A book block (for example a ready-printed diary)
Stout paper for endpapers
Covering material
Adhesive
Chip paper
Sharp knife
Weights
The book block may need some preparation. We have tried to source sensibly priced diary blocks, and even approached some manufacturers to enquire if we can interrupt their work flow to supply bare blocks without lining or trim. The cheapest option we can suggest is to buy a suitable diary and tear off the cover. You can make your own. If you are contemplatng doing that you do not need to read these notes any further.
Once ready measure the book block. We are using x, y, and z, since we do not know what size your project is going to be. Do not let the "algebra" frighten you. It is simple...bear with me! x is the horizontal length of the book block, y is the vertical height, z is the thickness of the book from front to back.
The end papers can be any stout paper, the stout is important. It takes quite a lot of the wear. Patterned paper is a great idea, but decorative wrapping paper is invariably too flimsy, and is often glossy - avoid that.. Cartridge paper is good, since is made to a stronger specification that ordinary paper. You will need two pieces of size (2x+extra x y+extra). The value of "extra" depends on your skill. We would suggest 10mm would suit most handy craft folk. It is very beneficial if these pieces are short grain.
The covering material needs to be strong to withstand frequent wear and tear as the book is opened, and as it is pushed onto shelves or stuffed into brief cases. We use leather for our smaller books, but it can be very expensive on larger books. (save it until you have more experience!) Bookcloth is a useful covering material, but is not as flexible as leather. Some upholstery fabrics are good. We have used vinyl covered canvassy stuff to good effect. A local upholsterer might have suitable offcuts large enough to be of use.
Adhesive is generally any hobbyist's PVA, widely available. If you know how to paste leather then paste is good. We use EVA, which is difficult to get. It is similar to PVA, but more flexible.
Chip paper is just that. The clean paper used for wrapping fish and chips. It is not easy to get hold of it in small quantity (we buy it in 10kg bundles). The cheapest alternative is to use the cheapest A4 office paper you can find. It galls us to use it, but it is relatively inexpensive.