Primal Ink Workshop

Men and Women 10+
minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult

Participant Min/Max: 2/12
all creeds welcome

Experience level: None required

Join us to recreate the very ink that was used to transcribe the world’s greatest documents- including our precious and noble Qur’an!

Together we will forage the natural materials required to manufacture this ink along with the pens to use it. We will discuss the unique ecological niche that these raw materials represent and the incredible chemistry that results when bringing these items together. The result is an ink that you will make by hand, the same ink that we used in the 1400 years between the 5th and 19th centuries before modern synthetics took over.

The day starts at 10 am where we will gather under the oaks at Muhajer Foundation in West Sacramento to discuss the unique relationship between this tree and a tiny little wasp that is the beginning of our ink. After our discussion, we will collect our materials and begin their preparation.

At approximately 1 pm, we will depart Muhajer Foundation for a lunchtime excursion to the nearby Sacramento River where we will offer the noon prayer and forage the plants for our dip pens. Once back at Muhajer, we will whittle our pens and complete the preparation of our ink, God willing.

After that we will test our materials and practice our writing skills to see how it all comes together.

Sunday’s participants will enjoy a calligraphy demonstration by Aymaan of Qalam.

Included:

• All materials required to make your ink and dip pen
• Hands-on instruction the duration of the process
• Your own inkwells to take your creation home
• Keepsake recipe card
• Halal lunch
• New friends and a lifetime of memories!

Please note: we will have a very limited supply of whittling knives. We suggest bringing your own pocket knife, X-Acto blade, or box cutter.

Although not anticipated, rain or very strong winds will cancel.

Book your spot with confidence! Your adventure fee is refundable up until one week prior to our gathering (6/20/2026).

A portion of all proceeds will be allocated to support Muhajer Foundation in their work uplifting local refugee youth.

To register an individual, select your date from the dropdown below:

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If you’ve registered at the family rate but have more than four people in your party, please select this option for each additional person (be sure to match the date):