No it is definitely not easy. I remember someone say it was cheating, and when I got my machine I was amazed at the steep learning curve. I have had mine 2 1/2 years and still don't feel my work is that nice. I do enjoy the finished product, but also understand the headache and frustrations. Especially when the machine is not working right and you have a deadline, come to find out that the whole time the stabilizer is the problem and not the machine after you have already wasted hours and potentially ruined items you need. I love ME, but still hate that I am a beginner knowledge wise.