Crafting is one of those very essential and useful side activities that can immensely prepare your wizard much more adequately for future endeavors!
Crafting doesn't only allow you to craft very unique Housing Items, but the side activity also opens up new and essential gear (notably the level 56 gear available in Sudrilund, Wintertusk for example) which can prove very useful to your wizard(s).
You can also craft pet snacks.
Additionally, quite a few side quests rewards training points requires you to craft.
So, it's important you follow through on this activity (alongside Gardening) as it holds great benefits within the future.
Lady Amberdusk