Identify an iconic symbol that has strong meaning to you; for example, a nuclear disarmament symbol (a peace sign). Select a 12-by-12-inch block of old wood that is at least 4 inches thick. Draw the shape onto the top of the block and cut out a three-dimensional version of the symbol. Because the wood is 4 inches thick, you may need to use a bandsaw to make the cuts.
Stain the wood a darker color that picks up the age and patina of the old wood. Allow the stain to dry. Determine how you want to install the nails. If you have many nails, you can create a rough square hole and partially drive the old nails straight into the wood. This will highlight the square cut of each nail. Square nails can be purchased from antique hardware companies by the pound (approximately 120 nails per pound) for about four or five times the price of modern nails.
Paint or stain a darkness around and inside the hole to emphasize this aspect of the nail. If you only have a few nails, you may want to install the nails flat and overlapping, using staples to attach them to the wood. Tamp down the staples using a hammer.
Play with the position of the nails on the wood surface. You can line the sides of the wood with nails or bits of rusted metal glued, stapled and nailed to the wood. You can cluster groups of nails together or use them to outline the shape. Usually, the objects will "speak" to you during the design process, helping you select the application method that you want to try.
Attach the nails to the wood based on your experiments. Cover as much or as little of the wood as you want. By using a symbol, you are merging the media and the nails in a statement with the cultural meaning of the symbol. As you work with the nails and other metal fasteners, design ideas will occur to you that will move you into personal areas meaningful for you.