You can use so many different materials when producing your own books. I want to mention the basic materials and tools that you need:
Paper: You can use from the thin Japanese papers (expensive) to the thickest cardboard. I recommend to buy quality papers. Please refer to my table of paper weight as a guide (http://enchantart.com/blog/?p=727). Remember to identify the grain of your paper. Usually, the grain runs the length of the paper. Your folds should be parallel to the grain (important if you are using thick cardstock), otherwise your paper will crack. In many papers, the grain is going to be labeled by the company that makes them. Handmade papers don’t have specific grain, most of the time.
Cover Board: If you want to make hard cover books. The most common is Davy boards. Cover boards come in different thickness from 0.02 to 0.147. The most used is the 0.08-thick board.
Cloth: Binder’s cloth is a very strong cloth backed with paper. Also, you can make your own by backing your cloth with thin paper, like rice paper.
Adhesive: PVA (polyvinyl acetate) or you can make your own cornstarch paste. A glue stick can be used as well. Also, I like to use tape runners.
Thread: You can use waxed linen thread but it’s more expensive that other resources like cotton thread, embroidery silk, ribbons, yarn, etc. The only requirenment is that your thread should be strong enough to handle the opening and closing of the book. You can buy beeswax to apply to your thread.
Cutting Tools: Personal paper cutter. Ruler. Craft knife. Scissors.
Measuring Tools: Square angle ruler. 24″ metal edge ruler.
Other: Craft needles with the eye big enough for your thread. Awl or drill. Bone folder. Clamps
These are the materials that are going to make your bookmaking easier and more enjoyable. You are not going to need all of them at the same time but if you want to make more than just folded books, I recommend to get these materials.
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