First DIY laser help?

Soooo I have decided that it is time to build a laser myself. I know the basics, but have no idea what I am doing when it comes to what objects are necessary to build a laser. I was wondering if there are any threads explaining how to do your first project, and some good places to get the different parts you need.
I know you need a diode, module, heat-sink, and driver, but I don't know if there are specific different things that you have to use with other things... lol if that even makes sense.
Could someone maybe post a list of things you need that are cheap and easy to get for your first laser project?