

    Ever wanted to cut freehand designs in steel like you would a piece of paper? Join the handheld plasma cutter class and get a sign off, learn to cut steel like butter!

    After your sign-off is in the system, you could cut steel sheets and make lanterns, candle holders, hearts and roses, anything you can dream up!

    Prerequisites: Class is open to the public and does not require a pre-requisite to take it. However, if you take this class before the Metal Shop Basic Sign-off class, you may not use the tool without supervision. Members may attend Metal Shop Mondays where you can improve your skills under supervision. Metal Shop Basic Sign-off and a membership are required to use the hand plasma independently (without supervision).

    Safety: Wear non-synthetic clothing, closed-toe shoes, and remove all rings, watches, and other such jewelry. Bring eye protection and dress appropriately for outdoor work.

    Sign-off: Hand Plasma Cutter

    Class is required for everyone wishing to use the listed tools, regardless of experience level. After taking this class, inexperienced or moderately experienced people should select a project and come in for help and practice on Metal Shop Mondays Open Office Hours.

    Note: Must arrive within 15 minutes of class start time.

    Instructor: Mike Youmans

    Show details

  • TS_S: Stained Glass Workshop - Pride Flag

    • 1 Jun 2025
    • 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    • Nova Labs at 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030 (The Studio)
    • 4
    Register

    Show your pride for PRIDE Month! Our stained glass artist will help you create your own PRIDE flag, which is suitable as a keepsake to display your pride or give as a gift. Take the class with your friend or partner. Every enrolled student will be able to make one pride flag. This is an excellent choice for a couples maker-experience class. A minimum of 3 people must be enrolled by Monday, May 26th at 5 pm for the class to run. 

    Safety: Wear closed toe shoes and safety goggles (available to borrow)

    Sign-off: Stained glass

    Prerequisite: none

    Instructor: Enrique Granados, stained glass artist and innovator

    Show details

  • BL_P07: Metal Casting Fun Foundry

    • 5 Jun 2025
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Road Fairfax, VA 22030 (Blacksmith Shop)
    • 1
    Registration is closed

     

    Have you ever wanted to harness the incredible power of fire and melt simple metals down into puddles of molten slag?

    Do you find yourself yearning for the opportunity to cast small objects from those puddles?

    Of course you have!! Well friend, do we have an opportunity for you! NOVA Labs own Fun Foundry is launching regular meet ups! Each First Thursday of the month, you are welcome to join Peter Henry and other meltdown enthusiasts in the Blacksmith Shop. Simple metals will be melted down and re-cast into small ingots or simple objects using sand molds. If you’ve ever been interested in the incorporation of basic metals in your projects, this is a fantastic opportunity for more information. No sign offs are needed at this point, but appropriate clothing is mandatory (see below).

    Who: NOVA Labs members over 14 years-old
    What: Using propane gas, small crucibles and furnaces, attendees will melt basic metals to be recast.
    When: First Thursday of each month, 7:00pm, beginning May 1st.
    Where: Garage Bay of Blacksmith Shop

    INSTRUCTOR:  Peter H.


    INSTRUCTOR BIO:  Peter has been a Nova Labs Member since 2020. Working in Metal, wood and fabric. Maker and fixer of things. Architectural building designer and drawer as a profession. Happiest outdoors someplace in the wild. Trained in casting at The Wooden Boat School 2024 by Michael Sauri of the Mystic Seaport Museum


    PREREQUISITES: Age 14 and over.


    SIGN OFFS: NONE

    SAFETY:
    •    Must wear natural fibers - cotton or wool clothing, leather and canvas too – no synthetic materials.
    •    Closed toed 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.
    •    Hat (e.g., a Ball Cap) to hold back hair.
    •    Failure to wear appropriate clothing may result in being turned away from the class without a refund.

    Show details

  • AC_P: Sewing Patterns Demystified NEW CLASS

    • 10 Jun 2025
    • 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
    • *Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
    • 4
    Register


    Demystify patterns in this hands-on class for anyone who has wondered how their clothes, furniture upholstery, and stuffed toys are constructed. We will look at analyzing commercial, independent, and PDF patterns and discuss how to choose one, how to prepare your project, and how to decipher all of the instructions, jargon, and symbols. It will include an optional opportunity to receive your measurements to use in getting started on your own projects. Learn the skills to build your own creations!

    Perquisites: None
    Cancellation Policy: 48 hours in advance
    Sign off: None
    Safety Dress Code: N/A
    Instructor: Danielle Priest

    Danielle has been an educator for nearly 20 years, working with students privately and in classroom settings. Over the past 5 years, she has primarily instructed classes in beginning sewing, operating specialty machines, embroidery, and clothing/costume construction. Her favorite thing to make is Star Wars costumes, which have won awards at contests around the country.

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


    Show details

  • AC_P: Machine Embroidery 101: Patches

    • 10 Jun 2025
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Nova Labs3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
    • 6
    Register


    Learn to make patches on the Pfaff single thread embroidery machine but need a starter project?

