Featured Events

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

    • 27 Jul 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA (The Studio)
    • 7

    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

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  • RO: Intro to Robotics: Program Challenge Session

    • 27 Jul 2024
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA (Classroom 2)
    • 4
    Register


    Explore the world of robotics and learn to build and code your own robot. Curriculum is hands-on, mentored so suitable for Adults all the way to ages 8+. Curriculum is tailored to each person's level.

    In this follow-on lab, students learn to modify and code their XRP robot to increase its capabilities. Each session will focus on solving a unique game challenge where students will expand and improve their programming skills. 

    ==>>Prerequisite: Intro to Robotics: Design and Build an XRP Robot

    Students must bring their kit to each session: XPR Robotics Kit $95 via Nova Labs

    Instructor: Kelly Smith & Mark Smith-Guerrero 

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  • SO: Pizza on the Barbie: Make your Own Grill Fired Pizza

    • 27 Jul 2024
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA (Events Bay)
    Register

    Pizza on the Barbie and Member Open House, Custom MAKE your own pizza and get guidance from our master pizza check on how to grill on our huge party grill. Get a tour & talk on the recent amazing makerspace updates, upgrades, clever features of our kitchen reno, and  check out the new tools in the shops. 

    Ingredients provided but you may bring suprise or fun ingredients, too!

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  • MS: Calling all Inventors: Explore Mechanical Machines [Grades K-3 | Week 7]

    • 29 Jul 2024
    • 9:30 AM
    • 2 Aug 2024
    • 2:30 PM
    • Nova Labs (Classroom 2), 3850 Jermantown Road, Fairfax, VA
    • 4
    Register

    Harness your imagination and make inventive machines from mechanical dinosaurs to wind powered cars. This week inventors will take home their inventions from simple automatons and even a custom night light. This camp will introduce simple machines, gears, and other mechanical ideas to your camper.

    If you register for this session, please READ your confirmation email for further information and the code to register for a second camp. Take action right away to ensure your space is reserved for your child.

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  • EL_P01: Intro to Basic Electronic Circuits (Online)

    • 8 Aug 2024
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Online event
    Register

    *** Live Mentor Class *** (Not a pre-recorded session)

    Hands-on learning with real components, breadboard, and testing equipment, makes great connections for using the electronics tool bench, ours or yours.

    Students are introduced to the basic electronics concepts using TinkerCAD's amazing electronics simulator. Build and experiment with electronic circuits in a visually accurate, functional simulator that is designed for easy use. No components to buy, no soldering. With TinkerCAD you can learn to work with a variety of components, breadboards, test instruments, sensors and there are even Arduinos and displays you can program (not covered in the basic class).

    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 before class.
    • TinkerCAD is a web based simulator, you do not have to download anything. You do have to make an account with login. After you are logged in, the circuits is below the 3D CAD.
    • 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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  • TS_P: Make a Leather Laptop Sleeve from Scratch

    • 12 Aug 2024
    • 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
    • Nova Labs (The Studio), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA
    • 2
    Register

    Sign up for a hands-on workshop where you'll bring your laptop and learn the art of crafting a custom leather sleeve to protect your device. This workshop is perfect for anyone interested in getting started with leatherworking and learning the basics of design and crafting a leather good. You’ll have an opportunity to pick from a select of leathers, threads, and even add lining if you prefer.

    During the workshop, participants will:

    1. About leather: You’ll get a high-level breakdown of leather and all its features.

    2. Design: You’ll learn the basics of different ways of designing and get to put one of those methods to practice. You’ll design an existing sleeve design tailored to your laptop measurements. 

    3. Crafting: Transform your design into a leather laptop sleeve! From stitching to edge finishing, discover the skills needed to create a sleeve that fits your laptop flawlessly.

    By the end of the workshop, you'll leave with a beautifully crafted (by you!) leather laptop sleeve that combines functionality with timeless elegance. 

    Requirements: Participants are required to bring their own laptop for measurements and fitting during the workshop. All necessary leatherworking tools and materials will be provided. No prior experience in leatherworking is necessary. This workshop is designed for beginners and not seasoned leatherworkers. No dress code.

