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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

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

    • 6 Dec 2025
    • 13 Dec 2025
    • 2 sessions
    • Nova Labs (The Studio), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
    • 5
    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. The first is on October 25th and the second is on November 1st. 

    All casting materials will be provided. 

    Prerequisites: None

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

    Instructor: Michael Cividanes
    Show details

  • AC_P: Holiday Sergers Bag and Pouch Edition

    • 10 Dec 2025
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030 (Classroom 1)
    • 3
    Register

    Picture: BERNINA 800DL Sergers are great for fast easy sewing projects. Prepare for the holidays and practice one of the most versatile stitches at the same time! The 4-thread overlock stitch secures seams while simultaneously finishing the raw edges of the fabric.

    In this class you will:

    • Learn how to thread and set up the serger to produce a 4-thread overlock stitch
    • Practice inserting a zipper with a domestic machine and a zipper foot. 
    You can choose to create a zippered pouch and/or a decorative petal drawstring pouch (does not require sewing a zipper). Both are great options for environmentally friendly gift wrapping that can be reused and repurposed over and over to hold gifts or anything else you can fit inside! Materials are included but students may precut (contact instructor to discuss dimension) and bring their own if desired.

    Sign off: none

    Prerequisite: Basic sewing skills

    Maximum participants: 5

    Age requirement: 14+

    Safety Dress Code: Reading glasses if needed

    Instructor: Danielle 

    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_P: Metalcrafting - Custom Stamped Holiday Ornaments

    • 10 Dec 2025
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Nova Labs at 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030 (The Studio)
    • 0
    Registration is closed
      
    Make personalized decorations for your own home or as gifts! Learn metal stamping and hammering techniques on aluminum to customize three ornaments: a star, a snowflake, and a tree.

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

    Prerequisite: none

    Instructor: Lauren Hillman

    This class will be canceled if there are less than 4 registrations within 48 hours of the start date.

    Show details

  • AC_S: Hem Your Own Pants & Blind Stitch Machine Sign-Off

    • 11 Dec 2025
    • 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Nova Labs (Crafters Shop), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
    • 2
    Register



    Chandler Mark 60- heavy Duty Blind Stitch Tag # 4321

    Have you ever wanted to hem your own pants but worried they wouldn't look professional? Join this class to learn 3 hem styles and sign-off the blind stitch machine too!

    In this class, we will learn 3 commonly used techniques for hemming pants:

    • blind stitching 
    • top stitching 
    • "original jeans hem" 
    We will cover the general differences between an industrial and domestic sewing machine as we learn to set up and adjust the industrial blind stitch machine. You will learn to prep and finish all three hems using a combination of the blind stitch machine, a serger, and a domestic sewing machine.

    Join us and find out just how EASY a professional hem can be!

    Perquisites: home sewing machine experience, serger experience recommended but not required

    Age requirement: 16+ 

    Sign off: Chandler Mark 50 Industrial Blind Stitch Machine

    Safety Dress Code: shoes with backs - no flip-flops

    PLEASE BRING ANY GLASSES OR EYEWEAR NEEDED FOR THREADING NEEDLES

    You are welcome to bring in your own pants/slacks/jeans. Practice hems will also be available.

    Instructor: Danielle 

    This class must have two students to run. If the class is canceled due to lack of attendance you 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.

    Show details

  • AC_P: Cookie Swap and Decorating

    • 13 Dec 2025
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • *Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030 (Crafter's Cove)
    • 12
    Register


    Do you love cookies?? I mean who doesn't love cookies!!!  

    To participate in the swap bring 3 dozen cookies  (3 different containers of one dozen each - NO SUGAR COOKIES, THESE ARE ALREADY PROVIDED) and the recipe on a printed sheet of paper so people can photograph it.  You will "swap" pick from other peoples cookies and take home 3 dozen different cookies.  Please no store bought cookies.  

    Then stay and decorate sugar cookies with frosting and candies!  This is NOT a professional decorating class. Just good old fashion fun of decorationg Holiday cookies. 

    Sugar cookies, frosting, candy decorations and apple cider provided.  

    Perquisites: none

    Instructor: Karen Long

    Children under the age of 13 must be accompied by a paying adult.

    Class must have 3 participants sign up to run. If this does not happen those who have paid will be issued a full refund. Class will be cancelled Thursday Dec 7th if at least 3 participants have not signed up.  

