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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

  • BL_P03: Metal Casting Fun Foundry

    • 7 Aug 2025
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Road Fairfax, VA 22030 (Blacksmith Shop)
    • 7
    Register

     

    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
    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

  • BL_S02: Blacksmithing: COUPLES Steel Roses

    • 9 Aug 2025
    • 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
    • Nova Labs (Blacksmithing Shop), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA
    • 0
    Registration is closed

    Roses, with their sweet fragrance and pleasing symmetry, have been a symbol of romance and passionate love for centuries. But they are also short-lived, wilting and shriveling up into sad balls of dispiriting, rotted plant matter before drying out and flaking away.

    Is this really a good symbol of your love? Shouldn’t your ardor be personified by something as sturdy as it is beautiful? Something that lasts a lifetime? Something hammered into shape by your dedicated affection and tempered in the furnace of your burning passion?

    You’re damned right it should be! Give your partner a steel rose! Better yet, come make a pair of them together!

    This is a couples blacksmithing class where you and your partner will assist each other to turn a set of pre-made sheet metal plates into an attractive steel rose with a hand-forged stem. Students will learn the basics of blacksmithing and use hammers & tongs with a variety of shaping tools to construct their steel rose.

    This class will also serve as a Safety Sign-Off for NL members for the blacksmithing equipment, equivalent to the BL: 101 class. Students who have already taken the safety sign-off may miss the first 15 minutes, though the price will remain the same.

    COST: $150 per couple (first registrant of the couple will pay $150 and their registered guest will pay $0)

    EQUIPMENT: It is highly encouraged that students bring a pair of leather work-gloves to assist in the chiseling process. Nova Labs can provide welding gloves if necessary… but they are stiff and kind of stinky; you’d be a lot happier supplying your own, honest! Safety glasses will be provided. The materials and blacksmithing equipment will be provided.

    SIGN OFF: Blacksmithing Safety (for members).

    PREREQUISITES: Age 14 and over. Any person under 18 must have a parent remain on the premises in case of emergency; 14- and 15-year-olds must have a parent participating in the class as a partner.

    SAFETY:

    • 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.
    • Failure to wear appropriate clothing may result in being turned away from the class without a refund.
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  • WW_P12: Beginners Pen Turning on the Lathe

    • 12 Aug 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Nova Labs (Woodshop), 1930 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA
    • 2
    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. Important: You must be a members AND have the WW Lathe Sign-off to use the Lathe outside of this class.

    Sign Off: None

    Mandatory Safety Dress Code: Closed-toed shoes, short sleeves, no loose clothing, and hair tied back. Must wear a mask at all times. Optional: Hearing protection, particle filter, or dust mask.

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  • AC_P: Knives Out: The Transcendent Joy of a Truly Sharp Knife

    • 14 Aug 2025
    • 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Nova Labs (The Studio), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
    • 0
    Registration is closed

    Sharp knives are essential tools for every kitchen. They are easier to use, safer, and more precise. Yet many of us neglect our knives.

    This hands-on class will teach you how to sharpen a knife properly. It will discuss inexpensive tools like whetstones and basic techniques anyone can master. It will also discuss more advanced techniques.

    Please bring one of your kitchen knives to use for practice.

    Instructor: Steve Fritzinger is the composites steward, woodworker, chef instructor, bread-maker, and cosplay expert. Questions about this class? 

    Show details

  • CS_S01: Bubble Free Casting - Pressure Pots and Vacuum Chamber Sign-off

    • 16 Aug 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA (The Studio)
    • 5
    Register

    Bubbles are a common problem in castings. But in many cases, bubbles have a high impact on your project. For example, you may need a transparent part that would be ruined by bubbles. Or your part’s strength might be compromised by bubbles. In these cases, you need special equipment to get rid of those vexing bubbles.

    Nova Labs has 2 tools to help with this. In this class, you will learn to use the vacuum chamber and pressure pot to eliminate bubbles. You will also learn to operate the vacuum pump. 

    Prerequisite: Mold Making and Plastic Casting 101 or equivalent experience.

    Sign-off: Pressure pots and Vacuum Chamber Sign-pff

    Recommended Clothing: The materials used in this class will permanently bond to anything they get on. It is strongly recommended you wear old work clothes and shoes you won't mind getting stained.

    Instructor: Steve Fritzinger

    Show details

  • 3d_P: Introduction to Onshape

    • 16 Aug 2025
    • 12:00 PM - 2:30 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.

    Show details

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

    • 17 Aug 2025
    • 1:00 PM - 3:00 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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  • AC_P: Fermenting your own Hot Sauce

    • 17 Aug 2025
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Nova Labs (Classroom 1), 3890 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax Va
    • 0
    Registration is closed

    Fermenting hot sauces is easy and tasty. It's a great way to use that bumper crop from your garden or that interesting tray of chilies you found at the farmers market.

