You can get the mats on sale at Joann's or use a coupon. You can also wait for the free shipping times.
Another thought, can you layer a fabric you don't care about under the one you want? Sort of like 2-4 layers of fabric to cut. Then, you put the one you want on top, and the bottom layer will be the one to stick, not the fabric you are cutting to quilt. Does that make any sense?