Tips for shooting up close?

I know ultimately i need a macro lens but until i get one i need to make do

i use a Nikon D7100 with the supplied 18 to 105mm lens

like all basic lenses it struggles up close even in macro mode

any tips to how i can get closer without blur?

If you are adventurous you can take the lens off the camera and hold it in front of the body. This will let you focus closer. Unfortunately, doing this you can only use the most open aperture, but you can shoot using aperture priority and the camera will think it's an aperture of 00 but it will still do the proper light metering and exposure controls.

http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2012/04/free-lensing-photography-tutorial.html