Hey Terry!
Do you mean the wire armature by wire outline? If so, what do you mean by "failed attempt"? Wrong proportions, or the detachable joints didn't work out?
In general the armature can be reused as often as you like, especially if you create a generic one for male or female humanoid figurines.
Only if you use Polymer clay and then bake it to harden, or use an air-dry clay, that's when you will not get the armature back because it will obviously remain embedded in the figurine.
If you work with any oil-based or non-hardening clay and make a mold of your figurine, then you can simply remove the clay from the armature and use it for other figurines as well.
The cost of an armature largely depends on whether or not you're making one yourself or if you buy one. The materials needed for armature making (wire, epoxy putty and tubing) will probably cost you between $10 and $15, depending on where you buy them. And this material is enough to build two, sometimes three armatures.
Simple armatures that don't have detachable joints are very hard to find and can be very expensive.
I hope this answers your question, and if you meant something else please let me know!
~Lisa
