Nova Labs upcoming events

IC_P: Showcasing Your Work Online (8 Sep 2026)

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Learn how to create a simple and effective online presence to showcase your work, whether you're a maker, artist, or creative entrepreneur. This workshop will introduce you to Carrd.co, a quick and easy platform for building your online showcase. You’ll learn how to set up a site that highlights your work and prepares you for future opportunities. This session is perfect for those who don’t yet have an online presence or want a straightforward way to present their work. Suitable for ages 16+.

Note: Participants must create a Carrd.co account before attending the workshop. Minors must have access to an account and parental permission to use the software prior to attending

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.

WW_P01: Live Edge White Oak Charcuterie Board (10 Sep 2026)

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

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

WW_P08: Make a Stool (12 Sep 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 12:30:00 GMT

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

AC_P: Sashiko 1 Indigo & Ivory Beginner Moyozashi Experience (13 Sep 2026)

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Join us for an immersive journey into Sashiko (meaning "little stabs"), a traditional Japanese folk craft. Originally developed by farming families to strengthen and insulate garments, Sashiko has evolved into a stunning geometric art form celebrated by modern makers and eco-conscious enthusiasts alike.

In this workshop, you will learn the meditative running stitch technique known as Moyozashi that turns ivory thread and indigo cloth into intricate patterns. Whether you are an experienced sewist or a complete beginner, you will find peace in the repetitive motion and beauty in the functional results. Breathe new life into your favorite textiles and learn to repair and beautify your denim and home goods using this rhythmic, sustainable art.

What You’ll Learn

The Fundamentals : Master the use of specialized long needles and the essential running stitch.
Professional Techniques : Learn "needle loading" and "slack" methods to ensure perfectly flat, uniform patterns without puckering.
Precision Finishing : Navigate corners and intersections for a clean, elegant, and professional look.
Seamless Stitching : Learn to start, end, and splice thread by overlapping stitches—securing your work beautifully without the use of knots.
Geometric Artistry : Create intricate, classic designs with mathematical precision and traditional flair.
Visible Mending : How to artistically reinforce and "upcycle" your own garments.

What’s Included: Each participant receives a Sashiko Starter Kit to keep.

Come for the craft, stay for the calm. Let’s preserve history and create something new—one stitch at a time

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.

WW_P14: Hand Tool Basics (15 Sep 2026)

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 22:30:00 GMT

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

IC_P: Selling at Conventions, Artist Alleys, and Fairs (15 Sep 2026)

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

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+).

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

WW_P12: Turn a Custom Bottle Stopper (17 Sep 2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 22:30:00 GMT

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

TS_P02: Metalsmithing Jewelry: Make a Beautiful Pendant (20 Sep 2026)

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

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

AC_P: Candle Making – Fall Edition (NEW CLASS) (20 Sep 2026)

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 18:30:00 GMT

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.

WW_P05: French-Style Rolling Pin with Celtic Knot Design (2 days) (21 Sep 2026)

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

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

WW_P05: French-Style Rolling Pin with Celtic Knot Design (2 days) (22 Sep 2026)

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

IMPORTANT: This is a 2 day class

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

AC_S08: Serger Sign-off and Intro to Sergers (22 Sep 2026)

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

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.

EL_P03: Intro to Sensors in Electronics Projects (Online) (23 Sep 2026)

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

*** 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.

AC_P: Woodfired Pizza NEW CLASS (26 Sep 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 18:00:00 GMT

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.

AC_P: Hanko - The Art of Japanese Name Stamp & Seal Carving (NEW CLASS) (27 Sep 2026)

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 15:30:00 GMT

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

TS_P03: Forge Your Own Fancy Fidget: Make a Custom Spinner Ring (18 Oct 2026)

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

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.