Crafter or Artist?

I have reached a point in which I have become "crafty" with my work and less artistic.  I want to delve more into my art, but have taken paths that have led me to use materials such as scrapbook paper, yarn, and even a cricut machine.  I am struggling with where I want to go with my art.  I haven't lost interest in painting, but have taken other paths that I have found more interesting or maybe a better description would be less stressful, time-consuming, and in most cases useful rather than simply decorative.  Since having my beautiful children I feel like the ideas floating around in this head of mine are more playful and less realistic as my previous work has been.  My problem is that I am afraid to start creating in this way for fear of failure!  I have never been a "playful" artist, but it just keeps drawing me in.  I also feel as though I am trying to use resources that are available to me - scraps of wood, paper, paint, random material, etc.  I have never been introduced formally to collage, but it seems to be where I am heading.  It combines things that I love - paint, textural items, jewels, paper, and so much more.  I am issuing myself a challenge to create a collage using these items.  This will be test #1 on my journey to find myself again as an artist and creator!  Wish me luck!