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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.

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This Month's Featured events

    • 15 Sep 2026
    • 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM
    • Nova Labs (Woodshop), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA
    • 3
    Register

    If you’ve been looking for a “hand tool class” this is the one for you. I’m bringing all the skills I’ve learned from Rowden Atelier to Nova Labs. The focus will be on both how to set up and use tools properly to shape wood, and the precision that goes along with creating any piece you want to make.

    Learn the basics of hand tool woodworking in this hands-on class. This class is perfect for beginners who want to learn essential woodworking skills, or those who are experienced novice woodworkers that want to improve their skills.

    This class will be a one day intensive.

    Class Overview:

    • Introduction to hand tools and their uses, flattening, squaring, and prepping materials.
    • Proper tool handling techniques using chisels and planes.
    • Learning how to work with wood grain direction
    • Sawing and cutting techniques
    • Shaping wood
    • Basic joinery techniques

    Instructor: Anjelika

    • 15 Sep 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Nova Labs (Classroom 1), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA
    • 5
    Register

    Are you ready to sell your products in person? Selling at events is a fantastic way to engage with a new audience and get your creations into customers' hands. In this workshop, you’ll learn the ins and outs of running a table, from finding the right event for your work to making your first sale. This workshop is designed for adults (18+).

    Business of Making Series: This series is designed for makers, artists, and creative entrepreneurs who are interested in taking the first steps to building a business. This season kicks off with seven workshops led by practicing artist and small business owner, Lee Sowell of Lee Strawberry.

    Tuesdays 7-9pm

    August 4th - Time and Project Management for Artists

    August 11th - Intro to Digital Art with Procreate

    August 18th - Design Business Cards and Advertisements on Canva

    August 25th - Setting up an Online Store

    September 1 - Build and Engage a Following on Instagram

    September 8 - Showcasing Your Work Online

    September 15 - Selling at Conventions, Artist Alleys, and Fairs


    Meet the Instructor: Lee, owner of Lee Strawberry, LLC, is a northern VA based artist who has had multiple years experience running a creative business. They have used a diverse set of avenues - online content creation, selling at conventions, and working with clients, to find creativity and enjoyment both as an artist and entrepreneur.
    • 17 Sep 2026
    • 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Nova Labs (Woodshop), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA
    • 3
    Register


    Turn a custom Bottle Stopper!

    In this project we will discuss Bottle Stopper styles and kits, blank materials, designs and their finishes. After selecting your stopper style and blank you'll craft your stopper. You'll take home a one of a kind Bottle Stopper - Hand Crafted by YOU!

    All equipment and materials provided to make 2 custom crafted Bottle Stoppers.

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

    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

    • 20 Sep 2026
    • 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
    • Nova Labs (The Studio), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA
    • 9
    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

    • 20 Sep 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Nova Labs (Woodshop), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA
    • 5
    Register
    Create your own one-of-a-kind live edge white oak charcuterie board!

    In this hands-on woodworking class, students will choose from a selection of unique live edge white oak blanks, each varying in shape, size, grain pattern, and natural character. Some pieces may feature distinctive spalting or other unique figure.

    Students will design their own handle, then shape, smooth, and sand their selected piece while preserving the natural live edge. We will use the bandsaw, drill press, and sanders.

    The example board is approximately 22" × 9" × 1/2" and finished with tung oil, but dimensions will vary depending on the wood selected. No two boards will be alike, and each student will leave with a functional, unique serving board.

    Materials provided.
    Prerequisite: None
    Sign Off: None
    • 20 Sep 2026
    • 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    • Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA (Studio)
    • 7
    Register


    Celebrate the season with a cozy, hands-on candle-making project! In this fall-themed class, you’ll create and customize your own autumn candle from start to finish.

    Choose from three seasonal fragrances — Pumpkin Spice, Crisp Apple Orchard, or Flannel & Cedar — then personalize your candle with a selection of fall-inspired details. Pick a laser-etched wooden lid design and finish your candle by decorating the jar with stickers, candle labels, ribbons, and other autumn accents.

