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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_S: Blacksmithing-Long-form Knife-Making Class (Members only)

    • 7 Dec 2024
    • 14 Dec 2024
    • 3 sessions
    • Nova Labs (The Blacksmith Shop), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
    • 0
    Registration is closed

    Damascus Cu-Mai Knifemaking, from Start to Finish

    In this class we will make a Cu-mai Damascus knife like the one pictured above:  That is, a knife with a solid core of mono-steel, clad in a layer of pattern-welded Damascus steel braised on with copper.  It will feature hidden-tang construction, a copper bolster/guard, and a tropical hardwood handle.

    This class is not for the faint of heart and requires a significant time commitment over multiple very full weekends.  But it will feature a small class-size (just two students for this initial offering), and between sixteen and twenty hours of personalized, hands-on instruction.

    Along the way, you’ll learn all sorts of things about metallurgy, knife-making, and materials.  You’ll also get signed-off on the 2x72-inch grinder and learn how to independently set up both the forge-welding and temperature-controlled forges.

    PREREQUISITES: Age 16 and over. Students must be current members of Nova Labs and have successfully taken the Blacksmithing 101 and Metalshop Yellow (101) classes.  It is highly recommended that the Student has attended a number of Nova Labs Blacksmithing Practice Sessions before attempting this project.

    Schedule:

    Day 1 (six to eight hours)
    •    Introduction to Damascus steel and forge welding
    •    Creation of a ~100 layer Damascus billet of steel
    •    Introduction to Cu-mai
    •    Creation of a Cu-mai billet
    •    Annealing the billet

    Day 2 (four to six hours)
    •    Surface grinding and flattening
    •    Profiling the knife
    •    Rough-grinding using a knife-making jig
    •    Heat treatment, quenching, and tempering

    Day 3 (six to eight hours)
    •    Final grinding by hand
    •    Hand-sanding
    •    Milling and fitting the guard
    •    Drilling and broaching the handle
    •    Shaping the handle & guard
    •    Etching the Damascus
    •    Final fit & finish

    WARNING: This is a long and time intensive event that takes place over three days.  Being late and/or missing class may result in not being able to complete the training - at the instructors discretion.
    SIGN OFFs:  2x72-inch grinder and learn how to independently set up both the forge-welding and temperature-controlled forges (Blacksmithing Set-up).

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

    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_P: Wood Turning: Create a Penguin Army for Festive Decor

    • 15 Dec 2024
    • 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Nova Labs
    • 1
    Register

    Welcome to our enchanting woodturning class where craftsmanship meets the subarctic! In this lively session, you’ll dive into the world of wood turning to create not just penguin holiday decorations, but the beginnings of your very own penguin army. Whether you’re a seasoned artisan or just starting your turning journey, this class promises to ignite your creativity and woodworking skills.

    Prerequisite: Lathe sign-off required

    Materials: All necessary tools and materials will be provided for use throughout the class. We will start with a turning blank made of black walnut and maple, and turn it into chubby, adorable, but fearless penguins. 

    Instructor: Chris Sexton is an experienced woodworker and one of our woodshop stewards

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  • TS_S: Stained Glass

    • 15 Dec 2024
    • 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    • Nova Labs at 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030 (The Studio)
    • 5
    Register
          Techniques demonstrated for working with stained glass to make a customized panel. Our stained glass artist will assist you in creating your own design and color combinations so you can take home an inspired piece as a keepsake to display your skill or give as a gift.

    Take the class with your friend or partner. This is an excellent choice for a couples maker-experience class. 

    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

  • MW_S10: Hand Plasma Cutter Sign-off

    • 18 Dec 2024
    • 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA
    • 2
    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

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  • AC_S: Introduction to Long Arm Quilting Sign-off

    • 18 Dec 2024
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • *Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030 (Crafter's Cove)
    • 4
    Register


    Safety Sign off for the newest sewing machine in Crafters Cove: the Gammill Vision 18-8 Long Arm Quilter. Learn how to set the machine up for a quilting session, how to load your project onto the rollers, how to start quilting and finally how to remove your project and return the machine to a ready state for the next maker.

    Sign off: Gammill Vision 18-8 Long Arm Quilter

    Prerequisite: none

    Instructor: Kathy McKabe


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  • TS_P: Introduction to Leather Working

    • 19 Dec 2024
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Nova Labs, (The Studio), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
    • 4
    Register

    Interested in working with leather?  Want to learn some fundamental skills with leather? Come make a slim minimalistic card holder wallet for your everyday carry and learn about leatherworking basics at the same time. In this class, you will learn:
    • The process of building
    • Cutting techniques (and how to use trim allowance)
    • Assembly
    • Gluing
    • Stitching
    • Finishing
    • And tips and tricks!

    You will leave this class with a wealth of knowledge and a finished wallet you can use every day. 

    Prerequisite: Age 18+

    Minimum attendee: Class must have 3 attendee or will be canceled.  If class is cancelled you received a full refunded.

    Instructor: Darsh Khanna has been making wallets, watch bands, and other goods through his small business, DAK Leather. It is a side gig outside of his day-to-day job as a Product Designer.

    Show details

  • BL_P01: Forging a Sea Shell

    • 28 Dec 2024
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Nova Labs, (The Blacksmith Shop), 3850 Jermantown Road, Fairfax, VA
    • 6
    Register


    In this project class, students will hand-forge a spiral seashell on the end of a square bar, cut it off, and drill a hole to hang it on a
    leather cord. The piece can be either finished with blackened beeswax,
    or left as-forged to be finished later. Several blacksmithing techniques
     will be shown in more depth than in the safety signoff, including
    twisting on a taper, scrolling, and working with soft-faced hammers.