    Prerequisite: This class is best for anyone 15+ as we will be using sharp knives. Any participant under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

    Instructor: This class will be taught by Darsh Khanna. Darsh got into leatherworking when he needed a unique gift for his 17 (yes, 17!) groomsmen. He came across an Etsy store listing selling personalized wallets and decided he wanted to make them himself. Luckily, Nova Labs was offering a leather pouch making class around this time so Darsh took the class to see if he could actually make the wallets himself. Since then, Darsh has been making wallets, watch bands, purses and other goods through his small business called DAK Leather. It is a side gig outside of his day-to-day job as a Product Designer. He is definitely still learning a lot about leatherworking himself!

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  • TS_P02: Intro to Metalsmithing: Texturing and Stamping Metal Jewelry - Pendant Edition

    • 17 Aug 2024
    • 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
    • Nova Labs (The Studio), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA
    • 8
    Register

    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

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  • RO: Intro to Robotics: Design and Build an XRP Robot

    • 17 Aug 2024
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030 (Events Bay)
    • 4
    Register

    Explore the world of robotics and learn to build and code your own robot. Curriculum is hands-on, mentored so suitable for Adults all the way to ages 8+. Curriculum is tailored to each person's level.

    Must purchase the kit: XPR Robotics Kit $95 via Nova Labs

    Using the Experiential Robotics Platform (XRP) Kit, students will learn the fundamentals of engineering and programming. This is a beginner friendly, hands-on experience that will build confidence in a world that is increasingly more digital. Students will experience mechanics, electronics, design and programming.  This is a great entry into learning how building a robot works in a tangible way. 

    Students will build (and keep) an XRP robot and program it using Python to solve a unique game challenge. By programming their robots to perform simple tasks, students learn logic skills that translate into more difficult programming tasks.

    Students are encouraged to sign-up for additional sessions to modify and code their XRP robot to increase its capabilities. Each session will focus on solving a unique game challenge where students will expand and improve their programming skills. 

    Prerequisite: Ages: 8+ to Adult.

    *Ages 7-11 with parent/guardian. Parent/Child can share a kit or buy 2. See instructor for details.

    Instructor: Kelly Smith + Mark Smith-Guerrero 

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  • AC_P: Make a Panda

    • 17 Aug 2024
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Nova Labs (Classroom 2), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
    • 4
    Register


    Make this adorable panda and learn basic sewing techniques. with these techniques, you'll be able to make other stuffed toys to make a whole zoo!

    All materials will be provided. Pandas are made from fleece and felt and come in traditional white, or wild colors. They can be decorated with a variety of materials. You can also take home the pattern to grow your panda cohort.

    This activity is accessible to all ages. Adult/child teams are strongly recommended for children younger than 9 or children with little making experience. An adult/child team will only build one panda and pay for one registration. 

    Prerequisites: no previous sewing experience is needed. Level of difficulty: beginner 

    Age requirement: 9+ (or with adult)

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

    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.



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  • WW_P04: Basic Wood Bowl Turning on the Lathe

    • 19 Aug 2024
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Nova Labs (Woodshop), 1930 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA
    • 2
    Register


    Your instructor for this class is Steven.

    If the door is locked, come to the side door at the woodshop.

    In this class, we'll explore design concepts and techniques needed to transform a piece of wood into an attractive and functional bowl. Process fundamentals will include:
    - design fundamentals
    - wood selection
    - options for workpiece holding
    - shaping the exterior and interior
    - sanding, finishing, decoration

    Prerequisite :
    – WW Lathe Safety & Tool Sign Off
    – Recent turning experience (attendance at a WW/Lathe Open Office Hour is strongly recommended)Mandatory Safety Dress Code: Closed-toed shoes, short sleeves, no loose clothing, and hair tied back. Must wear a mask at all times. Optional: Hearing protection, particle filter, or dust mask.

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

    • 22 Aug 2024
    • 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.

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  • RO: Intro to Robotics: Program Challenge Session

    • 24 Aug 2024
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA (Classroom 2)
    • 5
    Register


    Explore the world of robotics and learn to build and code your own robot. Curriculum is hands-on, mentored so suitable for Adults all the way to ages 8+. Curriculum is tailored to each person's level.

    In this follow-on lab, students learn to modify and code their XRP robot to increase its capabilities. Each session will focus on solving a unique game challenge where students will expand and improve their programming skills. 

