27mhz antenna

I am going to make a antenna working at 27MHz, it will be a whip antenna,but i have no experience in doing so. I have many problems such as what kind of materials I should choose to make it, how can i make a shape of 'whip', how can i test if it is work or not? Could anyone give me some kind suggestions?

There was a thread called "Any good books about Antenna" which gives some links to good antenna books.
If you can get the ARRL antenna book it will answer all you questions.