    INSTRUCTOR: Robert M.

    INSTRUCTOR BIO:  Robert has been a Nova Labs member since 2021 and a blacksmith since 2022. He is a mentor for Nova Labs' high school robotics team, Newton Squared, and is active in all the loud and/or smelly shops. In the forge, his main interest is small-scale artistic blacksmithing - hooks, keychains, and jewelry.

    PREREQUISITES:   Blacksmith safety signoff (BL101) is required, and it's strongly recommended that you have attended a few of the blacksmith practice sessions and that you are comfortable with the basic blacksmithing tools. Additionally, the Metal 101 signoff is required to perform the cutting and drilling steps; if you do not have it, the instructor will cut and drill your piece for you.

    AGE: 16 and over. Any person aged 16 or 17 must have a parent remain on the premises in case of emergency.

    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.

    Show details

  • AC_P: Design Your Own Clothing Patterns - Pants Edition NEW CLASS

    • 11 Jan 2025
    • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
    • 4
    Register

    Bonfit America Inc Pants Trousers Patterner Instructions By Stanley Lerman - Picture 1 of 6

    Have you ever wanted to design your own clothing?  

    Learn how to use the BonFit Patterner Tools to create custom patterns for pants.   Anything from PJs to formal trousers!  Let your imagination go wild.

    In this class we will learn how to take proper measurements and you will go away with a list of your own so don't wear super baggy clothing.  You are encouraged to bring pictures or sketches of pants you would like to make.

    We will walk though how to make simple pants in the first half of class and discuss more complex designs for the second half of class.

    This is a Demo Class - you will learn how to use the tools but not actually make a pattern in class.

    Prerequisite: None - basic sewing knowledge helpful but not needed.

    Instructor: Karen Long

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

    Show details

  • AC_P: Design Your Own Clothing Patterns - Skirts Edition NEW CLASS

    • 11 Jan 2025
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
    • 4
    Register

    BONFIT patterner skirt Instructions Stanley Lerman Book - Picture 1 of 3

    Have you ever wanted to design your own clothing?  

    Learn how to use the BonFit Patterner Tools to create custom patterns for skirts.  Anything from a simple elastic waist skirt to fitted more intricate skirt!  Let your imagination go wild.

    In this class we will learn how to take proper measurements and you will go away with a list of your own so don't wear super baggy clothing.  You are encouraged to bring pictures or sketches of skirts you would like to make.

    We will walk though how to make simple skirt pattern in the first half of class and discuss more complex designs for the second half of class.

    This is a Demo Class - you will learn how to use the tools but not actually make a pattern in class.

    Prerequisite: None - basic sewing knowledge helpful but not needed.

    Instructor: Karen Long

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

    Show details

  • AC_P: Design Your Own Clothing Patterns - Bodice Edition NEW CLASS

    • 11 Jan 2025
    • 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
    • 5
    Register

    Have you ever wanted to design your own clothing?  

    Learn how to use the BonFit Patterner Tools to create custom patterns for bodice.   Anything from simple shirts to fitted bodices!  Let your imagination go wild.

    In this class we will learn how to take proper measurements and you will go away with a list of your own so don't wear super baggy clothing.  You are encouraged to bring pictures or sketches of tops or bodices you would like to make.

    We will walk though how to make simple tops in the first half of class and discuss more complex designs for the second half of class.

    This is a Demo Class - you will learn how to use the tools but not actually make a pattern in class.

    Prerequisite: None - basic sewing knowledge helpful but not needed.

    Instructor: Karen Long

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

    Show details

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

    • 23 Jan 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

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

    Embark on a dynamic journey into the world of 3D design. You'll learn hands-on, step-by-step techniques to create digital 3D models, which then can be used to manufacture objects using a 3D printer or other CNC machines. Onshape is free and web-based software so you will be able to continue learning wherever you choose. Whether you're a beginner or you have some experience and want to expand your skills, this course provides ample opportunities for growth. You'll learn to design in three dimensions and modify CAD files to craft your own unique creations.

    The class will include an introduction to the Prusa Slicer, so every participant will be able to prepare a CAD for 3D printing. Discover the art of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and slicing techniques, along with a trove of tips and tricks to bring your ideas to life. Elevate your creativity and join us for an enriching experience. Unleash your potential!

    Prerequisite: None. Age 13+ only please

    To bring: recommend you bring your own fully charged laptop and cable. However, we do have classroom laptops.

    Instructor: Fabiana Cesa and Thomas Carver

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  • AC_P: Make a T-shirt Class for Kids and Adults (10 and up)

    • 22 Mar 2025
    • 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
    • Nova Labs3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
    • 4
    Register


    Wear your emotions!

    The participants in this class will make and take home a whimsical t-shirt similar to the ones in the photo. Makers will construct their own emoji using a variety of parts available.

    The class will offer a hands-on introduction to the Silhouette cutter and Silhouette Studio, its companion software. These tools are used to design and cut vinyl appliques for t-shirts, stickers, signs and more. Nova Labs offers three Silhouettes and they are classified as green tools. The instructor will also demonstrate the use of the heat press. 

    Younger children are welcome 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

    Please include color and size choice with your early registration (at least three days before). There will be a limited selection of t-shirts for late registrations or you may bring your own blank pre-washed t-shirt.

    Price is per t-shirt making person. Adults helping children do not need to pay. 

    Maximum: 6 T-shirt making persons.

    Prerequisites: no previous sewing experience is needed

    Age requirement: 10+ or with an adult

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

    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

  • 3d_P: Introduction to Onshape