    Show details

  • AC_P: Sew a Quilted Placemat

    • 14 Dec 2025
    • 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Nova Labs (Crafters Cove) 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
    • 3
    Register


    Step into the quilting world and learn to create a quilted placemat from start to finish! this hands-on class focuses on key quilting techniques that build precision and confidence - all at a domestic sewing machine! Come learn how to:

    • Square up fabric and batting
    • Layer and pin materials for stability
    • Maintain consistent seam allowances while piecing
    • Finishing touches such as topstitching and knot burying

    Class will discuss layout, texture, and how quilting lines can enhance your overall design. 

    Taking the piece home is optional. The instructor will take any leftovers for donation to the "kennel quilt" program at Capital Quilts in Gaithersburg.

    Materials will be provided.

    Students may bring a walking foot or other personal sewing accessories (e.g. a rotary cutter; personal cutting mat; fabric chalk, etc.) if desired.

    Perquisites: MUST KNOW HOW TO OPERATE A SEWING MACHINE. Instructor will not review this. If you have any questions, please contact instructor before registering.
    Cancellation Policy: 48 hours in advance
    Age requirement: ages 14 and up (minors must have accompanying adult present nearby)
    Sign off: none
    Safety Dress Code: N/A

    Instructor: Sairah Khan

    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

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

    • 14 Dec 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA (The Studio)
    • 0
    Registration is closed

    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

  • BL_S02: Blacksmithing: COUPLES Steel Roses

    • 14 Dec 2025
    • 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    • Nova Labs (Blacksmithing Shop), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA
    • 1
    Register

    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 (non members will pay $165) (Register one person of the couple, who will pay $150 (if member), and then, as part of that registration process, add your guest, will pay $0.  You will not be able to go back later after completing registration and add your guest.)

    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 current 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.

    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.
    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

    Show details

  • AC_P: From Cute Pic to Perfect Gift

    • 14 Dec 2025
    • 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM
    • Nova Labs (Classroom 1), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
    • 4
    Register


    Need a last-minute gift for a pet lover who drinks too much coffee? Want to immortalize your dog’s derpy expression on a hat, hoodie or handbag?

    You need the “one weird trick” for turning cute pet pix into line art ready for any craft machine. With this class and a little practice you can use your dog’s, cat’s or even your kid’s photo with the sublimation printer, mug press, embroidery machine, laser cutter and more.

    You’ll learn how to import photos in Inkscape, using the curve tool to outline your photo and the weird trick to get maximum cuteness with minimum talent.

    To Bring: Laptop with mouse and Inkscape v1.4 installed. Digital photo of pet you'd like to draw. A half or three quarters profile (see above) is best for beginners. Drawing tablet optional.

    Prerequisites: None

    Instructor: Steve Fritzinger is the composites steward in the Studio, a woodworker, chef, bread baker, hot sauce maker and cosplayer.

    Show details

  • EL_O01: Arduino Group Meetup (Free, Public, Online)

    • 16 Dec 2025
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Online event
    Register

    There's a big community for Arduino (embedded electronics in general) within Nova Makers. This group meeting is for those people with projects and questions. If you're experienced with Arduino, join us too - we need answers to all of the questions.

    Bring your Arduino projects (in any state, even napkin sketches). We can do anything from learning where to start - to talking about Arudino specifics. The agenda is up to you.

    Virtual Access - the link is available upon registration only. Look for the email with the zoom link! Email us at support@nova-labs.org if you do not receive it without 15 minutes.

    Hosted by: Scott Bennett who has been hosting this event for over 5 years. This is the makerspace's longest running and most successful meetup. Scott ensures there are always exciting demos at every event.

    Show details

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

    • 18 Dec 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

  • BL_S: Damascus Knifemaking, from Start to Finish!

    • 20 Dec 2025
    • 21 Dec 2025
    • 2 sessions
    • Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Road Fairfax, VA 22030 (Blacksmith Shop)
    • 0
    Registration is closed


    Damascus Knifemaking, from Start to Finish!

    In this class we will make a replica of the famous 1219C2 “Knife, Fighting Utility”, better known as the “K-BAR” – a design used my the US Marine Corps starting in 1943 and continuing through the Vietnam war and used by some Marines even today.

    While the original knives were mono-steel, will kick it up a notch by making our from pattern-welded (aka Damascus) steel made from 1085 and 15N20.

    This class is not for the faint of heart and requires a significant time commitment over multiple very a VERY full weekend.  In order to complete the knife in a weekend, some extremely long and labor-intensive days will be required.

    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, the power-hammer, and learn how to independently set up both  the forge-welding and temperature-controlled forges.

    Prerequisites: Students must be members of Nova Labs and have taken the Blacksmithing 101 and Metalshop Yellow (101) classes.  It is highly recommended that they attend a dozen or so hours of Nova Labs Blacksmithing Practice Sessions before attempting this project.

