1. **State the problem:** We know the cost of 2 buckets and 3 spades is 7. 2. **Express the problem mathematically:** Let the cost of one bucket be $b$ and one spade be $s$. Then: $$2b + 3s = 7$$ 3. **Find the cost of 4 buckets and 6 spades:** Notice that 4 buckets and 6 spades is exactly double 2 buckets and 3 spades. 4. **Calculate the total cost:** Since the quantities are doubled, the cost will also be doubled: $$4b + 6s = 2 \times (2b + 3s) = 2 \times 7 = 14$$ **Final answer:** The cost of 4 buckets and 6 spades is $14$.