Create or download a list of words into a word processing document. Make sure your list includes a variety of verbs, nouns, pronouns, articles, conjunctions, adjectives, and adverbs. Type multiples of words which may occur more than once in a phrase, such as "the" or "I." Type a space, the vertical bar character ("|"), then another space between each word. Underline each line of the list and double-space between words to allow room for cutting them out.
Personalize the list with names of familiar people, places, and animals, if you like. Add creative phrases with personal meanings. Include punctuation marks and numbers, if you feel so inclined. Apply your preferred fonts, sizes, and colors to the words on your list.
Print a test list on plain paper. Check for errors and make changes as necessary. Load the sheets of patterned paper into printer and print the list again.
Spray a light coat of adhesive onto the magnetic sheet. Press the patterned paper with your words onto the magnetic sheet, with the words facing up. Let dry.
Paint the entire surface of the paper with a water-based sealer, then let the paper dry. Rinse your brush under warm running water.
Cut the words out, using the underlines and the vertical bar characters as guidelines. Set your new magnets aside.
Look for words, numbers, and creative punctuation marks in magazines. Place a stencil shape over a selected word, number, or punctuation mark. Trace the stencil shape with a pen. Trace a stencil shape around each selection.
Cut the shapes out of the magazine, following the lines you drew.
Apply glue to the backs of the cut-out shapes, then press them onto a magnetic sheet. Wipe up any excess glue with a damp rag and let your sheets dry.
Paint the cut-out shapes with a water-based sealer. Allow them to dry. Wash the brush out with mild soap and rinse with warm water.
Cut out the shapes. Trim off any excess magnetic backing.
Place all the magnets in a small box for safekeeping.