    . . . or just curious about making patches using these machines? In this class, we will learn how to cut felt on the laser, sublimate an image to the felt using the sublimation printer and the heat press, and then use the Pfaff to stitch the satin stitch edging on our patch. We will go over the embroidery process in both inkstitch and hatch.

    Demonstration class only – no signoffs, no hands on.

    Perquisites: You do not need to be signed off on the Embroidery Machine to attend this class. However, you will not be allowed to use the Embroidery Machines outside of class until you are signed off.
    Cancellation Policy: 48 hours in advance
    Age requirement: 16+
    Sign off: none
    Safety Dress Code: N/A

    Instructor: Kathy McCabe is an advanced seamstress, crafter who uses CAD, laser cutter, and many other tools in her work. She also teaches the Industrial Sewing machine class. [masked]

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

    Show details

  • AC_P07: Sewing 101

    • 14 Jun 2025
    • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • Nova Labs3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
    • 1
    Register


    Have you ever had pants that just needed a fast hem but didn't want to do it by hand? 

    Are you interested in sewing projects but don't know where to start? 

    This class explores all the basics for beginning machine sewing including parts, basic types of stitches, how to set up a sewing machine and use it to complete a small project.

    All materials provided.

    Perquisites: none
    Cancellation Policy: 48 hours in advance
    Age requirement: ages 10 and up (minors must have adults present)
    Sign off: none
    Safety Dress Code: N/A

    Instructor: Sarah Erdwins

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

    Show details

  • AC_P: Pattern Making 101 - Make a Pattern from Your Pants NEW CLASS

    • 14 Jun 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • *Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
    • 1
    Register


    Have you ever had a piece you loved to wear so much you wished you could duplicate it? In this class we will learn how to create a pattern from an existing pair of drawstring/elastic waist pants. You will learn to use the tools to create a flat pattern of loose fitting drawstring (or elastic waist) pants. You may bring your own pants (please send a picture to the instructor prior to the class for approval) or one will be provided for practice purposes. Get started making your own patterns!

    Perquisites: None
    Cancellation Policy: 48 hours in advance
    Sign off: None
    Safety Dress Code: N/A
    Instructor: Danielle Priest

    Danielle has been an educator for nearly 20 years, working with students privately and in classroom settings. Over the past 5 years, she has primarily instructed classes in beginning sewing, operating specialty machines, embroidery, and clothing/costume construction. Her favorite thing to make is Star Wars costumes, which have won awards at contests around the country.

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


    Show details

  • TS_P04: Cutting-Edge Jewelry Making: The Art of Piercing

    • 21 Jun 2025
    • 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    • Nova Labs (The Studio), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA
    • 6
    Register

     

    No, not THAT kind of piercing!

    Piercing is using precision sawing to create intricate designs. In this workshop you will practice a skill that is foundational to jewelry making and is a great way to add detail to your work. Students will learn exercises to practice sawing, the steps of piercing, and the differences between sawblades and their uses.

    Students will complete a pierced disc to be incorporated into a finished pendant. All materials, including precious metals, are provided. Come with ideas or use provided templates.

    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
    • TS_P04: Cutting-Edge Jewelry Making: The Art of Piercing

    Instructor: Lauren Hillman, Jewelry artist and The Studio instructor

    Show details

  • AC_P: Make Little Furniture (Outdoor Edition)

    • 21 Jun 2025
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Nova Labs (Classroom 2), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
    • 6
    Register



    Make your own Little Outdoor Furniture Furniture for a doll house, a Diorama, Fairy Garden or just for fun!


    During this class, attendees will assemble, glue and paint a set of small furniture. All the parts will be laser cut from thin plywood before the class.  The outdoor furniture is two outdoor chairs and a table. 

    If time permits, makers will work on cardboard prototypes of their own invention. 

    Younger children are welcome in this class with an adult helper. Adult helpers should come prepared to help exclusively. Usually, it is not possible to help a young maker and make your own project in the same session.



    The price is per furniture set. Adults helping children but not building their own furniture do not need to pay.

    Keep a look out for more Little Furniture Classes in the future:  Living Room Edition and Bedroom Edition!


    Maximum: 6 furniture-making persons. 

    Prerequisites: no experience is needed

    Age requirement: 8+ 

    Instructor: Fabiana Cesa is a maker educator. She has taught for the Nova Labs MakerSchool for the past three years.