    ==>>Prerequisite: Intro to Robotics: Design and Build an XRP Robot

    Students must bring their kit to each session: XPR Robotics Kit $95 via Nova Labs

    Instructor: Kelly Smith & Mark Smith-Guerrero 

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  • TS_S: Stained Glass Workshop - Mondrian-Inspired

    • 25 Aug 2024
    • 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • Nova Labs at 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030 (The Studio)
    • 7
    Register

    Techniques demonstrated for working with stained glass to make a customized panel. Our stained glass artist will assist you in creating your own design and color combinations so you can take home a 8x8 Mondrian-inspired piece as a keepsake to display your skill or give as a gift.

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

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

    Sign-off: Stained glass

    Prerequisite: none

    Instructor: Enrique Granados, stained glass artist and innovator

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  • TS_P: Introduction to Mosaic Making

    • 29 Aug 2024
    • 5 Sep 2024
    • 2 sessions
    • Nova Labs (The Studio), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax VA
    • 5
    Register

    The ancient art of mosaic is as varied in techniques as in choices of tesserae.

    During this class you will learn to make a mosaic with the direct mesh technique. This method was selected for this introductory class because of its versatility. It can be extrapolated to outdoor projects big and small, and to different flat and not-flat substrates. The possibilities are endless… imagine for example a beautiful wooden box with a mosaic inlay.

    Note: Because of drying and curing times, this class is divided into two sessions. During the first one, you will arrange the tesserae according to your selected design and glue it to the mesh. A week later, we will use mortar to adhere the mosaic to the substrate and get it ready for grouting. Your project will not be grouted during the class because the mortar needs to cure for at least 24 hours. Instead, we will practice grouting a sample mosaic so you can gain enough experience to grout your project at a later time. 

    All materials, as well as a variety of colorful vitreous tiles, are included.

    In order to take full advantage of the class, attendees are encouraged to create or select a 5.75 by 5.75 inches design for their project. This file contains a variety of possible designs. If you are new to mosaic making, keep it simple. 

    Prerequisites: None. Must be 14 or older.

    Instructor: Fabiana Cesa is an artist and maker educator. She has taught for the Nova Labs MakerSchool for the past three years and her work can be seen around the Labs.

    The class must have at least 2 participants to run. If this does not happen those who have paid will be issued a full refund.

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  • BL_S: Bladesmithing Project: Forging a Paring Knife from a Ball Bearing

    • 30 Aug 2024
    • 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Road Fairfax, VA 22030 (Blacksmith Shop)
    • 5
    Register

    Learn to forge a 3 to 4 inch pairing knife. Techniques for how to make a handle and bolster for your knife will also be discussed.

    Class covers the following techniques:

    • - how to begin a preform
    • - how to use set hammers and other top/bottom tools to set ricasso shape and form the tang
    • - basic beveling techniques
    • - Get hands-on forging time making knives
    • - Walk away with a rough forged knife ready to be ground.
    • - Appropriate steel bearing will be provided 
    Sign-off:  16-ton press

    Prerequisites: You MUST have taken the Blacksmithing 101 safety sign-off class to take this class. You must also be age 16 and older. Any person aged 16 or 17 must have a parent remain on the premises in case of emergency.

    Some experience beyond the sign-off class is recommended. It is highly recommended that you have attended at least a few of the Blacksmithing Practice Sessions and/or that you are comfortable with the basic blacksmithing tools through multiple classes at Nova Labs or elsewhere.

    Safety:

    • Must wear cotton or wool clothing – no synthetic materials.
    • Shoes must be made from leather or canvas; plastic-topped sneakers will not be allowed
    • Eye protection (goggles) are provided, but you may bring your own for the best fit.
    • Failure to wear appropriate clothing may result in being turned away from the class without a refund.
      Instructor: Joshua Fikentscher
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    • AC_P: Paper Engineering and Pop-up Structures

      • 21 Sep 2024
      • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
      • Nova Labs (Classroom 2), 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
      • 5
      Register


      Put that geometry knowledge to work for you and get started in the art of making pop-up paper structures!

      Learn about and experiment with v-folds, parallel folds, converging creases, and more. A few basic skills are all that is needed to gain an understanding of the wonders of paper pop-up engineering, and start designing your own creations. 

      During the second part of the class we will assemble a precut pop up card to take home and celebrate  summer.

      This activity is accessible to all ages. Adult/child teams are strongly recommended for children younger than 11 or children with little experience making. An adult/child team will only build one card and pay for one registration. 

      Prerequisites: ability to use scissors, fold and crease paper. Level of difficulty: intermediate 

      Age requirement: 11+ (or with adult)

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


      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.







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