Click the WordArt tool to select it, and then click (and drag) on your page to create a frame.  When you release the mouse button, you are invited to enter the text you require.

Publisher follows what you are doing, and tries to help by providing context-sensitive popup help.

To change the shape of your WordArt, first select the WordArt, and then click on the Style Selection Box.  Choose a style from those provided

Finally, add things like borders or shadows to your WordArt by selecting from the FORMAT menu...