    This is a project-based class, rather than an introduction to the fundamentals of candle making. We’ll guide you through the process of assembling and pouring your candle while focusing on creativity, customization, and creating a finished piece you’ll be excited to take home.

    All materials are provided, and no previous candle-making experience is required.

    Come enjoy a relaxed fall workshop and leave with a handmade candle that is uniquely yours — perfect for adding a little autumn warmth to your home or giving as a seasonal gift.

    Meet the Instructor 

    Sean Hickey

    Sean is a recent convert from a life as a project manager in commercial contracting to full-time maker and small business owner. As a Northern Virginia Native, he's always enjoyed working with his hands and finding connection in his community.  When he's not running his small business or volunteering at Nova Labs, he's spending time on his little farm out in Southern Maryland.

    • 21 Sep 2026
    • 22 Sep 2026
    • 2 sessions
    • Nova Labs (Woodshop), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA
    • 0
    Registration is closed

    IMPORTANT: This is a 2 day class

    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 - will focus on design, materials, jigs, finishes, cutting and the glue up of your rolling pen.
    • Day 2 - will focus allowing students to turn the rolling pin on the lathe, sand and finish the rolling pen.

    Prerequisite: None. 

    Instructor: Steven 

    • 22 Sep 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030 (Crafters Cove)
    • 0
    Registration is closed

    Picture: BERNINA 800DL

    Take your sewing to the next level and get signed off with this introductory class for the serger/overlock machine. Sergers look intimidating with multiple threads and moving knives but a little guidance and practice is all you need to create quick, clean, professional finishes on your sewing projects.

    This class will focus on the safe operation, threading, and basic functions of the serger. You will practice a 4-thread overlock stitch, a 3-thread overlock, and a 3-thread rolled hem. As you do so you will create your own physical reference sample book as you learn to understand settings and troubleshoot, leaving you with an invaluable resource when you come back to machine with a future project. If you would like to bring a serger from home, please ensure that it has been serviced and that you bring a copy of the operating manual.

    • Sign off: All domestic serger/overlock machines
    • Prerequisite: Basic sewing skills, domestic machine experience recommended
    • Age requirement: 16+ (minors must be accompanied by adult guardian)
    • Dress Code: Eyewear for detail work if needed

    Meet your instructor: With nearly two decades as an educator under her belt, it's clear Danielle loves teaching. She's shared her expertise through workshops on everything from beginner sewing to operating specialty machines, pattern drafting, textile selection, and intricate embroidery techniques. But Danielle's true creative joy lies in bringing beloved Star Wars characters to life through meticulously crafted costumes. She's competed across the country, always challenging herself to top her previous creations, and invariably getting distracted by a new galactic passion project.

    Class must have 3 participants sign up to run. If this does not happen those who have paid will be issued a full refund. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, that is a safety violation and you may not be able to join the class.

    Per Nova Labs policy, there is no refund if the student is non-compliant with the safety dress requirement or more than 15 minutes late for class.

    • 23 Sep 2026
    • 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.

    • 26 Sep 2026
    • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • Nova Labs (The Studio), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
    • 6
    Register

    Homemade pizza is a pleasure. Homemade pizza for a woodfired oven is even better.

    In this class you’ll learn how to make true Neapolitan pizzas in a 900° woodfired oven. We’ll cover making the dough, creating a perfect pizza sauce, stretching and topping the pizza, of course, baking the pie. We’ll also cover building the fire, temperature control and a few other things you can make in a woodfired oven.

    If you don’t have a woodfired oven, don’t worry. We’ll show you how to make great pizzas in a home oven.

    This class will be half in the classroom and half outdoors. Dress appropriately. 

