Final answer:
Handicrafts become design activities when they include aesthetic and decorative aspects that enhance their functional role, as seen in Persian carpets and quilting. These elements reflect the creativity and artistry of the maker, bridging the gap between utility and art.
Step-by-step explanation:
Handicrafts can be considered design activities when they encompass more than mere utility, integrating aesthetic and decorative elements that reflect the maker's creativity and artistry. Historically, objects like Persian carpets and European tapestries, although utilitarian, also hold a significant aesthetic value. Their design and patterns surpass mere functionality and bring forth an artistic vision, elevating them to the status of art. Similarly, quilting and other textile arts have gained recognition for their aesthetic qualities, independent of their functional beginnings.
Moreover, changing perspectives in the art world—particularly influenced by the feminist movement and a desire to value all global artistic production equally—have blurred the lines between 'fine art' and 'craft'. This shift recognizes that the skill of the artisans and the visual impact of their work are as significant as those found in fine arts. Artisans create utilitarian objects with an added aesthetic value, thus merging the essence of both design and artistry in their creations.