I think a single text reference that you need a crafting table would suffice, so the player knows it's not in-menu crafting. I got the ring, but I bum-rushed the third trap on the way back when I realized that getting hit isn't insta-kill, but "only" drains your energy and during chopping wood that never killed me the few times I dropped to zero, so I assumed I could just cheese it. ;)
I actually think the difficulty is a bit on the low side, but that fits the atmosphere. I don't think it's too hard, if any a bit "too" easy. I pushed stamina up for carry weight and then farmed some oak when I got that, bought the level 3 backpack, etc. I think the game speed is well done and doesn't feel too skinner-ish. So far everything is foraging related, dunno if or how well farming fits into that, as it may shift the feel of the game from forest to farm akin to Stardew Valley, but who knows :P