    Rain date: 10/3

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

    • 27 Sep 2026
    • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA (Classroom 2)
    • 11
    Register


    Learn to carve your own personalized Japanese name stamp (Hanko). In Japan, these stamps are traditionally used as signatures on documents and handmade artwork.

    Using a linoleum block and a wooden handle, you will carve your name in Japanese (Katakana or Kanji) or the Alphabet. All Beginners Welcome! Students who have taken my other Japanese folk art classes can use their custom stamp to sign their finished pieces.

    What You Will Do:

    ● Learn the history of Japanese Hanko signatures.

    ● Transfer your design onto the linoleum block.

    ● Safely use carving tools to cut your stamp.

    ● Mount a linoleum block onto a wood handle.

    ● Test your stamp using authentic red vermilion ink (Shuniku) and take your custom stamp home.

    Age: Minors 12 and older may attend this event. However, the parent or legal guardian must also register as a student for minors under the age 16. For age 16 and 17, the parent or legal guardian must remain on site at Nova Labs while the minor attends the class, but can be in the common areas.

    Create your own custom name stamp. Have fun stamping your signature in a traditional yet unique way!

    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.

    • 4 Oct 2026
    • 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
    • Nova Labs, Inc. (Metalshop) 3850 Jermantown Road. Fairfax City, VA 22030
    • 6
    Register

    In this hands on metalworking class, participants will create a small welded octopus sculpture using stainless steel silverware and bolts. This playful, character driven project introduces MIG welding through a guided, step by step process focused on safe tool use and controlled fabrication. While the overall structure is guided, each sculpture will have its own personality.

    The focus of the class is learning basic MIG welding skills, safe tool use, and guided sculptural construction in the metal shop. No prior welding experience is required. All materials will be provided, and students will leave with a completed welded sculpture.

    NOTE: This class is project based and does not provide metal shop tool sign offs or independent tool access outside of class time.

    Meet the Instructor 

     
    Marie Guagenti

    Marie is a sculptor and educator with a BFA in Sculpture from George Mason University. She specializes in welding and metalworking and enjoys exploring how different materials can connect and transform through the making process. As a mother of three, she values creativity, patience, and curiosity both in and outside the shop.


    • 15 Oct 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA (Studio)
    • 11
    Register


    Turn ordinary paper
    Into an extraordinary wig. 
    Fun bouncie and big!
    Long luxurious locks
    Nearly weightless
    Any color any texture
    Perfect for cosplay
    Or to match your outfit
    Every day!

    Children Ages 12+ welcome to register but must attend with their parents. 

    Meet the Instructor 

    Donna Milligan

    Donna is an interdisciplinary artist and activist.  Obsessed with fantasy, puppets, boots and earrings.

    • 17 Oct 2026
    • 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
    • Nova Labs, Inc., Classroom 2, 3850 Jermantown Road. Fairfax City, VA 22030
    • 5
    Register

    Beyond the Sketch:
    Designing Multi-Part Assemblies and Hinges in Onshape

    Course Description:   This class is intended for people who have some experience using Onshape. For beginners, we recommend the Introduction to Onshape class.

    During this session, the instructor will guide you through the design of a box to store flash drives. New skills included are: how to use variables, make print-in-place hinges and how to use ‘assembly’ to simulate the opening and closing of the box. The design process learned here can be reproduced to make all sorts of boxes and other similar objects. 

    Flash Drive Case _ Box Assembly - Opera 2026-08-23 20-16-15.gif

    The class presupposes attendees can do the following comfortably:

    • Create a document

    • Navigate the Onshape space using the view cube and the controls of the mouse

    • Create sketches using lines, rectangles, circles, constraints, the dimension tool and construction geometry

    • Extrude sketches into parts

    • Modify parts using chamfer and fillet

    • Move back using the rollback bar and make changes to previous stages

    Prerequisite:  Familiarity with the use of a computer and the internet plus the Onshape skills listed above. 
    Age 13+ only please

    To bring:  We recommend you bring your own laptop, charger and mouse. However, we do have classroom laptops. Make sure you know your Onshape.com login credentials.