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


    Show details

  • WW_P01: French-Style Rolling Pin with Celtic Knot Design (2 days)

    • 22 Jun 2025
    • 9:00 AM
    • 29 Jun 2025
    • 12:00 PM
    • Nova Labs (Woodshop), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA
    • 4
    Register

    IMPORTANT: This is a 2 day class (June 22 and June 29)

    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 - June 22 at 9:00 am - will focus on design, materials, jigs, finishes, cutting and the glue up of your rolling pen.
    • Day 2 - June 29 at 9:00 am - 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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  • TS_S03: Airbrush Tools 101 Sign-off

    • 22 Jun 2025
    • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • *Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030 (The Studio)
    • 5
    Register


    If you’re an artist, baker, model maker, or makeup artist, airbrushes are a tool that you should be familiar with. They allow you to apply and blend paints, inks and other finishes in ways that are almost impossible to duplicate with other tools. In this course, we’ll discuss how airbrushes work and the different types of airbrushes available on the market. We’ll look at how to set up and use an airbrush. You’ll have a chance to try the various types of brush, and to practice with one or more of the brushes available. We’ll look at some of the more common problems that you might encounter and how to fix them. Finally you’ll learn how to clean an airbrush before packing it up.

    Sign off: Airbush tools
    Prerequisites: none
    Instructor: Adam Renner


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  • TS_P: Create a Custom Fob Case with Wet-Formed Leather

    • 23 Jun 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Nova Labs (The Studio), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA
    • 5
    Register


    Add some creative flair to your Nova Labs door fob with a custom leather case. Learn simple and effective wet form techniques you can use without any fancy equipment. This class will include stamping, forming, stitching and dying a case for your door fob or similarly fob-shaped item.

    Prerequisites: None

    Instructor: Hunter

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  • EL_P04: Intro to LEDs, RGBs, and NEOPIXELS

    • 26 Jun 2025
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Online event
    • 6
    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

  • CS_P: Epoxy Resin Light Art Sculpture (2-days)

    • 28 Jun 2025
    • 5 Jul 2025
    • 2 sessions
    • Nova Labs (The Studio), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
    • 7
    Register

    Learn to make custom resin light sculptures suitable for gift giving, decorating, or night lights. You will learn the basics of resin casting, and resin coloring with alcohol inks. After you complete both sessions, you will be able to take further steps in exploring advanced techniques and make other customized art light sculptures for your friends and family.

    This two-part, hands-on class is split into two 3-hour sessions to allow time for resin curing. Be sure that you can attend both sessions.

    All casting materials will be provided. 

    Prerequisites: No experience needed. 

    Age 10+ but all minors must be mature enough to follow the safety rules. and be accompanied by an adult who remains in the room at all times.

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

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  • LC_P03: Personalize your Wood Projects using the Laser Cutter

    • 8 Jul 2025
    • 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
    • Nova Labs at 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030 (Classroom 1)
    • 2
    Register


    Learn how to engrave any project on wood with this project with techniques you'll learn in this class. Turn any wood project into a personalized gift. Practice by engraving a clear picture of your beloved pet, person, or thing on wood. Great holiday or sentimental gift.

    Attendees will start in a computer classroom setting, exploring techniques, tips, and tricks on how to get your picture ready for a clear engraving. They will then get instructor-led hands-on practice with the laser cutter on provided wood.

    Recommend you bring your own computer, but the classroom will provide computers as well if needed. Students should bring a photo of the object they wish to engrave and are welcome to discuss it with the instructor prior to the class.

    Minors under 16: Parents must also sign up and actively participate and supervise.

    Prerequisite: none. *However, Laser 101 is recommended but not required.

    Instuctor: Andrew Frank, andrew.frank@nova-labs.org

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  • EL_P02: Intro to Microcontroller Programming with the Arduino (Online)

    • 24 Jul 2025
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Online event
    Register


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

    Elevate your basic electronics skills with this hands-on introduction to basic microcontroller hardware and programming class using the inexpensive Arduino board. Connect to switches, LEDs, resistors, and other basic components using the TinkerCAD simulator. In electronics, the inexpensive Arduino allows you to add interactive features and control other devices. New to coding? TinkerCAD block coding tools helps get you started to writing code for all our project needs.

    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.

    Other Nova Labs Events you should attend: The Arduino meetups (3rd Tuesday in the month) and Robotics Meetups (1st and 3rd Saturday in the month) now held virtually, at which you can discuss your projects with other makers. After Nova Labs reopens, there will be Electronics Evenings to discuss projects, and members can use the Electronics bench to make things.

    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

  • 3d_P: Introduction to Onshape

    • 9 Aug 2025
    • 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
    • Nova Labs, Inc. 3850 Jermantown Road. Fairfax City, VA 22030 (Classroom 1)
    • 6
    Register

    Introduction to Onshape

    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 to 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!

    Prerequisites: None - except a familiarity with the use of a computer and the internet.  Age 13+ only please

    Level of difficulty: beginner

    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 C, Thomas C

    Instructor Bios:  Fabiana is a maker educator and founding member of the Nova Labs Makerschool. She has been teaching at Nova Labs and organizing STEM events for kids since 2019. Her other classes include Paper Engineering and Introduction to Mosaic.

    Thomas is a maker and computer engineering student with a passion for 3d design and manufacturing. He is a firm supporter of the Right to Repair and has been refurbishing computers since he was a pre-teen.

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Email: support@nova-labs.org

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