Laying tools can be made of almost any material. The key is that the surface is smooth so threads do not snag on the needle.

Wood is a very popular medium. Wooden tools can be very plain to very ornate depending on the artist. Most of them are turned on special machines called lathes. Other tools may have been hand carved. You want to choose your tip according to how you plan to use it. If you are trying to keep individual fibers separated then a pointed tip might be most helpful so you can work the threads after the stitch is completed. If you are working with silk ribbons you will want a rounded tip so you are less likely to pierce your ribbons.