Yes, it is two step stamping. No, it is not complicated at all to use this set. I think this is one of the easiest two step stamping sets to use and hard to mess up. I always wanted the set and was trying to be good about what I was spending, so I borrowed from my downline. Well I realized I was borrowing the set so much that I might as well own it and so I bought it last month. I'm so glad I did because it is so easy to make beautiful cards with and I don't have to stress about lining everything up perfectly. You will love it!!