Hi Stacy!
Welcome, Sorry you are having a hard time with your mat. I don't know why PC doesn't put a warning on the mats that they can be super sticky the first few times you use them. I learned that you need to season ( some people call it Hugging) your mats when you first use it. Here are a few hints; 1. Before taking off the cover put a sticky on the outside of the cover, this way you know which side goes down to protect the mat ( one side of the cover is attracted to the mat the other isn't so putting the sticky on the out side saves you from guessing which is which)
2. Season your mat by placing your hands all over the mat to take the sticky off. Some people also use a lint free cloth to do this (some people also hug the mat to their clothes to do this) and then get a piece of paper and place it on and off the mat a few times as well.
3. Cleaning you mat can renew the stick. Some people wipe the mat down with baby wipes.
Others wash their mat in warm soapy water and scrub with a nylon scrubbie,rinse with warm water and dry on a flat surface.
4. Yes you need your spatula it is the best tool ever! This is another thing I don't know why it isn't included with the mat and machine. It is the best 5 bucks you will spend. You can also use an old credit card / gift card as a scraper or you can buy the complete tool kit (I'd rather spend the money on Carts ).

Hope that helps some. There are many wonderful talented and helpful people here on the message board and everyone is very helpful so don't feel shy about asking questions.
Welcome again!!