    In this class you’ll learn:
    * Fermentation techniques, including mash, brine, and vacuum bag
    * Flavors and styles from around the world
    * Types and uses of different chilies
    * Processing and blending finished sauces

    You’ll also get to blend your own small batch (very small batch) sauce!

    Show details

  • MX_S02: Advanced Shaping & Intermediate Finishing Sign-off

    • 18 Aug 2025
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax (Mixed Media Studio)
    • 2
    Register
    The MMX Shop is the gateway for many new members to get making right away. MMX offers a suite of light to medium duty wood tools for beginning and advanced applications. MMX Advanced tools sign-off will get you up and running on a variety of tools and also get them conscientious of tool safety.

    Upon completion, makers will be able to use, on their own:

    • Handheld (Palm) Routers (this tool sign-off does not transfer to the full size routers or router table in Woodshop)
    • Slab Flattening rail guide system (while this setup uses a full size router, this sign-off does not transfer to the full size routers or router table in Woodshop)
    • Delta Surface Planer (this tool sign-off does not transfer to the planers in Woodshop)
    • Angle Grinder
    • Power Carver
    • Electric Hand Planer
    • 7” Polisher

    Sign-off: Mixed Media Advanced Tools

    Safety Requirements: Close toed shoes with non-synthetic uppers, non-synthetic clothing, long hair and beards need to be pulled back, safety glasses (loaners available in the shop). Hearing protection recommended (disposable ear plugs available in the shop)

    Instructor: Beej Powers

    Show details

  • MW_P01: Metal Lathe Threading

    • 19 Aug 2025
    • 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Nova Labs, Inc. (Metalshop) 3850 Jermantown Road. Fairfax City, VA 22030
    • 1
    Register

    It's reckoned that the Greeks invented the screw back in the 5th century BC. By the 1st century BC, the Greeks and Romans were using screw presses to press clothes, olives and wine. The first nuts and bolts appeared in the middle 1400’s. They were hand made and not interchangeable. Joseph Whitworth In England proposed a standard screw resulting in the Whitworth Screw thread in 1841. In Philadelphia in 1864 William Sellers proposed a standard American V thread. Near the end of the second world war (78 years later) the Sellers thread became the "US Standard”.

    The screw cutting engine lathe is the oldest and most important of machine tools. The first screw cutting lathes were made in the US in the early 1800’s and allowed the making of locomotives, electric motors and automobiles which drove the industrial revolution. The metal lathe with a lead screw is used to cut threads. Also the metal lathe makes it easier to cut threads using taps and dies.

    In this class we will review the different types of screws. We will use taps, dies and the lathe to single point turn V threads.

    Prerequisite: Metal lathe sign-off

    Instructor: George Clessas

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  • 3d_O: Onshape - Open Office Hours ("OOH") - Members Only

    • 23 Aug 2025
    • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Nova Labs, Inc, 3850 Jermantown Road. Fairfax City, VA 22030 (Orange Bay)
    • 8
    Register

    Onshape Open Office Hours ("OOH")

    Whether you're just starting your Onshape exploration or already deep into it, if you have questions—we have answers.

    • Why won’t my sketch fully constrain?

    • Why am I getting errors when adding a fillet?

    • How can I make sure my design is 3D-printable?

    Whatever the question, this is your chance to meet with NL’s Onshape experts and get the help you need. Bring your curiosity—we’re here to support your design journey. If you are working with other CAD software, don’t hesitate to reach out, they all operate on the same basic concepts.

    Prerequisite: None. Age 13+ only please.  Please register so that the hosts can manage expectations.

    To bring: We recommend you bring your own laptop, charger and mouse.

    Hosts / Instructors: Fabiana C and Thomas C

    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.
    Show details

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

    • 28 Aug 2025
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • 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.

    Show details

  • AC_O: Fabric & Costume Swap (Members-only)

    • 20 Sep 2025
    • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • Nova Labs 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
    • 23
    Register

    Fabric and craft stash swapping is a great way to exchange materials with fellow makers and a fun opportunity to clear out fabric and yarn you no longer need. Have a cup of tea and a nibble, chit-chat with other makers, and hunt for that perfect piece for your next project!

    This is a casual, community freecycle-style event—not a one-for-one trade! Simply bring your unwanted fabric and costumes, browse what others have brought, and see if you find any "treasures."

    How It Works:

    • Bring a box with your name on it containing costumes, props, supplies and clean, folded fabric.
    • Bringing materials to swap is encouraged but not required to attend.
    • Look through the available materials and take home anything that inspires you.
    • At the end of the swap, any unclaimed items must be taken home by their original owners.

    Event Details:

    • Who: Members and their guests only.
    • Registration: Required so we can plan refreshments.
    • Where: Events Bay Community Space

    Join us for a relaxed gathering—your "trash" might just be someone else's "treasure"!



    Show details

Email: support@nova-labs.org

Nova Labs, Inc. is a 501(c)(3), EIN 45-3796580

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