Well, Sage, deep thought!! LOL Here is how I feel about it....I get tired of the raised eyebrow when I say that I do "crafts" because there are too many people out there that think that you are mindlessly making junk. True story. That is so NOT true, so I prefer to say to more people that I am a homemaker and I create. I think that canning and gardening are domestic interests that we like or not, and it takes skill and love to do them. Quilting is so creative, and so skillful, useful, works of art, and more. It is a gift. Here if you quilt with a fever, you usually join the quilter's GUILD, not a craft group. They are skilled perfectionists, and truly turn out works of art.
Now the decorative "crafts" I don't believe are art...I like the way you said create comfort in the home. They are labors of love, expressions of personality, and creative decorating pieces. They are also wonderful stress-relievers, time fillers. and give you a sense of achievement when they are completed. To boot, they make great gifts that are unique and personal!
And that is my point of view....