This Month's Featured events

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• WW_P12: Beginners Pen Turning on the Lathe

  • When
    16 Apr 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Nova Labs (Woodshop), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA
  • Spaces left
    3

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  Turn a custom wooden pen!

  In this project we will discuss pen kits, blank materials and finishes, then craft your pen. You'll take home a one of a kind pen - Hand Crafted by YOU!

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

  All materials provided to make 2 wooden bodied pens.  No resins or mixed media allowed in this class.

  Prerequisite: None, 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

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• AC_P: Introduction to Hat Embroidery

  • When
    16 Apr 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  

  
  

  Embroider your own ball caps and more!

  Learn how to use the hat embroidery attachment for the Happy embroidery machine. We will cover how to attach the cap driver to the Happy, securely hoop a ball cap style hat, position and adjust the embroidery design on the hat, and return the machine to its original configuration.

  We will also discuss some design considerations specific to making hats.

  This is a Demo Class - students will not be working on the machine.

  Prerequisite: None for this demonstration, but sign-off on the Happy Embroidery machine required to do your own work.

  
  

  Instructor: Alex Ralston

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

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• WW_P05: French-Style Rolling Pin with Celtic Knot Design (2 days)

  • Start
    20 Apr 2026
  •  
  • End
    21 Apr 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    Nova Labs (Woodshop), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA
  • Spaces left
    1

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  IMPORTANT: This is a 2 day class (April20 and April 21)

  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 - April 20 at 6:00 PM - will focus on design, materials, jigs, finishes, cutting and the glue up of your rolling pen.
  • Day 2 - April 21 at 6:00 PM - will focus allowing students to turn the rolling pin on the lathe, sand and finish the rolling pen.

  Prerequisite: None. 

  Instructor: Steven 

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• EL_P04: Intro to LEDs, RGBs, and NEOPIXELS - Online

  • When
    22 Apr 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Online event
  • Spaces left
    5

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  This class will introduce students to LEDs, how they work, different kinds available and how to control them. TinkerCAD examples will be used to illustrate how LEDs are used in circuits and how to control their illumination using Arduino UNO. The class cover single color and RGB discrete LEDs, LED strips, and NEOPIXELS.

  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.

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• WW_P08: Make a Stool

  • When
    26 Apr 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Nova Labs (Woodshop)
  • Spaces left
    3

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  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

  
  

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• TS_P02: Bracelets and Bookmarks Metal Stamping

  • When
    26 Apr 2026
  •  
    2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Nova Labs (The Studio), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA
  • Spaces left
    6

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  This is a hands-on, beginner-friendly class where students will learn to personalize metal pieces using stamps, hammers, and simple design tools. Students will learn basic techniques such as alignment, proper striking, and finishing, with time to practice before working on their final pieces.
  
  All tools and materials are provided, no previous experience necessary. Students will walk away with two completed pieces of their choice.

  Prerequisites: None

  Instructor: Lauren Hillman

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• 3D_S04: 3d Scanner 101 Sign-off

  • When
    27 Apr 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Nova Labs-Classroom 2, 3850 Jermantown Road, Fairfax, VA
  • Spaces left
    6

  Register

  
  

    
  

  3D Scanning Yellow Tool Curriculum

  The class covers the basics of 3D scanning as well as a hands-on demonstration with one of the 3D Scanners. Upon completion of the class you will be signed off to use any of the NovaLabs Yellow 3D Scanners on-site at NovaLabs.

  Overview
  

  • Types of 3D Scanners
  • Intro to 3D Scanning
  • Intro to post processing
  • Hands on Demo with one of the NovaLabs 3D Scanners

   

  More information can be found at https://www.notion.so/novalabs/3D-Scanning-0fdc94c7f01e4e149bc4f886cc6c23fa

  Prerequisites:   None

  Sign Off: [3D] HP 3D Scanner
  

  Instructor:  Brian

  Instructor Bio:  Brian is a co-Steward in 3D printing and likes to think of himself as a friend to many shops, other shops are silent on if the feeling is mutual. In the real world he is a software architect so he tries to avoid architecting software at the labs and focus more on things that get hot, spin quickly and/or make a lot of noise. He takes photos and enjoys making and consuming food and beer.
  

  Please arrive at this safety class on time. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, you may not be able to take the class and there will not be a refund or rescheduling.

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• AC_P: Serger Scrunchies

  • When
    28 Apr 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030 (Classroom 1)
  • Spaces left
    2

  Register

  

  Sergers are great for fast easy sewing projects. In this class, we will practice using a narrow hem stitch to create cute, fun scrunchies that are great gifts or a just a fun way to put your hair up as warmer weather approaches!

  Materials are included but students may bring their own if desired.

  
  

  Sign off: none

  Prerequisite: Basic sewing skills

  Maximum participants: 5

  Age requirement: 14+ (minors must be accompanied by guardian at all times)

  Safety Dress Code: Reading glasses 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 just when you think she can't possibly cram more onto her list, she'll invariably get 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.
  

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• Nova Labs Volunteer Appreciation Day Dinner

  • When
    9 May 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Nova Labs (Events Bay), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA

  Register

  
  

  To all those who volunteer to help build and support your makerspace, let us honor you! Please invite your families to join us for the celebration.

  Register ASAP so we can get a good count for the catering and have plenty of food, cake, beer, wine, slushy, fancy coffee, cookies, and other eats!

  We want to honor you for your hard work in painting, wiring, leading, organizing, patching, cabling, sysadmining, filling out the paperwork, cleaning the dust bin, taking out the trash, mentoring, etc. You make the makerspace happen with each hour you dedicate to serving.

  Join us for a delicious catered meal, with exciting entertainment and lots of laughs in our Maker Lounge, especially decorated for the celebration of YOU!

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• BL_S06: Bladesmithing - Stainless Steel Knife-Making

  • Start
    16 May 2026
  •  
  • End
    17 May 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Road Fairfax, VA 22030 (Blacksmith Shop)
  • Spaces left
    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

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• 3d_P: Introduction to Onshape

  • When
    16 May 2026
  •  
    11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
  • Location
    Nova Labs, Inc. 3850 Jermantown Road. Fairfax City, VA 22030 (Classroom 1)
  • Spaces left
    4

  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

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• EV_S: First Aid, CPR, and AED Certified Training

  • When
    17 May 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Nova Labs (Events Bay), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
  • Spaces left
    0

  Registration is closed

  Would you know what to do in a medical emergency? Get trained in First Aid, CPR, and AED.

  Nova Labs is partnering with Respond and Rescue, a local first-aid training group, to offer AHSI CERTIFIED First Aid classes. This class will include First Aid, CPR, and AED training, offered on-site at Nova Labs. At just $88 per person, this is the least expensive certified hands-on training we’ve found for the full course.

  You will receive full certification, and your training will be noted in our Nova Labs database. Though the public is also welcome, our goal is to train as many Nova Labs members as possible, so someone trained is always on-site in an emergency.

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

  • When
    27 May 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Online event
  • Spaces left
    6

  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.

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