I don't own a macro lens at the moment so I decided to try and approximate a macro shot with the following setup. I used a Nikon D7000 with a 24-85 f3.5-4.5 VR lens along with a 12mm extension tube.
The first image I set with aperature priority at f/8, went at 1/250. ISO 400. Sitting at 80mm focal length. The trick was to manually focus it to as close as possible and then hit the autofocus to snap it in.
The second image set at same f/8, went at 1/250. ISO 400. Sitting at 72mm focal length. Took several and this was the best one. Depth of field is very touchy while hand shooting.
Both images where denoised and brightness adjusted with photoshop. Which I think is pretty basic processing.
Beautiful colours
Thank you @emilyjane