I got a large mat at Walmart for a very low price. It isn't as good as the green self healing mats, but it will do in a pinch. Mats at JoAnn's with a coupon are pretty inexpensive, and She should go for either choice. Glass is a very poor substitution, and could cause a very bad injury. Glad you asked for advise and prevented a bad outcome.
Sue

walmart usually sells mats real cheap. I got mine for 14 dollars at walmart, she just needs to shop around

Me too, a cheaper than a quilters cutting board can be one for card making, they are cheaper but not as good but usable, and the other really good option is a kitchen cutting board, and you can get them cheap from so many shops and in nice bright colours as well.

I've been using my Walmart mat for six or seven years now. It has served me well and was not expensive, probably cheaper than the glass she was considering. Haven't checked prices recently as this one is still good.

The glass would probably as much as a mat on sale. Get the mat, it will be worth it in the long run. The glass is dangerous and will dull the blades which are expensive to replace.

Thanks for all the quick replies ...I'll tell her check Joann's....she says she has one down the street from her apartment.

Walmart online has a 13 x 13 mat for $8. It would be big enough to cut strips from fat quarters.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/EK-Success...ndingMethod=rr

she could start out the old fashioned way, rulers, pencils and scissors.

I too was going to suggest scissors until she can afford a mat. It's what my mom still uses!

Maybe she can get one at Joann's when they have a 40 or 50% coupon?