    INSTRUCTOR:  Patrick M.

    INSTRUCTOR BIO:  Pat is many things to many people: (former) Blacksmithing Steward, (current) Nova Labs president, (former)Nova Labs Board Member, (former) Nova Labs Vice 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 2x72-inch belt grinder,
    - the power-hammer

    - blacksmithing set up.

    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

    Show details

  • IC_P: Plastic Brains and Kitchen Junk Drawers

    • 14 Jan 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Nova Labs (Classroom 1), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA
    • 15
    Register

    Do you feel like you are stuck in a rut? Do you dread the well-meaning question from loved ones about this year’s resolutions? Do you ever feel like a whole NEW brain is what you need to get organized? No, no, put down your shovel. Not like that!

    A professional organizer with 8 years of experience begins the session with a short talk on how lifelong habits and negative self-talk affect personal organization, and how you can make lasting changes—for the better. Then, watch a live demo as a typical kitchen junk drawer is transformed using everyday items—showcasing simple, realistic strategies you can use at home right away.

    Prerequisite: An interest in learning about the mental habits that affect personal organization, plus an interest in developing the skills to organize a junk drawer.

    Age: While the instructor can adapt instruction to any audience, it will be best if audience members can listen quietly during instruction.


    Meet the Instructor: 


    Crystal Thurber is the Owner, Founder, and Solutions Finder of Compassionate Decluttering, LLC. Since 2017, she has been applying her Master’s in Special Education, love of brain research, and mental health advocacy to her work. She specializes in clients with executive functioning difficulties, mental health concerns, and/or mental and physical disabilities. She loves teaching clients individualized skills so that they hopefully never need another professional organizer. She is NOT naturally organized, but her years of learning the hard way is your gain!

    Show details

  • EL_P06: CAD Circuit - PCB Design and Layout Workshop

    • 17 Jan 2026
    • 1:00 PM - 6:30 PM
    • Nova Labs (Classroom 1)
    • 5
    Register

    Hands-on 5 hour workshop. Learn and practice Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design using PCB CAD software. Software is very similar to EagleCAD and other CAD options so this is a good entry point for moving into learning to design your own PCBs.

    We'll cover basic techniques for optimal PCB layout, schematic design, electronic components and semiconductors, and auto-routing! We recommend all students order their OLED alarm clock circuit project after class from a PCB fabricator along with the parts need to do the PCB assembly so hey can get the practice with the full process. **Open office follow-on help will be provided with the assembly if you follow this recommendation.

    BEFORE Class: You must visit EasyEDA.com and make an account

    Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of electricity & common components. Breadboard/Arduino experience is preferred. Highly recommend our monthy EL_P01: Introduction to Basic Electronic Circuits (Online)

    Instructor: Bryce Peterson, advanced electronics and programming engineer

    Show details

  • IC_P: Stressful Socks and The Bedroom’s Blocked: Organizing clothing chaos

    • 30 Jan 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Nova Labs (Classroom 1), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA
    • 15
    Register


    Has your bed been conquered by clothing? Did your bedroom floor send you a “miss you” emoji? Does sock sorting stress you out?

    If you answered “yes” to any of these, have I got a class for you! In the first part of this hands-on and family friendly class, you will learn three different methods for sorting socks. The
    methods can be adapted for folks who are autistic, have ADHD, and/or other executive functioning challenges.

    In the second half of this class, we’ll practice sorting doll clothes (they aren’t as heavy as full size). The techniques used can be adapted for families with children and/or people with mobility challenges.

    All class materials provided.


    Meet the Instructor: 


    Crystal Thurber is the Owner, Founder, and Solutions Finder of Compassionate Decluttering, LLC. Since 2017, she has been applying her Master’s in Special Education, love of brain research, and mental health advocacy to her work. She specializes in clients with executive functioning difficulties, mental health concerns, and/or mental and physical disabilities. She loves teaching clients individualized skills so that they hopefully never need another professional organizer. She is NOT naturally organized, but her years of learning the hard way is your gain!

    Show details

  • 3d_P: Introduction to Onshape

    • 21 Feb 2026
    • 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
    • Nova Labs, Inc. 3850 Jermantown Road. Fairfax City, VA 22030 (Classroom 1)
    • 8
    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

    Show details

  • 3d_P: Introduction to Onshape

    • 16 May 2026
    • 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
    • Nova Labs, Inc. 3850 Jermantown Road. Fairfax City, VA 22030 (Classroom 1)
    • 8


    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

    Show details

Email: support@nova-labs.org

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