    Instructors: Fabiana Cesa and Thomas Carver.  

    Fabiana Cesa is a maker educator, familiar with all sorts of digital tools. She is a founding member of the Nova MakerSchool. Thomas Carver is a junior engineer for a defense startup and a proficient CAD designer with extensive experience.

    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.

    • 18 Oct 2026
    • 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Nova Labs (The Studio), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA
    • 7
    Register
    Continue your silversmithing journey in this project class. Spinner rings are a great way to build on the skills learned in the jewelry sign-off class and to learn new techniques and tools. You’ll use the guillotine shear, rolling mill, and ring bender and get more experience with the torch.

    A spinner ring is the classiest accessory a chronic fidgeter could ask for. A small ring is held captive by a wider, flared ring, giving you a shiny fidget accessory that is suitable for the office—or anywhere! And it’s made of sterling silver and copper, so it’s a piece of wearable artwork.

    Prerequisites: TS_S01: Jewelry Tools Sign-off - Intro to Metalsmithing Soldering and Tools (or equivalent jewelry soldering experience). https://portal.nova-labs.org/event-6803482
    (If you’ve taken the sign-off but it’s been a while, come to Studio open office hours sometime to refresh your skills.)

    Safety: Wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and safety goggles (available to borrow).

    Instructor: Lauren Hillman has been silversmithing since 2018 and is a “technique collector,” always learning new skills in the studio. You can find her selling jewelry at local craft shows as Wandering Songbird.
    • 24 Oct 2026
    • 25 Oct 2026
    • 2 sessions
    • Nova Labs, Blacksmith Shop, 3850 Jermantown Road Fairfax, VA 22030
    • 3
    Register



    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

    • 31 Oct 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Nova Labs (Orange Bay), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA
    Register

    Halloween is the quintessential MAKER holiday each year. It's made for makers!  Our Nova Labs Monster Mash Halloween Party is a second chance to wear those incredible costumes you've been crafting all season. We’ll have swamp punch, spooky games, great company, and of course lots of food.

    We’ll have swamp punch, spooky games, great company, and of course lots of food. Be sure to register your guests, including kids so we get a good headcount!

    This is a potluck-style event, and you’re encouraged to bring “scary foods or treats” – think creepy, clever, or creatively gross. For inspiration, check out this blog post: Scary Halloween Recipes (via Delish).

    Sign up to bring a dish here: Potluck Sign-Up →

    Costumes encouraged. Makers & friends welcome. Let’s make it a night to remember!

    • 7 Nov 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA
    Register



    Ever wondered what goes on inside Nova Labs?

    Discover what happens Inside Northern Virginia's premiere makerspace when our makers are prepping their holiday gifts. The Pre-Holiday Tour is part of our Discovery series that allows you to experience Northern Virginia's largest nonprofit makerspace - firsthand.

    During your guided tour, you'll:

    • Meet makers, artists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and hobbyists

    • See members creating amazing projects in real time

    • Explore 20,000 square feet of workshops and fabrication equipment

    • Learn about programs for youth, robotics, workforce development, entrepreneurs, and lifelong learners

    • Find out how you can become part of the Nova Labs community

    Whether you're looking for a new hobby, a place to build your next invention, or simply curious about what happens inside a makerspace, our Pre-Holiday Tour is the perfect introduction.


    Saturday, November 7th
    Five guided tours available throughout the day starting at 10AM. We will conduct a tour at the top of every hour with the last one leaving at 2PM.

    Advance registration is required. Families are welcome, and all tours are designed with visitor safety in mind.

    • 7 Nov 2026
    • 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
    • Nova Labs, Inc., Classroom 1, 3850 Jermantown Road. Fairfax City, VA 22030
    • 7
    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

Email: support@nova-labs.org

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

© 2020 Nova Labs, Inc. All Rights Reserved.